February 4, 2022
Dear Washingtonians,
This week, I was joined by Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and our respective police chiefs to announce enhanced efforts to combat carjackings and other violent crime in the region. We know that Prince George’s County has experienced similar trends in gun crimes and carjackings as DC, and we know that as it relates to young people who are involved in crime, they are crossing the border and engaging in violent activities in both jurisdictions.
Together, we acknowledged the need for every part of our public safety and justice ecosystem to step up and rise to this challenge. We also acknowledged the need to focus on how we heal our young people and hold them accountable. Chief Contee put it well when he spoke as not just the Chief of Police, but as a father: there’s accountability that comes along with the love.
You can watch the full press conference below.
We will stay focused on how we reach our young people – how we engage young people so that they don’t get involved in violent activity, how we hold them accountable when then do, and how we get them on a more productive and positive path forward. This is not just a regional effort between governments and police departments, it’s about bringing our communities together so that we can keep each other safe, regardless of which neighborhood or jurisdiction you live in. And that work must happen in our homes and on our streets, in our schools, in our community programming, and in our justice system.
Sincerely,
 Throughout Fair Shot February, Mayor Bowser will host her annual Budget Engagement Forums and highlight programs and opportunities that put Washingtonians on pathways to the middle class.
Next week, on Thursday, February 10, Mayor Bowser will host a Senior Budget Engagement Forum. Then, on Wednesday, February 16, the Mayor will host a District-wide Budget Engagement Forum. Residents can watch online or on Channel 16. Learn more about both forums HERE.
The Mayor kicked off Fair Shot February with a series of fair shot announcements, including:
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 This week, Mayor Bowser launched the the DC Futures Program, a new college tuition and support program for DC residents seeking a degree in a high-demand career field at three local universities. When added to other financial aid, DC Futures will completely cover financial need for many participants, making the cost of college free. The program, created through a $12 million investment by Mayor Bowser and offered through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), provides tuition, coaching, and financial supports to DC residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree in high-demand career fields, including Information Technology, Health Science, and Education.
Participants may attend select local universities, including the University of the District of Columbia and the University of the District of Columbia Community College, Catholic University of America, or Trinity Washington University. In addition to providing residents with up to $8,000 in tuition support, the DC Futures Program also provides wrap-around services and supports, such as college coaching and access to emergency funds to help cover the cost of additional and unexpected expenses like food, housing, healthcare and child care. This support comes with a possible stipend of up to $1,500 per year.
Learn more and apply HERE.
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 COVID Centers are now open in all eight wards. The Ward 3 COVID Center, located at 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, opened today.
At all of the COVID Centers, residents have access to vaccinations, boosters, take-home rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, and KN95 masks. There is no appointment needed and all services and supplies are free.
Find the days and hours of the COVID Centers HERE.
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