April 5, 2024
Dear Washingtonians,
Earlier this week, I delivered my Fiscal Year 2025 budget to the Council of the District of Columbia. This budget addresses the confluence of post-COVID factors that we are facing: slower revenue growth; the end of federal stimulus funding; significantly higher operating costs, including an additional $200 million in WMATA funding; and the impacts of the remote work environment. This budget also makes significant investments in our people and our economy and focuses on the three pillars of long-term growth: public schools, public safety, and the Downtown.
I am optimistic about our future. The state of the District is strong, and I know that if we strike the right balance between strategic investments and shared sacrifice and if we prioritize catalytic investments that support revenue growth — including our investments in a strong and vibrant Downtown — then we will get back to the economic growth levels that have fueled the renaissance of modern Washington.
To help us close our gap and make the right investments for our future, we created a set of guiding principles that reflect our values and goals:
- First, we focused on maintaining and enhancing the core services of city government and preserving programs and services that protect the health and safety of our community.
- We prioritized programs with track records of success that focus on equity.
- And for the District’s long-term stability, we worked to reset spending so that it aligns with our resources, and we focused new spending on those three pillars of our comeback: public schools, public safety, and the Downtown.
Again, I am optimistic. DC is a global capital; we lead, and we will keep leading. The world has learned by now: never bet against cities, and especially never bet against this one. We are a resilient city, we never give up, and we know how to make a strong comeback. But our wins are also not accidental — we’re smart, creative, and strategic. This is the spirit of my Fiscal Year 2025 budget. It’s smart, it’s responsible, but most important, this is a budget that will keep DC the best city in the world.
Read my full testimony and go to budget.dc.gov to learn more about my Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
Sincerely,
 View photos from this week on Facebook.
 Mayor Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (MODDHH) are celebrating National Deaf History Month and inviting community members to MODDHH’s signature Deaf History Month events, open to people of all hearing levels. Through April 30, MODDHH is partnering with District agencies and community-based organizations to host events that will showcase the vibrant Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened (D/DB/DD/HH/LD) communities across DC.
Community Roundtable: Join our Community Roundtable to learn about Mayor Bowser’s FY25 priorities as well as to share your thoughts on making DC the most accessible city!
DeafBlind Legacy Week | DeafBlind Entertainment Technology Panel: The panel will feature DeafBlind residents who will share their experiences in entertainment with a focus on how DeafBlind Washingtonians can be fully integrated to the entertainment offered in DC.
DeafBlind Legacy Week | DeafBlind/Blind Agency Network: We invite all DeafBlind and Blind community members to connect with agency staff, learn more about programs, resources, and services, and share your experiences relating to the work they do.
ASL Jubilee: Celebrate the richness of DC D/DB/DD/HH/LD communities as we wrap up National Deaf History Month! The event will feature District resources, Deaf-owned vendors, and entertainment with Deaf DJ Kazeem.
Back to Top
 On Saturday, April 6, the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes is inviting parents and families of school-aged youth to Summer in the City — an event for families to learn more about summer programs available for young people.
-
When: Saturday, April 6 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
-
Where: Raymond Elementary School (915 Spring Road NW)
- Learn more HERE
Back to Top
 The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is inviting residents to apply for one of the over 700 seasonal positions that will support DPR’s Summer 2024 programming.
Summer job opportunities with DPR include:
-
Working at a Pool: DPR will train you for FREE to be a lifeguard or work as a pool operator or pool-based Customer Service Representative.
-
Working at a School: Work at a DPR Boost Camp, offering kids ages 3-13 enriching recreation opportunities on-site at District schools, with kids who attend that school.
-
Engaging Youth in the District: Work with kids through DPR’s Roving Leaders program or the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.
-
DPR’s Environmental Division: Lead and support nature-themed outdoor programming and events including wellness walks, geocaching, hiking, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and camping.
-
Operations: Help move and set up DPR equipment and play activations or work as a driver transporting kids, staff, and cargo around DC and beyond.
-
Food Service: Assist in DPR’s summer meals programs as a food safety inspector or monitor.
All summer positions are seasonal and 40 hours per week, and applicants will be subject to background checks and pre-employment screenings are necessary.
Details about job opportunities and job listing numbers can be found at dpr.dc.gov/summerjobs.
Back to Top
 On Sunday, April 7, beginning at noon, the Downtown DC BID and the National Cherry Blossom Festival are hosting Jazz & Blossoms, a free outdoor music extravaganza.
-
When: Sunday, April 7 | 12:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
-
Where: Franklin Park
- Learn more HERE
Back to Top |
