Dear Ward 8 Residents,

Residence are facing hard times trying to keep up with the rising cost of living here in the District. Many families are struggling to make ends meet and as a result decisions about paying rent, utilities, and other household needs are being wagered to determine the priority of the month.

Last week, I wrote an open letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser urging her to swiftly develop a comprehensive plan to tackle this urgent concern.

For residents on the brink of eviction, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has long been a lifeline to support low-income families. However, families have communicated to me that this program is not readily available, with one family stating they have been without electricity for four months.

These conditions are a violation of basic human rights. No one in this city, with a budget surplus, should ever have to go months without the assurance of our government resources.

There are countless stories with the same tale throughout our city. In September alone, there were a staggering number of evictions in Ward 8. From the beginning of FY23 until February 1, 2023, Ward 8 witnessed a total of 101 evictions. More recently, since the week of June 23rd until September 18th, Ward 8 has seen 67 out of the district’s 185 evictions, constituting one-third of the citywide evictions.

It is imperative that we not only collaborate to guarantee that ERAP remains readily available to those in dire need but that the Mayor explore long-term solutions to make housing stability a reality for all residents, not just those on the brink of eviction.

I am confident in the path forward, that there is a way to make this city more equitable and compassionate, where every resident has access to safe, stable housing year-round.

Respectfully,
Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

[link removed]

3rd Annual Ward 8 Trunk & Treat
Trunk & Treat is a free and safe alternative to the regular trick-or-treating we see during Halloween, allowing children to walk from vehicle to vehicle to collect candy and snacks along the way.

We invite residents, community leaders, and business owners to join the festivities by entering their decorated vehicles into the Trunk & Treat event. You may also support this event by making a charitable donation to an activity safe for families.

Location
Oxon Run Park
On the corner of Wheeler Rd SE & Valley Ave SE
Washington, DC 20032
On the field near the basketball courts

Activities
-Game truck
-Bounce house
-Hayrides
-Face painting
-Food, drinks, concession snacks and live performances

Enter Your Car For Trunk & Treat
tinyurl.com/trunkortreatWard8

Last week, the Council held a legislative meeting. The Council unanimously approved Councilmember White's emergency and temporary legislation, the Ward 8 Community Investment Fund Clarification Act, to establish a grant program for Ward 8 residents and small businesses. To be eligible, the business and entrepreneur must be located in Ward 8. The grant is available to businesses that are in the start up phase, new business, and established businesses, and the total amount allocated for the fiscal year (October 2023 to October 2024) is a $528, 000. The Council also unanimously approved two resolutions honoring Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, and DJ Kool. The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Recognition resolution celebrated the 60 years of service and thousands of social service hours provided by the fraternity and the DJ Kool Recognition Resolution celebrated the 45 years of musical contributions made by DJ Kool as a DJ, artist, and producer.

This week, Councilmember White participated in a "markup", or Committee meeting to prepare legislation from the review of the Committee to the entire Council at a legislative meeting. The Committee on Executive Administration and Labor held a markup on the nomination of Charles Hall to be the permanent director of the District of Columbia's Human Resources (DCHR, which is the personnel authority of the District's 30,000 plus employees. The markup also included the confirmation of Arrington Dixon as a Board member of the Office of Employee Appeals and the re-nomination of Peter Winkler as a Board Member at the Public Employee Relations Board. The Office of Employee Appeals mediates and decides disputes between employees and the agencies that employ them. The Public Employee Relations Board mediates and decides disputes between agencies and unions.

Also for this week, the Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing on metro safety, the Committee on Public Works will hold public hearings on a measure concerning DCPS and the Department of General Services Work Order Process, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment will hold a hearing on the overheating of living spaces, and the Committee on Housing will hold a hearing on reverse mortgage foreclosures. The Council's calendar and instructions on how to sign up to testify can be found here ([link removed]) .
Ballou students and school alumnae celebrate victory at its homecoming game.

October 7, 2023

Councilmember White ('02), a proud alumnus of Ballou Senior High School, was present at the Ballou Homecoming game where Ballou faced off against Roosevelt Senior High School. Alongside him was his Chief of Staff, Wanda Lockridge ('78), who is also a Ballou alumna. They eagerly watched as Ballou dominated the game, finishing with an impressive 42 points while Roosevelt trailed behind with a score of 6. The game took place following a morning of rain, and it was a proud moment for the Ballou community to come together for their Homecoming event. #KnightsforLife.

Councilmember White attends Worthington Woods groundbreaking ceremony.

October 5, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White celebrated the groundbreaking and renovation at Worthington Woods apartments. Councilmember White thanked MHP and its work to ensure Worthington Woods maintains quality living conditions for the Congress Heights community. These renovation projects help to prevent displacement, allowing residents to live and thrive.
Councilmember White hears from 3rd grade students at Savoy Elementary School about democracy.

October 5, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White met with 3rd-grade students from Savoy Elementary School to hear more about their lessons in democracy. He also shared how the DC Council works for them about things they want to see differently in DC and their school system.

Councilmember White joins officials for a public safety walk in the Fairlawn community.

October 5, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White and his constituent service team joined a community walk throughout designated areas in the Fairlawn community to address various issues including, abandoned cars, vacant properties, public safety concerns and more.

A number of government agencies attended as a task force to address their areas of expertise:

* DBH – Assisting w/Behavioral Health Services
* DLCP – Illegal/Unlicensed Vendors
* DPW – Illegal Dumping / Street and Alley Cleaning
* DCHealth – Rodents
* OAG – Violence Interruption Team
* DHS – Services for Unhoused Residents
* DMHHS – Homeless Encampment / Homeless Services
* CCRC and MPD – Captain Tutt
* DMPSJ – Representative
* Safe Passage – Roving Team and Contract Provider
* DDOT – Minnesota Avenue Traffic Calming Measures
* FEMS – Fire Safety

The Constituents Service staff attends "Coffee with a Cop" at Starbucks on MLK.

October 4, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White's constituents services staff joined the local MPD officers at Starbucks for their "Coffee with a Cop" event. At this event, Commander Makel and 7th District Officers made and served the community coffee and discussed how to better the relationship between MPD and the community.

Arthur Capper holds vendor fair for residents.

October 6, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White's constituents services staff joined seniors at their vendor fair for residents at Arthur Capper.

WASHINGTON — Emergency crews closed Kramer Middle School on Q Street Southeast Tuesday because of a diesel leak. DC Police and firefighters were called to the scene to conduct an investigation.

Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White first reported the closure on social media ([link removed]) just before 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. According to White, no one was able to access the building and students were sent to nearby Anacostia High School for the day. Classes at Kramer were canceled for the day.

CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE HERE ([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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