Dear Ward 8 Residents,

My responsibility as an elected official is to fight for equity and inclusion for the people in our city and especially those living right here in Ward 8.

Just a month ago, Mayor Muriel Bowser presented the FY24 Budget Proposal on how this city intends to allocate $19.7 billion in taxpayer money.
Since then, my team and I have been pushing the government to be more intentional about increasing the investment where it's most needed.

Fifty-nine percent of Ward 8 schools received budget cuts. I am fighting specifically to reallocate funds in the budget to see investments for improvement repairs to Johnson Middle School, Anacostia High School and a trauma center in the proposed new recreation center behind Kramer Middle School.

Our recreation centers play a vital role in improving the safety and well-being of our youth and seniors who need to use these facilities on a daily basis. I am fighting to reallocate money in the budget to include the construction of a sports complex at Fort Greble and for a new recreation center behind Bard High School Early College.

Public Safety remains a top priority, particularly in advocating for funding for violence intervention, stronger mental health and trauma response to violent incidents. I have requested that critical investments be restored or reallocated to ensure that residents in the District feel safe.

One of the most critical items that needs to be addressed is housing--specifically, affordable housing in this city. Long-term residents and native Washingtonians are being priced out as the cost of living continues to rise.

We are in the midst of a housing crisis and Ward 8 residents historically have larger families. So, I am pushing the government to be more intentional about constructing 3, 4, and 5-bedroom housing units to accommodate larger families.

This budget does not reflect the values and priorities of the District residents as it is now. The current proposed budget shows a good faith effort, but we need more. We are tired of eating from the skinny cow. We deserve more, especially residents in Ward 8 who need it the most.

Peace and love,

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
SAVE THE DATE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING FOR THE

FIRST VOTE OF THE FY24 BUDGET
SAVE THE DATE ([link removed])
SAVE THE DATE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING FOR THE

FINAL VOTE OF THE FY24 BUDGET
SAVE THE DATE ([link removed])
Department of Parks and Recreation is hiring. They have over 600 positions at pay rates of $18-$35 per hour. DPR is not only looking for students.

Start earning with DPR: [link removed] ([link removed])
The Commission focuses on and addresses issues affecting Ward 8's LGBTQ community. We are seeking new members to help organize and promote acceptance of LGBTQ community diversity and shape policies to build more inclusivity. If you are interested in joining this commission, please email: Julia Jessie at [email protected] or call 202-724-8045.
In honor of #NationalSmallBusinessWeek ([link removed]) , Mayor Bowser has declared April 30-May 6 #DCSmallBusinessWeek ([link removed]) to honor, assist, & celebrate the exceptional resilience and innovation of small owners across the District.

View DCSBW 2023 full schedule here: [link removed]

LEGISLATIVE WEEKLY RECAP.

Last week, each Committee of the Council held a markup budget meeting. At these meetings, each committee member voted and approved changes made to the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Budget. The Committees of the Council are the Committee of the Whole, the Committee on Business and Economic Development, the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor, the Committee on Facilities and Family Services, the Committee on Health, the Committee on Hospital and Health Equity, the Committee on Housing, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, the Committee on Public Works and Operations, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, and the Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs, which is chaired by our Ward 8 Councilmember, Trayon White Sr.

This week, the Council held a legislative meeting on Tuesday, May 2nd. At that meeting, the Council approved the emergency version of the Marion Barry Designation Act of 2023, allowing the District to begin spending money associated with renaming Good Hope Road. The District has promised to absorb the government-related costs of new personal and business licenses for affected businesses and residents. Other notable measures included the Food Delivery Fees Transparency Amendment Act of 2023 (introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen), which places new requirements on third-party food delivery services, and the Makiyah Wilson Way Designation Act of 2023 (introduced by Councilmember Vincent Gray), which symbolically designates the 300 block of 53rd Street N.E. as Makiyah Wilson Way. Makiyah was murdered in 2018 by a stray bullet, and her death sparked renewed efforts and energy on the disruption of gun violence in the District.

Today, the Council will hold a budget work session to discuss the budget proposals of each Committee. The Council will continue to hold budget-related meetings and hearings in May through the middle of June. The next legislative meeting is scheduled for June 6th.
COMMITTEE ON RECREATION, LIBRARIES & YOUTH AFFAIRS WEEKLY RECAP.

