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Office of Councilmember
Trayon White, Sr.
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October 10, 2025
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 In this edition...
Welcome back to The 8—your Ward 8 newsletter! Here you’ll find the latest updates from our office, the DC Council, and across our community. I’m excited to continue sharing the important work happening here in Ward 8 and throughout the District.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I was proud to help cut the ribbon on a new cancer research center right here in Ward 8. This new facility will help advance care for breast cancer and many other illnesses that deeply impact our residents. You can learn more about the new center here and in this news article.
This month is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we must continue shining a light on this issue. Ward 8 has some of the highest numbers of incidents in the city, but help is available. If you or someone you know is in danger, please reach out—you don’t have to face it alone. Check out the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence for a list of events and resources in our area.
At the Council, I introduced three bills aimed at providing relief and opportunity for Ward 8 residents:
- The Ticket Amnesty Act of 2025, giving residents six months to pay back parking and traffic tickets without penalties.
- The Displacement Prevention Amendment Act of 2025, which provides property tax relief for homeowners and renters in several census tracts in Ward 8 as part of a pilot to prevent displacement.
- The Soul of the City Business Improvement District Amendment Act of 2025, authorizing the establishment of a new BID to support small businesses and bring more economic activity to Ward 8.
I also shared a community update at the Anacostia Coordinating Council meeting on my amendments to the RFK Community Benefits Agreement, which fund youth sports programs, uniforms, and utility support for families in need.
We joined local advocates and leaders at the Office of the People’s Counsel Community Water Summit to discuss how we can make essential services like water more affordable and accessible for every household in Ward 8.
We also celebrated new beginnings—from breaking bread at the Marion Barry Market and Café, to cutting the ribbon on the new CC Prep campus named after community champion Connie Spinner, and welcoming families to the Van Ness Elementary Fall Festival.
Looking ahead, we’re preparing to launch a Senior-to-High School Senior Council to strengthen intergenerational connections, and we’re planning Community Office Hours across the ward to meet residents where they are. Stay tuned for dates and details.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us as we work to serve every corner of Ward 8. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier, and more united community—one step at a time.
Let’s keep moving forward.
— Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.
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Celebrating, Serving, and Standing Strong in Ward 8
Over the past few weeks, Councilmember White and team have been out and about across Ward 8, staying connected and working hard for our community. We honored faith and legacy with the 50th Church Anniversary of Faith Tabernacle of Prayer for All People and the unveiling of Rev. Dr. Judy Talbert Way. Councilmember White personally knew Rev. Talbert and was proud to help commemorate her lifelong service to Ward 8.
We celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month by cutting the ribbon on a new cancer research center right here in Ward 8—bringing hope, resources, and life-saving care closer to home. We help celebrate businesses in our ward at a reception at Sweet Tooth Cafe, and so much more.
The team remains committed to showing up, standing with you, and doing the people’s work every single day.
Check out some of our photos below!
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During the October 7, 2025 Legislative Meeting, Councilmember Trayon White introduced the following bills aimed at improving the lives of Ward 8 residents and Washingtonians:
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B26-0417 - Ticket Amnesty Act of 2025
This bill gives District residents a fair chance to resolve old ticket debts. It authorizes the Mayor to establish a six-month ticket amnesty program allowing people to pay the original fine amount for outstanding parking and traffic tickets, while waiving late penalties.
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B26-0416 - Displacement Prevention Amendment Act of 2025
This measure expands the Schedule H tax credit to help protect residents at risk of displacement. Homeowners and renters in four designated Ward 8 Census Tracts could see their Schedule H credits doubled, reducing their housing costs and helping families stay in their homes.
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B26-0421 - Soul of the City Business Improvement District (BID) Amendment Act of 2025
This bill authorizes the creation of a new “Soul of the City” BID in Ward 8 to strengthen our local business corridors, support job creation, and spark small business growth—especially in our central and lower commercial areas.
Recent Legislative Actions
At the October 7 Legislative Meeting, the Council advanced two Ward 8-related bills:
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Bill 26-127: Closing of a Public Alley in Square 5624 – This will allow Lee Montessori Public Charter School to acquire nearby land and create a new play space for students.
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Bill 26-216: Closing of the former Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge Right-of-Way – This enables the next phase of the Riverfront PUD, which includes plans for a new marina along the Anacostia River.
The Council also passed emergency legislation to allow the Mayor to issue marriage licenses during a federal government shutdown, ensuring couples can still move forward with their special day even if the courts are closed.
Upcoming Hearings & Meetings
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Wednesday, October 15 | 2:00 p.m. | Room 412
Committee of the Whole Public Oversight Hearing
– Topic: Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy in District schools
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Thursday, October 16 | 2:00 p.m. | Room 123 & via Zoom
Committee on Youth Affairs Oversight Roundtable
– Topic: Overcrowding at the DYRS Youth Services Center
📺 How to Watch
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 There’s always something happening in and around Ward 8! Here are upcoming events and activities where you can connect with neighbors, celebrate our community, and stay engaged.
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Councilmember White recently hosted a Know Your Rights training to empower residents with the tools they need to navigate interactions with law enforcement—especially during this time of federal intrusion in our city. As neighbors gathered to learn practical steps, ask questions, and gain resources to protect themselves and their families, Councilmember White offered these remarks during the session. This is about more than knowledge—it’s about building confidence and ensuring Ward 8 residents stand strong together. You can view the slides here!
Ward 8 Resources
Here are trusted services and nonprofits available to Ward 8 residents for housing, tenant rights, utility support, and more:
🏠 Housing & Tenant Help
💡 Utilities & Energy Support
🤝 Community & Nonprofit Resources
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Ward 8 Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings
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ANC 8A - Meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month | website
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ANC 8B - Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month | website
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ANC 8C - Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of month | website
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ANC 8D - Meets on the 2nd Monday of the month | website
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ANC 8E - Meets on the 2nd Monday of the month | website
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ANC 6/8F - Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month | website
Do you know who your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner is? Use this handy tool to find the contact information for your hyper-local elected official.
**We currently have two ANC vacancies in our ward -- 6/8F05 in the Navy Yard neighborhood and 8D02 in the Bellevue neighborhood. If you are interested in running for one of these open seats, reach out to the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions via email at oancs@dc.gov or by phone at (202) 727-9945.
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