June 22, 2017 | Vol. 3, Issue 25
Dear Washingtonians,
For the past two and a half years, my Administration has been focused on taking a broad approach to expanding economic opportunity in Washington, DC. By increasing the minimum wage, connecting more residents to education and employment opportunities, and giving more families the resources they need to succeed, we are ensuring that residents in all eight wards will be able to benefit from our city's prosperity.
Of course, a critical part of expanding economic opportunity is ensuring residents of all backgrounds and income levels have access to safe and affordable housing. Since day one, my Administration has been using every tool in our toolbox to increase access to affordable housing and put homeownership in reach for more Washingtonians. For three years in a row, we have invested $100 million annually in our Housing Production Trust Fund - more per capita than any other city in the country, and this year we invested an additional $10 million in a new Housing Preservation Fund. From making these historic investments to enhancing our homebuyer programs and making better use of DC's inclusionary zoning program, we are finding and creating ways to make DC more affordable.
While there is much more work to do, we also know that our efforts are paying off. We are not just squirreling away money; we are putting it to work. For every $100 million we invest, we are producing and preserving more than 1,000 affordable housing units. Since coming into office, my Administration has already produced and preserved over 3,600 units of affordable housing and we have nearly 5,000 more units in the pipeline. But more is needed, so going forward, we will not let up. As our city grows and our economy thrives, we will continue working to keep Washington, DC a city for everyone.
Join me this Saturday at the DC Housing Expo and Home Show to learn how you might be able to benefit from one of our many housing programs.
Sincerely,
ICYMI: At the unveiling of the new mural at Ben's Chili Bowl, comedian and DC native Dave Chappelle gave DC statehood a shout-out. Watch Chappelle's remarks HERE.
This month, the Bowser Administration is celebrating “June Housing Bloom,” the Mayor's annual month-long initiative to showcase how the public and private sectors are partnering to produce and preserve affordable housing, increase homeownership, end homelessness, and revitalize neighborhoods across DC.
Join us this Saturday at the 9th Annual DC Housing Expo and Home Show. The all-day event provides homeownership information and guidance for current and potential homeowners, residents facing foreclosure, small business owners, and community leaders.
Register for the DC Housing Expo and Home Show HERE.
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Over
the past several months, DC Public Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson led a citywide
engagement campaign to set the vision for the future of DCPS. The Chancellor heard from more than 3,000 students, parents, educators, partners, and
community members, from every ward and every school.
Now,
Chancellor Wilson wants to answer your questions about what he heard and what’s
coming next. Join Chancellor Wilson for a Twitter Town Hall today from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can submit your questions using the hashtag #AskChantwan.
Follow @DCPSChancellor and @dcpublicschools
for more information.
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Washington, DC is in the running to host the 2022 Gay Games. Bringing the Gay Games to DC would showcase our DC values to tens of thousands of athletes and visitors from around the world. Now, we need your help. On June 28, join Mayor Bowser and the DC Bid Committee at a community rally in support of bringing the Gay Games to DC.
Learn more and RSVP for the rally HERE.
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To celebrate National Pollinator Week, the Bowser Administration has been distributing free pollinator seeds and hosting educational events to teach residents about District pollinators. By growing pollinator plants, residents can play a critical role in protecting DC's native pollinator population. In fact, due to efforts made by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), beekeepers, and dedicated residents, DC was the first major city on the East Coast to be recognized with the Bee City USA designation. Residents interested in joining the efforts should visit doee.dc.gov and pollinator.org for more information.
Tomorrow, DOEE will be at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Pollinator Week Festival on the National Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. handing out native pollinator plant seeds. Stop by and pick some up!
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This
week's District Minute features stories about the new Text to 911 service, the modernized Kenilworth Recreation Center, and the Mayor's reminder to residents to keep valuables in their cars out of sight in order to avoid car thefts and break ins.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Urban Forestry Division's primary mission is to keep DC's street canopy healthy, safe, and growing.
DDOT has an opening for a Forester. This position is responsible for the development, planning, and application of urban forestry methods and practices that are directed toward the establishment, restoration, and conservation of urban forests. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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