Councilmember McDuffie In The Community

Recently, I participated in a discussion on the vital role HBCUs play in fostering inclusive economic development in the District of Columbia, featuring Dr. Ben Vinson III, President of Howard University, and Kathy Hollinger, CEO of Greater Washington Partnership. President Vinson outlined his vision to enhance Howard University's impact on regional economic growth. The event, hosted at Howard’s newly renovated property, The Oliver, is part of the school’s long-term plan to expand its influence. Afterward, I engaged with regional leaders, including Howard’s leadership, fellow councilmembers, medical professionals, and local entrepreneurs.

I also spoke at the Greater Washington Partnership’s 2nd annual Supplier Diversity Summer Social at Pepco Edison Gallery Place, where I highlighted the importance of sharing best practices and building connections among entrepreneurs and business professionals. Our local economy thrives when we collaborate. The reception included entrepreneurs from the District, as well as leaders from GWP, Exelon, and other organizations. I had the chance to connect with talented entrepreneurs who shared their accomplishments and the challenges they face. As Chair of the city’s Committee on Business & Economic Development, I am committed to expanding opportunities for business owners, throughout the District. Especially those owned by people of color and long-time residents.

I am proud to have been awarded the Legislative Leader of the Year award by Montgomery County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and Fight For Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding equitable access to youth development and sports programs. I was honored at Fight For Children’s Youth Sports Day, held right outside RFK Stadium. The event hosted more than 1,500 participants and 34 nonprofit organizations focused on youth sports in the District of Columbia, including representatives from the Commanders, Washington Mystics, Capitals, Wizards, and more.

I have always been a champion for youth sports in the district. During this past budget cycle, I directed $1 million in recurring grants for youth extracurricular activities through the “Events DC Expenditure Amendment Act of 2024.” Growing up in Northeast DC, I know that organized sports are more than just games; they serve as vital pathways for our young people to grow, learn, and thrive. For me, sports have always represented a gateway to opportunity—a chance for our youth to explore the world and all its possibilities. Through sports, young people gain exposure to various fields, from sports management and broadcasting to entrepreneurship and beyond. As long as I have the honor of representing this incredible city, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with Fight For Children to ensure that every young person in the District of Columbia has the resources and opportunities to showcase their extraordinary talent and realize their full potential.

I was excited to make my way down to Stanton Road Southeast to greet the children and faculty at Turner Elementary School in Ward 8. Seeing all the smiling faces of the eager students filled me with a profound sense of joy and optimism. As an At-Large Councilmember in the District of Columbia, I want to uplift our youth and schools by creating economic opportunities across the city, especially for those who live east of the river. I’d like to thank the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard for joining us to welcome the students.

Housing and our Downtown are two critical priorities facing the District of Columbia. I had the opportunity to join Mayor Muriel Bowser and other colleagues in announcing the first project to receive funding under our Housing in Downtown program. The project is located at 1625 Massachusetts Ave, Northwest and is just one step towards transforming Downtown into a thriving mixed-use community. In shepherding this program through the legislative and budget process, I ensured that the city required higher levels of affordable units than originally proposed. It is vital that as we build an even better Downtown, that it is a place that is inclusive of all residents. We had the opportunity to tour the property and hear about the 157 apartment units that will be developed on site. This office to residential conversion brings us one step closer towards transforming our downtown area into a more vibrant and mixed-use neighborhood.

DC is a sports town, and sports are vital not just to our local pride, but to our economy. I was grateful for the opportunity to throw the first pitch at the Washington Nationals game against the Atlanta Braves. It was a memorable experience that highlighted the vibrant spirit of our city. Being in the Navy Yard area, surrounded by enthusiastic fans and the energy of the community, reminded me of what we can achieve throughout the rest of the city through economic development. The high foot traffic and dynamic development in Navy Yard serve as a model for fostering similar vibrancy in all neighborhoods, ensuring that every resident can enjoy the benefits of a thriving urban environment. Thank you to the Washington Nationals for including me in such a special moment!

The DC Justice Lab hosted their annual Movement Mixer celebration for Congressional Black Caucus Week and I had the honor of delivering remarks. DC Justice Lab is a group of legal and policy specialists focused on researching, organizing, and promoting significant reforms to the criminal justice system in the District of Columbia. Under the exceptional leadership of their Executive Director and Founder, Patrice Sulton, the organization has been instrumental in advancing criminal reform and racial equity in DC. Prior to founding the DC Justice Lab, she played a crucial role in helping me pass the Neighborhood Engagement Achieve Results (NEAR) Act. The NEAR Act transforms the District's strategy for public safety by prioritizing community-focused solutions that address the root causes of crime.

Today, I had the opportunity to share my vision for economic development in the District of Columbia at the State of Business Recovery and Economic Development Panel. I highlighted key priorities: revitalizing downtown, preserving and expanding affordable housing, and strengthening the restaurant and hospitality industries through thoughtful, impactful policies.

On Thursday, September 19th, my team joined ANC 7F02 Commissioner Ashley Ruff, MPD, and several other agencies for a coordinated walk through the side streets of Minnesota Ave and nearby residential areas. Together, we addressed key community concerns, including public safety, littering, parking challenges, and alley maintenance.