August 12, 2022
Dear Washingtonians,
August is Black Business Month and next week is Summer Restaurant Week, so that means it is the perfect time to get out and support your favorite DC business.
From Monday, August 15 to Sunday, August 21, more than 160 restaurants will offer special deals on brunch, lunch, and dinner. Over the past year, food service jobs in DC climbed from 25,700 jobs in March 2021 to 43,100 jobs in March 2022, but there is still work to do to get back to the 54,400 food service jobs that were in DC before the pandemic. Participating in Summer Restaurant Week is one way to support workers and restaurants, and you can go to ramw.org/restaurantweek to learn more about participating restaurants and to make reservations.
One tool my Administration is using to support both local restaurants and Black-owned businesses is our Food Access Fund. Through the Food Access Fund, we are increasing access to quality food options by providing grants to local businesses to open or expand, with a focus on Wards 7 and 8. Since launching in 2021, the Food Access Fund has helped 15 restaurants and other food-related businesses open or expand in Wards 7 and 8, and the fund stands at $73 million for Fiscal Years 2021-2024.
Washington, DC leads the nation with 28% of local businesses Black-owned, but we still have more progress to make to ensure all Washingtonians have access to the tools and resources they need to open businesses and thrive in DC. Learn more about the Food Access Fund and other programs that are giving more entrepreneurs, creatives, and restaurateurs their fair shot at obviouslyDC.com.
Sincerely,
 While we enjoy the last few weeks of summer, it is time to start thinking about how to stay active and engaged this fall! One way is through a wide range of DPR programming. Registration for DPR fall programming begins on Monday, August 15 at noon.
Whatever your age, fitness level, or interest, DPR has something for you!
- Youth Development and Out-of-School Time: Afternoon Access, Youth Enrichment Zone, Wee Play
- Sports: Soccer, Tennis, Pickleball, Kickball, Basketball, Double Dutch, Softball
- Fitness: Bootcamp, Cardio, Spin, Strength, Zumba, Yoga & Tai Chi
- Senior Programming: Senior Fitness, Senior Aquatics, Wellness Walks, Senior Games
- Cultural Arts and Learning: Dance, Culinary, Basic Computer Skills
- Aquatics: Learn to Swim, Senior Aquatics, Competitive Swim
- Teen Programming: Young Ladies on the Rise, Young Men, Future Leaders, Supreme Teens
Learn more at dprprograms.com.
Back to Top
 DCPS parents and families are invited to join Chancellor Ferebee and DCPS leadership at a Back to School Town Hall on Thursday, August 18 at 5:00 p.m. The Chancellor will share important updates on how DCPS is preparing to welcome back students and staff. Topics include: student immunizations, health and safety, academics, attendance, and more.
Learn more and RSVP at dcpsstrong.com/events.
Back to Top
 RSVP to join Mayor Bowser and the Mayor's Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives at this year's National Maternal & Infant Health Summit on Thursday, September 15! The summit will feature panel discussions, community spaces, breakout sessions, and a virtual resource expo dedicated to connecting attendees with local and national resources and supports.
The day will begin with a networking breakfast and include a fireside chat luncheon. Free onsite childcare and pumping stations will be available
Learn more and RSVP HERE.
Back to Top
|
