Dear Ward 8 Residents,

Tonight, we begin to plan for a safe summer.

I have asked our community partners to meet me at The Temple of Praise to help prepare and launch my summer initiative, "40 Days of Increased Peace. ([link removed]) "

This is a call-to-arms approach to reduce the violence in the community and to promote unity and public safety by and within the Ward 8 community.

This initiative centers around a community calendar of events for youth and young adults. This robust online calendar will act as a resource hub whereby Ward 8 residents can access the ward's events and activities, including sports, arts, job training, movie nights, academic camps, and much more.

At tonight's meeting, ([link removed]) we will identify our target areas, identify the gaps in service, and create a coordinated plan to address the gaps.

Summer is just around the corner. We want to significantly drive down crime, specifically gun violence, and create a community that is safe for young people and their families to enjoy Ward 8 and the richness of its culture.

It is a pleasure to serve the residents of Ward 8. I look forward to tonight's planning meeting.

Regards,
Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

The Giant® National Capital BBQ Battle is Back for its 31st year, as America’s Food & Music Festival and we have tickets for Ward 8 residents.

Mark your calendar for June 24th & 25th and bring the whole family to DC’s favorite Food & Music celebration.

For free tickets call the Office of Councilmember White at 202-724-8045. No more than 6 tickets per resident. Must be a Ward 8 resident.

For more information on the Giant Barbecue Battle, visit www.bbqdc.com ([link removed])

DPR’s Camp Riverview is an overnight summer camp, located on a beautiful 200-acre property in Scotland, Maryland. During each week-long session, District youth, ages 8-13, will have the opportunity to participate in hiking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, arts & crafts, horseback riding, and more!

Please visit [link removed] ([link removed]) for complete information.


** Virtual Public Meeting: Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS)
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** Two Sessions: June 6 and June 8, 2023
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(WASHINGTON, DC) — The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host two virtual public meetings to discuss the DC Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS). TOPS was built to support the administrative processes that regulate certain public space activities in the District. The system is used by both the public and organizations, ensuring that activities that impact public space are conducted in compliance with regulations and protect public health, safety, and the environment. To ensure TOPS meets the future needs of those who live, work, and play within the boundaries of the District, DDOT has undertaken development of TOPS 2.0, our future permitting system.

DDOT will be holding two sessions to discuss the TOPS system with the general public. The goal of these sessions is to discuss user experience with DDOT’s permitting process as well as suggestions on how it can be improved.


**
Virtual Public Meeting #1
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WHEN: Tuesday, June 6, 2023

TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 PM

TO PARTICIPATE:

Join online: [link removed] ([link removed]) Webinar number: 2302 497 1713 Webinar password: 72595649

Join by phone: 202-860-2110 Access code: 2302 497 1713



** Virtual Public Meeting #2
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WHEN: Thursday, June 8, 2023

TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 PM

TO PARTICIPATE:

Join online: [link removed] ([link removed]) Webinar number: 2303 841 7157 Webinar password: 25389683

Join by phone: 202-860-2110  Access code: 2303 841 7157

Can't Make a Meeting?

Materials from this meeting will be made available at ddot.dc.gov/node/481922 ([link removed]) within 72 hours of the conclusion of the meeting.

For more information about the TOPS system, or questions about the public meetings, please contact Christian Williams at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 202-573-5875.
Senior Fest is almost here. Join us for food, dancing, fun, and community!
* Wednesday, May 31st
* 10 AM - 3 PM
* 2700 MLK Jr. Ave SE

Learn more [link removed] ([link removed])
Honoring Ward 8 Giants, Wilhelmina and Calvin Rolark, in Ceremonial Street Renaming.

March 18, 2023
"It's important to honor our community heroes. Those that have selflessly given their time, energy, and skill set for the betterment of others."

"The person I am today is the direct result of community leaders who invested in me and our neighborhoods - much like Wilhelmina and Calvin Rolark," said CM White at the street unveiling event.

"The Rolarks were Ward 8 giants, leaving behind a legacy many of us still benefit from today."

