Keeping Our City Safe

August 12, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 28

Dear Washingtonians,

As Mayor, my top priority is your safety.  While crime as a whole remains flat, the District of Columbia has experienced a spike in violent crime in 2015, similar to what is happening in cities across the country - from Los Angeles to Milwaukee to New York.  I want you to know that my Administration is working around the clock to prevent crime, respond swiftly when it happens, and hold criminals accountable.

Over the past several weeks, I have been meeting with my public safety team on a frequent basis, talking to community leaders, and working with our federal public safety partners to address violent crime in the District.  Meanwhile, Police Chief Lanier continues to keep MPD officers on the forefront of effective policing.  Just last week, the Chief hosted a national summit with big city police chiefs to identify trends and share best practices. 

We are using proven methods and trying new ones to tackle crime.  MPD has increased its street presence through a combination of foot, bike, and Segway patrols.  We are beefing up our patrols in neighborhoods that have experienced higher levels of crime.  And we are using every tool at our disposal to prevent the violence that occurs from synthetic drugs – including our new law that punishes bad acting businesses that sell these extremely harmful and dangerous substances. 

We are also working hard to close cases: we will find and arrest individuals that commit violent crime.  We work closely with Acting U.S. Attorney Vincent Cohen and our federal partners to ensure that criminals are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and that their sentences reflect the harm they cause to our communities.

Most importantly, we are listening to the residents of DC.  Remember, during an emergency, you should call 911.  And if you have information about a crime, we urge you to send an anonymous message to MPD’s text tip line (50411).  If you see something, please say something.

As we fight crime, we continue to build stronger ties between the police force and District residents.  Our officers regularly attend ANC and community meetings, and they conduct frequent neighborhood walkthroughs.  Residents can sign up for MPD’s neighborhood listserv groups HERE. 

Together, we are stronger.  We need your continued involvement and support to maintain the strength and vibrancy of our community.  To find ways to get involved, please reach out to your ward representative at my Office of Community Relations and Services by clicking HERE.

With innovative policing, a committed public safety team and your help, we will keep DC on the right path toward safety and security. 

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

Mayor

Leading the Nation in Clean Energy

The District of Columbia is rising to President Obama’s challenge to address climate change and grow the clean economy.  Today, I joined District and federal officials to celebrate an innovative program that enables DC to buy 35% of our energy for government buildings from a wind farm in Pennsylvania.  The agreement will save District residents $45 million dollars over the next 20 years and will make our air cleaner by removing carbon pollution.  We also changed the name of our environmental agency to the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) – given that our energy and environmental concerns go hand in hand.  My Administration is committed to bringing affordable, green energy to all eight wards.

Adopt-a-School!

DC Public Schools (DCPS) are seeking corporate and community organizations to participate in their new Adopt-a-School program for the 2015-2016 school year.  The goal is to create and cultivate school-partner relationships that benefit everyone involved.  Organizations give back to the communities they serve by partnering with schools to provide the city’s youth with resources and experiences - which will go a long way toward creating their pathways to the middle class.  For more information on the program, visit DCPS’ Adopt-a-School program page HERE.

Economic Development in Your Community

This week, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) launched a new website to provide residents and businesses with real-time updates on the status of real estate projects in the District.  The DMPED Real Estate Projects Pipeline  allows you to keep tabs on projects happening in your ward.  This is another way my Administration is using technology to provide residents with information about what is going on in their community.

August 22nd: “Clean Schools” Service Day

Before kids head back to school, the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS) is hosting a volunteer day on Saturday, August 22nd to beautify a school in each of our eight wards.  If you are free on Saturday, August 22, please consider coming out to clean up a school in your neighborhood.  Sign up HERE to let us know if you’re able to join us.  And if you can’t make it, no worries - you can still stop by to donate unused school supplies. We hope to see you there!

#IAmMBSYEP Job Spotlight: Dy’Schon Dunston

The 2015 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) wrapped up last week. But for some participants, their work is just beginning.  This year, for the first time ever, my Administration expanded the program to include 22-24 year olds.  And now, some of those young men and women are ready to enter the workforce.   I wanted to take an opportunity to highlight Dy’Schon Dunston, a 22 year old from Ward 5 who hopes to become an ASL Interpreter.  

Here’s a note from Dy’Schon to an SYEP staff member:

My name is Dy'Schon Dunston and I am one of the faces of the SYEP for ages 22-24. I just wanted you to know that I worked this summer with the Amy Jacques Garvey Institute at Douglas Memorial under the watchful eye of Mr. Kendall Bryan. I thought that you along with everyone else over at DOES would like to know that I have landed a permanent full time job that I will begin not long after the SYEP ends on Friday, August 7, 2015 because of Mr. Kendall Bryan and my SYEP job with the Amy Jacques Garvey Institute. I just wanted to inform you that the SYEP is very helpful for youth my age especially with the breaks in school and the flexible hours provided during the summer jobs that allow us to search for permanent employment. I don't know exactly what my one email will do but I thought it was important that you know that these 6 weeks have made a difference in my life.

 Thank you, Dy’Schon, for making us all #DCProud. 

Barry Commission Public Forum

The Commission to Honor and Commemorate the Honorable Marion S. Barry, Jr. will hold a public engagement forum Wednesday, August 19 at 7 pm.  The forum will take place at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, located at 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE.  Come learn about the Commission’s role and share your ideas.  To register, click here.

Pathways to the Middle Class - Job Posting of the Week: Consumer Outreach Specialist, Office of the People’s Counsel

The Office of the People’s Counsel is seeking a Consumer Outreach Specialist who will coordinate and provide outreach and educational programs for District utility consumers, investigate and resolve consumer complaints, and establish and develop relationships with key community leaders. If you or anyone you know is interested in educating and assisting District residents with public utility issues, please view the job announcement 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.