February 10, 2023
Dear Washingtonians,
I want to thank all the residents who participated in our first two Budget Engagement Forums this week. I also want to invite those who didn't attend to come to Eastern High School tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. to share your budget priorities and to hear the priorities of your neighbors.
Among the topics we discussed at the first two forums is how we invest in and build a safer DC. This week, we advanced three strategies in our public safety toolkit:
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Creating opportunity: On Thursday, when I announced Linda Harllee Harper as the new Executive Director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, we also announced the recipients of 25 grants awarded through the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and encouraged community-based organizations to apply for the Department of Parks and Recreation's new Rec for ALL grants. Both sets of grants empower people and organizations who support DC residents, especially our young people.
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Increasing police presence: On Wednesday, we launched a new partnership between the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to enhance public safety and security on public transportation. Beginning next week and continuing through June, MPD will partner with MTPD to patrol five stations within Washington, DC.
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Holding people accountable: As we stay focused on creating opportunities for those who want to get on a better path forward, we must also hold accountable those who bring harm to our residents and neighborhoods. Earlier this week, I sent the Revised Criminal Code Amendment Act of 2023 to the Council. The updates in the legislation acknowledge that we can and must create opportunity while also sending a strong message that we do not tolerate the use of guns or violence to harm or intimidate people in our city.
Across all eight wards of DC, we agree that we must do more to get guns out of our community, address the root causes of crime and violence, expand opportunity for residents who are seeking a better path forward, and hold people accountable when they harm our community. With the right people, programs, and policies in place, we can and will continue to build a safer, stronger DC.
Sincerely,
 Join Mayor Bowser for a Budget Engagement Forum at Eastern High School tomorrow to share your priorities for the upcoming budget and to learn more about the budget process.
When: Saturday, February 11 @ 11:00am
Where: Eastern High School (1700 East Capitol Street NE)
Learn more and register HERE.
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 On Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Mayor Bowser and DC Health highlighted a number of free and confidential resources that help individuals know their status, prevent HIV or STIs, and treat HIV.
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Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a free, emergency medication taken to prevent HIV and has to be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure. People who are HIV-negative and think they were exposed to HIV can call the DC PEP Hotline at (202) 299-3PEP (3737) 24/7 to speak with an expert and caring medical provider and then pick up the prescription from a pharmacy.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe, daily pill that prevents you from contracting HIV. PrEP is for people who are HIV negative and vulnerable to getting HIV. The DC Health and Wellness Center offers 100% virtual services to get you on PrEP. Visit sexualbeing.org for more information or call (202) 741-7692 to get started.
Learn more at sexualbeing.org.
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 Join the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs for a Ward 8 Hiring and Resource Fair. During the hiring fair, there will be on-the-spot interviews and offers for open positions in the restaurant, hotel, construction, and operation and maintenance industries.
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When: Wednesday, February 22 @ 9:00 a.m.
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Where: Barry Farm Recreation Center (1230 Sumner Road SE)
- Register HERE.
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 Calling all residents who are age 60 or older and interested in becoming Ms. Senior DC 2023! You can submit your application today to qualify as a contestant in this year’s Ms. Senior DC Pageant. Deadline for submission is Friday, March 17.
Visit dacl.dc.gov to learn more about submitting your application or contact Stacie Mack at smack@seaburyresources.org.
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