November 9, 2023
Dear Washingtonians,
Let me start by sharing my gratitude for all the veterans in DC, including my brother and father and the 30,000 people in our city who have served to protect our freedoms. Of course, one of the best ways we show our appreciation for veterans is through our services and institutions. To that end, earlier this week, we cut the ribbon on a new health care facility for veterans in Downtown DC. And earlier today, we hosted local veterans at our DC Hires Vets event at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
 The DC Hires Vets event brought together District Government agencies, private sector companies, and non-profit organizations.
This week, I am also grateful that we celebrated the confirmation of multiple top-notch leaders at DC Government. On Tuesday, the Council voted unanimously to confirm Pamela Smith as the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. Since July, Chief Smith has made it a priority to make herself accessible to residents and businesses. She has been out in the community making sure people know what MPD is doing, making sure people know what resources we have to help them, and thinking about what tools we still need to build a safer, stronger DC. We have work to do, and I am proud to have Chief Smith at the helm of MPD as we continue engaging and working with community stakeholders and our partners on the Council and in the criminal justice system.
In addition to the confirmation of Chief Smith, we also celebrated the confirmation of six other directors who have stepped up to lead – a mix of leaders new to DC Government and those with years of experience working and leading in agencies. In their tenures as acting directors, each has already demonstrated passion and vision, energy, and a commitment to taking on big challenges:
- Sam Abed, Director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services
- Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director of DC Health
- Tiffany Crowe, Director of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
- Charles Hall, Jr., Director of the DC Department of Human Resources
- Brian Hanlon, Director of the Department of Buildings
- Delano Hunter, Director of the Department of General Services
I hope you will take some time to get to know these leaders. And if you are interested in working with them, or at any of our DC Government agencies, you can browse DC Government career openings at careers.dc.gov.
Sincerely,
 View photos from this week on Facebook.
 In observance of Veterans Day, DC Government services will be modified on Friday, November 10. The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will slide all household trash and recycling collections scheduled for Friday, November 10 to Saturday, November 11.
Leaf collection will operate on schedule. Bulk trash removal will be suspended on Friday, November 10 and will resume on Monday, November 13. For households participating in DPW’s curbside composting pilot program, the collection schedule will slide from Friday, November 10 to Saturday, November 11.
The Benning Road Transfer Station is closed for renovations until further notice. The Fort Totten Transfer Station will be closed to the public on Friday, November 10. All services will resume on Saturday, November 11 for bulk trash and recycling.
Back to Top
 Register now to attend EdFest, the District's annual public school fair and one-stop shop for families to learn more about public school options in DC. EdFest will feature representatives from DC Public Schools and public charter schools. The event will also include fun activities for the whole family.
EdFest is a unique opportunity to learn about public school options (PK3 – Grade 12), including key resources that can support families and students. EdFest is free to attend and on-site parking is available.
EdFest for PK3- Grade 8:
-
When: Saturday December 2 @ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
-
Where: DC Armory
- Register to Attend HERE.
EdFest for Grades 9-12:
-
When: Saturday, December 9 @ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
-
Where: Eastern High School
- Register to attend HERE.
Back to Top
There are plenty of reasons to #BeDowntown, especially to attend these upcoming events to celebrate Veterans Day:
Veterans Day Concert with the US Navy Band: Join the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, DC Public Library, and the National Museum of the United States Navy to enjoy a free day of music featuring the United States Navy Band’s dynamic popular music group, Cruisers, and the Concert Band’s 12-member brass ensemble.
-
When: Friday, November 10 @ 1:00 p.m.
-
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Library (901 G Street NW)
National Veterans Day Parade: Celebrate Veterans Day by joining in a parade along Constitution Avenue that will feature a variety of floats, marching bands, and veteran organizations.
-
When: Saturday, November 12 @ 9:00 a.m.
-
Where: Constitution Avenue (Parade starts at noon at National Archives)
Back to Top
 Next week, join the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for a pickleball summit to help DPR plan the future of pickleball in DC! The summit will allow attendees to learn about current pickleball trends and find out more about DPR’s plans for expanding pickleball.
- When: Wednesday, November 15 @ 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Avenue NE)
- Register to attend HERE.
Back to Top |
