April 4, 2025
Dear Washingtonians,
It has now been over a year since we signed into law Secure DC, the omnibus legislation that helped rebalance our public safety ecosystem. Together, we drove down crime in 2024, and we’ve been able to continue our progress into 2025: Compared to this time last year, violent crime has dropped by 26%, homicides are down, and carjackings have been cut in half. That progress is a testament to what we can accomplish when we stay focused and work together. That said, we know there is more we can do, especially when it comes to our youth.
This week, we launched MPD’s new Juvenile Investigative Response Unit (JIRU), a team dedicated to preventing youth-involved crime before it happens. This unit will work closely with our schools, community organizations, and other city agencies to intervene early, connect young people with support, and help break cycles of crime before they begin.
At the same time, we’re continuing to invest in programs that we know give our kids meaningful opportunities to learn and grow. This week, we announced $1.5 million in grants to ensure more young Washingtonians have access to safe, enriching activities this summer. We’re also preparing for another great season of the MBSYEP and summer camps with the DPR.
Thank you to everyone, from parents, teachers and mentors, to community leaders, camp counselors and police officers, who are stepping up to support our youth.
  Check out photos from this week here and listen to the new episode of the CitiesSpeak podcast here.
The state-of-the-art Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health will open in just two weeks, and we're marking the occasion with a community block party! Join us for a day of activations for the whole family, with live music, food vendors, and face painting. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the expansion of health services in the District.
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When: Saturday, April 12 at 11:00 a.m.
- Where: Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health, 1200 Pecan Street SE
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More information at: cedarhillregional.com
Join neighbors and DC agencies for the 8th Annual Spring Cleanup as we work together to keep our city clean and beautiful. Volunteers from across all eight wards will help remove litter from parks, streets, and public spaces, making a lasting impact on our communities.
Celebrate spring at Jazz & Blossoms! Enjoy live performances headlined by hip-hop group Arrested Development, plus interactive art experiences like graffiti canvas painting and haiku writing. Whether you’re roller skating, double dutching, or soaking in the music, this free event is where art, culture, and community will come together.
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When: Sunday, April 6 at 12:00 p.m.
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Where: Franklin Park, 1315 I Street NW
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Learn more and register here
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