June 15, 2017 | Vol. 3, Issue 24
Dear Washingtonians,
Earlier this year, after hosting a series of budget engagement forums, I presented a budget to the DC Council that reflects the priorities and values of Washingtonians. "DC Values in Action: A Roadmap to Inclusive Prosperity" makes critical investments in everything from affordable housing and education to transportation and the environment. On Tuesday, after weeks of working together with the community and my Administration, the Council unanimously approved a budget that supports these commitments and will advance our efforts to improve the quality of life for residents in all eight wards.
"DC Values in Action" builds on my commitments to creating safer, stronger neighborhoods, accelerating school reforms, making homelessness in the District rare, brief, and nonrecurring, and building a government that serves all residents. It makes the largest investment in public education in our city's history, including investments in child care that will set more families and young children up for success. For the third consecutive year, the budget includes a $100 million investment in the Housing Production Trust Fund. And, through programs like the Washington, DC Infrastructure Academy which will train residents for jobs with utility,
infrastructure, and construction companies, this budget continues to create more pathways to the middle class for residents throughout DC.
The government belongs to the residents of the District of Columbia, and this budget was designed to serve you. Washington, DC has made a lot of progress over the past two years - graduation rates are up, crime and unemployment are down, our population is the highest it's been in forty years, and this year we saw a significant decrease in the number of residents experiencing homelessness. However, there is still more work to do. "DC Values in Action" is a budget that will keep DC moving forward, while ensuring more residents benefit from our city's prosperity.
Sincerely,
On Monday, Mayor Bowser launched the “Great Graffiti Wipeout,” an eight-week initiative to remove graffiti and illegal tagging around Washington, DC. The Mayor also announced that MuralsDC, a collaborative initiative between the Department of Public Works and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities that replaces graffiti-ridden walls with original works of art, is seeking public input on future project sites.
Since 2007, MuralsDC has produced dozens of murals across Washington, DC, and the program has been highly effective in ending the cycle of tagging on many walls. This year, the Bowser Administration is asking residents and property owners to help identify future MuralsDC sites by tweeting photos of graffiti-ridden walls to @dcdpw using #NominateMyWall. The MuralsDC program will create at least one mural in each ward, and emphasizes that walls that are highly visible to vehicle and pedestrian traffic, in good condition, and located on commercial property are ideal project sites.
Learn more HERE.
Back to Top
Want to help keep DC's trees thriving? Check out the new DC Tree Watering Application!
Through the DC Tree Watering App, residents can locate trees in all eight wards that need watering, tag trees they water, and upload photos of the trees being watered. In addition, users can report trees in need of care (e.g. a tree has a beehive), and the District's Urban Forestry Division will review all reports to determine the best means of care for each tree. The app also includes a story map with information about tree species found throughout Washington, DC.
Learn more HERE.
Back to Top
Yesterday, Mayor Bowser launched Text to 911, a new service that allows residents to request emergency services through texting. Text to 911 is intended to improve accessibility for residents who are unable to call 911, and the Administration is emphasizing that residents should continue to call 911 when possible.
Text to 911 requires a smartphone that is capable of sending text messages and has Location Services enabled. Text messages must be brief, easily understood, and in plain English (no abbreviations, shortcuts, or slang).
Examples of when it would be appropriate to text 911 include:
- If a person is the victim of a crime and the perpetrator is still in the area, such as an assault, robbery, or a domestic violence incident.
- When people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech disability need to reach 911.
- In situations where a person has sustained an injury that prevents him/her from speaking.
Learn more about Text to 911 HERE.
Back to Top
The Bowser Administration is proud to be hosting its Second Annual
Fathers and Family Empowerment Day Celebration. This Saturday, join the Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys for a day of family and fun that will feature free family
portraits, free haircuts, live entertainment, a community cookout, health screenings, and much more. The event will take place at the Malcolm X Opportunity Center beginning at noon.
RSVP to attend HERE and share your Father's Day moments on social media using #ThanksDadDC.
Back to Top
This
week's District Minute features stories about the rainbow-colored crosswalks that were painted for Capital Pride, this year's Capital Pride Parade, and the kickoff of the Great Graffiti Wipeout.
The Department of
Parks and Recreation is still looking for highly skilled lifeguards for the 2017
summer season! Those interested in becoming lifeguards can register for the
International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP). DPR offers ILTP courses
between December and June at multiple facilities across Washington, DC. Candidates
must successfully pass the written exam, demonstrate skill competency to
the instructor during practical scenarios, and attend all scheduled class
sessions. Learn more about becoming a lifeguard HERE.
Back to Top
|
