Neighbors,

On Monday, we officially broke ground on the Fort Lincoln Campus Improvement Project, a transformational investment years in the making. As a Ward 5 resident and someone who’s fought to fund this project, it was incredibly meaningful to stand alongside neighbors and community leaders to kick off what will soon become a beautiful, state-of-the-art space for learning, wellness, and connection. This is exactly what it looks like when community advocacy leads to real, lasting impact.

I also had a great meeting with leadership from Howard University to discuss their vision for the future and how we can continue to work together in service of our city. As a proud Bison, it’s always a privilege to connect with my alma mater and find new ways to support students and residents alike.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for next week’s Legislative Meeting on Tuesday, April 1st, where we’ll keep pushing forward on the work that matters most to our communities. I look forward to keeping you updated.

In service,
Kenyan

Team McDuffie In The Community

On Monday, March 24, we celebrated a major milestone in Ward 5 with the groundbreaking of the Fort Lincoln Campus Improvement Project—a $49 million investment that will transform this community space for generations to come.

As a Ward 5 resident myself, I could not be prouder of the work that has been done to bring us to this moment. I spoke about how deeply meaningful this project is to me—because I’ve been advocating for it and have worked to secure funding through the District’s budget process over multiple years to ensure this vision becomes reality.

This groundbreaking is a direct result of tireless community advocacy and the leadership of passionate neighbors who never stopped pushing.

The 44,000-square-foot facility will serve as a vital hub for wellness, education, and opportunity. Key features include:

• An early childhood education center

• Full gymnasium with elevated track

• Racquetball courts

• Indoor fitness center

• Demonstration kitchen

• Senior lounge

• Multipurpose rooms

• Arts and crafts spaces

• Tech/teen lounge

• On-site parking

The surrounding 20-acre park will also undergo major upgrades, including refurbished playgrounds, new pavilions, improved walking paths, and resurfaced tennis courts.

At the event, we heard from ANC 5C01 Commissioner Konyka Dunson, who reminded us of the powerful role the community played in holding leaders accountable and pushing for this project year after year. We were also joined by DPR Director Thennie Freeman and DGS Director Delano Hunter, whose leadership will be instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

This is what happens when we come together and fight for the resources our neighborhoods deserve. I’m grateful to every resident, advocate, and agency that made this day possible—and I can’t wait to see the positive impact this space will have on our community.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Rashad Young, Senior Vice President at Howard University, along with Declan Kingland, Sherryl Newman, Jamal Holtz, and Christina Harper to receive an update on the University’s ongoing work and its strategic plan for the years ahead.

As a proud Howard University alumnus, it’s always meaningful to engage with my alma mater—and even more so to explore ways we can build stronger partnerships between Howard and the District. We discussed various opportunities for collaboration, and I expressed my commitment to being a continued resource to the University.

Together, we share the goal of ensuring that future Howard Bison have the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. I look forward to working closely with Howard as they continue their important mission of educating and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Yesterday, Team McDuffie was out in the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue SE as part of our ongoing effort to bring critical resources directly to residents and build stronger community connections. These events are a key part of our work to create safer, healthier neighborhoods by fostering collaboration between residents, local businesses, and District agencies.

A big thank you to our dedicated partners from across the government and community who helped make this event a success:
MPD, DHS, DBH, FEMS, ONSE, DOES, and our incredible community-based providers. Your presence and engagement made a real impact.

We’re committed to sustaining this work and will be planning future events along the Minnesota Avenue corridor to ensure a consistent presence of support and services for the community.

Who Can Apply?

To meet eligibility for the Citywide grant program, the applicant must be:

1. A District-based retail business; 
2. A licensed for-profit public-facing seller of legal goods and services;
3. Physically located in a brick-and-mortar commercial retail space in the District;
4. An eligible business type as listed in Appendix A of this RFA; 
5. Not among the ineligible business types as listed in Appendix A of this RFA; and

Provide all required documents and attestations in the checklist located within the RFA. 

How Do I Apply?

All instructions are included in the formal “Request for Applications” (RFA), available for download on or before March 31, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to read the full Request for Applications. Applications will only be accepted through the online application system listed in the Request for Applications (RFA) on DSLBD’s website.

TO APPLY: DOWNLOAD REQUEST FOR APPLICATION (RFA)

Small Business Spotlight

🥕 Small Business Spotlight: DC Central Kitchen

This week, we’re shining a light on a D.C. institution that’s doing so much more than just serving meals—DC Central Kitchen is transforming lives, neighborhoods, and the way we think about food and opportunity.

Founded in 1989 by Robert Egger, DC Central Kitchen was built on the bold idea that food recovery could be a pathway to empowerment. What began as a meal preparation hub has grown into a powerful nonprofit social enterprise tackling hunger and poverty at their roots.

DC Central Kitchen recycles surplus food into nutritious meals for local shelters, schools, and nonprofits—producing millions of meals each year. But their real secret sauce is impact: through their Culinary Job Training Program, they’ve helped over 1,500 District residents facing barriers to employment gain the skills, confidence, and support to build meaningful careers in the food industry.

They also operate initiatives like Healthy Corners, which brings fresh, affordable produce to underserved neighborhoods, and the DC Central Kitchen Cafes, where hands-on training meets healthy community dining.

From job creation to food justice, DC Central Kitchen is proof of what’s possible when innovation meets compassion.

📍 Visit them at:
DC Central Kitchen
2121 First Street SW
Washington, DC 20024

🌐 dccentralkitchen.org

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING INTO GOLF THIS YEAR?

Join National Links Trust — a non-profit organization dedicated to changing lives and positively impacting the Washington, DC community through golf — for FREE LESSON FRIDAY ON APRIL 11TH AT LANGSTON GOLF COURSE.

At this event, attendees of all ages will receive introductory lessons in putting, chipping, and full swing from experienced professionals. Plus, enjoy games, prizes, and food and drinks for sale. Come on out and get your start in the game of a lifetime!

Click here to register.