January 30, 2015  |  Volume 1, Issue 2

Dear friends,

The lights of our Fresh Start January were sadly dimmed by the loss of my dear friend and long-time staffer Tim Clark on Saturday, January 18, 2015. Tim left behind a beautiful wife and a warm, loving family. At the young age of 26, Tim had distinguished himself as a dedicated public servant with a strategic mindset and the ability to work hard and never complain.

Tim also served as an ANC Commissioner in Ward 5 and represented his community on the Edgewood Civic Association. He then extended his skills to work on the DC Council for Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and afterwards, on my campaign for Mayor. As an energetic member of Team Muriel, Tim knocked on doors and inspired residents to vote for me. His contribution to my election to the Mayor’s office is immeasurable. His contribution to his family and his community was priceless. Tim’s departure was untimely and unexpected, and as we move forward with a Fresh Start for the District, let’s remember this fine, young man and the legacy he leaves behind. He will be missed.

Thank you, Tim.

SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS On Tuesday, January 27, I announced Fresh Start February, which will include a series of three Budget Engagement Forums throughout the District during the month. The forums will be open to the press and the public. Throughout the month, my senior staff and I will engage with the Council and the public to develop smart solutions to support our key priorities, like investing in education, job training and affordable housing. Stay tuned for details about events we will be attending in your community.

Our Budget Engagement Forums are designed as interactive discussions where DC residents can provide input to help shape priorities. They are scheduled for Thursday, February 19 at Wilson High School; Saturday, February 21 at Anacostia High School; and Monday, February 23 at Dunbar High School. Click here for the dates and times for the upcoming Budget Engagement Forums. To confirm your attendance, RSVP here.

I am also inviting all District residents to join me and my staff at my Executive Office of the Mayor Open House at the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW on Monday, February 2, 2015 from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. All of my Executive offices in the Wilson Building will be open to the public.

Please RSVP here.

Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program Online Application Opens

Today, I announced that the online application process for the District’s 2015 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) has opened. To register for the program or to find out more, visit www.SummerJobs.DC.Gov.

On January 14 I signed Mayor’s Order 2015-037 to rename the program the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program in honor of former Councilmember, SYEP founder, and ‘Mayor for life,’  Marion Barry.

This initiative sponsored by the Department of Employment Services provides District youth ages 14 to 21 with six weeks of meaningful employment and work readiness training. This program also provides enriching and constructive summer work experiences through subsidized placements in the private and government sectors.

As a councilmember, Mayor Bowser introduced the “Kids Ride Free” bill that extended transportation support to SYEP participants. Mayor Bowser has announced her plans to ask the Council to expand SYEP funding to include young people up to the age of 24.

WHAT’S NEXT?

• On, February 2 at 7 pm, I will attend the Lamond Riggs Citizens Association Meeting at 501 Riggs Road, NE. This is my home meeting, where I previously served on the executive board. Both meetings are open to the public – I hope to see you there.

• Later in the week I will attend the National Prayer Breakfast, speak at the DC Fire and EMS Department Graduation and attend a host of other events through the District. Visit mayor.dc.gov for the latest on what my Administration is doing.

• Stay in contact with me. Connect with me on Facebook.  Follow me on Twitter @MayorBowser to check out what I am doing and let me know what you think.  You can also follow my executive team, DC Mayor’s Office, on Twitter for the latest news and information from the Wilson Building and District Government agencies @TeamMuriel.  Follow me on Instagram at @Mayor_Bowser to see pictures in real time as I continue to represent the District at a variety of events.

Let me know what's working and what's not working. We are Washington. We are all working together to make #DCProud.