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Dear Ward 8 Residents,
We understand there has been a lot of change recently; however, one thing remains the same: the Ward 8 office remains open, fully operational, and ready to serve residents like you.
The Ward 8 team is here to support residents, address concerns, and keep pushing for the resources and opportunities the community deserves.
To keep residents in the loop, we will continue sending out our weekly newsletter with updates from the Council and events and activities happening around Ward 8. Our goal is to ensure residents stay informed and connected during this transition and beyond.
If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact our office directly at 202-724-8045 or email us at [email protected]. Our office at the John A. Wilson Building remains open, and our staff is ready to assist Ward 8 residents. Please do not hesitate to come by and see one of us in person.
Again, we are here, we are working, and we are committed to serving Ward 8 with the same energy and dedication as always.
All the best,
The Ward 8 Office
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Traffic Impact
An upcoming traffic impact due to a significant increase in personnel returning to the Washington Navy Yard. On Monday, February 10th, most of our 16,800 personnel will resume in-person work, and we estimate that between 8,000 and 10,000 vehicles will be attempting to enter our gates as early as 5:00 AM. The additional traffic represents a threefold increase in our daily population and a two- to two-and-a-half-fold increase in vehicle traffic along M St SE and 11th St SE. While we are taking steps to mitigate congestion, I anticipate backups.
To improve the situation, we are implementing the following measures:
- Doubling the number of entry lanes at the N St gate to increase vehicle throughput
- Stacking sentries at the O St gate to expedite entry
- Adding a sentry at the 6th St pedestrian gate to accelerate foot traffic
- Deploying Naval Security Force leadership at the gates to monitor vehicle load and assist with turnarounds
- Placing command volunteers in our garages to track capacity
- Using digital signage (already in place) to raise awareness and promote alternative commuting options
- Communicating with base personnel throughout the week with commuting guidance and alternatives (ongoing)
Parking remains limited to 4,473 spaces. Once parking reaches capacity, excess vehicles will be redirected off the installation and an emergency alert message to discourage other inbound drivers.
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Need help filing your tax returns? IRS Certified volunteers will prepare and e-file your federal and state returns at no cost! For more information visit: https://disb.dc.gov/freetaxprepresources .
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MBSYEP Application is open.
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February 6, 2025
From Entertainment and Sports Arena to CareFirst Arena: A Name Change Rooted in Community Investment.
The renaming of the Entertainment and Sports Arena to the CareFirst Arena marks a significant investment in the Ward 8 community, strengthening local programs and expanding resources for residents.
CareFirst, in partnership with Events DC, has committed millions to fund initiatives focused on workforce development, maternal health, food insecurity, and other essential needs.
This partnership goes beyond just a name change. It represents a deepened commitment to improving social conditions and creating opportunities for economic mobility. As a central hub for sports, concerts, and community gatherings, the CareFirst Arena will serve as a symbol of investment in the well-being of East of the River residents, ensuring that the space remains more than just an arena, but a pillar of support and growth for the community.
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February 7, 2025
Healing Circle: Cure the Streets Calls on Community Leaders & Activists to Pray Over Congress Park Following Senseless Gun Violence.
NAARC - Cure the Streets issued a powerful call to community leaders, activists, and organizations to unite in prayer, healing, and peace following the recent senseless gun violence in the community. In response to the tragedy, Ward 8 staffer Yukia Hugee has been working directly with the grieving families, ensuring they receive the supportive services they need during this difficult time. Through collective action and compassionate outreach, the community continues to stand together against violence and advocate for lasting change.
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A Business Activity Tax Could Make DC’s Tax System Fairer and Raise $500M in Revenue
The DC Fiscal Policy Institute has shared their new report, A Business Activity Tax Would Make DC’s Tax System More Equitable While Raising Revenue. Despite benefiting from DC’s publicly funded services—including mass transit, roads, and public education—some businesses operating in the District do not contribute to shared resources through DC’s primary business taxes. By enacting a Business Activity Tax (BAT), a new, simple, broad-based value-added tax, DC would make business taxation fairer and more racially equitable while raising significant revenue for the District.
Because of a federally imposed restriction, the District uniquely exempts from business taxation certain businesses including major law firms—most of which are white-owned—lobbyists, and consulting firms. A Business Activity Tax would correct this loophole, broadening the base of business taxation without increasing taxes on businesses that already meaningfully contribute to DC’s collective resources. And, a 2 percent BAT rate could raise nearly $500 million in FY 2026. These funds could replace declining revenue sources like commercial property to maintain or expand investments in residents, workers, and communities with low incomes for more broadly shared prosperity. The funds could also replace or at least reduce the sales tax increase and/or the payroll tax increase that lawmakers enacted in the FY 2025 budget.
You may refer to link provided above for more information.
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For more information on Council hearings, schedule and calendar, visit: https://dccouncil.gov/.
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