Dear Ward 8 Residents,

Peace and love. This week, as the Chairperson of the Committee on Recreation, Libraries & Youth Affairs, I held three critical Budget Oversight Hearings and heard from the following agencies:
* DC Library
* Office on African Affairs
* Office on African American Affairs
* Office on Caribbean Community Affairs
* Office on Latino Affairs
* Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
* Serve DC
* Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services

My team and I meticulously combed through each agency's budget and heard from the community and agency officials to review their budget requests. This process requires attention to detail and is essential to ensuring that our community's needs are met effectively and efficiently.

This is an important part of the overall budget process. By carefully examining each budget request, we can identify areas where enhancements are needed to serve residents District-wide better. From investing in our recreation centers, libraries, or youth programs, our goal is to make strategic adjustments that align with projected revenues and prioritize the well-being of our community.

This means considering a range of options, from policies to making tough decisions about cuts and enhancements to spending, but rest assured, I am committed to approaching this balancing act with fairness and transparency.

Please stay engaged in this process and share your thoughts and concerns with me as we work towards a balanced budget.

Regards,

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City and the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, invite you to Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 7th Annual Spring Cleanup in commemoration of the 54th Earth Day holiday on April 27, 2024.

Ward 8: Buena Vista– 2455 Alabama Ave SE

Four locations will have roll-off containers (Wards 1, 5, 6, 8) provided for bulk waste disposal. We encourage all residents, community organizations, and businesses to join us for this important event. Together, we can make a significant impact in ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

Residents can register to volunteer and learn more about the event by visiting: [link removed] ([link removed])

For more information, please contact Deja Pierre at [email protected] or 240-438-8963.
REGISTER TO ATTEND: [link removed] ([link removed])
Exciting News! The Asberry is now accepting applications.
Join POAH and DCHA today to apply to live at The Asberry!
Representatives will be on-site to share information about leasing, move-in dates, and more.

Applications are available now.

Apply in-person Monday - Friday from 10 am to 4 pm at:

Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative
2006 MLK Ave. SE
Suite #404
Washington, DC 20020

Please bring your ID to access the building.

Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or call (771) 233-7384 for more information.
The Office of Councilmember Trayon White
6-Month Progress Report 2023

Click to Review ([link removed])

Delta Day at the Council.

April 24, 2024

Councilmember White met with The Federal City Alumnae Chapter and the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated during its Delta Day at the Council, where key priorities including addressing missing girls and trafficking, health disparities for women, and public safety were discussed.

Councilmember White highlighted ongoing efforts in each area, emphasizing measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations. He pledged to continue advocating for equitable access to healthcare to combat health disparities for women and to work on enhancing public safety measures. The meeting served as a platform for dialogue and action on critical community issues, fostering collaboration between Councilmember White and Delta Sigma Theta members to drive positive change.
Legislative Updates ()
As this budget oversight season rolls on, the Councilmember has shown increased concerns about many of the budget lapses and cuts. This past week, the Housing Committee held an oversight hearing to which the Councilmember stated his concern about budget cuts for Rapid Rehousing Programs.

The budget did not add any new permanent housing vouchers for families in the budget. In fact, Rapid rehousing is facing a cut of a bevy of cuts that are endangering these families. Rapid rehousing is losing 12.7 million dollars for families, over 5 million dollars for individuals, and has no additional funding for youth. In total, the program is losing close to 18 million dollars.

Additionally, there was an oversight hearing for the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor. The councilmember is concerned that In-Home Services has been reduced by 920 thousand and other smaller cuts- but cuts nonetheless- to the DACL FY25 budget, but pleased to see an increase in funding toward Advocacy/Elder Rights and Assistance and Referral Services to the tune of 291 thousand and 553 thousand respectively.