On April 27th, the Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs (RYLA) held a markup hearing on the draft of its FY24 Committee Report. All members were present and voted in support of the draft report.

The Committee was able to use funding from vacancy savings and transfers from several committees, including the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, Committee on Facilities and Family Services, Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, and the Committee on Health, to support several important priorities. Some of these important budget priorities include:

* The Committee provided enhancement for grants with recurring funds for the Ward 8 Investment Council.
* Funding was allocated for a grant to Horton’s Kids for their high impact tutoring, behavioral health support and violence interruption programming in Ward 8.
* Funding was allocated to increase the Eastern Market Metro Park Grant to provide dedicated behavioral health and substance abuse outreach within the Eastern Market Metro Park.
* Funding was given for renovations at Rumsey Aquatic Center to add a community and senior center.
* Funding was submitted to support the installation of CCTV security cameras at the DPR fields at Banneker High School.
* Funding went towards the completion of the Kennedy Recreation Center Recording Studio and;
* Recurring support was allocated for custodial maintenance for the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) for cleaning, pest control, and landscape.

Shortly before the markup, an amendment from Councilmember Lewis George was circulated. The amendment made clear that the RLYA Committee accepted the transfer of $5 million in capital funds from the Committee on Facilities and Family Services to acquire a site for a new branch library on Kennedy Street. The amendment also makes changes to the BSA subtitle on Ward 4 libraries, based on comments from the Office of the General Counsel. Finally, the amendment adds to the committee’s reasoning for the subtitle and the use of capital funds for site acquisition.

Students across Ward 8 had the opportunity to attend an HBCU College Fair at Bald Eagle Recreation Center.
April 29, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White joined prospective students who attended the college fair to meet with historically black college representatives. There were nearly two dozen colleges in attendance.

This effort was led by Marc Williams ([link removed][0]=AZWXO97JTAn9Hwq9t49jtnutsc-G_PqZaf_5BbJYCumqAMPRfmLagQgFlEVYIij-FsztyJP2SHEgVtZsAQRKL3jP7farsD_gBLaaZNofRKLLIe7d7icYu1mlD3lI5jXT0FSTzmPFr6EA-x9H6PRDS_eBP2kSq5hoakCAE6lR0ra59g&__tn__=-]K-R) and Brian Howard ([link removed][0]=AZWXO97JTAn9Hwq9t49jtnutsc-G_PqZaf_5BbJYCumqAMPRfmLagQgFlEVYIij-FsztyJP2SHEgVtZsAQRKL3jP7farsD_gBLaaZNofRKLLIe7d7icYu1mlD3lI5jXT0FSTzmPFr6EA-x9H6PRDS_eBP2kSq5hoakCAE6lR0ra59g&__tn__=-]K-R) and sponsored by Alabama State University Washington DC Alumni Chapter and DC Parks & Recreation.
[link removed]
Missed the event? Check out the recap video ([link removed]) .

XFL DC Defenders Head To Championship.
April 30, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White and the Constituents Service team joined residents, fans and friends at the DC Defender's game against the Seattle Sea Dragons. The DC Defenders took home the win 21-37 and will face the Arlington Renegaders for the Championship title.


** It’s Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day!
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May 3, 2023

Students, families, school officials, community leaders and Councilmember Trayon White's Constituent Service Team strapped on their helmets for National Walk, Bike & Roll Day. This event is a celebration highlighting the importance of safe, active transportation to school and promoting accessible spaces for all active trips.

[link removed]

DC Council Approves Renaming Good Hope Road SE to Marion Barry Avenue.

On Tuesday, the DC Council voted on emergency legislation to rename Good Hope Road SE as Marion Barry Avenue. Councilmember White speaks to reporter Mariel Cabrone about the legacy of Marion Barry and the importance of this name change.

Credit: DC News Now ([link removed])


** Quick Links
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* Check out the 2020 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2021 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2022 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Visit our website w ([link removed]) ww.trayonwhite8.com ([link removed])
* CM White's Social Media Facebook ([link removed]) | Instagram ([link removed]) | Twitter ([link removed])

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