Neighbors,
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us be reminded that our history is being written everyday through legislation that aims to reverse years of discrimination & exclusion from America’s social contract. Over the years, I have worked with my Council colleagues to confront longstanding structural inequalities felt by District residents by establishing laws that intentionally level the playing field and structurally change how government supports its citizens. I believe that racial equity is Black History, and I am focused on delivering an equitable recovery for District residents. From establishing the Council Office of Racial Equity (REACH) to ensure Council's efforts advance racial equity to creating the Child Wealth Building Act to address the District's racial wealth gap, I am devoted to making targeted economic investments in Black communities to lift families out of poverty and empower black and brown residents to succeed.
I look forward to further examining how the District's efforts advance racial equity during the course of budget and oversight season. If you haven't already, please take a few moments to fill out my FY23 budget survey to share your budget priorities with me as work together to ensure all District residents benefit from our city's prosperity. I appreciate your feedback. Hard copies are also available at the Woodbridge Library.
Also, my 2021: Year In Review is out now. The report highlights investments made into #OurWard5 communities as well as important legislation from the past year. Click here to check it out.
In Service,
Kenyan
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In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:
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Councilmember McDuffie's Letter to City Administrator Kevin Donahue and Attorney General Karl Racine Regarding Ongoing Public Safety Issues Near Brentwood Road NE
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Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation received bomb threats earlier this week, including Howard University here in Washington, DC. Click here to read Councilmember McDuffie's statement on threats being made to his alma mater and HBCUs across the country.
The Washington Football Team revealed its new name this week after month's of deliberation. The name change has been something long advocated for by Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. Click here to read more from The Washington Informer. |
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Ward 5 ANC Redistricting Meetings are well underway, and the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 6:00 pm. The redistricting task force is in the process of examining the population growth of our Ward and will submit a report to the Council's subcommittee on redistricting at the end of the month. To sign up to speak at the upcoming Ward 5 ANC Redistricting Meeting or to submit feedback, click here. To watch past meetings, view members of the task force and view current Ward 5 ANC/SMD boundaries, click here.
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Councilmember McDuffie's Performance Oversight Hearing Schedule
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Join Councilmember McDuffie and make your voices heard during upcoming oversight hearings in the months of February and March. The purpose of oversight hearing is for the DC Council as well as Agency Directors and staff to learn what works, what doesn't, and what need improvement. Register to testify or submit written remarks to Committee on Business and Economic Development (CBED) at [email protected]. For the schedule of all budget oversight hearings, click here.
Click here to watch yesterday's hearing with Destination DC and Events DC.
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Testing and Vaccination Updates
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The limited public health emergency has been extended until Tuesday, February 15, 2022.
The Ward 5 COVID Center is now open and allows residents to get tested, vaccinated, and boosted all in one central location.
Click here for more information on District COVID Centers.
Beginning Tuesday, February 15, individuals 12+ will need to show proof that they have received either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to enter certain indoor venues. Beginning Tuesday, March 1, all students eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine that has been fully approved by the FDA (currently, 16+) must be immunized against COVID-19. Applies to DCPS, charter, independent, private, and parochial school students.
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Small Business Spotlight: Grant Opportunities
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Applications are now open for the Bridge Fund Grant Program. Eligible small business in retail, restaurant, and entertainment sectors can receive emergency funds to cover outstanding rent, payroll and labor, inventory, and operating expenses.
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 25, 2022, at 5:00 pm. For more information and to apply, click here.
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1. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Service Update
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced last week that Metrobus services will return to regular weekday service on Monday, February 7, 2022. Metrobus has been operating on a modified Saturday schedule, offering approximately 75 percent of normal weekday service, since January 10th due to covid-related staffing shortages
Click here to learn more.
Additionally, WMATA has launched a campaign to hire Metrobus, including signing bonus - up to $2,500 pay incentive offered to fill staffing shortage.
Click here to learn more and apply.
2. 2022 Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program
Applications for the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) are open for its 43rd year. MBSYEP aims to serve 14,200 youth between the ages of 14 - 24 through a hybrid in-person and virtual workforce development experience.
Applications for this year’s program close on Monday, February 28, 2022. For more information and to apply, click here.
3. DC Department of Parks and Recreation After Schools Meals
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is now offering after schools meals to all youth under the age of 18 at select DPR sites Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Meals are provided at no cost at all participating sites.
Click here for more information.
4. Discover Black History at Woodbridge Public Library
Stop in every Wednesday of Black History Month from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm for a S.T.E.A.M. activity celebrating a different Black Scientific Innovator. Crafts and activities great for kids of any age who want to learn about Black excellence in science and engineering.
Click here to learn more.
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