December 7, 2017 | Vol. 3, Issue 49
Dear Washingtonians,
Just over one year ago, I reminded Washingtonians that our values did not change on Election Day in November 2016. At the time, I reaffirmed our status as a sanctuary city, and during a citywide community conversation, I reiterated that DC Government was going to defend our residents and our values.
Now, as I reflect on the past year, I want to say thank you. Thank you for fighting for your neighbors. Thank you for standing up for diversity and inclusivity. Even without a vote in Congress, you have made our voices heard and defended against what, at times, can feel like a never-ending attack on our country's progress. Thank you for never giving up.
In terms of defending our DC values, this week has been a busy one:
- On Monday morning, I called on Congress to rethink tax reform. By cutting deductions for teachers and union members and eliminating tools used by jurisdictions across the country to create affordable housing, the current House and Senate tax bills will make life harder for low-income and middle class Americans. Congress must do better.
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Later that day, at the inaugural North American Climate Summit, I pledged to make Washington, DC carbon-neutral and climate resilient by 2050. Earlier this year, I signed a Mayor’s Order reaffirming the District’s commitment to adopt, honor, and uphold the Paris Agreement. Through this pledge, we are honoring that commitment.
- On Tuesday, the Director of my Office of LGBTQ Affairs stood on the steps of the Supreme Court and spoke out against legalizing discrimination.
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Yesterday, on a day I proclaimed "DREAMers Day," I joined leaders and residents across the country in calling on Congress to pass a clean Dream Act.
This work is important, and together, we are making a difference. As we get ready to head into 2018, let's prepare for another year of defending and promoting our DC values.
Sincerely,
On Tuesday, Director Shiela Alexander-Reid stood on the steps of the Supreme Court and spoke out against legalizing discrimination against LGBTQ people.
Join neighbors, friends, and staff from the Department of Energy and Environment at THEARC on Tuesday, December 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to share your thoughts and ideas on building a greener, healthier, and more livable DC.
To support the ongoing development of the Sustainable DC 2.0 plan, we'll be talking about what sustainability means to you and how the goals of the plan will impact neighborhoods throughout the District. Come for the conversation – leave with a Sustainable DC t-shirt and a gift bag of items to help you live a greener lifestyle.
RSVP HERE.
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This week, Mayor Bowser highlighted the ongoing success of the Robbery Intervention Task Force and urged residents to take advantage of MPD's Exchange Zone Program. Last year, MPD set up three exchange zones. These areas serve as a safe place for residents and visitors to exchange and complete transactions of online purchases.The safe exchange zone locations include:
- Special Operations Division’s Harbor Patrol (550 Water Street, SW)
- Third District (1620 V Street, NW)
- Sixth District (5002 Hayes Street, NE)
Since the implementation of the Robbery Intervention Task Force in late 2015, robberies have decreased across all police districts. Year to date, the District has experienced a 27 percent reduction in robberies; since the end of 2014, robberies have decreased by 33 percent, including decreases in all eight wards.
Learn more HERE.
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On Saturday, December 9, join Mayor Bowser at EdFEST 2017, DC’s only citywide public school fair, and meet representatives from more than 150 DCPS and public charter schools before the common lottery application opens on December 11, 2017. EdFEST will also feature many free services and fun activities for the whole family, including lottery application information and guidance and immunizations for youth and adults.
Interpretation will be available in sign language, Spanish, Amharic, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and French.
Learn more HERE.
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Take a step toward better health in the New Year! On January 1, 2018, join us at Mayor Bowser's 4th Annual Fit DC Fresh Start 5K Walk/Run.
Register HERE.
This week’s District Minute features stories about Rat Stat, World AIDS Day, and the Mayor's efforts to create and preserve affordable housing.
The DC Office on Aging (DCOA) develops and carries out a comprehensive and coordinated system of health, education, and social services for the District's older adults (60 years and older), residents with disabilities (18 to 59 years old), and caregivers.
DCOA has an opening for a Medicaid Enrollment Specialist. This position is responsible conducting assessments of recipients and potential recipients, investigating residents' questions and concerns, and ensuring that the agency's service delivery includes a person-centered focus. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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