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John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Phone: (202) 727-2643
Email: [email protected]

Chief of Staff:
Tomás Talamante <[email protected]>

City Administrator:
Kevin Donahue <[email protected]>

Director of the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel:
Eugene Adams <[email protected]>

Senior Advisor:
Lindsey Parker <[email protected]>

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Affairs:
Lamont Carey <[email protected]>

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services:
Phil Thomas <[email protected]> <[email protected]>

Scheduling Requests:
mayor.dc.gov/page/invite-mayor [ [link removed] ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


January 16, 2026

Letter from the Mayor

Dear Washingtonians,  

For the past 25 years, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant program (DCTAG) has helped nearly 40,000 Washingtonians afford college and earn degrees. In that time, DC residents have attended more than 700 colleges and universities nationwide. Just this school year, 5,057 students were approved for DCTAG — the highest number of eligible students in over five years. Last school year, more than 4,500 students received DCTAG tuition assistance. We also know, however, that in the years since the program was founded in 2000, the cost of attending college has skyrocketed. So, for the past decade, we have advocated and worked with our partners in Congress to increase the annual award as well as the lifetime cap.

This week, we got some good news out of Congress: the initial draft of the bipartisan Financial Services and General Government spending bill includes the first-ever and much-needed increases for DCTAG, raising the maximum annual award from $10,000 to $15,000 and the lifetime cap from $50,000 to $75,000. These increases are a critical step toward addressing rising college costs and expanding access to affordable higher education for even more DC residents.

The bill also includes protections for our local funds to prevent what we experienced last year when we essentially lost a billion dollars in the middle of the fiscal year. It also includes $90 million for the Emergency Planning and Security Fund. As federal activity increases and more visitors come to our nation’s capital for the yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this funding is essential for ensuring that Washington, DC can continue to support our federal partners in keeping our streets and public spaces safe.

We thank our partners in Congress for including these critical provisions that will benefit Washington, DC – residents and visitors alike. We are grateful to the House of Representatives for approving this measure and we urge the Senate to act swiftly to pass it.

Sincerely, 

Muriel BowserRFK Rendering

"This week, the Washington Commanders and HKS unveiled the first conceptual renderings of the new stadium, which will open in 2030. Read more here [ [link removed] ]. "

In This Week's Newsletter:

* Reminder: Sign Up to Walk in the MLK Day Parade [ #link_4 ]
* Starting Monday: Winter Restaurant Week [ #link_3 ]
* #SportsCapital: E.B. Henderson Essay Contest for High School Seniors [ #link_1 ]
* Reminder: Trash Collection Slides for MLK Day [ #link_5 ]
* Leaf Collection Update: Second Pass in Section B Starts on Monday [ #link_2 ]

Reminder: Sign Up to Walk in the MLK Day Parade
MLK Day Parade

Every year, on MLK Day, we honor the leadership, vision, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and we invite you to join us! Sign up today to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by walking with us in the 21st Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk and Parade on January 19. 


* *When:* Monday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m. (line up at 10:30 a.m.)
* *Where: *Barry Farm Recreation Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE
* *RSVP:* tinyurl.com/DCMLKday2026 [ [link removed] ] 

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Starting Monday: Winter Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week

More than 250 restaurants across DC are participating in the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week. Taking place from Monday, January 19 through Sunday, January 25, this is a great opportunity to enjoy multi-course brunch and lunch menus for $25 or $35, and dinner menus for $40, $55, or $65, with many spots offering cocktail, wine, or non-alcoholic pairings.

Make your reservations today!


* *When: *Monday, January 19 through Sunday, January 25
* *View locations and make reservations at: *rwdmv.com [ [link removed] ]

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#SportsCapital: E.B. Henderson Essay Contest for High School Seniors
Wizards Essay Contest

The Washington Wizards, in partnership with INROADS, the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) and the Leonsis family are inviting high school seniors in the DMV area to participate in the fourth annual E.B. Henderson Essay Contest [ [link removed] ]. The contest honors Dr. Edwin Bancroft (E.B.) Henderson and his legacy and contribution to DC athletics.

This year, students are asked to write a 350–500-word essay to explore how their personal interests—whether it's art, sports, coding, music, or social media—can be used to educate and uplift others in your community.

*All students who submit an eligible essay will receive two complimentary tickets to a select Wizards home game during the 2025-26 season. *

The Wizards, INROADS, MSEF and the Leonsis family, will award the top 10 finalists a scholarship towards their continued education: 


* Grand prize winner will receive $5,000 
* Second-place winner will receive $4,000 
* Third-place finisher will receive $3,500 
* The other seven finalists will receive $2,500  

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Reminder: Trash Collection Slides for MLK Day
MLK Day

The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will not collect household trash, recycling, and food waste on Monday, January 19. Trash and recycling collections will “slide” for the remainder of the week into Saturday. For example, households that normally receive trash and recycling collections on Monday will be serviced on Tuesday. Leaf collection will operate on schedule.  

*Learn more about modifications to District services *here [ [link removed] ].

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Leaf Collection Update: Second Pass in Section B Starts on Monday
Second Pass Section B

The second pass of leaf collection in Section B will begin on Monday, January 19. Rake your leaves into the tree box or curb in front of your home. Paper bags are welcome if you’d like, but please don’t use plastic bags, as they can’t be composted. 

Check your collection section [ [link removed] ] and sign up for updates [ [link removed] ] to stay informed.

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Mayor Muriel Bowser

John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW | Washington DC, 20004

(202) 727-2643

[email protected] | mayor.dc.gov [ [link removed] ] | @mayorbowser

 



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