Dear Ward 8 Residents,
This week, the Ward 8 Council office has been actively involved in several events and meetings centered around the upcoming FY 26 budget. While Mayor Bowser and the At-Large Councilmembers have made it clear that this is a very tight budget with limited room for new items, District leaders are diligently working to prioritize essential city needs to ensure our community's interests are represented.
Your voice is crucial in this process, and we remain committed to advocating for what matters most to Ward 8. Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we navigate this challenging budget cycle together.
All the best,
The Ward 8 Council Office
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The DC Venture Capital Program is now accepting applications for fund managers.
Launched by Mayor Bowser and DMPED, the DC Venture Capital Program is a $26M fund administered by K Street Capital that will make equity investments in early-stage, DC-based tech companies.
The DC Venture Capital Fund represents a transformative commitment to DC-based businesses by leveraging public dollars to attract private investment. For every dollar the District invests, private investors are required to contribute at least an equal amount, effectively doubling the total funding available to DC startups to a minimum of $52 million.
DMPED will host an informational session on March 18 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 1015 Half Street SE, Suite 675.
To learn more, visit https://www.kstreet.vc/dc-vc-program
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Grant Opportunity Alert: 2025 Robust Retail Citywide Grants Now Open for DC Businesses
Great news for DC’s small business community! The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Robust Retail Citywide Grants—a vital funding opportunity designed to help local retail businesses maintain stability and thrive.
With a total of $480,000 in available funding, DSLBD will award up to $10,000 per business to approximately 48 DC-based retail businesses in Fiscal Year 2025.
Additionally, as part of the 2025 Robust Retail initiative, small businesses along the North Capitol Main Street corridor will have access to a targeted grant opportunity. A total of $90,000 has been set aside to support nine eligible businesses, with each award providing up to $10,000 in funding.
This grant operates on a reimbursement basis and will be awarded via lottery to businesses that meet all eligibility requirements by the final deadline. Note: Businesses that received a Robust Retail Citywide award in FY2024 are not eligible to apply.
If you’re a local retail business looking for financial support, don’t miss this opportunity! Apply today at dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant
Questions regarding the 2025 Robust Retail grant can be emailed to [email protected]. No phone calls will be accepted.
Want to learn more? Watch the video below:
Final Deadline
The absolute final deadline to apply online is March 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, no exceptions.
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February 27, 2025
Budget Engagement Forum: Community Voices Shaping DC’s FY26 Priorities
Constituent Services Director Monique Diop joined Mayor Muriel Bowser and her team for an interactive community budget meeting at Rosedale Recreation Center. The meeting brought together residents and stakeholders to discuss the allocation of the city's budget for FY26. With tough financial decisions ahead, participants engaged in meaningful conversations about funding priorities across multiple categories, ensuring a balanced budget for our city.
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February 27, 2025
Ward 8 Staffers Join Councilmember McDuffie’s Team for W8 Takeover Resource Fair
Ward 8 staffers joined At-Large Councilmember McDuffie’s team for the W8 Takeover Resource Fair, a multi-agency outreach event aimed at connecting residents with vital city services. Held along the southeast end of Minnesota Avenue across from Boone Elementary School, the event brought together government agencies, community organizations, and local businesses to provide information on employment, housing, education, healthcare, and more. With plans for recurring events, this initiative is a step toward strengthening community engagement and ensuring residents can access necessary resources.
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February 27, 2025
Department of Parks and Recreation Ward 8 Capital Project Update
Wanda Lockridge, Chief of Staff, and Louise Thorne, Constituent Services Specialist, attended the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Ward 8 Capital Project Update Meeting. The meeting was moderated by Tommie Jones, DPR Chief of External Affairs, alongside several colleagues who provided an overview of the $100 million+ capital investment in Ward 8.
Updates were shared on at least 13 projects, including the long-awaited boxing complex at Ferebee Hope Recreation Center and the Douglass Community Center redevelopment.
- The boxing complex is a $1 million project in the planning phase, with an expected completion date in late 2025.
- The Douglass Community Center is a separate $25 million project, which includes the demolition and complete reconstruction of the facility. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2025, with completion anticipated by spring 2027.
For those seeking more information:
- A meeting regarding the boxing complex will be held on March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Ferebee Hope Recreation Center.
- A meeting regarding the Douglass Community Center will take place on March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the center.
A full list of projects is available in the chart below.
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February 26, 2025
Horton’s Kids Quarterly Task Force Meeting
Wanda Lockridge, Chief of Staff, joined Eric Cleckley, Constituent Services Specialist, and other community stakeholders at the Horton’s Kids Quarterly Task Force Meeting. Various stakeholders provided updates on their respective areas.
