Dear Neighbors,

As your At-Large Councilmember and Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, I’m excited to update you on some recent strides we’ve made in supporting our local small businesses and creating job opportunities for D.C. residents.

I’ve always believed that sports are more than just entertainment—they’re a powerful force for positive change, especially for our youth. Whether on the court, on the field, or behind the scenes in the sports industry, sports offer valuable outlets and pathways for young people to grow and succeed. That’s why I’m committed to ensuring that major sports projects, like the redevelopment of our arenas, benefit our local communities and create lasting opportunities for District residents. By focusing on economic growth and youth engagement, we can make sports a catalyst for positive change in our city.

In other news, this week the Council held its final reading on the Housing in Downtown Tax Abatement Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, a bill I introduced to incentivize the development of more affordable housing in our downtown areas. This legislation is a key part of our efforts to address housing affordability while also ensuring that the development in our city benefits everyone, especially our residents who need it most.

As always, I’m committed to working for you and ensuring that our city continues to grow in ways that benefit all of us. Thank you for your continued support.

In service,
Kenyan

Supporting Sports in DC: A Path to Jobs and Opportunity

I am passionate about sports—not just as a fan, but as a powerful tool for creating jobs and opportunities in the District. Sports are more than just games; they are a significant economic driver in our city. From jobs in arenas, media, and ticket sales to those in construction and contracting, the sports economy supports thousands of well-paying jobs for District residents. That’s why I am committed to ensuring that major sports projects, like the redevelopment of our arenas, benefit our local community. By working with partners like Monumental and Clark Construction, I’ve secured commitments to spend at least 40% of the contract funds with small and Certified Business Enterprises (CBE's) based here in D.C., putting millions of dollars into our local economy and creating jobs for our residents.

But my support for sports isn’t just about economics—it’s about opportunity, especially for our youth. Sports provide a critical avenue for young people to stay engaged, build confidence, and avoid the dangers of violence. I know firsthand the positive impact sports can have; as a child growing up in D.C., basketball at the Boys and Girls Club helped me connect with positive role models and stay on the right track. That’s why I’ve worked to ensure that the community benefits of this project include not just rebuilding fields or providing camps, but also transportation for kids to access these programs. It’s a small step, but one that can have a lasting impact on the lives of our young people.

I will continue to push for more opportunities and hold all parties accountable to ensure that District residents are the primary beneficiaries of this investment. While the work is not done, I am optimistic about where we’re headed. The improvements to this deal are real, and with continued partnership, we can ensure that sports remain a powerful force for both economic growth and community transformation here in the District of Columbia.

Team McDuffie In The Community

A Week of Celebration and Community Pride

This week, D.C. rapper and singer-songwriter Wale gave back to his hometown with Gifted Week, a week-long series of events designed to celebrate and highlight the unique culture of the DMV.

Throughout the week, Wale hosted a variety of free, public events that spotlighted local talent and fostered a strong sense of pride and connection within the DMV community. By bringing together artists, creators, and fans, Wale’s Gifted Week demonstrated his deep commitment to the city that shaped his career.

Wale has never forgotten where he came from. His impact goes beyond his music, as he continues to inspire fans of all ages. His dedication to giving back to his community is a powerful example for the generations who grew up listening to his music and look up to him as a role model.

Thank you, Wale, for showing us that success is about lifting up those around you and always remembering where you started.

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the National Association of Minority Contractors—Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Chapter (NAMC-WMAC), in partnership with the District of Columbia Army National Guard, hosted the 2024 Jobs Not Guns/Jobs Not Drugs Citywide Recruitment Fair at the DC Armory.

The event, which aimed to reduce gun violence and the impact of drugs by creating job opportunities for residents, featured a wide range of exhibitors, from employers to community organizations. Team McDuffie was proud to participate by tabling at the event, engaging with attendees and sharing information on resources available to District residents.

DC Health Link Hosts Successful One Touch Enrollment Centers Event
In Partnership with DHS, Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, and GWHCC

On Wednesday, November 13th, DC Health Link, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services (DHS), Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC), hosted the One Touch Enrollment Centers event. This community-focused event provided free, one-on-one health insurance enrollment support to attendees, ensuring access to crucial resources and assistance.

Services Offered Included:

• Identity proofing and verification
• Insurance program eligibility assessments
• Medicaid enrollment assistance
• Information on finding lower premiums
• Legal support and counseling

In addition to the great services provided, Team McDuffie was also present at the event, showing their support for the community and helping to connect residents with essential health resources. Their involvement underscored the importance of collaboration and community engagement in making health insurance more accessible to all.

Expert help was available from certified DC Health Link Assisters, licensed brokers, and translators, along with legal professionals who provided guidance throughout the enrollment process.

Thank you to all the community members who attended, and to our partners and Team McDuffie for making this event a success! Stay tuned for future opportunities to get connected with health insurance resources and support.

Honoring Our Veterans: A Lasting Tribute to Service and Sacrifice

Although Veterans Day has passed, the gratitude we feel for those who have served our country should never fade. This week, we continue to reflect on the profound sacrifices made by our veterans—brave men and women who have given so much to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life.

Here in Washington, D.C., and across the nation, we owe a debt of honor to those who have answered the call of duty, whether in combat or in service to our communities. Their courage, resilience, and commitment remain a source of inspiration for us all.

As your Councilmember, I remain committed to ensuring that our veterans receive the care, support, and recognition they deserve—today, tomorrow, and always. We will continue to stand by those who have stood for us.

Thank you, veterans, for your unwavering service. You are always in our hearts and on our minds.

Small Business Spotlight

CityFirst Enterprises: A Legacy of Empowering Communities

Founded in 1993, CityFirst Enterprises (CFE) was created by community development leaders in response to the lasting impacts of discrimination, disinvestment, and redlining in DC’s communities of color. Their mission: to revitalize neighborhoods through accessible financial resources for entrepreneurs and community innovators. Through its Equitable Growth Fund, CFE provides capital to underserved sectors, including affordable housing, small businesses, and nonprofits, while offering crucial technical assistance to borrowers often denied access by traditional lenders.

In 1998, CFE expanded its reach by founding City First Bank, DC's first community development bank. Today, City First Broadway (NASDAQ: BYFC) is the largest Black-led Minority Depository Institution in the U.S., focusing on low- and moderate-income areas. CFE often partners with the bank, underwriting riskier debt to drive investment in these communities. CFE is also one of over 500 CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) designated by the U.S. Treasury to provide financial products and services to low-income areas.

Over the years, CFE has adapted to changing needs. In 2010, CFE launched Homes by CFE to combat displacement in DC, offering home purchasing assistance programs. During the 2020 pandemic, CFE was a key player in delivering grants to small businesses through the Social Equity Investments initiative. As of 2022, CFE has been expanding its green lending efforts through the One Climate Fund, financing clean energy and climate infrastructure projects. Today, CFE continues to create thriving, resilient communities by addressing economic, housing, and environmental challenges, fostering opportunity for all.

Leaf Collection in Section C begins Monday, November 25, 2024.