Learn the Latest on Ticket Amnesty & Vision Zero in DMOI's Fall 2021 Newsletter

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 11/10/2021 02:00 PM EST

Fall 2021

Message from Lucinda, the Deputy Mayor

I had a sleepless night recently. After leaving the scene of a traffic fatality, I tossed and turned as I relived seeing the pain on the faces of witnesses—including family members—and of the first responders as they surrounded the sheet-covered body of a life gone too soon. Losing a loved one, no matter what the reason, is everyone’s worst nightmare. However, it’s frustrating to know that when it comes to traffic safety, such heartbreaking losses could be avoided.

Unfortunately, since the start of the public health emergency in 2020, more drivers have been putting lives at risk. Most of the 33 fatalities this year 2021 were caused by the four D’s (driving while drunk, drug-impaired, distracted, and drowsy), speeding, and failing to wear seatbelts. Even as DC continues to open, tragically, our children cannot even travel to school or play outside without facing reckless driving behavior.

Mayor Bowser’s Vision Zero plan should not be thought of as an impossible dream but, rather as an earnest commitment for us all. That’s why, thanks to the Mayor’s leadership, you will read in this newsletter how the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is tripling-down on its efforts to make the streets safer for our most vulnerable users. They’ve already made great progress. In an October 25 update, they said 70 safety projects were complete, 35 were in construction, and five were in final design. That’s just the beginning, as the agency commits to getting projects from start to finish faster.

But we cannot do it alone. All drivers have a responsibility to obey speed limits, traffic lights and stop signs; to avoid distractions like texting; and to watch out for pedestrians, bicyclists, scooterists—and for other drivers. In turn, pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooterists should be aware of the traffic safety rules that apply to them. Please commit to obeying the rules of the road as we work harder than ever to make our infrastructure safer, so we all can avoid the nightmare of another lost or injured life.

Mayor Bowser Accelerates Vision Zero Safety Projects

On October 12, Mayor Bowser and DDOT announced the immediate acceleration of Vision Zero safety improvement projects that will enhance pedestrian safety, including the installation of speed humps, stop signs, and right turn hardening measures. See the full video here. Similar to DDOT’s 2021 Summer Safety Campaign, progress is being published on a website dashboard.

Congrats to Christine Davis, Now Acting DPW Director

On September 29, Mayor Bowser announced that Christine Davis has been appointed the director of the District Department of Public Works (DPW)! This appointment does require DC Council confirmation.

Residents: Free 30-Day Capital Bikeshare Memberships Can Help With Metrorail Travel Disruptions

On October 25, the Mayor and Lyft announced that to help ease travel disruptions caused by reduced Metrorail service, Capital Bikeshare is offering a free 30-day membership to all DC residents. Go to the “Ride Plans” section of the Capital Bikeshare or Lyft Mobile apps, or the “Pricing” section of capitalbikeshare.com, and select a 30-day membership for $0.

Black Lives Matter Plaza Is Now Permanent Installation

On October 28, the Mayor and DDOT announced that construction of the District’s permanent Black Lives Matter Plaza monument at 16th Street between K Street and H Street NW was officially complete.

The redesign accommodates vehicular traffic and serves as a safe gathering space for pedestrians wanting to fully experience the mural’s impact. In the coming months, DDOT will be further refining the public space around the monument.

Independent Agency Highlights

Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)

Launched a Turnaround Thursday initiative for expedited medical cannabis patient caregiver and registrations
Updated the public on deadlines for alcohol and other types of licenses

DC Water

Office of the People's Counsel (OPC)

Held an October 27 forum," Preventing a Day Without Water."
Held an October 16 event on climate change and environmental injustice
Participated in a #Here2HelpDC town hall on helping residents with utility bills during the pandemic

Public Service Commission (PSC)

Utility Resources for District Residents During COVID-19 Pandemic

Help is available for District homeowners and renters who faced higher utility bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Take advantage of ongoing resources now — before you are challenged with mounting bills. Learn more here.

December 31 Is New Deadline for Ticket Amnesty Program

Thanks to Mayor Bowser's extension of the ticket amnesty program deadline, District and non-District drivers now have until December 31, 2021 to pay, without the doubling penalty, outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement, and minor moving violations.

The program was originally slated to end on September 30. Since it launched on June 1, 2021, drivers have collectively settled nearly $79 million worth of tickets.

For full program details, go to ticketamnesty.dc.gov.

Bowser Administration Celebrated Back to Basics Week, October 25-29

Mayor Bowser designated October 25-29 as Back to Basics Week, and throughout that week highlighted the work of DC government employees, showcased progress and innovations in city services, and shared information about how the community can support DC’s citywide recovery.

Vision Zero Update Kicked Things Off

On Monday, October 25, the Mayor kicked the week off by providing an update on Vision Zero safety improvement projects that will better protect pedestrians (see related article at top left).

DDOT noted that it had installed 91 speed humps at more than 30 locations, installed or updated 16 stop signs, and installed right turn hardening devices at four locations. To follow progress, visit DDOT’s live Traffic Safety Investigation dashboard.

The agency also held an October 27 hiring fair; it plans to hire an additional 40 safety technicians (crossing guards).

Light Shown on Solar for All

On Wednesday, October 27, the Mayor announced a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) and the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) under which MOLA is conducting outreach and education about the Solar for All program in Spanish to the Latino community.

Also, DOEE and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) provided information on the Solar Works DC program, which is operated out of the DC Infrastructure Academy and provides District residents with paid career training in this high-demand infrastructure industry.

Leaf Collection Season Begins!

Finally, on Thursday, October 28, the Mayor and DPW announced the 2021-2022 Leaf Collection season, which started on Monday, November 1. They also reminded residents how they can dispose of old pumpkins in an environmentally-friendly way by composting them through the District’s food waste drop off program. Schedules and frequently asked questions can be found here.

Cluster Agency Highlights

Here are just a few DMOI agency accomplishments over the last several months.

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)

Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE)

Solar Comparison Shopping Gets Easier for DC Residents Thanks to Department of Energy and Environment Partnership With EnergySage
On October 23, celebrated Kingman Island Family Day
Updated the community on stormwater retrofit projects at Hamlin Street and Fort Stevens Recreation Center

Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV)

Department of Motor Vehicles

Knowledge testing—300 appointments at proctoring center and other locations available
Continued to emphasize to Skip-the-Trip and access more than 55 services online and through its mobile app (scan QR code)

Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)

Mayor Bowser, CareFirst, and DC Appleseed Announce New $95 Million Fund Targeting Health Equity for Underserved DC Residents

Department of Public Works (DPW)

Department of Transportation

Don't Let the Flu or COVID-19 Beat You!

Make sure you get your annual flu shot and if you're eligible, your COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible: #TakeTheShotDC! For more info, visit vaccines.gov.

DMOI Agencies

DC Agencies Under DMOI's Purview

Independent Agencies

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