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Neighbors,

This weekend, our community was shaken by an unimaginable tragedy at Reagan National Airport. My heart is heavy with sorrow as we mourn the lives lost in the devastating plane crash. To the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected, I extend my deepest condolences. No words can fully capture the grief and pain you are experiencing, but please know that you are not alone—our entire city stands with you during this heartbreaking time.

I also want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to the first responders, emergency personnel, and airport staff who acted swiftly and courageously in the face of this tragedy. Their dedication and professionalism in responding to such a harrowing event remind us of the unwavering commitment they have to keeping our community safe.

In times of sorrow, we lean on one another for strength. Washington, D.C., is more than just a city—it is a community bound together by resilience, compassion, and the unwavering support we offer each other in moments of crisis. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. My office stands ready to support and assist in any way we can.

We will mourn together, heal together, and honor the lives lost by coming together as a community.

In solidarity,
Kenyan
Legislative Updates


** 🚨 Quick Update: Upcoming Legislative Meeting & Oversight Hearing
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📅 Tuesday, February 4th – Legislative Meeting
Next Tuesday, the D.C. Council will convene for our legislative meeting, where we will discuss and take action on key policies impacting our city. I encourage residents to stay informed as we continue working on legislative priorities that strengthen our communities.

📅 Wednesday, February 5th – Committee on Business & Economic Development Oversight Hearing
On Wednesday, my Committee on Business and Economic Development will hold our first Performance Oversight Hearing of 2025, where we will hear directly from public witnesses. This is a critical opportunity to assess how District agencies are serving residents and businesses, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government operations.
CBED Performance Oversight Hearing Schedule


** Team McDuffie In The Community
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Ward Infinity Pitch Competition & Community Awards

On Monday, January 27th, I was thrilled to attend the Johns Hopkins Ward Infinity Pitch Competition & Community Awards at the Bloomberg Center (555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). This event showcased the innovative spirit of local entrepreneurs dedicated to enhancing health and wellness in our community.

The Ward Infinity program, a six-month social innovation accelerator, empowers D.C.-based non-profits and social enterprises to develop sustainable solutions addressing health disparities, particularly in Wards 7 and 8. Participants engage with residents to co-create impactful health solutions, participating in workshops, seminars, and receiving expert coaching in public health, human-centered design, and business. The program culminates in a Community Pitch Competition, where teams present their refined ideas and compete for additional funding to further their initiatives.
🍽️Celebrate DC Restaurant Week 2025!

It’s DC Restaurant Week 2025—the perfect time to explore the city’s incredible culinary scene and support our amazing local restaurants! This week, participating eateries across the District are offering special prix-fixe menus, giving residents and visitors a chance to enjoy some of the best flavors D.C. has to offer at a great value.

As a longtime supporter of D.C.’s vibrant food industry, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to dine out and celebrate the restaurants that contribute so much to our city’s economy and culture.

🍴 Councilmember McDuffie’s Top 5 Picks:
1️⃣El Presidente - Neighborhood: NoMa - Cuisine: Mexican
2️⃣CHIKO Dupont - Neighborhood: Barrack's Row - Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Korean
3️⃣ Mi Vida 14th St. - Neighborhood: 14th St. - Cuisine: Mexican
4️⃣The Park at Fourteenth - Neighborhood: 14th St. - Cuisine: American Comfort Food
5️⃣ Osteria Morini - Neighborhood: Capitol Riverfront - Cuisine: Italian

Make sure to book your reservations and show love to the local businesses that make our city such a dynamic and delicious place to live!

For a full list of participating restaurants and menu details, visit [O ([link removed]) fficial DC Restaurant Week website link ([link removed]) ].
Federal City Council Honoring Mayor Tony Williams

Honoring Tony Williams with the Federal City Council & Accenture

On Wednesday, January 29th, I had the privilege of joining Federal City Council to honor Mayor Tony Williams for his outstanding leadership and contributions to Washington, D.C. The event took place at Accenture LLP located on 699 14th St NW. As a transformative former Mayor and a champion for economic growth and urban revitalization, Mayor Tony Williams has left an enduring impact on our city. It was an inspiring evening celebrating his legacy and the continued efforts to drive progress and opportunity for all D.C. residents.
Capitol Riverfront Annual Meeting

