Dear Ward 8 Residents,

I know you all are wondering about the current progress regarding the Secure DC legislation aimed at reducing crime in our city.

As many of you may be aware, this bill has generated a lot of discussion and debate within the community. I want to assure you that my office is actively working on several amendments to the legislation to make it more balanced and effective in addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.

Our goal is to create a safer and more secure environment for all residents of Washington, DC while ensuring that the rights and liberties of individuals are upheld.

The proposed amendments aim to strike a balance between reducing crime and protecting civil liberties. By working collaboratively with community members, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers, we are confident that the revised legislation will have a meaningful impact on improving public safety in our city.

I encourage all residents to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing discussion surrounding the Secure DC legislation. Your feedback and input are invaluable as we continue to refine the bill to best serve the needs of our community. Together, we can work towards a safer, more prosperous Washington DC for all its residents. 

Warm regards,

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8 

Recreation For All Community Grants
Rec for All grants provide support to programs, activities, and events that will engage youth, provide recreation opportunities, and promote skill development.

Mayor Bowser is inviting residents to join her at the annual Budget Engagement Forums. For the tenth year in a row, the forums will give residents the opportunity to share their values and priorities with the Mayor before she sends her Fiscal Year 2025 budget to the Council.  

Citywide Budget Engagement Forum #1

When: Saturday, February 24 @ 11:00 a.m.
Where: Deanwood Community Center (1350 49th Street NE)
RSVP:  tinyurl.com/FY25BEFDeanwood

Citywide Budget Engagement Forum #2

When: Wednesday, February 28 @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: Brookland Middle School (1150 Michigan Ave NE)
RSVP: tinyurl.com/FY25BEFBrookland

This week, the Council did not have a legislative meeting. The Council did have a COW hearing. In the COW hearing, the Council heard considerations of other committees that included the Black LGBTQ History Preservation Establishment Amendment Act of 2024.

Councilmember Trayon White brought forward the Robert Yeldell Way Designation Act of 2024. Robert L. Yeldell was a Ward 8 resident and political activist who served as an ANC Commissioner and member of the District of Columbia Democratic State Committee. Yeldell lived in the Park Southern Apartments located at 800 Southern Avenue, S.E. where he also served as president of the tenants’ association. Following his death, the apartment complex was renamed the Robert L. Yeldell Towers. Yeldell died on January 6, 2007. The bill symbolically designates Southern Avenue, S.E. between Chesapeake Street, S.E., and Bonini Road S.E. as Robert L. Yeldell Way.

The Council is still reviewing The Secure DC bill, which seeks to crack down on illegal gun possession, lower the bar for retail theft crimes, implement drug-free zones, expand pretrial detention for those who are charged with violent crimes, expansion of DNA collection from suspects, and enhance sentencing among other provisions.

Several amendments have been pushed by several councilmembers. Councilmember McDuffie's amendment would eliminate or limit the pretrial detention and the DNA collection provisions. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George introduced an amendment to expedite an expansion of criminal records that are allowed to be expunged. After the accepted amendments, the Secure DC bill was voted on to move on to the second hearing phase with 12 of 13 votes. Councilmember Trayon White voted present.

Councilmember Trayon White has concerns about how this bill will affect the Ward 8 Community. Currently, the Councilmember and his team are reviewing amendments to the Secure DC bill to ensure the civil rights of the people of Ward 8.

We are still in performance oversight. This week and next week, there will be daily hearings by the various committees to learn more about the agencies under their purview. You can find the calendar here.

The Committee is holding its final performance oversight hearing on the Department of Parks & Recreation on Thursday, February 22 at 9:30 am. 

Budget hearings will begin in late March as agencies seek to finalize their budgets and as we advocate for Ward 8 for the 2025 fiscal year.

Councilmember Trayon White met with Political Science Students From UDC regarding legislative procedures, council operations and more.

February 20, 2024

Councilmember White met with several political science students from the University of the District of Columbia who were learning about the political process, council operations, and legislative procedures.  During the meeting, Councilmember White shared insights into his ticket amnesty bill and its progression through the legislative process. 

These students are gearing up to provide testimony at an upcoming performance oversight hearing.

February 16, 2024

The Constituent Services Team joined a variety of government agencies and non-profit organizations for a resource pop-up on Elvans Road. This event was hosted by Councilmember McDuffie and Chairman Mendelson's offices to bring resources to the community during in-service school day.

February 8, 2024

Councilmember Trayon White's Constituent Services team visited with leaders from Project Create DC, a community-based nonprofit that promotes creative youth development through multi-disciplinary arts education, arts enrichment, and art therapy. 

They learned a lot about their amazing programs and opportunities for children living east of the river.

Name:  Shajei Haider

Job Title: Legislative Assistant  

What are some specific duties you do at work?  

I work on researching other bills and laws that are in place and see how those laws interact with the people of Ward 8. I also help draft bills in our office.

What's your favorite food? 
My favorite food has to be chicken tikka masala! One cannot go wrong with chicken tikka masala. 

What's your favorite movie? 
I’ll go with Paid in Full. 

What's something you're proud of? 
Proud to be the first person in my family to go to law school.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies? 
Freestyling and roller skating.

Are you a morning person or a night person?
I am an all day and night person.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an astronaut or a Bo Jackson type multiple sport athlete.

What motivates you at work? 
Advocating for a community that deserves the best.

What's your favorite work-related memory?
Every day gifts me with great memories

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
Making my mom happy by getting married (hopefully – she has been wishing this for a decade now).

What are your greatest accomplishments thus far? 
Publishing a study that showed the creation of hip hop was mental health therapy. 

What do you love about Ward 8? 
The culture and close-knit community.

Name:  Dante’ Daniel

Job Title: Research Analyst

What are some specific duties you do at work?
Data/Policy Analysis, Legislative Research, Policy recommendations and memorandums.

What's your favorite food? 
Cheesesteaks & Pizza.

What's your favorite movie? 
Sleepers & I am Legend.

What's something you're proud of? 
Overcoming obstacles.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies? 
Not that I know of, but maybe reading.

Are you a morning person or a night person?
At this age, I would have to say the morning now. 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? NBA player.

What motivates you at work? 
Bridging gaps!

What's your favorite work-related memory?
Acquiring my first job out of college.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
In good health and employed. 

What's your greatest accomplishments thus far? 
Personal: Family, Professional: PHD and overseas tour.

What do you love about Ward 8? 
The people! There is no Ward 8 without the people. 

What else do you want to share about yourself?
I look forward to working with my day-to-day colleagues and collaborating with other offices.