July 5, 2018 | Vol. 4, Issue 27
Dear Washingtonians,
The Fight for $15 has always been about creating pathways to the middle class and giving more Washingtonians a fair shot. This week, we marked the next step toward a $15 minimum wage when the minimum wage for District workers increased to $13.25 and to $3.89 for tipped workers.
In 2016, when I announced that we would answer President Obama's call to raise the minimum wage, our thinking was simple: As we continue to connect DC residents to DC jobs, those jobs should pay a fair wage. Since then, we have proven that decent wages and strong business climates are not mutually exclusive. We have supported the growth of small and local businesses and seen unemployment rates decline across DC, hitting record lows in Wards 7 and 8.
We are a city committed to fairness and equality and this higher minimum wage is the type of progress that will help us continue improving life for Washingtonians across all eight wards.
Sincerely,
 Applications for the 2018 Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship are now open!
Last year, Mayor Bowser launched the Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship, a program designed to support Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) participants in their post-secondary endeavors. This year, Mayor Bowser will award 75 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each to young adults ages 18 to 24 who have successfully attained a high school diploma or equivalent, participated in 2018 MBSYEP, and have enrolled in post-secondary education, occupational skills training, or the military.
Interested 2018 MBSYEP participants can apply at summerjobs.dc.gov. Applications will be accepted until noon on Tuesday, July 17.
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 Are you an existing small business owner with a retail location or are you planning to open a retail business in a Great Streets Corridor? Do you need more access to capital for your retail business? Are you planning to apply for a Great Streets grant?
If you answered "yes" (or "maybe") to any of the above questions, join the Bowser Administration for the Annual Great Streets Conference to learn more about the Great Streets Retail Small Business Grant. Learn more and RSVP HERE.
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 On July 4, one year after breaking ground on the new Palisades Recreation Center, Mayor Bowser came together with the community to cut the ribbon on the new and improved center.
The new facility replaces the previous recreation center, built in 1936, while maintaining the historic charm of the community. The newly modernized Palisades Recreation Center is designed to meet LEED Gold Certification and includes interior and exterior upgrades, a new half-court gymnasium, an expanded multipurpose space, and more.
Learn more about the modernized Palisades Recreation Center HERE.
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This
week’s District
Minute features
stories about the Administration's public safety preparations for the Fourth of July, the launch of the DCPS chancellor search, and the MPD Police Academy graduation ceremony.
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 The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is the leading authority on energy and environmental issues affecting Washington, DC. DOEE works collaboratively with other government agencies, residents, businesses, and institutions to promote environmentally responsible behavior that will lead to a more sustainable urban environment.
DOEE has an opening for an Environmental Protection Specialist. This position is responsible for supporting the flood risk management program. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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