Mr. Rolark was a fixture in the city's activist circles as a publisher of the Washington Informer newspaper, president and founder of the United Black Fund, and devoted supporter of his wife, Wilhelmina Rolark’s political career.

Mrs. Rolark served as the Ward 8 Councilmember for 16 years. She was highly influential as the Chairwoman of the Judiciary Committee.

"This kind of honor is long overdue. I am proud to have played a role in this recognition," stated CM White.

Hart Middle School Celebrates Honor Roll Students in Ceremony and Pizza Party.

[link removed]

[Click to Watch] ([link removed])

March 18, 2023
Councilmember Trayon White went to Hart Middle School to celebrate some exceptional young people at their honor roll award ceremony.

“We have so much excellence in our community. The young people I met today both at the honor roll assembly and just in the hallways at the school are something special. They are thriving despite the chaos that often targets our community. I am proud of them for just showing up with a willingness to want to achieve.”— CM White

CM White recognized two 4.0 students and awarded them each with a $200 scholarship.

Congratulations Hart! Continue to reach high.

[link removed]

[CLICK TO WATCH] ([link removed])

March 22, 2023
Councilmember Trayon White joined residents at the 9th annual Anacostia River Festival for a day of fun. #dcriverfest ([link removed])

Councilmember Trayon White Held Press Conference Before First Vote on FY24 Budget.

Councilmember Trayon White held a press conference ahead of the first budget vote in front of the John A. Wilson building.

"Ward 8 has historically been overlooked and underfunded. This budget is an opportunity for us as a Council to move towards a more equitable Washington, DC."

Councilmember White circulated a number of amendments to his colleagues to support, including improvements to Ward 8 schools and recreation centers.

Notably, each amendment requested was first proposed by residents of Ward 8 with the funding we found specifically from Ward 8 projects to allocate these priorities.

A second and final vote on the 2024 budget is scheduled for May 30th.
[link removed]
[Click To Watch]
[link removed]
[Click to Watch]

May 16, 2023
Councilmember Trayon White's Opening Remarks on First Vote of the FY24 Budget.
SAVE THE DATE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING FOR THE

FINAL VOTE OF THE FY24 BUDGET
SAVE THE DATE ([link removed])
UPDATES FROM THE LEGISLATIVE TEAM.

On Tuesday, May 16th, the Council held its first budget meeting to approve the Financial Year 2024(FY24) budget. There are two budget measures, the Local Budget Act and the Budget Support Act. Both were approved, first at the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting and later at the legislative session.

Significant investments and restorations from the Mayor’s cuts to essential programs included the restoration of funding to:
* The Ward 8 Community Investment fund ($528,000)
* Emergency rental assistance program (ERAP) from $8 million to $43 million
* $8 million for permanent support housing vouchers for individuals and families
* $4 million to support flexible scheduling for teachers
* $31 million to help indigent residents access legal services
* $7.5 million to support survivors of domestic violence --fully funding individual school budgets (the Mayor’s proposed budget cut the budget of 60% of schools in Ward 8 despite enrollment declines of less than 5%)
* $1.6 million to fund a healthy meals program in schools and;
* $500,000 to enhance the early literacy grant program

However, there is more work to be done. At the next legislative meeting, on May 30th, the Councilmember will introduce amendments to the Local Budget Act to create greater opportunities for youth in Ward 8 to learn and engage in recreation.

The Council also approved the following confirmations:
* Timothy W. Spriggs was appointed as the Director of the Department of Public Works
* Lindsey Appiah was appointed as the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice and;
* Colleen Green was appointed Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for trash collection, certain vehicular processes, including booting and towing, the removal of bulk items in accordance with District law and policy, and other processes to ensure that the District is clean and safe.

