May 19, 2023
Dear Washingtonians,
In last week's letter, I said that in the coming days I would share some of the solutions we intend to move forward with after our public safety summit. This week, I sent a package of Safer, Stronger DC legislation to the Council. The legislation, which is focused on filling gaps in our current system, will:
- Increase penalties for illegal gun possession.
- Enhance penalties for violent crimes that victimize or target vulnerable residents with physical or mental impairments as well as expand protections for transit and for-hire vehicle employees, transit passengers, and people at rec centers.
- Make strangulation a type of felony assault (strangulation is a key indicator that domestic violence will become deadly).
- Strengthen provisions that allow individuals to petition for early release to ensure the voices of victims and community receive proper consideration.
- Provide greater discretion for the Courts to determine who should be held pre-trial, including defendants previously convicted of a violent crime while they await trial for a new violent crime.
- Increase the reimbursement for the Private Security Camera System Incentive Program which strengthens public safety by increasing the network of cameras available to assist MPD in solving crimes and closing cases.
- Require the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to report more data on process and outcomes.
- Propose collecting DNA earlier in the process for First Degree sexual offenses after the probable cause hearing.
- Require supervisory agencies to provide MPD with location and identification data collected from any detection device necessary in conducting a criminal law enforcement investigation.
- Expand the District’s representation on the DC Sentencing Commission.
In addition to the legislation, I also issued a Mayor's Order directing deputy mayors to submit recommendations for a whole-of-government approach to crime reduction. Our focus must remain on introspection: understanding what is working, what is not working, and what needs to change.
The safety of our community is my top priority. Our criminal justice system in DC is unique and complex, but I am responsible for making it work for our community. Filling these gaps in our system is an important step in the right direction.
Sincerely,
 On Tuesday, Mayor Bowser testified in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, sharing her story of DC and setting the record straight about Washington, DC. Read the Mayor's testimony HERE.
 In celebration of National Women’s Health Week, Mayor Bowser announced that this year’s National Maternal and Infant Health Summit will take place on Tuesday, September 19. Every year, the summit brings together elected officials, health experts, and community members to have a focused conversation regarding perinatal health and racial disparities in birth outcomes.
Additionally, the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives and DC Health are highlighting resources to support families in DC, including:
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Help Me Grow DC is a program that offers mothers with children who are 0-5 years old and expectant mothers a place to learn about and identify developmental and/or behavioral concerns and be connected to community-based developmental and behavioral services and supports. If you are concerned about your child’s development or are an expecting mother, contact 1-800-MOM-BABY (1-800-666-2229) to speak with a care coordinator or visit dchealth.dc.gov
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DC Healthy Start Program aims to improve health outcomes of women and families before, during, and after pregnancy. Through Mary’s Center and Community of Hope, the DC Healthy Start program provides services to women, parents (including fathers), and infants up to 18 months of age residing in Wards 5, 7, and 8. To learn more, call 1-800-MOM-BABY (1-800-666-2229), email [email protected], or visit dchealth.dc.gov
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Mamatoto’s Perinatal Health Worker Training (PHWT) program prepares women to serve within their own communities. Women who receive training through the PHWT program are uniquely positioned to serve the perinatal community in a myriad of capacities including direct perinatal care and support, advocacy and policy engagement, entry level social work, and public health careers. Mamatoto provides labor and postpartum support, breastfeeding assistance, access to essential baby supplies, and mental health support for families. To learn more, call (202) 248-3434 or visit mamatotovillage.org.
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 Applications are still open for the DC Family Fun Destinations Grant program. The program incentivizes the development of permanent or semi-permanent attractions that will drive foot traffic, provide new experiences for the surrounding neighborhoods, and create a positive economic impact. The program is supported by $7.5 million in investments to support the creation of new family-friendly attractions downtown and in other parts of DC.
Awarded grant amounts will range from $250,000 to $3 million and will fund up to 50% of a project cost. The project can be at an indoor or outdoor facility or space open to the public for cultural, recreational, or entertainment uses.
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development is currently accepting proposals and the deadline to submit a Request for Application is June 2 @ 5:00 p.m. Learn more about the Family Fun Destinations Grant program and apply HERE.
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 Join the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services for a Vocational Career and Hiring Fair which will bring together dozens of hiring managers from top companies in DC and give participants the chance to learn more about available positions, submit their resume, and interview with employers.
Approximately 20 employers will be at the hiring fair, including the Office of Unified Communications, the Department on Disability Services, Park Hyatt Washington, DC Central Kitchen, and more!
- When: Wednesday, June 14 @ 10:00 a.m.
- Where: R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center (2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE)
- Register for the hiring fair HERE
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