Leading the Fight Against Climate Change

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December 3, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 43

Dear Washingtonians,

This week, leaders from across the world gathered in Paris to discuss how we can work together to combat global climate change.  Department of Energy & Environment Director Tommy Wells is leading the District’s delegation to the C40 Climate Summit.

Washington, DC is a leader in our country - indeed, across the world - in the fight against climate change.  In addition to the groundbreaking wind agreement we signed two months ago, we recently initiated one of the largest municipal onsite solar projects in the United States.  With this effort, we will boost the District’s total solar generation by roughly 70%, save residents millions of dollars and create good-paying jobs.

We are doing some really great things here at home.  And people are taking note.  The District received the 2015 Standard Bearers Award, a national program that recognizes innovation and leadership in the enforcement of energy code at the state and local level.  And we are a finalist for the C40 Cities Green Energy Award.  The winners will be announced today in Paris, and we hope that our innovative practices will help us take the top spot.

Cities play a pivotal role in the fight against climate change.  Here in the District, we have committed to bold goals: reducing carbon emissions 50% by 2032, and 80% by 2050. As your Mayor, I take seriously my charge to make our city greener and more sustainable, for current and future generations.


Sincerely,

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Muriel Bowser
Mayor

renewable energy

Education Reform:  A Baseline for Future Results

On Monday, the District released the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) results for grades 3-8.  This annual assessment, which replaced DC CAS, assesses student proficiency in English and math.  Last month, we released the results for high school students. We will use the findings from PARCC to tailor and strengthen our educational approach in schools, and to ensure that our students have the skills needed for success in college and careers.


potus at anacostia library

President Obama at Anacostia Public Library launching the ConnectED Library Challenge on April 30

Photo by Mandel Ngan AFP/Getty Images

Connecting Students to Libraries

Last week, I joined education leaders from across the District to announce that our city was among the first in the nation to meet the ConnectED Initiative Library challengeConnectED builds on the success of the DC One Card, a comprehensive credential designed to give children, adults and seniors access to DC government facilities and programs, including public schools, recreation centers and the Metro. All 70,000 District public and charter middle and high school students will now have access to the public libraries by using their DC One Card.  Libraries offer all kinds of wonderful resources, and they play an important role in expanding the minds of our young people.  Please encourage your children to begin using their DC One Card at your local library.


holiday party invite

 

Join Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Council for a 

Holiday Reception

at the John A. Wilson Building 

Tuesday, December 8, at 5 pm

Please RSVP 


DOES Career Stories: Job Spotlight: Geterries Mack, Executive Administrator, Spectrum Management

This week’s DOES Jobs Spotlight highlights Geterries Mack, a 50-year-old, Ward 5 resident.  Geterries is an executive administrator at Spectrum Management and a 2015 graduate of Project Empowerment.  In his role, he oversees facilities maintenance at Dunbar High School.

When asked how Project Empowerment prepared him for the workforce, Geterries stated:

“The best thing I learned from Project Empowerment is that proper preparation prevents poor performance. In my position, proper preparation is key to successful execution in the workplace, and helps me effectively maintain a high level of responsibility. ”

Geterries also shared his future plans. “I look forward to becoming a motivational speaker and teacher. I am very passionate about helping the District’s most in need residents and guiding them toward channeling their abilities and elevating their lives to brighter futures.”