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Sukhprita “Prita” Piekara
Chief of Staff Email: spiekara@dccouncil.gov
Telephone:
(202)-844-3141
Shanel Wilson
Deputy Chief of Staff
Email: swilson@dccouncil.gov
Telephone:
(202)-724-8176
Jasmine Joyner
Executive Assistant/
Senior Constituent
Services Coordinator
Email:
Jjoyner@dccouncil.gov
Telephone:
(202)-724-8174
Whitney Sweetwine
Communications Director
Email: wsweetwine@dccouncil.gov
Telephone:
(202) 724-8174
Jaya Pillai
Legislative /Committee Director
Email:
jpillai@dccouncil.gov
Telephone:
202-826-7033
Jakaila Davis
Legislative Clerk
Email:
jdavis@dccouncil.gov
Telephone: (202) 724-8174
Christian Wiskur
Deputy Legislative Director
Email:
Telephone:
202-394-4430
Francesca Bryce, Esq.
Senior Legislative Counsel
Telephone:
Email:
Kate Conquest
Legislative Assistant
Email:
kconquest@dccouncil.gov
Telephone:(202) 802-7785
Maurice Davin Robinson Cates II
Legislative Assistant
Email:
Telephone:202-727-8206
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 Neighbors,
This was one of the toughest budgets we’ve had to work through together, but my commitment to funding the programs and services that matter to you has not changed. My team and I stayed focused on securing investments that help keep residents housed and make sure our most vulnerable neighbors are not left behind. That includes our young people.
We heard you, and we worked hard to respond to the real needs residents raised. I’m proud of what we were able to secure, and I want to share what community investment and housing stability looked like in this year’s budget.
Here are some of our FY27 budget wins:
-$28.2 million in additional housing voucher funding
-$62.6 million for the Housing Production Trust Fund
-$28.1 million for the Home Purchase Assistance Program
-$500,000 for foreclosure prevention services for seniors
-$1.1 million for mold inspection and abatement efforts
-$637,000 for youth mentorship programs
-$125,000 for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
We also made progress on housing through legislation like the River East at Grandview Relief and Restoration Act for Talbert Street residents. I’m going to keep pushing for pathways to homeownership, stable housing, and opportunities for residents to build generational wealth so they can stay in DC.
Thank you for continuing to speak up and advocate for yourselves and your communities. Your voices help shape the work I do every day.
Your At-Large Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr.
Linktree Website
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The historic annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade has never received funding. I am proud to say that during this budget season I found funding to support it. I am going to keep pushing for investments like this to stay in place.
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Many homeowners with reverse mortgages, especially our seniors, face foreclosure.
While you should be building legacy and enjoying retirement, you’re losing home equity as we speak.
That’s where Reverse Mortgage Insurance & Tax Payment program (ReMIT) comes in.
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We’ve been able to secure $500,000 in one time funding to support foreclosure prevention assistance for seniors.
What that means for you:
-Assistance up to $40,000
-You get stay in your home and avoid preventable foreclosure
Thank you to Councilmember Bonds who has long championed this program.
Lastly, thank you to Chairman Mendelson for working with me to make this permanent so more longtime residents can age in place.
I had the chance to sit down with Guy Lambert from Fox 5 news to talk about relief for 46 families on Talbert Street after their homes were deemed unsafe and condemned. My River East at Grandview Relief and Restoration bill helps these families reach their dream of homeownership.
We also spoke about Youth curfew as well as my youth mentorship bill that allows DC government employees to mentor youth during work hours. Listen to the full interview here
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On May 12, I chaired an oversight hearing with DC Department of Housing and Community Development as well as DC Housing Finance Agency. We had the chance to talk about some ongoing housing concerns and the status of a few project timelines. Click here to hear what I asked.
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I always enjoy hearing our youth's perspective and ideas. I had the honor of sitting with these brilliant young people to understand what adults can do to make them feel more supported and how they can work with government to get their voices heard. I look forward to making that happen. Listen to a recap here
My team and I attended the Parent and Youth Townhall where our youth shared their raw thoughts and feelings about what they need to thrive.
