November 18, 2022
Dear Washingtonians,
This week, we released the District's first-ever Racial Equity Action Plan. We know that not all people have benefited from our city's prosperity equally. Centuries of discrimination and policies that intentionally locked Black Washingtonians out of opportunity and the ability to build wealth have compounded and created deep inequities. Now, it is our charge and our responsibility to put in place policies that are just as intentional about reversing those legacies of discrimination.
Making progress will require all of us working together—not just in DC Government, but together as an entire community. And everyone has a role to play in upholding and advancing racial equity. The Racial Equity Action Plan unites many efforts under one platform and will help guide us toward a common vision—a DC where race and ethnicity no longer drive or predict resident outcomes.
I urge you to read through the plan, and residents can provide feedback on the plan until January 2, 2023. I also want you to share your big ideas for building a more equitable DC at together.dc.gov.
Like many Washingtonians who grew up in Chocolate City, I'm grateful to be here for the good times—we've seen our city through the tough times, and now we will be here for the even better times. The Racial Equity Action Plan is going to help us get there.
Sincerely,
 This Thanksgiving season, join the Department of Parks and Recreation for a holiday meal or to join neighbors in giving back and spreading gratitude. Upcoming opportunities to pick up free turkeys or to volunteer are listed below.
Saturday, November 19:
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Roving Leaders Annual Turkey Giveaway at Brentwood Recreation Center (2311 14th Street, NE) | 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
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Ward 7 Feed Those in Need Event at Fort Davis Recreation Center (1400 41st Street SE) | 6:00 a.m.
Monday, November 21:
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Emery Heights Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at Emery Heights Community Center (5701 Georgia Avenue Northwest) | 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 22:
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Roving Leaders Friendsgiving at Kennedy Recreation Center (1401 7th Street NW) | 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
For more information about each event, visit DPR.events.
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 The Downtown Holiday Market is now open! This year, the 18th Annual Downtown Holiday Market is hosting more than 70 vendors, including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses that are part of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development’s Made in DC program. The market will be open daily at 8th and F Streets NW from noon until 8:00 p.m. until December 23 (the market will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and on Monday, December 5).
At the opening of the market, Mayor Bowser also highlighted two other popular holiday events in DC: The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre and Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park. The Nutcracker is expected to draw in approximately 45,000 people with performances that run from November 25 through December 30. Enchant Christmas also returns to DC this year; tickets are on sale now and the winter wonderland will be open from November 25 through January 1. Enchant Christmas turns Nationals Park into a holiday-themed village with ice-skating, live entertainment, dining and shopping, and the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. The District partnered with Enchant to give away 1,000 tickets to DC Public Schools students.
Learn more HERE.
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 This week, Mayor Bowser released the DC Build Back Better Infrastructure Task Force report, which outlines key recommendations for how the District can use the more than $3 billion in funds coming to DC from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The recommendations will guide the District in planning and implementing transformative, equitable, sustainable, and achievable projects.
Specific recommendations in the task force report include:
- Transforming the North Capitol Street corridor into an urban boulevard that is safer and more inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Redesigning the DC295/I-295 corridor to reconnect communities isolated by the dividing line of the highway and adjacent railroads.
- Ensuring a clean, healthy, and resilient environment by having District buildings go “net zero” and expanding recreational options along the Anacostia River.
- Preparing the District for a more technologically innovative future by expanding broadband infrastructure in Wards 5, 7, and 8.
- Setting up District residents for better paying jobs by creating new job training programs, like a Green Jobs Academy.
- Making sure procurement processes are as efficient as possible to maximize opportunities for District businesses to work on BIL projects.
The full report can be found at infrastructure.dc.gov.
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