September 27, 2018 | Vol. 4, Issue 39
Dear Washingtonians,
Four years ago, when I was campaigning to be your Mayor, Washingtonians were clear - we had to close DC General. DC General is too old, too run-down, and too remote to serve our most vulnerable families as they work to get back on their feet. We knew four years ago just like we know today: In a city as prosperous as ours, we can and must do better by our families who need a second housing opportunity.
That's why one of the first things we did coming into office was to put in place a community-oriented plan to not only close DC General, but to reform our entire homeless services response system from beginning to end. And our plan is working. Over the past two years, family homelessness is down 40 percent and overall homelessness is down 17 percent.
Yesterday was a proud moment for Washington, DC. Because of our community's commitment to ending homelessness and supporting our families, together, we cut the ribbon on the new Ward 4 short-term family housing program. The Kennedy is the first of three programs that will open this fall as we close down DC General once and for all. These new facilities and the programming and services they will offer represent the second chance our families and neighbors deserve.
We called on Washingtonians from across all eight wards to help us close DC General, and we are grateful for every resident who has answered our call.
Sincerely,
 On Saturday, September 29, join Mayor Bowser at Fiesta DC. This annual celebration of Latino culture will feature a Parade of Nations, dance troupes, and local civic organizations, schools, and performers.
Register to walk with Mayor Bowser in the 2018 Fiesta DC Parade HERE.
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 The Commercial Compactor Grant Program makes it easier for DC businesses to purchase or
lease a commercial compactor for their trash, recyclables, or compost. This year, Mayor Bowser is providing grants of up to $80,000 for businesses to install trash compactors that will help minimize sanitation and rodent issues in the District’s commercial corridors.
Compactors keep trash sealed and inaccessible, making our neighborhoods cleaner and reducing traffic and greenhouse gases by cutting down on hauling trips.
Applications are due December 7. For more information and to apply, visit dslbd.dc.gov/compactor.
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 We're halfway through WeDC Fest - a three-day conference for the innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and government leaders who make Washington, DC the capital of inclusive innovation - and there's still time to register for events.
Learn more and check out the WeDC Fest schedule of events HERE.
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 On Saturday, Mayor Bowser and Events DC cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art Entertainment and Sports Arena in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Ward 8. The new venue will be the home of the Washington Mystics and the Capital City Go-Go, the NBA G-League team, as well as the official practice facility for the Washington Wizards. The 4,200-seat arena will also serve as a hub for other world-class entertainment, esports, and cultural events.
In 2015, the Bowser Administration, Events DC, and Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced plans to build the Entertainment and Sports Arena at the St. Elizabeths East Campus in an effort to expand economic prosperity in the surrounding area. The 120,000 square-foot facility is projected to produce $90 million in tax revenue over 20 years, and attract more than 380,000 annual visitors each year.
Learn more HERE and attend the Wizards' open practice tomorrow (Friday, September 28) to check out the new arena!
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 This week’s District Minute features stories about the grand opening of the Entertainment and Sports Arena, the unveiling of a tiny homes demonstration in Ward 7, and the ribbon cutting at the new Ward 4 short-term family housing program.
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 The mission of the Department of Youth
Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is to provide court-involved youth the
opportunity to become more productive residents by building on the strengths of
youth and their families in the least restrictive, most home-like environment
consistent with public safety.
DYRS has an opening for a Recreation Therapist. This position is responsible for establishing, designing, and implementing an institutional-wide recreational therapy program. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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