Neighbors, This past week, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing some of our local businesses receive the grant funding they’ve worked so hard for...

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Neighbors,

This past week, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing some of our local businesses receive the grant funding they’ve worked so hard for. It was an exciting and fulfilling moment to witness the positive impact these funds will have in supporting our community’s growth and prosperity. I was particularly thrilled to speak at the DC Arts Center, a proud Great Streets Retail recipient, as we celebrated these incredible businesses and awarded additional grants to even more local entrepreneurs.

Being in the DC Arts Center, a space that embodies the creativity and vitality of our city, while awarding grants to those who are making a difference in their neighborhoods, was truly an honor. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of supporting the businesses that make DC a dynamic and thriving place to live, work, and grow.

Looking ahead, I want to let you know that the Council’s final Legislative meeting of the year will take place next week. We will continue to work on advancing policies that strengthen our communities and foster economic growth for all.

I’m excited for what lies ahead and remain committed to advocating for a brighter future for our local businesses and neighborhoods.

In service,
Kenyan
Legislative Updates
Upcoming Meetings

As we approach the end of the year, I want to keep you informed about important events taking place next week:

Final Legislative Meeting of the Year
The Council’s final legislative meeting of 2024 will be held on Tuesday, December 17th. We will be wrapping up a busy year of work, and I encourage you to stay engaged as we finalize key legislative matters.

Committee on Business & Economic Development Public Hearing
On Wednesday, December 18th, my Committee on Business and Economic Development (CBED) will be hosting a Public Hearing. The agenda for the hearing is as follows:
* Bill 25-0838 ([link removed]) , the “Langston Slater Surplus Declaration and Disposition Approval Act of 2024”
* Bill 25-0747 ([link removed]) , the “Living Donor Protection Amendment Act of 2024”
* Bill 25-0810 ([link removed]) , the “Motor Vehicle Insurance Modernization Amendment Act of 2024”
* Bill 25-0476 ([link removed]) , the “Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Act of 2023”
* Bill 25-1034 ([link removed]) , the “Revised Game of Skill Machines Consumer Protections Amendment Act of 2024”



** Team McDuffie In The Community
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Receiving the 2024 Education Reform Champion Award

On Wednesday, December 11th, I was invited to attend the Education Reform Now (ERN) annual Education Reform Champions Reception at Canvas in Washington, DC. This year's event, themed "Protecting Progress," celebrated individuals who have worked tirelessly to ensure quality education for all students in the District of Columbia.

I am deeply humbled to have been awarded the 2024 Education Reform Champion Award in the College and Career Pathways category. This recognition is a testament to the continued efforts to improve education and create opportunities for our youth to succeed academically and professionally.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Jessica Giles, ERN Executive Director, for reaching out to me and for her incredible leadership and advocacy for our District’s residents. Her dedication to education is inspiring, and it’s an honor to be a part of this work.

The reception was attended by around 100 guests, including elected government leaders, parents, educators, school leaders, and community members—all coming together to champion the cause of education in DC.

I am excited to continue our collective efforts to ensure that all students in the District have the support and opportunities they need to thrive in their educational journeys.

Thank you again to Education Reform Now DC for this meaningful recognition!
Supporting Local Businesses and Economic Growth in DC at the DC Arts Center

Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie Highlights Local Business Grants at DC Arts Center

On Thursday, December 12th, I had the privilege of speaking at the local business grant announcement hosted by Mayor Bowser at the DC Arts Center in Adams Morgan. This event recognized the 41 awardees of the FY24 Great Streets Retail, Locally Made Manufacturing, and Neighborhood Prosperity Fund grant programs, totaling $7 million in grant support for our local businesses.

As Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, I am incredibly proud of our ongoing work to empower businesses across the District. The Great Streets Program is a prime example of how we are committed to helping businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen our communities.

Expanding Opportunities for Growth

The Great Streets Program Expansion, which I introduced with the Great Streets Program Expansion Neighborhood Retail Priority Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, is opening doors for businesses in new areas to thrive. By expanding eligible zones, we’re ensuring that even more businesses can access the resources they need to succeed.

Small Businesses: The Heartbeat of DC

Small businesses are the backbone of our city, driving innovation and economic growth. They inspire the next generation with their hard work and dedication, and they are crucial to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.

