February 14, 2025
If you missed our announcement about the RENTAL Act, I want to share with you why we need it and how it will help. Since 2015, we have made historic investments in affordable housing. The District has invested more per capita into affordable housing than any other jurisdiction in the nation. As a result, 30,000 more Washingtonians live in affordable housing today compared to a decade ago.
But now, our progress is at risk. While we know that most people are paying their rent, too many people are not. The financial strain on affordable housing providers is threatening property maintenance, security, and the long-term sustainability of affordable homes. If those buildings go into foreclosure, the city and those tenants are at risk of losing the affordable units. In addition, DC is falling behind the region in overall housing production. Unmitigated, this will drive housing costs up for all.
 To provide immediate relief, we’re making the largest-ever Housing Production Trust Fund investment in preserving affordable housing, supporting 69 affordable housing projects and preserving nearly 8,000 homes across DC.
But we also need to rebalance our housing ecosystem. The RENTAL Act includes proactive provisions to preserve existing affordable units and expand residents’ access to them. It also includes provisions to make it clear that investing in DC is a strong bet. You can learn more about the legislation at rentalact.dc.gov.
Our population is growing faster than any state in the country, a sign of our strength, vibrancy, and momentum. And with the right policies and the right investments, we’ll meet this moment together and keep DC moving forward.
Sincerely,
  View photos from this week on Facebook.
Mayor Bowser is inviting residents to participate in the annual Budget Engagement Forums to share their priorities for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. These forums provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the budget process, discuss key issues, and offer direct input before the Mayor submits her budget to the DC Council.
Since launching the forums in 2015, Mayor Bowser has used public feedback to make key budget decisions. Residents can learn more and register for all upcoming budget engagement forums on budget.dc.gov.
Senior Budget Engagement TeleTownhall
Budget Engagement Forum at Rosedale Recreation Center
Budget Engagement Forum at Kennedy Recreation Center
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) summer camp lottery is officially open! Families have until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3 to enter and select up to four camp choices per child, per session. Once the lottery closes, camp rosters will be randomly selected and results will begin to roll out on Tuesday, March 4. DPR camps will run in four sessions from June 23 to August 15 and offer a variety of exciting programs for kids ages 3-13.
As a reminder, families who qualify for reduced rates must apply by Monday, February 24.
-
Lottery opens: Now through Monday, March 3
-
Learn more and view camp offerings at: DPRsummercamp.com
 Celebrate the art of stepping at the Step Afrika! Community Day, an all-ages celebration of stepping and Black culture. Take part in free dance workshops, enjoy electrifying performances from the country’s top step teams, let kids get creative in the interactive Kid Zone, and witness Step Afrika!’s GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt for the largest stepping dance! Don’t miss this day of movement, music, and community.
-
When: Saturday, February 15 at 11:00 a.m.
-
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW
-
Register to attend: here
Back to Top |
