February 21, 2025
Dear Washingtonians,
It is that time of the year: time for us to come together, as a community, and share our ideas and guiding principles for the upcoming budget at the annual Budget Engagement Forums. Before I became Mayor, it always struck me as wrong that it wasn’t until after the executive had submitted the budget to the Council that the community had an opportunity to weigh in. The Budget Engagement Forums allow me to hear directly from you before we finalize the budget.
We are fortunate in Washington, DC that our finances are strong. We have a Aaa bond rating and 29 consecutive balanced budgets. But still, each year, we must make tough choices. Just like you do at home with your own budgets, we must align our spending with our resources, be strategic in making investments that will support our growth, and ensure that we are investing in our values and priorities.
Your input helps us do that, and we have three forums next week where you can share your ideas:
Senior Budget Engagement TeleTownhall
Budget Engagement Forum at Rosedale Recreation Center
Budget Engagement Forum at Kennedy Recreation Center
Each year, the forums are an opportunity to not only share your thoughts on the upcoming budget, they’re also a unique opportunity to mingle with neighbors from all eight wards, hear new perspectives, and practice your powers of persuasion. I hope to see you at a forum.
Sincerely,
 This week, the DC Department of Employment Services launched a website to support former federal government employees with navigating Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE), finding career support, and learning more about career opportunities in DC Government.
Learn more and find support at DCfedsupport.dc.gov
Register today for the HerStory 5K and Kids Dash, a celebration of the women who make DC stronger every day. This family-friendly race will take place on International Women’s Day and will feature a Kids Dash, pre-race warm up sessions, and interactive exhibits.
A post-race festival at Freedom Plaza will feature live music, wellness activities, giveaways, and vendors from local women-owned businesses.
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When: Saturday, March 8
- Registration opens at 8:00 a.m.
- Kids Dash begins at 9:15 a.m.
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Race begins at 10:00 a.m.
To register and find more information, visit HerStory5K.com.
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The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program application is now open for District youth ages 14 to 24. For over four decades, MBSYEP has employed thousands of District youth in summer jobs that provide them with both income and critical work experience.
Young people interested in gaining work experience over the summer should apply at summerjobs.dc.gov by Thursday, March 6.
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The deadline for the My School DC common application for PreK3–Grade 8 students is just over a week away. My School DC is the common application and lottery system for all participating DCPS and public charter schools in Washington, DC, ensuring a fair and transparent process for families and students.
Applications are due on Monday, March 3 at 11:59 p.m. To learn more and apply, visit myschooldc.org.
A My School DC Lottery application is required only:
- if your child will be a new Pre-K student at a DC Public Schools (DCPS) school (including your in-boundary school), or
- if you want your child to be a new student at:
- a dual-language strand at any DCPS school (in-boundary or out-of-boundary)
- a selective, citywide or out-of-boundary DCPS school
- any DC public charter school
For additional questions or to get help with the lottery application, contact the My School DC Hotline at 202-888-6336 or email [email protected].
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