PLEASE BE SURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THIS BOIL WATER ADVISORY FROM DC WATER

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July 3rd, 2024 Newsletter

*******BOIL WATER ADVISORY*******

PLEASE BE SURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THIS BOIL WATER ADVISORY ([link removed]) FROM DC WATER


Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Highlights

Last week, the Council voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024. I'm grateful to the dozens of individuals, organizations, businesses, residents, and stakeholders who met with me and my team to shape a budget that invests in public safety, education, the revitalization of our commercial corridors, and, most importantly, our people. Highlights below.


Operating Budget Investments

* Recurring funding to raise the “Clean Hands” non-DMV debt threshold from $100 to $1,000: Nearly one in five DC workers must get an occupational license before they can legally do their jobs. The District’s current Clean Hands Policy disproportionately impacts Black residents who are prohibited from receiving occupational licenses or starting businesses, presenting them with fewer opportunities to build wealth and pay outstanding debts resulting from fines and fees.

* $6,505,000 to save the Medical Cannabis Social Equity Fund: Provide equity, grants, and loans to assist social equity applicants and medical cannabis-certified business enterprises in gaining entry to and successfully operating in the Program.

* $2,000,000 recurring to fund Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP): The program provides interest-free loans and closing cost assistance to qualified applicants to purchase single-family houses, condominiums, or cooperative units in the District.*1

* $1,476,620 for creating a Commission on Reparations ([link removed]) : The Commission would research and develop reparation proposals for African Americans.

* $1,000,000 recurring to fund Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP), focused on First Responders: The Program offers eligible District government employees a deferred, 0% interest loan and a matching funds grant for down payment and closing costs to purchase their first single-family home, condominium, or cooperative unit in the District.*2

* $1,000,000 recurring to Events DC to fund grants for youth extracurricular activities: Programs to support nonprofit organizations that deliver services for youth extracurricular activities.

* $1,000,000 one-time funds to the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) to enhance the Main Street Grants: Funds will be used to enhance the work of the District’s 29 Main Street Programs. (Funds also received from the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety and the Committee on Facilities and Family Services.)

* $1,000,000 one-time funds to DMPED for the LGBTQ+ Community Center: Funds would assist with the completion of the build-out and renovation of the D.C. Center for the LGBTQ Community’s new building in the city’s Shaw neighborhood. (The Committee on Public Works and Operations contributed $500,000)

* $500,000 one-time to support Access to Justice Initiatives: The Program supports nonprofit organizations that deliver civil legal services to low-income and under-served District residents.*3

* $500,000 one-time to support Victim Services for Domestic Violence Services: Programs provide support to nonprofit organizations that deliver services to victims of domestic violence.*4

* $300,000 for a property tax abatement for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF): The UNCF national headquarters building in Shaw is a vital neighborhood anchor. This will enable UNCF to provide more scholarships to DC residents and students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. (The Committee on Public Works and Operations contributed $150,000)

* $300,000 recurring to fund problem gambling prevention and awareness: Funds will assist the Department of Behavioral Health in addressing efforts to address and prevent problem gambling.*5

* $272,000 recurring to the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD): These funds will be used to increase the pay of Clean Teams.

* $242,000 one-time to the Committee on Facilities and Family Services for Safe Shores DC Children’s Advocacy Center: The funds will be used to provide services and support for children affected by abuse and neglect in DC.

* $170,000 recurring to the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) to fund Clean Team expansion: Funds will be used for the Fort Lincoln Clean Team and the Ward 5 Roving Clean Team.

* $165,000 recurring to the Committee of the Whole to support District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) Programming: Funds will be used to support and enhance student-athlete achievement through athletic programming and quality learning experiences.

* $150,000 one-time to the Committee of the Whole for a study on vocational education: The funds will be used to conduct a study assessing the vocational educational landscape in the District.

* $46,000 property tax abatement for the Historic Kappa House: National Headquarters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, known as the historic "Kappa Kastle," home became a popular center of social activity, activism, and philanthropy for African Americans, especially during the era of racial segregation.


1 Funds sent to the Committee on Housing
2 Funds sent to the Committee on Housing
3 Funds sent to the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety
4 Funds sent to the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety
5 Funds sent to the Committee on Health

Capital Budget Investments
Over $5M in funding to develop and improve sports and recreation opportunities in
Wards 5,6,7, & 8
* $1,250,000 in FY25: Benning Stoddert Field sports field development in Ward 7
* $1,250,000 in FY26: Greenleaf Recreation Field sports field development in Ward 6
* $1,250,000 in FY27: Harry Thomas Recreation Field sports field development in Ward 5
* $300,000: Watts playground basketball court improvements in Ward 7
* Over $208,000 in both FY26 and FY27: Marvin Gaye Park additional sports field development in Ward 7
* Over $208,000 in both FY26 and FY27: Fort Stanton Recreation Center additional sports field development in Ward 8
* $10,000: Goodman Playground bleachers in Ward 8

Fourth of July Parades and Celebrations

There's still time to join #TeamMcDuffie during tomorrow's 4th of July Parades in Capitol Hill ([link removed]) andPalisades. ([link removed]) We look forward to seeing you there. For other fun activities in the District, visit Destination DC's 4th of July Guide ([link removed]) . Remember that WMATA is your best bet for getting around the District tomorrow ([link removed].) , and all trips taken after 5 pm are Fare-free.

