November 22, 2023
Dear Washingtonians,
As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to share my gratitude for the progress we've made together in 2023.
In January, I said that my third term was a mandate from the people to be bold, to think big, to push the envelope, and above all else, to win for Washington, DC. In 2023, we?ve had some important wins. This was the year we opened Sycamore & Oak and the Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center on the St. Elizabeths East campus. This was the year we put our Comeback Plan into action. We welcomed new employers and new institutions like the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center to Downtown DC. It was the year we hosted the Major League Soccer All-Star Game, extended hours and expanded opportunities at our rec centers, and launched a Sports Team in DC Government to ensure Washington, DC remains the Sports Capital. It was the year we made big investments in Black homeownership, launched the HBCU Public Service Program, and overall, continued our work to give all Washingtonians a fair shot.?
Of course, we still have more progress to make and some big challenges to overcome ? they are challenges we have overcome before and we will do it again. I am grateful to lead a strong city, with strong foundations, and strong DC values.
 From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, DC!
With Gratitude,
 The Mayor?s Office of Innovation invites residents to celebrate the things that make our city special during this Thanksgiving season. Your gratitude can shape the future of our city! Access the survey?HERE.
 The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will not collect household trash and recycling on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 23). Collections that normally happen on Thursday will happen on Friday, November 24 and collections that normally happen on Friday will happen on Saturday, November 25. Leaf collection will operate on schedule. Scheduled bulk trash removal will resume on Monday, November 27.
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 The?annual Downtown Holiday Market is now open! The Holiday Market offers unique items from over 70 vendors, including 15 local businesses that are Made In DC-certified, a Department of Small and Local Business Development designation that promotes businesses that are headquartered and produce goods in DC.
The Holiday Market will run through December 23 on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW. It is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Learn more at downtownholidaymarket.com.
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 On Saturday, November 25, support small and local businesses by celebrating?Small Business Saturday.?Shoppers interested in supporting small and local businesses this holiday season can also use Shop in the District, a local retail guide created by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and the Washington DC Economic Partnership.?
In support of Small Business Saturday, the Department of Small and Local Business Development is promoting the annual #iBuyDC Challenge, a social media campaign designed to encourage consumers to shop small. Here?s how it works: When you buy a gift or holiday item from a local business, take a photo or video, mention the business on social media and use the hashtag #iBuyDC, and then tag a friend or family member and challenge them to shop local, make their own post, and pass it on. For more information, visit?dslbd.dc.gov/ibuydc.?
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 DC Cocktail Week, presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, will run from November 28 through December 5. Over 100 local establishments will participate in its inaugural debut, offering unique cocktails and menus throughout the week, allowing residents and visitors another opportunity to support local establishments and experience DC?s thriving culinary scene.
View a list of participating restaurants?HERE, and view a list of events offered all week?HERE.
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