Finally, there is a salient oversight hearing on Thursday by the Committee of Judiciary and Public Safety on the funding of the Office of Unified Communications and Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants. The OUC sees a 6.2 percent increase in operating funds to 63.4 million dollars for the agency to address these issues but the Office of Victim Services and Justice grants losing 24 percent, equivalent to 25 million dollars. The councilmember intends to show concern and appreciation.
Committee Updates ()
[link removed]
[Click to Watch] ([link removed])
The budget oversight hearing for the DC Public Library held on Wednesday, April 24th, by the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs, aimed to review the library's proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025. The hearing provided an opportunity for Councilmember Trayon White and other community members to evaluate the library's funding priorities, expenditures, and performance in delivering library services to residents across the District of Columbia.

During the hearing, representatives from the DC Public Library presented an overview of their proposed budget, highlighting key areas of investment and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing library services and promoting community engagement. The hearing gave updates on capital improvement projects, such as Parklands-Turner Library, and a discussion regarding Shepherd Park Library and a potential new library on Kennedy Street in Northwest DC.

Overall, the budget oversight hearing served as a forum for robust discussion and collaboration between the DC Public Library and the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs, with a shared goal of ensuring that the library remains a vital resource and cultural hub for all residents of the District of Columbia.

[link removed]
[Click to Watch] ([link removed])

The Committee on Recreation, Libraries & Youth Affairs held a Budget Oversight Hearing on April 25, 2024. RLYA Budget Oversight Hearing on MOAA, MOAAA, MOAPIA, MOCCA, MOLA and Serve DC.

Councilmember White discusses ways to address crime and enhance community support.

April 21, 2024

This week, Constituent Services Specialist Louise Thorne joined Councilmember White at St. John CME Church for a community event.

Councilmember White contributed to a panel discussion focused on strategies to address crime and enhance community support. Attendees actively engaged with insightful inquiries, receiving comprehensive responses. Additionally, the event offered complimentary food, haircuts, and various enjoyable activities for families.

Councilmember White hosts educational forum at Ballou High School on Secure DC.

April 12, 2024

Councilmember White organized an educational forum on Secure DC for Ballou Senior High School students. They learned about new laws and how these changes might affect them and their friends. The students paid close attention and really cared about how these new rules could change their community.
Students share insights on Secure DC crime bill from Anacostia High School.

April 4, 2024

Councilmember White's Constituent Services team joined him at Anacostia High School for an engaging discussion on US and DC government affairs.

CM White discussed the intricacies of the Secure DC crime bill and its potential impact on the future of Washington, D.C., and its residents.

During the session, students from Anacostia shared great insights from their essays, offering unique perspectives on governance. Some reflected on personal encounters with crime and trauma, highlighting its profound effects. Others addressed issues such as bullying, financial hardships, and the other challenges around growing up in Southeast Washington, DC.
Coffee with a Cop with 3rd District MPD.

April 26, 2024

Monique Diop, our dedicated Constituent Services Director, engaged in an enriching session of "Coffee with a Cop" alongside officers from the 3rd District, representatives from CSOSA, the new credible messengers, and members from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants. This collaborative gathering occurred at the distinctive Starbucks Signing Store, led by a diverse team of employees who are all fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) fostering community dialogue and mutual understanding.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and community members celebrated the completion of the MLK Gateway project Phase II in historic Anacostia and cut the ribbon on the new headquarters of the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The Mayor was joined by members of the Council of the District of Columbia, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, DHCD, the Department of General Services (DGS), and The Menkiti Group.

Councilmember Trayon White commented on the project, though unable to attend because of budget hearings, "As the community comes together for the ribbon cutting of the MLK Gateway II project, we celebrate not just the physical structure, but the transformative impact it will have on our community. This project offers a vibrant mix of retail opportunities and job prospects for our residents. By activating this community corridor, we are strengthening connections, providing increased access to goods and services, and paving the way for a brighter future for all those living East of the River.”

CLICK TO WATCH ([link removed])


** Quick Links
------------------------------------------------------------
* 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])
* Check out the 2023 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Visit our website NEW WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION ([link removed])
* CM White's Social Media Facebook ([link removed]) | Instagram ([link removed]) | Twitter ([link removed])

============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])

This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
Council of the District of Columbia . 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW . Suite 400 . Washington, DC 20004 . USA