Members of my cabinet joined me on National Equal Pay Day this week to raise awareness around equal pay for equal work and reaffirm our commitment to this issue. Equal pay is more than a women rights issue; it is a matter of economic security for middle class families.  Read more about pay equity here. 

Earlier this week, I christened Lucy, DC Water’s tunnel boring machine named in honor of Lucy Diggs Slowe, who founded Shaw Junior High School, the first junior high school in the DC public school system. Lucy is going to help curb the destructive flooding and sewer backups in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. The joint effort between DC Water and the District will create jobs and improve the quality of life in two historic neighborhoods.

April 18, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 12

Washingtonians,

As the nation’s capital, our city routinely finds itself setting trends and breaking barriers. As we celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day next week, the District is one of the greenest and most sustainable cities in the country.

Every year, we continue to make progress. For the first time in more than 70 years, bald eagles have started nesting on the banks of the Anacostia River. As a result of our federal partners and the District’s Department of the Environment, our area streams are cleaner.

But now is not the time to stop – we need to continue to fight for progress.

That’s why my Administration has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. On Wednesday - Earth Day - my Administration will host a summit at University of the District of Columbia to discuss how we are working to increase the city’s recycling rate and work towards a “zero waste” sustainability plan.

Will you join me at the Summit? To learn more and to RSVP click HERE.

Together, we can create jobs and make DC a greener city for generations to come. 

Sincerely,

Mayor Bowser

D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Launches Recruitment Effort

On Friday, incoming DC Fire and EMS Chief Gregory Dean and I announced a new effort to recruit firefighter EMTs. For the first time in eight years, FEMS will administer an entry-level exam to develop a pool of potential recruits to join the Department.   If you are 19 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED and are interested in a career of public service, this could be the job for you. DC residents who pass the exam will have preference.

Only the first 1,500 qualified applicants will be able to take the test, so get all the information you need today.
 
Interested applicants can visit careers.dc.gov or call (202) 673-7580. Online registration for the exam will start on May 20th and the exam will take place exam on Saturday, June 13 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Save the Date: D.C. Welcomes the U Street Funk Parade on May 2

The U Street Funk Parade will take over Historic U Street on Saturday, May 2, celebrating the District’s music and culture in the neighborhood known as the heart of the city’s musical heritage. This year's U Street Funk Parade will travel from the Howard Theatre to the Lincoln Theater. The parade is free and open to the public.  Visit funkparade.com for more information.

Creating Pathways with the D.C. Council 

I discussed my Administration’s FY 2016 Budget, entitled “Pathways to the Middle Class” with members of the D.C. Council on Monday. The FY 2016 budget is the District’s 20th consecutive balanced budget and it was drafted with unprecedented levels of input from residents in all eight wards. The budget closes a $193 million budget gap, invests in affordable housing, education, public safety and puts the District on a path to end homelessness.  

Stay in contact with me and my Administration online. Like us on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter @MayorBowser to follow our progress. Follow my team, @TeamMuriel, for the latest news and information from the John A. Wilson Building and District government agencies. Follow me on Instagram @Mayor_Bowser for even more updates on what's happening around town.  Lastly, find our online picture albums on Flickr.