OpenAI said it will open its first permanent office in Washington, D.C., marking the artificial-intelligence company’s most direct move yet to engage US policymakers. The site, informally dubbed “The Workshop,” is designed to give lawmakers, educators and non-profits hands-on access to OpenAI’s tools as Congress weighs new rules for rapidly advancing AI technologies. The outpost will be led by Joe Larson, formerly of defense-technology firm Anduril Industries, and Chan Park, underscoring the company’s intent to pair technical expertise with policy outreach. OpenAI characterised the office as a platform to deepen collaboration with government on infrastructure, safety and regulatory standards while it continues work on a separate hardware push targeted for 2026.