What they asked for was not complicated: more teen spaces, stronger connections with trusted adults, youth voices in government and community events, and more opportunities for peer mentoring. They were clear about where adults are falling short and what we can do better.
To our young people: I hear you, and I see you. I’ll keep pushing to make sure you feel supported and have real ways to be involved because your voice matters now, not just in the future. Check out the recap of the conversations here
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So proud of Legal Aid DC. I was able to join them for the grand opening of their new office in Ward 8. Because of Legal Aid, families and individuals can get free civil legal services when they can't afford to get it on their own.
Thank you Legal Aid, DC Resource Bridge, and partners for your commitment to expanding equal access to justice. Click here for a recap
On May 8, we celebrated W.A.C. Day in Washington, D.C.
Thank you to the Wydad Athletic Club for connecting communities through sports like soccer and to the Moroccan culture. Last year, our office was proud to introduce the proclamation recognizing this special day in the district.
D.C. is stronger because of its diversity, culture, and global community.
Thank you to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Inc. and the Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Daycare Center for holding this impactful legislative day event at City Hall.
Last month, they shared some meaningful ideas that pushed for more youth investments and creating more affordable housing for seniors. I'm grateful for their advocacy and having the opportunity to make sure their voices were reflected in this year's budget. Listen to a recap of what we talked about here
 
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It is always a joy to celebrate our neighbors with Pride!
On June 2, I joined my colleagues and members of our community to raise the Pride Flag at the Wilson Building. 🏳️🌈
Pride is more than a flag. It is about showing up, standing together, and making sure every DC resident knows they are seen, valued, and welcome.
Check out a recap here
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 Here's what is happening in the #Neighborhood!
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What These Laws Do and What That Means for You
Read more about this legislation as well as past, and future hearings by visiting here: DC Council Hearings Management System
Sign up to testify at the Committee hearing on the Strong Homes Amendment Act here or use the link: Committee of the Whole -Hearing - DC Council Hearings Management System
Great news 🗞️️! Did you know the River East at Grandview Homeownership Relief and Restoration Amendment Act passed second reading? 🎉
That means we are one step closer to restoring fairness and hope for the families who lived there.
I’m going to keep fighting for stronger protections to ensure no other families have to go through this. Listen here 🎧 to understand more about this bill.
 
I am proud to say that we've secured funding for my Youth Mentorship Through Community Engagement bill
My priorities have been the same; to keep supporting our youth because they are the future. This is how we strengthen DC families.
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My team attended the Hillsdale Flats Groundbreaking Phase I in Ward 8. This redevelopment of the historic Barry Farms is about rebuilding the vibrant community that has always been there.
Thank you Councilmember Trayon White, DC Housing Authority, and partners for keeping your commitment to ensuring residents, including 400 families from this community, can return to their homes.
Last week, my team was proud to join Manna Inc, residents, and community partners at the 2026 Dream Big Homeownership Fair. Residents and families were connected to resources and support needed to become future homeowners. Click here for an awesome recap
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The Office of Councilmember Robert White is on the move and coming to a neighborhood near you! DC residents: Are you or someone you know experiencing housing issues that affect your living conditions (unaddressed repairs, rodents and bugs, mold, lack of communication from property manager, etc.)?
Tell us where we should do a housing tour next.
Fill out our DC Housing Tour survey here or use this link: Tinyurl.com/DCHousingTour
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 Neighbor, WE want to hear from YOU!
Have you had any major housing concerns or issues that you want us to know about? Whether you are a tenant, landlord, a DC housing provider/agency or a court clerk, we want to hear the thoughts of DC’s Housing Ecosystem. You can visit us in person for office hours Monday- Thursday 10:30am-4:30pm.
You can also email us at housing@dccouncil.gov
Read Our Most Recent Annual Report here
Visit Council Member White’s website and follow all socials here to engage online
Need to schedule a meeting, send an event invite, find an opportunity to testify, or get assistance and resources? Send us an email here
Want to be a part of the #Neigborhood? Subscribe to our newsletter
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