May 2022
Photo Credit: Department of Parks and Recreation
It’s here! It’s finally here! The latest Sustainable DC Progress Report is ready and live on our website. This marks the eighth annual Sustainable DC Progress Report and the third since Sustainable DC 2.0 was launched in 2019. Now, we can already hear you asking “What is the Sustainable DC Progress Report? Why should I care?” The report highlights key initiatives that indicate progress on Mayor Bowser’s vision to transform the District into the healthiest, greenest, most livable city for all residents. It’s accompanied by a detailed chart that describes progress on each of the 167 actions in the Sustainable DC plan.
And why should you care? Well, the progress report is concrete proof of what District agencies and partners are doing to make the District more sustainable for you! It’s a key way we hold ourselves accountable for addressing our equity, environmental, and economic development challenges. We know the word “report” sounds daunting but trust us - this year’s Sustainable DC Progress Report is a short and interesting read, with engaging infographics to convey where we stand on key metrics, and photos you may recognize from around town. One thing is clear: in 2021, our community demonstrated strength and perseverance as we continued to push forward on our sustainability goals while emerging from the worst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Here are just a few highlights of the report:
- The District held its first Health Equity Summit focused on building a just post-pandemic future.
- The new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge opened, designed to be safer for pedestrians and vehicles, enhancing options for multimodal transportation, and supporting economic development on both sides of the river.
- The nation’s first Building Energy Performance Standards were implemented, setting energy efficiency standards for existing buildings.
To read the full report or detailed chart, visit sustainable.dc.gov/progress.
 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Washington Spirit Player Anna Heilferty Joins the Department of Energy and Environment as the District’s First-Ever Professional Athlete Sustainable DC Ambassador
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) announced that second-year Washington Spirit soccer player Anna Heilferty will become an Ambassador for Sustainable DC, a mayoral initiative centered on environmentalism and sustainable planning. Anna’s ambassadorship will be primarily focused on project development and promotional planning as she raises general awareness and response to environmental issues facing the nation’s capital as well as the rest of the world. Anna Heilferty, a Boston University alumna and a native of Falls Church, joined the Washington Spirit following the 2021 National Women's Soccer League College Draft. During her college career, she was named to the All-Patriot League First Team, the All-Patriot League Second Team twice, was a member of the All-Patriot League Tournament team, and earned the Patriot League Tournament Most Valuable Player. Read more about this innovative partnership in DOEE’s press release.
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The District Department of Transportation Celebrated Employers and Schools’ Contributions to DC Sustainable Goals at the Sixth Annual goDCgo Ambassador Awards
On Thursday April 7, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) honored District employers and schools at the 6th Annual goDCgo Ambassador Awards. goDCgo is an initiative that works with DC employers, schools, multi-family properties, and hotels to encourage the use of sustainable transportation by supporting the development and enhancement of commuter benefits programs, incentives, and amenities. Ten District businesses and schools were recognized for promoting active transportation and public transit to their workforce through incentives and educational programs on sustainable commuting options. Some of the programs implemented include teleworking incentives, shower and locker facilities to facilitate bicycle commuting, and Capital Bikeshare memberships. For more information on the winners, visit this webpage.
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DDOT Launches Electric Vehicle Curbside Charging Station Program
DDOT has now launched the Electric Vehicle (EV) Curbside Charging Station Program. The program creates a public space permit available to EV charging station vendors to install a charger at eligible curbside spaces in the District. The goal of DDOT’s EV charging initiatives is to expand curbside charging opportunities in the District to incentivize vehicle owners to switch to an electric vehicle. This program is also a meaningful step toward advancing the sustainability goals captured in Clean Energy DC and the Sustainable DC 2.0 Plan. For more information, visit this webpage.
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GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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The 2022-23 DC Futures Program
The DC Futures Program aims to help District college students complete their first associate or bachelor’s degree. The program offers last-dollar scholarships (tuition, fees, and cost of attendance) at three local universities in addition to college coaching, as well as personal and financial support services for all participants. One of the eligible majors is a B.A. in Urban Sustainability from the University of the District of Columbia. The application for the 2022-23 school year closes on August 19. Interested individuals are invited to review the student information and submit a DC Futures Program Application.
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JOBS
Department of Energy and Environment – Environmental Protection Specialist
The Environmental Protection Specialist position is in the Green Infrastructure Incentives and Assessment Branch, Regulatory Review Division, Natural Resources Administration of DOEE. The incumbent’s primary responsibilities will be developing, managing, and refining online business processes based in software that enables users to submit, review, and approve applications for permitting programs, green infrastructure incentives, and Stormwater Retention Credit certification and use. The incumbent will work with other permitting and incentive program staff to identify documentation and program applications submitted through DOEE’s Surface and Groundwater System. Applications are due May 25. To learn more about the position or to apply, visit the DC Careers webpage and search for job ID 17032.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority – Sustainability Program Manager
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking to fill a leadership position within the Office of Sustainability. The incumbent will manage continued development of the sustainability and resiliency strategy as well as metrics and reporting to align with Metro board adopted Sustainability Vision and Principles; play a key role in organizational change management, innovation, and best practice adoption; oversee mainstreaming sustainability and resiliency within capital investments and operations; and effectively communicate benefits of these investments in Metro to the region and more. Applications are due June 5. For more information and to apply, visit the WMATA careers website and search for job ID 220349.
