Our team hit the ground running this week, working tirelessly on behalf of neighbors, advocates, and community partners to tackle the issues that matter most to you. Whether it is expanding youth programs, addressing public safety concerns, or connecting residents with vital resources, we are committed to delivering real results that strengthen our community.  

We also want to inform you of an important event this weekend. Chairman Phil Mendelson will be in Ward 8 in the Navy Yard area on Saturday, March 29th, at 10:00 a.m. for a Tax Town Hall. Staffers from the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) will be on hand to answer your questions and concerns about property assessments and the appeals process.

The meeting will be hybrid, allowing residents to attend either in person or online. If you cannot make it in person, we encourage you to join virtually by registering here.

We look forward to continuing to serve you and working together to build a stronger, more vibrant Ward 8.  

All the best,

The Ward 8 Council Office

The 2025-26 school year lottery results are available. Enrollment deadline for matched families is May 1!

My School DC released lottery results for the 2025-26 school year today, March 28. Families can access their results by logging into their My School DC family account.  

If a family received a school match in the lottery, they have until May 1, 2025 to enroll at their matched school. Enrolling at their matched school will not remove their child off of waitlists. 

Families will need to follow schools' enrollment procedures, which include: 

1.  Proving DC residency; 

1. Completing all of the school’s enrollment requirements; and 

1. Submitting up-to-date health forms. (Reminder: All students must be up-to-date on their immunizations to attend school in person. More here.) 

Families can also add additional schools to their child's application at this time by logging into their family account. Their child will automatically be added to the schools' waitlists. More here. 

If you know of a family that did not receive their lottery results, cannot access their My School DC account, or needs help understanding their results and next steps, please direct them to contact the My School DC Hotline. They are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at (202) 888-6336 or [email protected].

This April, the Bowser Administration and the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (MORCA) invite you to celebrate Second Chance Month—a nationwide effort to support and uplift returning citizens. Join us for events focused on providing a fair shotvia employment, community support and other opportunities. 
 
Second Chance Month Events: 

Jobs Not Drugs (April 9) – Career resources for youth. Register 
MORCA Author Talks (April 10) – Returning citizen authors share their stories. Register 
Second Chance Clothing Drive (April 18) – Donate professional attire. 
Reentry Roundtables (April 18) – Community discussions on reentry. Register 
Welcome Home Expo (April 23) – Connect with job training and resources. Register

Coffee and Conversations with Councilmember Charles Allen at Grounded Cafe

Ward 8 staffers recently attended a Coffee and Conversation meeting at Grounded Cafe hosted by ANC 8A, where residents and stakeholders gathered with Councilmember Charles Allen. With no formal agenda, the open forum allowed for a free-flowing discussion on key issues impacting the community.

Topics included the FY26 budget, the implications of the Continuing Resolution, and general neighborhood concerns. Residents voiced their thoughts on public safety, infrastructure, and access to resources, while Councilmember Allen provided insights into upcoming legislative priorities and his desire to ensure that our government works proactively rather than reactively.

The informal setting encouraged meaningful dialogue, fostering transparency and strengthening connections between local leaders and the community. Ward 8 staffers remain committed to attending these conversations and ensuring residents’ voices continue to shape policy decisions.

This week, Ward 8 staffers stopped by the Arthur Capper Recreation Center to join seniors for a quick lunch and conversation. The visit provided an opportunity to share updates on upcoming events and activities while gathering valuable input from the community.

The visit reinforced the importance of staying connected with the senior community and ensuring their voices are heard. More events are on the horizon, and Ward 8 remains committed to fostering an inclusive and vibrant neighborhood for all.

Yukia Hugee, Special Assistant in the Ward 8 Council office, recently met with DC Children’s Trust Fund advocates to explore ways to expand youth engagement activities. During the meeting, the group emphasized the need for structured programs to promote well-being and development by actively involving young people. They discussed the importance of offering diverse opportunities, such as sports, arts, education, and mentorship, to help youth build confidence, develop skills, and form positive connections.

Looking ahead, the group plans to collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to enhance existing programs and introduce new initiatives. Follow-up meetings with Ward 8 representatives are scheduled in the coming weeks to align their goals with available community resources. The Ward 8 Council office and the DC Children’s Trust Fund are optimistic that their joint efforts will create more meaningful and lasting opportunities for youth in the area.