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 

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.

• 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.

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 and Brian Howard and sponsored by Alabama State University Washington DC Alumni Chapter and DC Parks & Recreation. 

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!