Neighbors,

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, the Mayor released her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal to the Council. This proposal is just the first step in a process that gives residents like you the chance to shape the District’s priorities.

As Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, I want to highlight that our budget oversight hearings will begin on June 4th. This hearing will focus solely on public witness testimony for all agencies under the committee’s purview. It’s an important opportunity for you to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas directly with us.

Further down in this newsletter, you’ll find the full hearing schedule and details on how to sign up to testify. I encourage all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate.

I look forward to hearing from you.

In service,
Kenyan

Team McDuffie In The Community

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend and speak at the DC Chamber of Commerce’s 5th Annual Women in Business Luncheon. This annual gathering brings together some of the most dynamic women leaders from across the District, including entrepreneurs, executives, and changemakers who are driving innovation and inclusive growth in our city.

It was a pleasure connecting with Chinyere Hubbard, President and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce, whose leadership is helping to shape a stronger and more equitable business community. I also had the opportunity to meet Tiffany Norwood, the event’s keynote speaker. A proud DC native, Tiffany is a renowned entrepreneur, inventor, author, and global public speaker whose journey and insights deeply inspired everyone in the room.

Events like this are more than just celebrations; they are powerful forums for connection, inspiration, and collaboration. They remind us of the vital role that women play in every sector of our economy and the importance of continuing to invest in their success. From supporting women-owned businesses to expanding access to capital and leadership opportunities, the lessons and stories shared during this luncheon highlight why our policy decisions must be intentional about equity and inclusion.

I want to thank the DC Chamber of Commerce for organizing this impactful event and for continuing to create space for women to lead and thrive. I look forward to carrying the insights from this conversation into our ongoing work to build a stronger, more equitable economy for all District residents.

On Wednesday, May 28, I attended the DC Revenue Bond Program Seminar, hosted by the DC Chamber of Commerce in partnership with DMPED. The seminar focused on expanding access to capital for businesses and nonprofit organizations through the District’s Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) Program.

This program provides tax-exempt financing to help eligible organizations renovate facilities, construct new buildings, make tenant improvements, and purchase equipment, offering interest rates up to 4% lower than traditional commercial loans. It's an important tool for stimulating economic development and job creation in the District.

I had the pleasure of connecting with several outstanding leaders, including Earle “Chico” Horton III, Founding Partner at Tiber Hudson LLC and Chair of the DC Chamber of Commerce Board; Chinyere Hubbard, President and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce; and William Liggins, Director of the DC Revenue Bond Program. Their insights into the bond process and their dedication to supporting local businesses were deeply appreciated.

Thank you to all who made this seminar possible and to the many District residents and entrepreneurs who continue to engage in these vital conversations.

On Tuesday, Team McDuffie joined community members and officers at the MPD Public Safety Meetup on Mt. Olivet Road in the Trinidad neighborhood, where recent developments and public safety efforts were discussed.

We commend the Metropolitan Police Department for their swift and professional response to a violent incident over the weekend. While patrolling in Ward 7, MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Team responded to significant gunfire coming from a vehicle. Officers pursued the vehicle to an apartment building in the Ward 5 Trinidad neighborhood, where the suspects attempted to hide. MPD quickly established a perimeter and, with a search warrant, safely made arrests without further incident.

We are grateful for the quick action and coordination of the officers involved in keeping our neighborhoods safe.

To stay informed about arrests in your community, track prosecutions, or contribute to Community Impact Statements that are read in court during sentencing, visit MPD.DC.GOV. Select your Police District, then choose District Roster to find contact information for the U.S. Attorney’s Office representatives for Community Engagement and Prosecution.

Together, we can continue working toward safer streets and stronger communities.

On Thursday, May 29, Team McDuffie was out on Minnesota Avenue SE for our ongoing Take Back Thursday event. This initiative is focused on connecting directly with residents and bringing vital resources and support to the community.

Through tabling and active engagement, we had the opportunity to listen to residents’ concerns, share important information, and build relationships that strengthen our neighborhoods. These events are about more than outreach; they are about sustained partnerships and making a visible, consistent impact.

A heartfelt thank you to the many partner agencies and community-based organizations who continue to stand with us each week. Your collaboration and presence are critical to making Take Back Thursdays a success.