The Department of Housing and Community Development is responsible for preserving affordable housing in the District and balancing existing housing stock with proposed housing.
During the week of May 21st-27th, the Council will not convene for a legislative meeting this week; instead, some Committees will hold hearings to discuss matters under their jurisdiction. On Tuesday, May 23th, the Committee on Transportation and Environment held a hearing on the state of traffic enforcement in the District. Traffic enforcement in the District is a complicated issue because unlike other jurisdictions where a large amount of visitors enter daily, DC is unable to charge a toll or tax entry into the city. Many of the tickets and fines issued are issued to non-residents and are uncollectable because the District lacks the power to compel non-residents to pay fines.

On Wednesday, May 24^th, the Committee on Health will meet to discuss a bill that Councilmember White co-introduced, the Prior Authorization Reform Amendment Act of 2023, which would regulate the manner in which health insurers can demand that insured persons receive their consent prior to receiving certain medications, medical procedures, or other medical care. This legislation would also prohibit denials based solely on cost. There is still time to be included in the record for this hearing: the public can submit statements to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) until June 7, 2023. Another notable hearing on May 24^th is the confirmation hearing of Charon P.W. Hines as the Director of the Department of Aging and Community Living by the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor.

On Thursday, May 25, The Committee on Public Works will hold a hearing on a bill that they are reviewing with the Committee of the Whole, the Procurement Authority Amendment Act of 2023, which would take away the independent procurement authority of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), and require DCPS to procure goods and services through the Office of Contracting and Procurement. If you may recall in February of this year, Councilmember White engaged DCPS and the school community after it was discovered that the vendor chosen by DCPS to prepare food for school children was serving foods in Ward 8 schools that neither the vendor or DCPS could identify. Once scrutinized, it became clear that DCPS had entered into contract with this vendor without the required review of the Council. This bill, if approved, would mitigate the ability of DCPS to enter into contracts without review and approval of the Council.

Next week, on Tuesday, May 30th, the Council will hold the second legislative hearing on the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
UPDATES FROM THE COMMITTEE.
The Committee staff has been working on amendments to the FY24 budget that will increase facilities and programming for Ward 8 and neighboring areas.

Our amendments include the following:
* $1.5 million for field lights for Johnson Middle School
* $3 million for playground and other facility upgrades for Marvin Gaye Recreation Center in Ward 7
* $5 million for stadium renovations at Eastern High School in Ward 7
* $7.5 million for auditorium renovations at Anacostia High School
* $30 million for a sports complex at Fort Greble
* $30 million for a new recreation center at Bard HS Early College DC


** Marbury Plaza Tenant Associations Meet For Resources.
May 22, 2023
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Councilmember White and the Constituent Service Team met with the Tenant Associations of Marbury Plaza to bring resources from DC Department of Buildings (DOB), Office of Tenant Advocate (OTA) and DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DCHD).


** Bright Beginnings Hosts Job Fair at Rise Center
May 17, 2023
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Councilmember White's Constituent Service Team stopped by Bright Beginnings' Job Fair hosted at the Rise Demonstration Center. Career DC supported the event by offering mock interviews and a resume workshop.


** Black Yatch Celebrates 113 Years on the Anacostia River
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May 13, 2023

Councilmember White's Constituent Service Team attended the historical ceremony of, the "Flag Raising Ceremony," commemorating 113 years as a functioning African-American Yacht Club on the Anacostia River.


** Councilmember White's Team Receives Updates on MLK Corridor for Construction Project.
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May 15, 2023

Councilmember White's Constituent Service Team walked the MLK corridor to get updates on the Washington Gas/Infrasource Project Pipe initiative. This multi-agency project includes DDOT, DC Water, and Fort Myer Construction. The project is running smoothly and is scheduled to be completed with a freshly paved roadway by February 2025.
[link removed]
[CLICK TO WATCH]

WASHINGTON (7News) — Ashan M. Benedict will serve as the interim chief of police at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after Chief Robert Contee's last day on the job, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Friday.

As far as the next steps, D.C. council members are focused on the confirmation process for whoever Bowser names as Contee's successor. The council will then have to confirm the candidate to be chief on a permanent basis after holding a series of public hearings.

READ MORE HERE ([link removed])
CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE ([link removed])
CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE ([link removed])
CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE ([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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