March 9, 2015  |  Volume 1, Issue 7

Fellow Washingtonians,

I have some exciting news: on Tuesday, March 31st, I will deliver the State of the District Address.  The Address will lay out where we stand on creating a fresh start, highlight our commitment to engagement and integrity and establish how we will create a pathway to the middle class.  It is time to work together to ensure that opportunity is available to all of our residents. 

Will you join me at the historic Lincoln Theatre on Tuesday, March 31st?  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. RSVP HERE.

We walked into the doors of the Mayor's Office with close to a quarter billion dollar budget deficit for the next fiscal year.  Throughout February, my Administration and I engaged with residents from all 8 wards at three Budget Engagement forums and over three dozen community meetings in a discussion about how we should fund our priorities and balance the budget.  Your input on the front end of the process is invaluable, so if you missed us, visit budget.dc.gov and join us on March 31st.

With your input, we will work to build an accessible pathway to the middle class by investing in education, job training and affordable housing.

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

P.S. Please don’t forget to RSVP for my first State of the District Address. Click HERE to RSVP.

Advocating for the District Recently, I traveled to New York with a team of District officials to meet with the bond-rating agencies that oversee the District's credit rating. The District faces a nearly quarter billion dollar budget gap and I am committed to doing everything I can to improve the District's finances.

Fresh Start for FEMS Last week, I announced the appointment of Gregory Dean to serve as Chief of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS). Dean brings a wealth of experience, having served for 44 years in the Seattle Fire Department with 10 years as fire chief. Please join me in welcoming Fire Chief Dean to the District of Columbia.

Progress in Hill East Last week, I signed my first Land Disposition Agreement for a roughly 2-acre parcel of the Hill East District Development. Joining me were the development team of Donatelli Development and Blue Skye Construction, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and ANC Commissioners for Wards 6 and 7. This catalytic project will bring more affordable housing to the District.

Engaging with Young Washingtonians I met a group of amazing children, parents and supporters with the Senators/Satchel Paige Little League Baseball and Fitness Clinic on Saturday, February 18th. The organization serves boys and girls ages 4 to 18, providing them with the tools to build character and teamwork in a safe and fun environment. To learn more, visit www.ssplldc.org.

March Is Women’s History Month

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the DC Commission on Women will present the Annual Washington Women of Excellence Awards on Tuesday, March 24th at 200 I Street, SE.

The ceremony honors women in the following areas: Community Service, Education, Health, Public Safety and Workforce Development. During the event, there will be a portrait unveiling of the recipient of the “2015 DC Commission for Women’s Hall of Fame."  The portraits will be housed in the Charles Sumner School in Northwest. 

For more information, contact Kimberly Bassett, Director of the Office on Women’s Policy Initiatives at kimberly.bassett@dc.gov.

DC Citizens Snow Team Needs Volunteers

Serve DC is seeking volunteers to join the DC Citizens Snow Team. This group helps seniors and residents with disabilities with shoveling and snow removal.  Property owners are required to clear the sidewalks surrounding their property within 24 hours after a snowfall. Even a dusting of snow can be dangerous for seniors or individuals with disabilities. Join the DC Citizens Snow Team to help keep everyone safe and make the winter a little easier on those in need. Register online or contact Melvyn Smith at (202) 727-7925.

"All Hands on Deck" Trash Collection

Last week, my Administration launched an "All Hands on Deck" effort to catch up on trash collection that has been delayed due to hazardous conditions on weather-impacted alleys. As part of the effort, the District's Snow Team launched an unprecedented effort to salt alleys to make them passable for trash collectors. We also brought on additional crews from the leaf team and private companies to make sure we had the resources to catch up on trash collection. My Administration is committed to delivering top-notch services to our residents every day. 

New Lease on Life Initiative

The DC Department of Human Services is seeking affordable apartment units for families currently experiencing homelessness. The District is committed to quickly returning persons experiencing homelessness to their communities.

If you are a landlord with available, affordable apartment units in the District, why not consider granting "A New Lease on Life?"

Participating landlords receive a subsidy directly from the government for a portion of the rent for the full one-year lease period. Families pay the remaining portion of the rent and sign and agree to the one-year lease.

For additional information, click here or call (202) 698-4140. You may also add your landlord information here.

What's Next?

This week, I will hold a press conference on a pedestrian safety initiative, and later in the week, I will head to Austin, Texas, to promote the District’s creative economy at the South by Southwest's tech, art, and music festival.

Stay in contact with me and my Administration online. Like us on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter @MayorBowser to get behind the scenes engagement as I serve as your Mayor. Follow DC Mayor’s Office on Twitter as well @TeamMuriel, for the latest news and information from the John A. Wilson Building and District Government agencies. Follow me on Instagram @Mayor_Bowser to see pictures from District events and graphics on a variety of District topics.  Lastly, find our online picture albums on Flickr.