Casey Trees – Youth Programs Associate
Casey Trees is seeking to fill a leadership position within its Education Team. The Youth Programs Associate leads and executes school ground tree plantings, environmental education lessons both in formal settings and after school settings, summer youth programs, and related tasks. They will engage both internal and external stakeholders and ensure educational outcomes that promote Casey Trees’ mission of restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital and the surrounding jurisdictions. Applications for the position are now being accepted. For more information and to apply, visit the Casey Trees careers website.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture – Summer and Fall Intern
The U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Marketing Service is looking for interns to assist the Farmers Market Team with weekly farmers market operations and special events planning and implementation. Applicants must be undergraduate students in: Agriculture, Graphic Design, Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality, or Nutrition. Applicants should have experience utilizing a wide range of communication principles and techniques to interpret and explain a variety of subjects and write/edit materials tailored to specific audiences among other traits. Interested students should apply via the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Applications for the position are now being accepted. For more information and to apply visit the HACU website.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
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Public Poll for District’s Upcoming Battery Stewardship Program
By mid-2023, collection sites around the District should be open to accept single-use and rechargeable batteries for recycling, at no cost to consumers. DOEE is looking for input on this upcoming battery recycling program. We want to hear from you – what would encourage you to use this program to recycle batteries? To fill out the very brief poll, visit this webpage. The deadline to complete the poll is June 3.
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Notice of Public Comment Period - Draft Stormwater Management Plan
DOEE is soliciting comments on the draft Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). The SWMP describes the District’s existing and new strategies, elements, initiatives, schedules, and programs to reduce the discharge of pollutants from stormwater runoff. The Plan is available for public review and comment until June 8. For more information, visit the DOEE website.
EVENTS
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DC Open Streets Summer Kickoff
Open Streets in Your Neighborhood is kicking off with Ward 8’s Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE on May 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will close 0.3 miles of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE to cars and open them to people to ride, bike, walk, socialize, and participate in exciting programming! The main stage will feature music, entertainment, and demonstrations, with one activation zone along the Open Streets route providing opportunities to join a fitness class.
Other anticipated activations include Double Dutch jump rope, a traffic garden, live art, rollerblading, bike demonstrations, a photo booth, a protected bike lane that connects the route to the Anacostia Park trail, an area to learn about electric and autonomous vehicles, and much more! No cars, just people. For more information, visit this webpage.
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Season Opener at THEARC Farm
Join the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) on May 21 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for the season opener of THEARC Farm at 1901 Mississippi Avenue. This event is part of a variety of free urban agriculture workshops hosted by the Building Bridges Across the River nonprofit. Their workshops support growers, herbalists, aspiring beekeepers and home cooks. You will get the chance to meet your farmers, tour the garden, practice planting, and take home a free seedling to start your growing journey today! For more information and to sign-up, visit this webpage.
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eCYCLE Collection Events
By recycling used electronics, individuals can help recover valuable resources and properly manage potentially hazardous materials. eCYCLE DC, through manufacturers’ collection and recycling plans, is bringing District residents more options for recycling their electronics.
The following items are banned from the trash and are collected at the eCYCLE DC collection events: computers and monitors, tablet, e-readers, mice, keyboards, DVD or VCR players, printers, televisions, game consoles, and portable music players. For more information, check out this fact sheet.
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Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 227 Harry Thomas Way NE (Ward 5, near Alethia Tanner Park)
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Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 330 7th St NE (Ward 6, near Northeast Library)
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Saturday, May 28, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 1801 Hamlin St NE (Ward 5, near Woodridge Library)
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Saturday, June 4, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 4450 Wisconsin Ave NW (Ward 3, near Tenley-Friendship Library)
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Saturday, June 11, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 201 N St SW (Ward 6,near King Greenleaf Recreation Center)
Please visit the eCYCLE DC website to check for any updates closer to the event date.
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The Department of Energy and Environment’s Pollinator Week Event on Kingman Island
DOEE will be holding an event for Pollinator Week on June 25 on Kingman Island from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. DOEE and partners will have information about pollinators and how residents can support them in the District. There will be activities for kids, a nature walk with a botanist, and a seed giveaway at the end of the day. Attendees are encouraged to take public transportation to the event. The nearest streetcar stop is Benning Road and Oklahoma Avenue NE on the H/Benning line and the nearest bus stop is Benning Road and Anacostia Avenue NE. For more information, visit this webpage.
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Looking for Volunteer Events?
The Sustainable DC team maintains a calendar of volunteer opportunities on the Sustainable DC website. The calendar features volunteer events with community organizations that advance the District’s sustainability goals. If you would like to receive biweekly emails with upcoming volunteer opportunities, you can sign up through the form on the volunteer webpage. |
