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Office of Councilmember
Trayon White, Sr.
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November 20, 2025
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 In this edition...
Dear Ward 8 Residents,
I want to begin by addressing what happened outside the Virginia Williams Resource Center this week. As ERAP opened, families were left waiting in confusion and distress — many standing for hours with no clear direction, no updates, and no dignity. I went to the scene myself and heard heartbreaking stories from Ward 8 residents and families across the city who were simply trying to access the rental assistance they desperately need. What unfolded was unacceptable. I am calling on the Mayor and DHS to immediately strengthen their processes, because our most vulnerable residents deserve better than this.
Even with this setback, I want to make sure our community knows that ERAP is now open, and I strongly urge anyone behind on rent to apply as soon as possible. Our office receives dozens of calls every week from neighbors seeking rental help — and I don’t want any Ward 8 resident to miss out. Please apply early, be persistent, and reach out to us if you need help navigating the process.
And beginning December 1, the Low-Income Energy Lifeline Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will open for utility support. For many families in Ward 8, these rising gas and electric bills are a real burden — and this program can offer much-needed relief as we move into the colder months.
Thank you to all the neighbors who came out to the DPR community meeting this week to raise your concerns about the long-delayed Congress Heights and Douglass Recreation Centers. For years, we’ve put funding in the budget and pushed for progress, and your voices made it clear that Ward 8 is done waiting. Your advocacy is exactly why we’ll keep pressing DPR until our families get the quality facilities we were promised.
I also want to highlight a major win for residents. The Office of the Attorney General secured a $41 million judgment for tenants at Langston View (formerly Marbury Plaza) after years of deplorable living conditions. This ruling sends a clear message: no landlord should ever profit from neglect and unsafe housing in Ward 8 — and accountability is coming for those who try.
We also celebrated the 15th anniversary of Dancing with the Scholars, an incredible program uplifting our young people. A special congratulations goes to Coach Michael Sharrieff of Johnson Middle School — a beloved mentor whose leadership has transformed the athletics program and inspired countless students to reach higher. Coach Sharrieff embodies the heart of Ward 8.
Next week, we’ll host our annual Ward 8 Turkey Giveaway, thanks to our generous sponsors and partners. Hundreds of families will receive turkeys and holiday essentials. Please see the details below and share them widely.
And thank you for the overwhelming response to our new Tea Talk Community Office Hours. The first slots filled quickly, and we’re already working on additional dates and locations so I can continue meeting with you face-to-face across the ward.
Finally, a warm Ward 8 congratulations to Atlas Brewery at 600 Howard Road SE, now officially open in the Bridge District. Their new tap room, outdoor beer garden, and partnership with Andy’s Pizza bring fresh energy and investment into our community. Stop by and support them.
From my family and my staff to you and yours, I wish you a safe and blessed upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Ward 8 shines because of your strength, your love, and your commitment to community.
In service,
~ Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.
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Special Event
 Ward 8 Turkey Giveaway 2025
Ward 8 Turkey Giveaway – Registration Now Open
Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. is proud to bring the Ward 8 community together once again for our annual Ward 8 Turkey Giveaway, supporting families during the holiday season with a free turkey and a bag of assorted produce items.
This year’s event will take place on:
📅 Tuesday, November 25, 2025
📍Union Temple Baptist Church
1225 W Street SE, Washington, DC 20032
⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📝 https://ward8turkeygiveaway2025.eventbrite.com/
Eligibility Requirements:
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Must be a Ward 8 resident
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Must show proof of Ward 8 residency at pickup
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Must be registered to attend
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One turkey per household
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Duplicate registrations will be removed
For questions, please contact Sheila Bunn, Chief of Staff, at sbunn@dccouncil.gov
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Celebrating, Serving, and Standing Strong in Ward 8
From meeting with tenants at the Wayne Place Tenant Association, to celebrating Dancing with the Scholars XV and speaking at the Men’s Health Summit, to hosting a community meeting with DPR, uplifting local entrepreneurs at Grounded, checking in on our seniors at Robert Walker House, celebrating the grand opening of Atlas Brewery in the Bridge District, and even crowning a new chess champ — our team has been on the move across Ward 8.