The regional manager of Skyland shared security updates, including the installation and repair of security gates. He also discussed ongoing collaboration with street outreach teams. Additionally, a representative from MPD PSA 701 reported on crime statistics, noting a significant decrease in crime.
These quarterly meetings are open to groups and organizations interested in sharing how they positively impact the community.
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February 25, 2025
Record Turnout at Ward 8 Townhall to Discuss FY26 Budget Priorities
Ward 8 residents showed up in record numbers for the Ward 8 Town Hall hosted by At-Large Councilmember Robert White, the Anacostia Coordinating Council, and SBOE Ward 8 Education Representative Lajoy Law. Held at the RISE Demonstration Center, the event provided a platform for residents and stakeholders to voice their priorities for the upcoming FY26 budget. With a strong focus on education, public safety, housing, and workforce development, the discussion highlighted the community’s urgent needs. The unprecedented turnout demonstrated Ward 8’s commitment to advocating for a budget that truly reflects the priorities of its residents.
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February 21, 2025
Reduce Waste in Ward 8: Food Waste Drop-Off Bins Now Available
Did you know you can help reduce waste and support sustainability by using Food Waste Drop-Off Bins located throughout Ward 8? The DC Department of Public Works provides convenient options for residents to dispose of food scraps responsibly, including 24/7 Food Waste Smart Bins and staffed drop-off events on weekends.
In Ward 8, you can find Food Waste Smart Bins at:
📍 Anacostia Library (1800 Marion Barry Ave SE)
📍 Covenant House (2001 Mississippi Ave SE)
📍 Skyland Town Center (2728 Marion Barry Ave SE)
📍 Bellevue/William O. Lockridge Library (115 Atlantic Ave SW)
📍 Navy Yard (New Jersey Ave SE & M St SE) (Ward 6 & 8)
To access the Smart Bins, download the metroKEY app or use the keypad code 2025#. You can also drop off food waste at staffed collection sites at farmers markets and community locations on weekends.
Join the movement to keep Ward 8 clean and green!
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Understanding the Budget Oversight Process at DC Council
The DC Council plays a pivotal role in overseeing the city’s budget process. As the legislative branch of the city’s government, the Council is tasked with ensuring that public funds are spent efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that reflects the priorities of the residents. The Council's budget oversight responsibilities extend far beyond simply approving financial proposals; it involves scrutinizing how taxpayer money is allocated, making amendments to the budget, and ensuring that the executive branch's plans align with the needs of the city's diverse population.
In the District, budget oversight is a year-round function that requires cooperation between the Mayor's Office, the various city agencies, the public, and, importantly, the City Council.
The Council of the District of Columbia is the primary legislative body responsible for reviewing, amending, and approving the District’s annual budget. While the Mayor initially proposes the budget, it is the Council that has the authority to scrutinize and make modifications. Its responsibilities encompass several key functions:
- Reviewing the Proposed Budget: The Mayor submits a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year to the Council usually by mid-March. This budget outlines how the city plans to allocate its resources across different sectors, including education, public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services. Once received, the Council begins its detailed examination of the budget. This includes an analysis of projected revenues, proposed expenditures, and any assumptions made in the Mayor’s financial forecasts.
- Holding Public Hearings: Public hearings are one of the most important mechanisms for budget oversight. These hearings allow Councilmembers to hear directly from agency heads, experts, community organizations, and residents about how they perceive the proposed budget and how funding decisions will impact them. The Council holds hearings on different parts of the budget, enabling public input on specific issues like education funding, housing, transportation, and public health. Public hearings also give the Council an opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions about how funds will be spent and whether any adjustments are needed.
- Amending the Budget: After reviewing the proposed budget and hearing testimony from the public and various stakeholders, the Council may propose amendments. These amendments can involve reallocating funding between agencies, reducing or increasing certain expenditures, or adding new initiatives.
- Approval and Enactment: Once the Council has thoroughly examined the proposed budget and made necessary amendments, it votes on the final budget. A majority vote is required for approval. However, the budget is not final until it has been sent to Congress for a 30-day review period. This gives Congress the ability to review the District's budget, but it cannot veto specific spending provisions. If Congress does not object, the budget becomes law, and the Mayor can begin the implementation process.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation: The Council’s oversight role does not end once the budget is passed. Throughout the fiscal year, the Council continues to monitor the execution of the budget. Agencies are required to submit quarterly reports on their spending and performance. The Council uses these reports to assess whether the city is on track to meet its financial and policy goals. Additionally, Councilmembers can request mid-year adjustments or propose supplementary appropriations if there are unforeseen changes in revenue or significant new needs arise.
Check the DC Council calendar at dccouncil.gov for regular updates on budget oversight hearings.
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For more information on Council hearings, schedule and calendar, visit: https://dccouncil.gov/.
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