We know that our economy is shifting. Thousands of Washingtonians have already been affected by federal job losses, and the Chief Financial Officer predicts that over the next few years, we could lose up to 40,000 jobs. But here’s what I also know: with the right interventions, we can change that trajectory. We can turn a loss of 40,000 jobs into a gain of at least 15,000 jobs. 

On Monday, I released a transformational economic growth agenda that is part of my Fiscal Year 2026 budget. It’s a plan for creating new jobs, generating new revenue, and attracting new businesses. We’ll do that by activating underutilized spaces, especially in our Downtown; we’ll lean in on sports, entertainment, and high-growth sectors like tech; and we’re going to remove barriers to growth and make it easier to do business in DC.  

I’ve already announced some important investments in FY26:  

• Full FY26 funding for the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP), the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, and the DC Child Care Subsidy Program
• $100 million for the Housing Production Trust Fund
• And, of course, a catalytic investment to bring our Commanders home and activate the RFK campus with housing, parks and recreation, restaurants, retail, and more 

All of these are investments in our future – in keeping Washington, DC a great place to live, work, visit, and do business. And the growth agenda is a blueprint for a stronger, more competitive DC.  

We are proud that we have been able to deliver historic investments in public education, affordable housing, health and human services, and a clean and safe DC. And now we can build on our progress. But let me be clear: it won’t happen if we sit on our hands and just hope things change. We’ve got to make change happen. 

Learn more about the growth agenda and other FY26 investments at budget.dc.gov. 

Free, fresh, and locally grown produce is back for 2025! The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is kicking off its weekly veggie giveaways, bringing nutritious, organic veggies to residents across the city three times a week.  

• When: Wednesday, May 14 to Wednesday, November 26
  • Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
• Where: DPR Communal Farms
  • On Tuesdays: Edgewood Rooftop Farm, 301 Franklin Street NE
  • On Wednesdays: Lederer Garden, 4801 Nannie H. Burroughs Avenue NE
  • On Thursdays: Powell Communal Farm, 3149 16th Street NW
• Find more information and register: here