March 9, 2017 | Vol. 3, Issue 9
Dear Washingtonians,
Earlier this week, we released DC's Economic Strategy, a progressive framework for how Washington, DC will continue our work as an international leader for inclusive prosperity and resilience.
The last several years have ushered in unprecedented economic growth in Washington, DC. Tax revenues
are increasing, unemployment is falling in every ward, and new businesses are taking root in neighborhoods all
across the city. But we know there is still so much more to do. In a city as prosperous as ours, we must ensure that our prosperity is reaching every corner of the city. We must ensure that every resident, regardless of neighborhood, background, or income, has a fair shot at a good life.
In creating the new Economic Strategy, we collaborated with hundreds of residents, business owners, investors, and community leaders. We asked not just what the DC government can do to
advance inclusive economic growth, but what we can do together – government, business, and community
institutions. The result is a flexible framework that balances intention with responsiveness – a collection of high-impact and ambitious, yet feasible priorities.The strategy sets two ambitious goals: grow private sector gross domestic product (GDP) by 20 percent to $100 billion by 2021, and ensure that by the same year, all wards, races, and educational attainment levels have unemployment rates below 10 percent.
Washington,
DC is already the best city in the world. Going forward, we will continue
making the necessary investments to ensure that it is also the most inclusive.
Together, we will give all residents a fair shot at pathways to the middle
class.
Sincerely,
On
Saturday, March 11, Serve DC, the Mayor's Office on Volunteerism, is hosting
DC's first All Corps Service Day. During the day of service, AmeriCorps
members will serve alongside members from The Mission Continues, an
organization that empowers veterans who are adjusting to life at home by
deploying them on new missions throughout their communities.
The
event will be at Hendley Elementary School in Southeast and it is free and
open to the public. Residents can register HERE.
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This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Presidential Proclamation that designated March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Throughout March, we celebrate the six million Americans and nearly 10,000 DC residents who have developmental disabilities.
Earlier this year, Washington, DC reached a major milestone in our city’s history regarding support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In January, the U.S. District Court ruled that the DC Government and the Department on Disability Services (DDS) had achieved compliance with the court-ordered benchmarks established in the 40 year old Evans class-action litigation. The ruling confirmed the significant strides our government has made in developing a high-quality support services delivery system for DC residents with intellectual disabilities. Through a multifaceted approach, DC has changed the culture of disability services and created a sustainable system in which DC residents with intellectual disabilities are able to obtain supports and services that provide a pathway to community integration, employment, and self-determination.
On March 21, join the Bowser Administration to celebrate the many accomplishments of DC residents with developmental disabilities at our Developmental Disabilities Awareness Event. Register HERE.
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In 2012, DCPS launched an ambitious strategic plan - five goals known as the Capital Commitment. Five years later, academic performance, graduation and enrollment rates, and student satisfaction are all up, and it is time to set a new vision for the future of DCPS.
Throughout March and April, Chancellor Wilson will host Community Conversations at schools throughout DC to hear from families, staff, and community members about their priorities for the next five years.
RSVP for an upcoming meeting HERE.
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Join the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives every Wednesday at the Barry Farm Recreation Center for free workshops on career building skills, financial planning, entrepreneurship, and much more.
Upcoming workshops include "Financial Planning: Credit and Savings" and "Financial Planning: Loans." Spread the word about Fresh Start Wednesdays and learn more HERE.
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This week's District Minute features stories about the Washington, DC Admission Act, Eastern Market Main Street, and the ribbon cutting ceremony at Engine Company 16.
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 The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is
the state education agency for Washington, DC charged with raising
the quality of education for all DC residents. The Division of Student
Transportation (OSSE DOT), is a regional transportation system that transports
eligible students in the District to school each day, safely and
on-time.
OSSE DOT is currently hiring Motor Vehicle Operators. OSSE's Motor Vehicle Operators are responsible for safely transporting elementary, middle, and high school students with special needs to and from school. All details regarding this vacancy,
including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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