Dear Ward 8 Residents,

I have some exciting news to share. In July, I conducted a ride-along with the District Department of Transportation Director Sharon Kershbaum to address some issues in our community. During the ride, we discussed several concerns raised by Ward 8 residents. 

Below are updates on the actions taken by DDOT and ongoing efforts to address these issues:

• Conflicting Signage in the Bus Priority Lane (2300 block of MLK Ave SE): The signs were kept the same during construction. DDOT will have the signs corrected.

• Requests for Flexposts at Southview and Southern Ave (around the pedestrian island): This request was forwarded to a DDOT team, who will investigate and determine the appropriate measures.

• Lane Configuration in the 2200 Block of Southern Avenue: Flexposts in the left lane are confusing drivers turning left onto Mississippi Ave. DDOT recognizes the safety concerns and will investigate to find a suitable solution.

• Missing 'Welcome to DC' Sign at Wheeler and Southern Ave: A new sign is in the works. However, this is a specialty sign, and fabricating and installation may take 2-3 months.

• Speed Humps in Various Locations: The speed humps in the 1500 block of Mississippi Ave, 500 block of Valley Ave, and the 2400 block of 23rd Street SE were found to be too high. DDOT is coordinating with its contractors to adjust these hump sizes to meet safety standards.

• School Zone Flashing Sign Not Working (1400 block of Alabama Avenue, SE): A service request has been submitted (SR# 24-00440690) to address this issue. DDOT is working to resolve it as quickly as possible.

• Broken Catch Basin (3373 23rd Street, SE): DC Water was notified (SR# 24-597694)to complete the repair.

• Bus Stop Relocation Request (2700 block of MLK Ave SE, near the carwash): DDOT will collaborate with WMATA and its Bus Priority Project team to investigate the possibility of relocating or consolidating this bus stop as per the request of residents.

• Waclark Place: DDOT will restore the street by removing the no-parking signs on the west side, making the area more accessible.

Additionally, I am pleased to share DDOT’s commitment to increasing parking spaces in Historic Anacostia. To date, they have:

• Added a parking space in front of 1926 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE by moving the post and sign closer to the curb cut.
• Restored three parking spaces in the 2000 block (west side) of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE.
• Restored five parking spaces in the 2000 block of Shannon Place SE that were previously zoned for commercial parking only.

We are taking a collabrative approach towards improving the quality of life in Ward 8. I will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in making our community a better place.

Respectfully,

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

For back to school, we successfully partnered with other community based organizations hosting backpack giveaways to ensure Ward 8 scholars were ready for the first day of school.

Through these collaborations, we ensured that families in our community received the supplies they needed for a successful school year.

The Office of Councilmember Trayon White is grateful for the opportunity to work together with our partners to make a positive impact. Our commitment to the community remains strong, and we look forward to future opportunities to serve Ward 8 residents.

Registration for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF)'s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference is now open.

This year's conference will be held from September 11-15, 2024, in Washington, D.C. with the theme “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” which reflects on "CBCF’s commitment to unity, progress, and advocacy for economic prosperity and social justice for the global Black community."

Participating in the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference is an invaluable opportunity for individuals to engage directly with policymakers, gain insight into crucial legislative issues, and contribute to shaping the future of African American communities and the nation. This conference serves as a dynamic platform for discussing critical topics such as economic empowerment, social justice, and education reform, while also fostering collaboration among leaders, activists, and constituents. By attending, participants can enhance their understanding of the legislative process, influence policy decisions, and strengthen their advocacy efforts, all of which are essential for driving meaningful change and ensuring that diverse voices are represented in national conversations.

"This year’s Annual Legislative Conference theme, ‘From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,’ is an intentional call to action," President and CEO of the CBCF, Nicole Austin-Hillery, said in a press release. "It embodies our ongoing march toward progress and our dedication to fostering innovation, advocacy, and collaboration. With equality and opportunity as our pillars, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is proud to host this annual convening that advances prosperity, ignites passion for change, and amplifies voices that will shape the future for us all."

CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference "offers over one hundred free in-person issue forums and established brain trusts, with select virtual programming." The conference will focus on the following programming tracks:

• Path to Progress and Prosperity: Charting a clear course for economic growth and social advancement.
• Fostering Opportunities: Amplifying Black voices to create opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
• Advancing Social and Economic Justice: Advocating for policies and practices that promote fairness, equity, and opportunity for all.

Representative Troy Carter (D-LA2) and Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA7) are set to serve as this year’s Annual Legislative Conference Honorary Co-chairs.

For more information, visit cbcfinc.org/ALC.

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