Dear Ward 8 Residents,

As your elected official, I want to reiterate my commitment to fighting for equity and inclusion for the people of our city, especially those living in Ward 8. This commitment is a guiding principle that I plan to uphold to the best of my abilities. 

The budget is a moral document that highlights the investments that we believe are important to the city. On April 3rd, Mayor Muriel Bowser presented the FY25 Budget Proposal, which outlines how this city intends to allocate $20.9 billion in taxpayer money.  

Specific cuts and allocations in the FY25 Budget Proposal warrant our attention. My team and I are diligently reviewing these concerns, particularly regarding cuts to vital programs such as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and affordable housing. 

ERAP was cut to just $20 million, which is not enough to impact residents facing eviction and in need of supportive services. This is a critical issue that requires more funding, not less. 

During the budget presentation, Mayor Bowser stated she believes that people who utilize ERAP are capable of paying their rent despite the program verification process of producing pay stubs, a pending eviction notice, and other subsequent documents. In other words, she believes that people are taking advantage of the program and intentionally not paying rent in hopes that the government will aid them. 

I strongly disagree with this sentiment. I hear the cries of parents who are struggling to make ends meet, facing eviction and other housing instability issues. District residents are not choosing to face eviction - they are actually facing eviction despite being hardworking individuals. 

Despite these challenges, there are notable highlights within the budget. We are pleased to see a significant increase in funding for D.C. public schools, which will greatly benefit our students in Ward 8. This investment underscores our commitment to providing high-quality education and resources to our youth. 

As we navigate through the budget oversight hearings, scheduled from April 3rd through the first week of May, I want to stress the crucial role your voice and participation play in shaping the budget to better serve our community. 
 
These hearings are not just a formality, but a real opportunity for you to make a difference. I encourage you to stay informed and engaged. You can find the calendar of hearings on the Council website at https://dccouncil.gov/events/.

Peace & Love, 

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8 
 

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) would like to inform the community that the following playgrounds in Oxon Run Park have started renovations on Tuesday, April 2, 2024:

• 4th Street SE Playground - located at 251 Wayne Place SE
• 1st Street SE Playground - located at 4510 First Street SE

We will update the community once the renovation is complete. 

For more details about the project, please visit: https://dgs.dc.gov/page/oxon-run-playgrounds

Residents are welcome to contact DPR's Customer Care Center by phone at (202) 673-7647 or by email at [email protected] should you have any additional questions.

This week, the mayor's budget for the year 2025 was released. The budget is an extensive document that highlights what programs, laws, and institutions the Mayor and executive branch choose to fund and execute. This year, the budget was the largest in the history of the District of Columbia. However, the budget has several cuts that Councilmember Trayon White Sr. is concerned with. In addition to cuts, several programs are funded below the ask of the Councilmember. This includes the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which was allocated at $20 million, well below the Councilmember's ask. Affordable housing and DHCD have also seen an over 14% decrease in funding. The Councilmember and his team are reviewing these concerns.

The funding however sees a $341 million increase in funding for D.C. public schools, which will raise the uniform per student funding formula by over 12%. The investment is crucial to our dedication to students of Ward 8 to get high-quality education and resources. WMATA  funding was also increased. Further information regarding the budget should be introduced throughout budget oversight hearings. The budget oversight hearings started April 3^rd and will go through the first week of May. The calendar of hearings can be found here.
 
Furthermore, the Councilmember is gearing up to introduce legislation surrounding Apprentice Access-ship, regulations for 24-hour tobacco stores, ANC funding help, and DYRS support/protection for employees. More information is to follow.

Councilmember White and his dedicated staff organized a special trip for the seniors from Knox Hill to enjoy the Bob Marley movie and what a wonderful time they had.

Surrounded by the captivating story of Bob Marley, our seniors immersed themselves in the music, the culture, and the legacy of this iconic figure. Laughter, joy, and camaraderie filled the theater as they shared this unforgettable experience.

Councilmember White and members of his staff spent an afternoon with Ward 8 residents at Nats Stadium for the Opening Game against the Philadelphia Pirates.

This special event was a great way for residents to come together, enjoy the excitement of baseball, and cheer on our beloved home team. What a great way to kick off the season!

Councilmember White's Constituent Service Team had the privilege of attending the impactful 'Teen Stop The Violence' event hosted by Community of Hope. The event, aimed at raising awareness and promoting peace, was a significant step towards a safer community. 

Community of Hope is a cornerstone in our community, continually fostering engagement through various programs. Community of Hope is a vital resource hub, supporting residents in myriad community-related matters. From medical assistance to housing, mental health support, dentistry, and the invaluable Family Success Center, their commitment to holistic well-being is unwavering. Operating from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

April 1, 2024

Monique Diop, our dedicated Director of Constituent Services, teamed up with the Community of Hope on April 1st to provide invaluable support to our residents. Together, they assisted individuals with their Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) applications, processing a total of 16 applications.

Additionally, Monique and the team went the extra mile by helping residents file applications for other assistance programs. Their collective efforts are making a significant impact in ensuring our community members receive the aid they need during these challenging times.

WASHINGTON — As expected, the DC Council unanimously passed the Monumental deal Tuesday evening. Prior to the vote, many council members voiced concerns about the terms of the deal they saw for the first time 24 hours before the scheduled vote. Councilmember At-Large Robert White said, “The Mayor dropped the ball. The only reason we have the teams back is because Virginia fumbled.”

“This vote is not a rubberstamp,” CM At-Large Kenyan McDuffie added. “We have questions about the public’s return on investment.”

“Frankly, I don’t think D.C. residents get enough out of this deal right now,” said Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White who expressed concern about Monumental’s further investment in the Sports and Entertainment Arena in SE.

This edition of The Collins Council Report drops on the cusp of an action-packed budget season. 

On Tuesday, April 2, D.C. Council members discussed a bevy of topics. Within the next couple of weeks, readers will learn more about the controversy surrounding project labor agreements and marijuana dispensaries near schools.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE