This is an HTML version of a story that ran in the April issue of Real Estate Forum. To see the article in its original format, click here.

Sequestration has replaced “fiscal cliff” as the latest buzzword—or perhaps the latest buzz kill—in Washington, DC. But the sequester will make a far greater impact on commercial real estate in Washington, DC than in other metros in the nation. Or will it?

No other US region depends more heavily on federal government spending than Washington. Federal government spending is to DC like auto manufacturing was to Detroit—and the auto industry's demise has made near-devastating impacts on the Motor City. The budget cuts that follow the sequester will no doubt spur job losses—or at least stymie job growth—in the DC area.