On Thursday, I was honored to be recognized by the National Forum for Black Public Administrators at their 12th Annual Leadership Awards Dinner.  This nonprofit is dedicated to the advancement of black public leadership in local and state governments.

July 29, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 26

Dear Washingtonians,

In May, I joined mayors from across the country on Capitol Hill to tell Congress to stand with President Obama and pass multi-year transportation legislation. Months later, Congress still hasn't acted and the current legislation is set to expire this Friday, July 31st. 

Our nation’s transportation infrastructure desperately needs major investments and improvements, and this law is critical to our roads and highways, bridges, public transportation, and local economies. And DC is no exception.  Through this law, the District receives about half of our annual capital spending for surface transportation. 

As of today, Congress appears poised to pass a short-term fix to avert a crisis.  However, we need more than a short-term patch – we need a long-term investment in our transportation system that will spur growth and create pathways to the middle class. Failing to provide a long-term solution would result in added strain on our transportation and transit systems.

We need Congress to act NOW and we need your help.  Please join me in calling on Congress to pass a multi-year surface transportation bill. You should feel free to call congressional leaders including House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell by calling 202-224-3121. You can find out more information about the transportation bill here.  In the meantime, participate in the conversation on social media using the hashtag #TranspoCountdown.

By lending your voice, you will help us secure a stronger and more reliable transportation infrastructure for years to come.

Sincerely,

Mayor Muriel Bowser

OurRFP Workshop Meeting for Crummell School

Tonight, my Administration will host an OurRFP, interactive discussion with the Ward 5 community as we begin  redevelopment plans for the Alexander Crummell School.  The goal of this workshop is to engage the community early in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to ensure the public’s perspective and priorities are being considered. Share your feedback and ideas with District officials tonight at 6:30 pm at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 1808 Capitol Avenue, NE. RSVP here.  

#IAmMBSYEP Spotlight: Braswell Chappelle

The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) is in its final weeks and I wanted to highlight a few of the program’s participants - in their own words.  I’m calling this section our  #IAmMBSYEP Spotlight.  

First up is Braswell Chappelle.  Chappelle, a resident of Ward 8, has been in the MBSYEP for two years. He graduated from Anacostia High School and is an incoming freshman at the University of Arizona, where he plans to study business management.

Chappelle tells us that his experience has been extremely rewarding, and he believes it is preparing him for college and life after college.

“Since working at this office [DOES, Office of Youth Programs], it has helped improve my communications skills and take a different path from my peers. Where I come from, when you dress up, people think you are going to a job interview.”

When asked what piece of advice he would provide to other youth considering MBSYEP and youth employment in general, Chappelle said:

FitDC Ward 2 Walk  

On Saturday morning, I participated in the FitDC Ward 2 Walk with residents at Jelleff Recreation Center. This initiative promotes healthy living in the District by encouraging neighbors to participate in activities together. It was great to walk through the Georgetown community with residents, and to log steps for the Billion Steps Challenge. I encourage everyone to participate by visiting www.fitdc.com.   

National Night Out

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will host its 32nd annual celebration kick off event for National Night Out, America’s Night Out Against Crime, on Tuesday, August 4th at 5:00 pm at Takoma Community Center, located at 300 Van Buren Street, NW.  This event brings together residents from all eight wards with city officials and police officers to have fun and learn how we can help each other stay safe. This year’s theme of "Bridging the Gap" will focus on strengthening the relationship between the city’s youth and seniors. For more information, visit here.

Pathways to the Middle Class - Job Posting of the Week: Traffic Control Officer, DDOT

The District's Department of Transportation (DDOT) has three vacancies for Traffic Control Officers. Responsibilities include maintaining adequate traffic flow by directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic and ensuring driver and pedestrian safety. If you or anyone else you know is interested in being a Traffic Control Officer, find more information about the job and learn how to apply here.  Learn about other positions within District Government here. 

Have you heard about American Job Centers or the One-Stop Center that helps residents find a job to create their pathway to the middle class? The District’s American Job Centers provides a number of resources such as workshops, trainings and job openings located throughout the city to assist those looking to transition, learn new skills, or want a fresh start in a new industry. American Job Centers should be your first stop on the job hunt, so be sure to check out their website for more information. For a listings of Hot Jobs for the month of July, click here.   

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.