We look forward to continuing this work together and building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities across the District.

Last night, Team McDuffie attended a Community Renewal meeting hosted by Deacon Tim Tilghman at Legacy Hair Salon (2219 Minnesota Ave SE). The gathering brought together likeminded residents committed to addressing shared concerns including community violence, litter, and the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Attendees shared ideas and discussed ways to better coordinate community action, engage new stakeholders, and build momentum for long-term improvements that will enhance the vibrancy of the area. It was an inspiring example of grassroots leadership and the power of collective action.

If you’re interested in getting involved with these ongoing efforts to strengthen our communities, please reach out to Deacon Tilghman for more information at [contact number to be provided].

Together, we can continue building safer, cleaner, and more connected neighborhoods throughout the District.

Today, Team McDuffie had the privilege of attending the Jobs Not Guns / Jobs Not Drugs Youth Career Builder Workshop at Friendship Tech Prep Public Charter School. This impactful event was focused on connecting young people with tools, resources, and inspiration to help them pursue meaningful careers and become leaders in their communities.

We extend our sincere thanks to Principal Booth for welcoming the workshop to Friendship Tech Prep, and to the many youth leaders who showed up eager to learn and grow. A special thank you goes to Rosalind Styles and Dottie Love Wade, whose leadership and dedication continue to drive the success of this program. We are also grateful to all of today’s presenters and community partners who made the workshop engaging and informative.

The Jobs Not Guns / Jobs Not Drugs initiative hosts hiring fairs and career workshops across the District with a mission to help youth and young adults build futures they can be proud of while encouraging them to give back to their neighborhoods.

To learn more or get involved in this important work, contact Rosalind Styles at [email protected].

Small Business Spotlight

Kid Power, Inc. is a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through comprehensive programs that promote academic success, social-emotional wellness, and civic engagement. Serving over 1,400 students across all eight wards of the District, Kid Power focuses on uplifting and inspiring students from historically underserved communities.

Core Programs

Kid Power operates four interconnected programs designed to support the holistic development of youth:

• After-School Program: Provides students in grades 2–8 with homework assistance, small-group mentoring, and enrichment activities such as sustainable agriculture (VeggieTime), civic education, arts, and STEM projects.

• In-School Health & Wellness Program: Focuses on health education and environmental lessons, encouraging students to take initiative in creating healthier futures for themselves and their communities.

• Mentoring & Enrichment Program: Pairs middle and high school students with committed mentors to support their academic and personal growth, including career exploration and college preparation activities.

• High Impact Tutoring Program: Offers targeted academic support to students in grades 2–5, helping them sharpen their skills, build confidence, and achieve academic milestones.

Through these programs, Kid Power aims to nurture the development of tomorrow's leaders by providing safe and supportive spaces where youth can explore their interests, engage with positive role models, and develop the skills needed for lifelong success.

For more information or to get involved, visit kidpowerdc.org.

• In-Person Summer Session 
• Virtual Summer Session

Neighbors,

Beginning June 1, PEPCO will increase its electricity rates, with the changes appearing on July bills. This rise is due to two main factors: higher regional demand for electricity and the retirement of several power plants, which has reduced energy supply.

I want to ensure every resident is informed and equipped with tools and resources to manage these changes:

Resources to Help Manage Your Bill

• PEPCO Budget Billing: Even out your monthly bills to avoid seasonal spikes. Learn more »

• Track Your Energy Usage: Use PEPCO’s dashboard to see when and how you're using electricity. Track your usage »

Assistance for Eligible Households

• Residential Aid Discount (RAD): Lower your monthly bill if you meet income guidelines.

• Senior Citizens & Disabled Resident Credit: Additional support for qualifying individuals.

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Helps income-eligible households with heating and cooling costs. Apply here »

For a full list of available discounts and bill credits, visit the DCPSC's consumer programs page.

🌿 Ways to Conserve & Go Green

• Cut Energy Use: Unplug devices, adjust thermostats, and shift usage to non-peak hours. For tips, visit DC Power Connect.

• Solar for All: Eligible households can access solar energy at no cost, lowering your monthly PEPCO bill. Explore the program »