Business Sentiments Survey 2024 Quarter 2 Results


This week, the D.C. Policy Center released its Business Sentiments Survey Quarter 2 Results. The survey’s goal is to provide systematic, comprehensive information on the business community’s experiences to elected officials, the media, and the public. I encourage you to read the full report ([link removed]) and thetwo-page summary. ([link removed]) Compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses are more concerned with taxes and the regulatory environment when making business location decisions. One of the recommendations suggests that;

"To improve the regulatory climate, policymakers can focus on limiting unnecessary or duplicative constraints on businesses. For example, raising the threshold on the Clean Hands certification and improving communication between regulating agencies would reduce barriers to entrepreneurship."

B25-0619 - Clean Hands Certification Economic Expansion and Revitalization Amendment Act of 2023 ([link removed]) , which had a hearing on June 20th, would do just that. We are grateful to all who have participated in this work. Last week's budget vote raised this limit from $100 to $1000, and we look forward to working with our stakeholders as we make necessary improvements to our business climate.

Skyland Phase Three Groundbreaking

Two weeks ago, Phase Three of the Skyland Project broke ground in Ward 7. As Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, I was pleased to see this final phase move forward. The Skyland Town Center project has been a vital economic development project for Ward 7 and the District, and this phase will include 126 townhomes, an all-affordable 75-unit senior building, and approximately 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. I am grateful to my colleague, Councilmember Vince Gray, without whom this project would never have come to fruition. He fought for it before joining the Council and again as Ward 7 Councilmember, Chair of the Council, and Mayor. He's been indefatigable for Skyland. The completion of this project has been a LONG time coming, but it is moving because of the advocacy of our residents and necessary investments from the District. Learn more about the project here ([link removed]) .


2024 NATO Summit Road Closure Maps



From Saturday, July 6, 2024, through Friday, July 12, 2024, vehicular traffic, pedestrians, and public transportation will be affected in the area of the Washington Convention Center, Mellon Auditorium, and the White House. Please plan accordingly and expect delays throughout the week.


Metrobus, Metrorail, and MetroAccess services will also be impacted in the area around the Washington Convention Center. Customers who use stations or bus routes in this area should allow additional travel time to account for detours and delays. For more information, visit the Traffic Advisory and Transit Impacts 75th Anniversary NATO Summit Page ([link removed]) .
Legislative Updates


On Wednesday, July 10th, the Committee of the Whole and the Committee on Health will hold a hearing on B25-0570, the Cardiac Planning and Response (“CPR”) Amendment Act of 2023 ([link removed]) . Last November, I introduced his bill along with Councilmembers Brianne K. Nadeau, Charles Allen, Anita Bonds, Janeese Lewis George, Robert White, Jr., Zachary Parker, Matthew Frumin, and Brooke Pinto.

The proposed bill would enhance the prior law by requiring schools to develop an evidence-based cardiac emergency response plan (“CERP”) to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing cardiac arrest or a life-threatening emergency while on school grounds. It would also require middle and high schools with an athletic department or organized athletic program to develop a CERP to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while attending or participating in an athletic practice or event while on school grounds.

Be sure to sign up to testify through the Council's Hearing Management system by visiting this link ([link removed]) .

Utility & Multi-Agency Resource Fair and
Job/Career Fair at Arena Stage

Join us on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM for a resource and career fair with our Utility companies (Pepco, Washington Gas, DC Water) and several District agencies. The event will take place at Arena Stage located at 1101 6th St SW.

Residents will receive information on training/education/career advancement opportunities and utility assistance programs. Check back soon on our social media feeds and next newsletter for more information!

DC Youth Meals Program

Hunger doesn’t take a summer break. This summer, youth 18 and younger have access to no-cost meals at over 100 sites across the city. No application or ID is required. Visit [link removed] for more information.

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Constituent Services Requests

Use [link removed] or connect with our Constituent Services Portal ([link removed]) and Director, Kelley Cislo, at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Office Resources

Staff Listing ([link removed])
Request a Meeting with Councilmember McDuffie ([link removed])
Invite Councilmember McDuffie to Your Event ([link removed])

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