October 13, 2016 | Vol. 2, Issue 39
Dear Washingtonians,
I know how important public transportation is to the residents and visitors of DC. Thousands of people from the region rely on our trains and buses every day, and having a safe, reliable transportation system is one part of ensuring that the District is an attractive place to live and do business.
Right now, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is considering discontinuing late-night service. Let me be clear: eliminating late-night service is bad for our residents and bad for our economy.
To keep our District growing, I am committed to making sure residents and visitors have a safe and reliable transportation system. Of course, providing a great transportation system means that we must find the dedicated resources to maintain Metrorail. However, we can find a way to create a safer system without cutting late-night service and hurting our economy.
On Tuesday, my colleagues on the Council approved emergency legislation urging Metro to restore late-night weekend service. I stand with the Council in their push to #KeepMetroOpen. We are the nation's capital, and we must have a Metro that stays open as long as the District stays open.
On Thursday, October 20, Metro is holding a public hearing where residents can weigh in on this important issue. I urge you to make sure your voice is heard. Learn more about the hearing and take an online survey about the proposed service changes HERE.
Sincerely,
ICYMI: DC's Hands on Hearts program is saving lives in the District and beyond. Read the incredible story of how a man in New York City saved his coworker's life by recalling what he had learned about our Hands on Hearts program.
 Download the "Stat of the Week" and share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #KeepMetroOpen.
Today, Mayor Bowser joins District officials and bicycle advocates to sign the “Motor Vehicle Collision
Recovery Act of 2016,” a bill that provides extra legal protection for pedestrians and cyclists in the District. The bill, introduced by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, passed with a unanimous second vote
from the Council on September 20.
The Motor Vehicle Collision Recovery Act of 2016 allows walkers and bikers who are found to be up to half at fault for a crash to recover up to 100 percent of their losses from medical bills and property damage. In the past, a "contributory negligence" rule hindered many cyclists and pedestrians from receiving any compensation after a crash with a motor vehicle.
DC's streets are for everyone, and this extra legal protection for pedestrians and cyclists will make our District safer and stronger.
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This week, Mayor Bowser released the 2016 Age-Friendly DC Progress Report. Age-Friendly DC is the District's effort to transform into an easier place to grow
older. Through the work of government, private and community partners, we have made great progress in becoming an easier and more welcoming place to age. The report marks the completion of the second full year of implementation and tracks
progress on 75 strategies across the 10 domains of the Age-Friendly DC
Strategic Plan.
There will be a series of Age-Friendly DC workshops held
over the course of the next two months to educate and engage District residents
of all ages. To learn
how you can be involved in making our District a global leader in the age-friendly
movement, sign up for a workshop HERE.
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On Saturday, October 15, join us at DC's 8th Annual Breast Cancer Walk as we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event, which starts at 8:30 a.m. and continues into the afternoon, will have special guest speakers, mammogram demonstrations, giveaways, activities and much more.
Register for the walk HERE or register to volunteer HERE.
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Watch the most recent District Minute to learn more about what has been going on in DC. This week features stories about the District's historic investments in affordable housing, the new development project in Ward 8, and the Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking.
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 The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) consolidates the District's 911 and 311 call activities from the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services and customer service operations. The mission of OUC is to provide a fast, professional and cost-effective response to emergency and non-emergency calls in the District.
OUC has an opening for a Telecommunications Equipment Operator. This position is responsible for taking and processing emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical emergency services. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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