December 15, 2016 | Vol. 2, Issue 47
Dear Washingtonians,
Washington, DC is safer
for everyone when the fabric of trust between our communities and our
police officers is strong. Over the past year, my Administration has been
working diligently to implement a series of services, programs, and
supports that build this trust while reducing crime.
We implemented the community stabilization protocol, a program that mobilizes a wide range of social and health services from government and nonprofits to address the immediate needs of families whose lives have been tragically interrupted by violence. We made significant investments in the District's
crime lab to ensure we are processing evidence using the best scientific
standards available. We implemented and are in the process of expanding a
security camera program that reimburses residents and businesses for the
purchase and installation of private security cameras. We opened the Public
Safety Academy at Anacostia High School so that we are preparing our young
people to protect and serve their communities. We partnered with the U.S.
Attorney's Office and the DC Attorney General to bolster efforts to reduce recidivism and increase
the number of attorneys prosecuting crimes in Washington, DC in order to bring about swift justice. And our Office of
Victims Services and Justice Grants awarded over $24 million to community
organizations that provide services to crime victims and returning
citizens and that work to reduce truancy and juvenile delinquency.
It takes a village to
make everyone safe, and we are building that village.
This
year alone, we have seen a 17 percent decrease in homicide, a 15 percent
decrease in burglary, and a 12 percent decrease in violent robberies. These
numbers do not mean that we are declaring victory, but they do mean that
many of the programs implemented over the past year have been effective
and the District must continue to build on them.
Together, we will continue finding and implementing solutions that work for our community, and I will always make the safety of residents in all eight wards a top priority.
Sincerely,
Take a step toward better health in the New Year! On January 1, 2017, join us at Mayor Bowser's 3rd Annual Fit DC Fresh Start 5K Walk/Run.
Register HERE.
On Monday, December 19, the Bowser Administration will host the first of five Direct Connect hiring
events to connect DC residents with District government
employment opportunities. The event will offer residents the opportunity to meet directly with District agencies seeking talented candidates in various disciplines, from hospitality and education to finance and telecommunications.
The event is free and registration is required. Register HERE.
Back to Top
On Monday, the
Bowser Administration announced major enhancements to the District’s homebuyer
programs that will give more
residents a fair shot at a pathway to the middle class by expanding
opportunities for home ownership in Washington, DC. The changes will increase
the budget for DC’s homebuyer programs; increase the Housing Purchase
Assistance Program’s (HPAP) maximum loan amount; revise the repayment terms for
70 percent of HPAP borrowers; and add an additional HPAP administrator, making
the program more efficient.
Since taking
office, Mayor Bowser has made affordable housing a major focus of her
Administration, committing an unprecedented $100 million annually to the Housing
Production Trust Fund to step up the production and preservation of
affordable housing units in Washington, DC.
Learn more about the Housing Purchase Assistance Program HERE.
Back to Top
The My School DC application for school year 2017-2018 is now open! Families can submit a lottery application at MySchoolDC.org.
The My School DC lottery
is a random lottery and not first come, first served. There is no
advantage to applying first, and families have until February 1, 2017 for grades 9-12 and March 1, 2017 for grades PK3-8 to submit an application. Families will receive their results on March 31, 2017
and have until May 1, 2017 to enroll, in person, at the school at which they
are matched through the lottery.
Learn more about the lottery application HERE.
Back to Top
Since taking office, the Bowser Administration has made significant progress working towards meeting the District's sustainability goals. As a result, the District is first in the country for per capita LEED and ENERGY STAR certified square footage among large cities, first in the nation in per capita green roof square footage, and a national leader in biking, walking, and transit commute rates.
On Tuesday night, Department of Energy and Environment Director Tommy Wells recognized outstanding achievements and
leadership in sustainability at the 2016 District Sustainability Awards. The honorees support the goals of the District’s
sustainability plan, Sustainable DC,
in areas such as energy and water conservation, renewable energy production,
healthy food access, stormwater management, green jobs development, and
sustainable waste management.
See a list of the 2016 winners HERE.
Back to Top
This week's District Minute features stories about enhancements to the District’s homebuyer programs, DC Public Schools Chancellor nominee Antwan Wilson, and the Mayor's Senior Holiday Celebration.
Back to Top
 The
mission of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Department (FEMS) is to preserve life and promote health and safety through
excellent pre-hospital treatment and transportation, fire prevention, fire
suppression and rescue activities and homeland security awareness.
FEMS has an opening for a Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer. This position is responsible for inspecting equipment at fire stations, making repairs and conducting equipment maintenance. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
Back to Top |
