Two Steps Forward

September 2015 Banner

September 22, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 33

Dear Washingtonians,

The District of Columbia is a city on the move.  Over the past decade, DC has grown with new people, investments and opportunities.  But not every resident has benefited from our prosperity. 

According to a study recently released by the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, the District’s population expanded by 80,000 from 2007-2014.  During that same period, the number of residents living in poverty grew by 18,000.  The study concluded that “the District’s recovery is not reaching everyone.” 

When I was elected last November, I pledged to bring prosperity to all eight wards.  Washington, DC is stronger when every resident across the District has a clear pathway to the middle class. 

We are making progress, but we can do even more. That is why I introduced a supplemental budget to help create a safer, stronger DC for everyone.  The plan will: 

  • Connect at-risk young people with jobs and training services
  • Offer mini grants to community organizations that support neighborhoods hard hit by crime
  • Fully fund the District’s cutting-edge Body Worn Camera program, which will increase police accountability
  • Incentivize property owners and churches to install security cameras
  • Enhance lighting in select recreation centers
  • Provide DC’s Crime Lab with the resources it needs to bring violent criminals to justice
  • Allow MPD to shift more police officers to the streets, walking a beat to protect you

Today, the DC Council passed my supplemental budget, which delivers the much-needed resources for these initiatives. Be sure to show your appreciation for their support of a safer, stronger DC.

Thank you for standing with me as we keep the District on its pathway to progress.

Sincerely,

signature

Muriel Bowser

Mayor


pope graphic

Pope Francis Visits the Nation’s Capital

Later today, Pope Francis will arrive in the District for a three day visit. We are so pleased to have the Pope in our nation’s capital, and we welcome with open arms the thousands of people who will come to DC during the Papal Visit.  We have launched pope.dc.gov to serve as your one-stop shop for information. This site includes the Pope’s schedule, road closures, school informationpublic transportation information and much more. I encourage all District residents and those who work in the District to review pope.dc.gov to plan your commute from September 22-24.  Our city is ready, and we look forward to hosting a successful Papal Visit. 

In honor of Pope Francis’ visit, I joined the ‘Walk with Francis’ challenge to serve those in need in our community.  And I hope you will join me and sign this PLEDGE to end homelessness in the District of Columbia. 


abc meet and greet

The Advisory Board Company: Here to Stay

Last week, with the support of the “Local Jobs Tax Incentive Act of 2015,” the Advisory Board Company (ABC), a global research, technology, and consulting firm, announced that it would keep its headquarters here in the District.  Even better, the ABC committed to create jobs for 1,000 District residents.  This agreement between the city and ABC is a testament to the attractiveness of DC’s market, our competitive strength, and our focus on creating pathways to the middle class.


Shaw for Shaw

Shaw-for-Shaw

Last Saturday, I attended a community pop-up event hosted by MRP Realty called “Shaw for Shaw.” This event brought together community members to participate in a conversation about the future of 965 Florida Avenue NW - a development that will create more than 100 affordable housing units, hundreds of jobs and services for Ward 1.  This is an example of yet another project that will build pathways to the middle class for District residents.


Howard University Joins 500 for 500

I am pleased to share that Howard University is joining our 500 for 500: Mentoring Through Literacy Program. On Monday, I will join Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, President of Howard, and encourage others to sign up and help our young scholars build strong literacy skills, gain confidence, and discover a passion for reading. Each mentor will receive training and ongoing support from the school system and community partners. All you need is a desire to see a student succeed and the commitment to get them there.  Sign up here.


live show

Radio Interview with Kojo Nnamdi

On Thursday, I participated in a live interview on The Kojo Nnamdi Show. We discussed a range of issues including the new sports and entertainment facility that will become the practice facility for the Wizards and the new home of the Mystics at St. Elizabeths in Ward 8, my new legislative proposals, and all that we’re doing to prepare for the Papal Visit.  I want to thank WAMU for allowing me the opportunity to share valuable information with DC residents. If you missed the show, you can listen to the entire interview here.


OCME Intern

#IAmMBSEYP Spotlight: Rashema Melson, Intern for Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

This week’s #IAmMBSYEP Spotlight is Rashema Melson, an undergraduate at Georgetown University and 2014 Valedictorian of Anacostia High School.

This summer, Rashema interned in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in the Department of Forensic Sciences, where she worked alongside experienced forensic pathologists.  

Dr. Roger Mitchell, the District’s Chief Medical Examiner, opened his doors to Rashema after hearing about her interest through various media reports. He promises her a continuous mentorship and internship until she goes to medical school, with the hope that she’ll return to work for DC government in the future.

When asked about her internship, Rashema said:

“From watching the first incision to blood collection and taking cultures, it was amazing. That was the best part of it. I wanted to be the one performing surgery, but you have to have a license for that.”

Congratulations on a successful summer, Rashema.  And thank you to Dr. Mitchell for being a wonderful mentor.