Building a Stronger Capitol Riverfront

I had the opportunity to attend the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District’s 2025 Annual Meeting at The Maren, where I joined business and community leaders to discuss the future of one of D.C.’s most dynamic neighborhoods. We heard from Emeka Moneme, President of the Capitol Riverfront BID, who shared insights from his extensive experience in urban infrastructure, mobility, and development. The event also featured thought-provoking discussions from industry leaders shaping the economic growth of Navy Yard and beyond. I look forward to continuing to support efforts that drive innovation, investment, and opportunity in our city!
Ward 5 Student Safety Community Conversation at Beacon House

Last night, Team McDuffie participated in the Ward 5 Student Safety Community Conversation at Beacon House, joining parents, students, safe passage adults, school faculty and community leaders for an important dialogue on student safety. Hosted by the Office of the Student Advocate, the discussion focused on the daily challenges students face, including violence, intimidation, and feelings of being unsafe.

Our team was proud to share resources, listen to concerns, and engage in meaningful discussions on how my office and the D.C. Council can best promote student safety—especially for Ward 5 students. Ensuring safe learning environments is a top priority, and I remain committed to advocating for the policies and resources needed to protect and support our students. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this critical conversation!


** Small Business Spotlight
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🚍 Seabury Connector: Senior-Focused Transportation in DC

Seabury Connector is back—providing independent, senior-focused group transportation throughout Washington, D.C.! Businesses, churches, DACL grantees, and community organizations can now contract fee-for-service group transportation for up to 14 seniors in 2-hour or 4-hour blocks, Monday through Friday. This service expands transportation options beyond those supported by the DC Department of Aging & Community Living (DACL).

Seabury Connector previously served residents 60+ from 2013 to 2020, providing over 10,000 rides annually. During the pandemic, it shifted efforts to deliver 288,000 meals to seniors in need. Now, Seabury Resources for Aging is revamping the service as a small business, helping older adults stay connected to vital resources, including grocery stores, nonprofit services, social events, and more!


** Meet the Leadership
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Dawn M. Quattlebaum, CEO – With over 35 years of experience in supporting and expanding resources to D.C. families and older adults. Previously the Administrator for Friendship Terrace in Ward 3, then Lead Agency Director for Ward 5, and COO during the last iteration of Seabury Connector, Dawn brings deep expertise in senior services.

🚍 Brandon Hill, Director of Transportation – A seasoned transportation leader and Seabury's new Director of Transportation. Previously overseeing mass transit operations for the Maryland Transit Administration, he has also directed the Baltimore City Charm City Circulator buses and the Bethesda Circulator buses. His previous position was as Vice President of RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, overseeing a fleet of 274 vehicles throughout the US.


** 📅 Book Your Next Ride with Seabury Connector!
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📧 Email:
📞 Call: 202-808-8790
Upcoming Events in the Community
DPR Performance Hearing on February 14th


** Testify at the FY24 DPR Performance Hearing
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The FY24 DC Parks and Rec (DPR) Performance Hearing ([link removed]) is happening on Friday, February 14, 9:30 AM at the Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW in Room 500 (Track A). The Hearing is labelled as the "Facilities and Family Services" hearing. DC performance hearings are a great way to give positive and/or negative feedback about the performance of District agencies and their programs from the previous year. These meetings are also a great way to request more resources for programs you
like.

If anyone is interested in advocating for the DPR Communal Farm programs they currently have two needs.
1. More DPR staff to manage and expand the DPR Communal Farm Program. All three farms are currently being managed by one DPR staff member.
2. DPR is currently requesting capital funding to rebuild the Lederer Gardens building and greenhouse. The greenhouse, which used to supply all the seedlings to all DPR farms and programs, burned down last winter and there's no current resources available to rebuild it. And they would like to rebuild the 1970s storage container building (which currently lacks heat) into a community food hub to improve the local food system with amenities that could include a community grocery cooperative, a community kitchen with a food business incubator program, a community apothecary, mushroom growing lab, etc. ***If DPR gets the capital funding there will be many community design sessions to create the final community food hub design.

Click here to register ([link removed]) to give a testimony or follow this link
[link removed] ([link removed])

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