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Neighbors,

Let me begin by thanking the over 500 residents who shared their budget priorities with me throughout January and February. Your input is invaluable as I advocate for the needs and desires of the residents of Ward 5.

On February 26, I sent a letter to the mayor outlining and summarizing our priorities for the upcoming budget and I am excited to share it with you now.

The mayor is scheduled to publish her proposed budget on March 19, after which Council committees hold a series of budget oversight hearings. During each hearing, the agency's proposed budget is examined. The public is invited to testify at those hearings, and I strongly encourage residents to do so. You can view the full list of budget oversight hearings on the Council's website. Thank you for your engagement and advocacy. 

In service,

Kenyan
In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:

Legislative Update
On Wednesday, March 4, Councilmember  McDuffie’s Committee on Business and Economic Development held a Performance Oversight Hearing on the Office of Lottery and Gaming & the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

To watch this hearing click here.

Kenyan in the News
Councilmember McDuffie was featured in The FADER, about what's next for go-go in the Nation's Capital. 
Small Business Spotlight: Studio Elan
Meet Cleshay Sutton (Center), the creative mind and owner of Studio Elan located at 405 Rhode Island Ave NE.  Studio Elan is a community based salon and beauty lounge that has been in business for 17 years here in Ward 5.  Studio Elan is well known for its excellent service and community outreach. 

Ward 5 Walks for Minority Health Awareness Month
Date: Saturday, April 11th, 2020
Start Time: 10:00 am
Location: The walk will begin at Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metro station.  The walk will proceed up 10th Street NE and finish at Brookland Metro Station
RSVP here
Councilmember McDuffie has submitted a letter to WMATA objecting to service cuts in #OurWard5 and the inequitable $.25 surcharge for putting money on your smart trip on buses (but not rail). WMATA has extended the deadline for public comment to Monday, March 9, 2020. Submit your comments today!

Public feedback will be accepted online at wmata.com/budget or by mail through 9 a.m. on Monday, March 9.

The extension allows extra time for individuals to review the full 290-page budget book, parts of which have been updated to ensure full compatibility with screen reader technology for the visually impaired. The accessibility updates do not affect the content of the budget book, which has not changed.

The WMATA Board considers public comment prior to making key decisions about the budget, along with fare and service changes. Any Board-approved fare or service changes will begin on or around July 1, 2020.

How to Protect Yourself From The Coronavirus

Protect Yourself and Your Home From Fire
In the last year, at least two people have lost their lives in Ward 5 in fires where the home did not have working smoke detectors. The good news is that the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) is here to help. They will install smoke detectors in qualified DC homes and are also available to answer your general questions on fire safety. For additional information or to request the installation of smoke detectors, visit the FEMS website or call (202) 673-3331.

Free Assistance with Tax Preparation
The District of Columbia Public Library has partnered with the AARP to provide income tax return preparation assistance for qualified residents at seven neighborhood libraries. In Ward 5, tax preparation is offered at the Woodridge Library on Tuesday and Thursdays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Residential Street Sweeping Started March 2
The Department of Public Works (DPW) began residential street sweeping on Monday March 2. The program will run through October 30, and motorists are asked to obey posted signs indicating the schedule of parking restrictions in order to ensure streets are swept thoroughly.

To remind motorists of the restrictions, DPW will issue warnings between Monday, March 2 and Friday, March 6, to vehicles parked during the sweeping periods. After March 6, violators will be subject to $45 fines.

For more information about street sweeping, go to dpw.dc.gov.
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