A Strong Partnership for Economic Growth

These grant programs represent a shared commitment to the growth and success of local businesses, and I’m excited to see how this funding will help them flourish.
Operation Thrive Community Walk

Yesterday, December 12th, Team McDuffie joined a multi-agency community walk alongside MPD’s Operation Thrive, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Department of Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ), Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS), Department of Health (DOH), Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and the Department of Buildings (DOB).

Starting at 1:00 PM, the group walked through neighborhoods in Wards 5 (Hechinger Mall) and 7 (The Pinnacles). During the walk, FEMS distributed NARCAN kits to residents as part of the city's ongoing effort to prevent opioid overdoses.

Operation Thrive represents a shift in MPD’s approach to crime prevention, emphasizing proactive engagement and collaboration to reduce crime and build community trust. DC Police Chief Pamela Smith described the initiative as a year-round strategy:

“We typically would’ve called that our summer crime initiative. I thought it was really important that we don’t wait until the summertime to address crime,” said Chief Smith in an interview with WUSA9.

These walks embody the mission of Operation Thrive, which seeks to address public safety challenges holistically by partnering with residents and agencies to tackle issues before they escalate.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Visits My Office for AKA Day at the Wilson Building

On Monday, December 9th, I had the honor of hosting members of the Washington, D.C. Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in my office for their annual AKA Day at the Wilson Building. Founded in 1908 at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first Greek-letter service organization for African American college-educated women and continues to make a significant impact through its non-partisan political action initiatives worldwide.

During their visit, we had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about the sorority's priorities and the critical issues facing our community.

I remain committed to being a supportive ally to Alpha Kappa Alpha and their efforts to address the needs of our neighborhoods. Together, we can advocate for policies that uplift women of color and families in our city.


** Small Business Spotlight
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The Spice Suite
(Recipient of the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund Created by Councilmember McDuffie)

The Spice Suite: A DC Staple for Flavor, Community, and Style

The Spice Suite is the embodiment of Angel Gregorio’s passion for food and community. With her motto "food is fashion," Angel blends spices and herbs to create unique, couture spice mixes that inspire both professional chefs and home cooks alike. In addition to spices, The Spice Suite offers a curated selection of cutlery, the Spice Suite SpiceBook, and a range of stylish apparel including shirts, bags, hats, sweatpants, and even throw pillows, allowing customers to bring a touch of the spice-loving culture into their everyday lives.

Beyond her culinary expertise, Angel is a strong advocate for local entrepreneurs and Black business owners. She has hosted over 2,300 free pop-up shops, making The Spice Suite an essential space for small business incubation in DC.

The Spice Suite was the first recipient of funding through the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund, a program I created with support from my office and DMPED. The $4 million investment in this fund is designed to support businesses like Angel's acquire commercial property in the District. The fund offers down payment assistance through grants of up to $750,000, or 25% of the sale price, whichever is less, to eligible businesses seeking to maintain and expand their operations. This crucial support will allow The Spice Suite to further solidify its place in the community and continue its growth.

Angel’s love for fashionable flavors and her natural talent in the kitchen earned her a spot in the Top 40 of MasterChef’s Season 8. Today, The Spice Suite remains a beloved destination for gourmet spices, exotic oils, and a variety of culinary delights—all offered in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where food, fashion, and community come together.

The Black + Forth program

The program offers Black business owners hands-on education in key areas of business growth without requiring applications, fees, or success thresholds. Through its Community Business School (CBS), the program provides open monthly courses on topics like bookkeeping, marketing, branding, and grant writing. By tapping into a network of experts and successful business owners, it offers valuable resources to support business owners in areas such as real estate acquisition, tax preparation, and mental health. The goal is to empower the community with accessible education that fosters long-term success.
Click here to check out The Spice Suite website ([link removed]) .
Upcoming Events in the Community
Zoolights - Smithsonian's National Zoo

Celebrate the Holidays at Smithsonian's National Zoo!

This Christmas season, experience the magic of Zoolights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC! From now until January 4th, wander through a dazzling display of light installations, festive decorations, and enjoy a fun-filled evening with friends and loved ones. It’s the perfect holiday outing for all ages!

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable winter wonderland. Get your tickets now and make lasting memories this holiday season.

Sign up here ([link removed].) to reserve your spot today!
Holiday Caroling (18th St & Bunker Hill Rd NE) Fri Dec 13th and Fri Dec 20th 6pm-8pm

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