Dear Ward 8 Residents,

This Saturday, I am teaming up with At-Large Councilmember Robert White to host the Ward 8 Housing Talkback and Resource Fair at Union Temple Baptist Church starting at 1 pm. RSVP to attend.

We have heard from residents that they are experiencing a range of issues relating to housing in the District, and this is our attempt to begin to answer the call. 

At this event, Ward 8 residents can connect with and share their feedback and experiences about housing programs, tenant rights, vouchers, and so much more. 

If you have time this Saturday, July 22, at 1:00 pm, meet us at the church and let us talk about how we can improve housing in the District. 


Respectfully,



Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
 

2023 FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.
Take advantage of these family-style events and activities and get involved this summer. To view to calendar, visit: http://tiny.cc/40DaysofPeace8
Draft Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2024 Available for Review
The District has completed its draft of the FY 2024 Annual Action Plan (the Action Plan), which is available for citizen comment. The Action Plan is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It provides a concise summary of the actions, activities, and specific federal and non-federal resources that will be used to address the priority needs and the specific goals identified by the FY 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan (the Con Plan). 
Documents to be discussed at the hearing:
  • The Draft Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Action Plan (including the Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan) 
  • Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022 Recovery Housing Program (RHP) Substantial Amendment for the Fiscal Year 2024 RHP Allocation 
  • Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment for Emergency Solutions Grant funds. 
  • Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Plan 
Hearing on the Draft Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendments
The Department will host a public hearing to solicit feedback on the Action Plan and the Allocation Plans on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Details are below.
Martin Luther King Jr Library
901 G Street, NW
 
To speak during the hearing:
  • Email [email protected]or 
  • Contact Clyde Edwards at (202) 442-7239 to speak at the hearing or ask general questions. 
For language assistance:
  • Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) relay service is available at (800) 201-7165. 
  • American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish interpreters will be available at the hearing. 
Citizens and stakeholders may provide DHCD with written statements by submitting them at the public hearing, mailing them to Colleen Green, Director, DHCD, 1800 Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020, or emailing to [email protected]
DHCD will include the written statements received by 5 p.m. on Monday, August 15, 2023, in the Action Plan. DHCD will keep comments received after August 15 on file. 
Councilmember White celebrates students at the William O. Lockridge Community Foundations annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony.

July 8, 2023
 
Councilmember White attended the annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony organized by the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation. During the event, 20 deserving students from the Class of 2023 in Wards 7 and 8 were honored with scholarships, each receiving up to $5,000 in financial support. To the delight of one of the recipients, the Foundation also surprised them with an additional $1,000 travel scholarship.

The ceremony took place at Martha's Table at the Commons. It served as a significant platform to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional achievements of the graduating students.
Councilmember White continues Resources to the Block throughout Ward 8.

July 13-18, 2023

Resources to the Block is a part of Councilmember Trayon White's 40 Days of Increased Peace initiative to engage residents while offering a safe event for residents in Ward 8. Find out where we are headed next: http://tiny.cc/40DaysofPeace8
July 12th | Wingate Apartments

[Click to Watch]
July 13th | Woodland Terrace

[Click to Watch]
July 18th | Wellington Park & Stanton Oaks

[Click to Watch]
The RLYA Committee is privileged to include the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) as one of the agencies under its purview and that includes knowing all the advantages DCPL offers constituents. For example, did you know that DCPL can be a big part of your summer fun? Well, let us tell you…

 One of the greatest joys of summer is the time that it affords to reading under the sun. Or perhaps cozied up on your favorite chair next to a huge window. But, what is reading without a good book?! Thankfully, with a District of Columbia Public Library Card you can access thousands of books, online. Yes, ebooks- of all kinds. This means that you can search and read from the comfort of your home or even while traveling. Any ebooks that you select can be conveniently downloaded to your laptop or mobile device. If you do not already have a library card, then apply online at Get A Card | District of Columbia Public Library (dclibrary.org). You will need to follow the instructions to claim a permanent copy of your library card from your local library within 90days.

Enjoy summer and happy reading!

Last week, the Council held the last legislative meeting before summer recess. Recess is between July 15 and September 15, and during this period, legislative meetings are not held. 

Of the recent community discussions in our Ward, and throughout the city, have focused on data showing a sharp rise in homicides and other crimes year-to-date from last year. This discussion typically gains urgency during the summer, when the weather and school breaks and social activity peaks. In hopes of avoiding a summer spike in crime, the Council passed an emergency public safety measure at the legislative meeting, the  Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act of 2023, which was introduced by the Chairperson of the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, Councilmember Brooke Pinto. Among other provisions revising the District’s criminal code, the bill established new criminal offenses and corresponding penalties for strangulation and certain firearm discharges, and adopted stricter pretrial detention policies for persons accused of committing certain violent and dangerous crimes. This measure, in emergency form, was the last opportunity for the Council to address public safety before the fall due to recess. The Council will resume hearings and discussion on a permanent public safety measure after recess.

The Council also passed three resolutions introduced by Councilmember White. The first, the Oxon Run Park of Day Recognition Resolution of 2023, celebrates the many contributions of Oxon Run Park and declares August 26, 2023 to be Oxon Run Park Day. The other two resolutions, the Travis Dread-Hughes Recognition Resolution of 2023 and the Sandra Erica Chambers Recognition Resolution of 2023, recognizes two residents with decades of service to the District. Mr. Travis Dread Hughes has worked for the District’s Department of Health and Department of Behavioral Health, and serves the community through his membership in three service organizations: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Masons, and the Shriners. Ms. Sandra Erica Chambers worked for the Social Security Administration for forty decades and is in the last month of an eight year term as president of the New-York Washington Missionary Society. 

Councilmember White’s recently introduced measure prohibiting the causeless wearing of ski masks in the District, the Ski Mask Prohibition Act of 2023 was included in the Secretary’s log of introductions for the July 11, 2023 meeting, as well as a measure designating the 800 block of Southern Avenue, S.E., between Chesapeake Street and Bonini Road, as Robert L. Yeldell way. Mr. Yeldell was a business and civic leader in Ward 8 for over three decades, and his contributions to Ward 8 are well worth this honor.

The legislative meeting was one of several important meetings held during the last week before recess. The Committee on Facilities and Family Services held a public roundtable on a resolution confirming the Delano Hunter as the new director of the District Department of General Services (DGS). DGS is responsible for supporting schools and other government facilities with maintenance and related services. In addition, the committee on Health, the Committee of the Whole, and the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety all held public hearings on proposed measures. 

During recess, we will be researching new ideas and gearing up for the fall legislative period. Have a safe summer and see you in the Fall!

Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act of 2023 -- the crime bill that the DC Council passed at the last legislative session. 
Outreach Team Conducts Ride-Arounds To Follow-Up on 3-11 Service Requests.

July 13, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White's Constituent Services team went throughout Ward 8 to report on things such as abandoned cars and illegal dumping. The team is happy to report that the Department of Public Works (DPW) has responded to the calls and removed several abandoned vehicles across Ward 8.

If you see abandoned vehicles, "call 311" and get a service request number. If delayed, call us at 202-724-8045. Together we can make our community better.
[CLICK TO WATCH]

    Quick Links

Twitter
Facebook
Website






This email was sent to [email protected]
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Council of the District of Columbia · 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW · Suite 400 · Washington, DC 20004 · USA