Check out the photos below to see what we’ve been up to!
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  Congressional Bills
On Tuesday, November 19, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two bills to change our locally passed laws - H.R.5107, which would repeal the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022 that the Council of the District of Columbia passed, and H.R.5214, which would remove cashless bail. Congress continues to insert itself in DC’s laws, especially around criminal justice. These decisions should be made by DC leaders and DC residents — not Congress.
Legislative Meeting
Though our November 18 legislative meeting was brief, the agenda still involved legislation impacting Ward 8. This included the approval of a resolution to authorize revenue bonds for the Early Childhood Academy Public Charter School so the proceeds can refinance costs associated with the acquisition, renovation, and improvement of the school’s educational facility for its school located at 885 Barnaby Street, SE, in Ward 8. The Council also approved a resolution for the transfer of jurisdiction of National Park Service land to the District to facilitate the District’s 11th Street Bridge project.
Upcoming Hearings and Meetings
Committee on Housing Hearing
Thursday, November 20, 2025 10:00 AM Room 500
- B26-0429 - LIHTC Rent Stabilization Exemption Clarification Amendment Act of 2025
- B26-0177 - Extreme Heat Eviction Protection Amendment Act of 2025
- B26-0359 - Tenant Buyout Agreement Transparency Amendment Act of 2025
- PR26-0356- Rental Housing Commission Adam R. Hunter Confirmation Resolution of 2025
Committee of the Whole Hearing
Thursday, November 20, 2025 2:00 PM Room 412
- Adult Workforce Education in the District
Committee on Executive Administration and Labor Roundtable
Monday, November 24, 2025 11:00 AM Room 412
- Board of Elections: 2026 Primary and General Election Preparations
Committee on Health Oversight Hearing
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 9:30 AM Room 500
- Changes to the District’s Medicaid and Alliance Programs
Committee of the Whole Roundtable
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 9:30 AM Room 412
- Office of the State Superintendent of Education Special Education Transportation
Committee on Business and Economic Development Hearing
Wednesday, December 3, 20259:30 AM Room 120
- B26-0173 - Architect and Engineer Good Samaritan Amendment Act of 2025
- B26-0247 - Anacostia Business Improvement Districts Amendment Act of 2025
- B26-0254 - Contractor's Right to Stop Work for Nonpayment Amendment Act of 2025
- B26-0421 - Soul of the City Business Improvement District Amendment Act of 2025
Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety Hearing
Thursday, December 4, 2025 9:00 AM Room 500
- B26-0052 - Evidence-Based Gun Violence Reduction and Prevention Act of 2025
- B26-0328 - Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act of 2025
- B26-0358 - First Responder Retention Efforts Amendment Act of 2025
- B26-0411 - Child Fatality Review Committee Amendment Act of 2025
- Public Safety in DC
Committee of the Whole Oversight Hearing
Friday, December 5, 2025 9:30 AM Room 412
- Housing Code Inspections and Rental Property Conditions
Committee of the Whole Oversight Hearing
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 2:00 PM Room 412
- Community Schools
- DC Accelerate Framework
- Multi-tiered systems of support
- B25-0540 - School Improvement Amendment Act of 2023
- RC25-0259 - Accelerate DC: A Vision for School Improvement
Committee of the Whole Oversight Hearing
\Wednesday, December 10, 2025 2:30 PM Room 412
- Oversight of Education for Students with Special Needs
Committee on Health Hearing
Monday, December 15, 2025 12:00 PM Room 500
- B26-0438 - Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act of 2025
Next Legislative Meeting
📺 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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 Ward 8 Resources
 
Additional 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 Tuesday 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 4th Thursday of the month | website
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ANC 8E - Meets on the 1st 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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