June 26, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 21

Dear Washingtonians,

My Administration is focused on making Washington a safer place to live, to work and to play. I want to share with you some initiatives that your government is working on to strengthen our city, by increasing public safety and creating pathways to the middle class for our residents.

With schools letting out for summer, we are providing DC’s young people with meaningful activities that will keep them productive and engaged. That is why we recently kicked off F.R.E.S.H. Summer, a citywide program that includes block parties, movie nights, and a fantastic reading program at DC Public Libraries, sponsored by the Nationals.

This summer, we have 4,000 kids enrolled in 86 District camps, and 15,000 youth signed up for the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. And we launched a Free Summer Meals Program, which means that all young people ages 18 years and under are eligible to receive free meals at hundreds of locations across our eight wards. Find out how to get a free summer meal here.

At the same time, we are combatting the recent uptick in synthetic drug overdoses, which affects people of all ages in all eight wards. Although it’s often referred to as synthetic marijuana, don’t let anyone fool you. The chemicals in these drugs can lead to terrible consequences – including seizures and vomiting, suicidal behavior, and even heart attacks. I have proposed emergency legislation to hold businesses accountable for selling these dangerous drugs.

We are also working hard to keep our streets safe, through a combination of police foot patrols, neighborhood walkthroughs, and by ramping up our presence in areas where we see the most crime. Under the leadership of Chief Lanier, Washington is on the forefront of community policing.  

In addition, we are doing more to build trust and strengthen the relationships between our police officers and the residents of our city. I am pleased to tell you that the District is one of the largest urban police departments in the country to launch a body camera program. These cameras will help us document interactions between police officers and citizens – which will increase accountability and significantly enhance public safety.

The safety of our community and our people is my top priority. I am confident that the policies and programs we are putting in place will make DC a safer city, and will serve as a model for the rest of the country.

Sincerely,

Mayor Muriel Bowser

US Conference of Mayors

Last weekend, I was chosen by my fellow Mayors across the country to serve on the United States Conference of Mayors Advisory Board. This opportunity allows me to work closely with Mayors facing federal policy obstacles, to craft reforms specific to city needs, and to provide policy recommendations to Congress and President Obama. From education reform to investments in affordable housing, Washington, DC is a leader in developing policies that create a better living experience for all. As part of the Advisory Board, I will be sharing ideas, information, and policies that will create pathways to the middle class in Washington and in cities around the nation.

Incentive-Based, Face-to-Face Visitation in DC Jail

This week, I announced that visitation at the DC Jail is being expanded to include a new incentive-based, face-to-face component. This program will be offered to inmates who meet specific behavioral criteria and are without disciplinary infractions. Uniformed correctional staff will supervise the process, provide guidance and direction, and conduct security screenings for the visiting public. Jail is about rehabilitation and reintegration, and it’s important that we create the best possible situation for our men and women in the criminal justice system, so that they can re-enter society as productive citizens. Face-to-face contact is the beginning of that journey. Visit the District’s Department of Corrections website here for more information on the program.

Mayor-Council Breakfast

On Tuesday, I hosted my third Mayor-Council breakfast with the DC City Council and several members of my cabinet. This was the first breakfast for our newest Council members, Brandon Todd (Ward 4) and LaRuby May (Ward 8). Our discussion focused on the FY2016 budget, introduction of the Procurement Accountability Board, the F.R.E.S.H. Summer initiative, and an update on the 2015 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. The discussion was insightful and informative, and the forum created a productive dialogue with the Council about programs and initiatives that will benefit DC residents in all eight wards.

Phase II, Police Body Cameras

To increase public safety and strengthen accountability, the Metropolitan Police Department launched the Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Program. I am pleased to announce that beginning Monday, June 29, 2015, the Metropolitan Police Department is moving to Phase Two - deployment of 200 new cameras to the Fifth and Seventh Police Districts. We are also partnering with a research team of national experts to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of this program. By the end of fiscal year 2016, our plan is to deploy 1,200 cameras for use by our officers.  I am confident that this program will make our streets safer, and will enhance and strengthen the relationship between the police force and our citizens. 

Seventh Annual DC Housing Expo and Home Show

Interested in becoming a homeowner in the District? Come to the Seventh Annual Housing Expo and Home Show this Saturday, June 27th at the Washington Convention Center. Join us for workshops, financial counseling, informational demos, and much more from 11 am to 5 pm. The Washington Convention Center is located at 801 Mt. Vernon Place, NW. Attendees should enter through the L Street Entrance. For more information and to sign up for free tickets, click here.

Celebrating Our Nation's Independence

In addition to the fireworks show on the National Mall, there are a number of celebratory events planned for next Saturday, July 4th. I look forward to seeing many of you out and about - either at a parade, a block party, or on the mall.

F.R.E.S.H Summer Event: Shannon Place Open House

Sign up here to let us know you are stopping by. We hope to see you there!

Stay in contact with me and my Administration online. Like us on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter @MayorBowser to follow our progress. Follow my team, @TeamMuriel, for the latest news and information from the John A. Wilson Building and District government agencies. Follow me on Instagram @Mayor_Bowser for even more updates on what's happening around town.  Lastly, find our online picture albums on Flickr.