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Neighbors,

On Wednesday, the Committee on Business and Economic Development held our Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Markup to consider the budgets and policy recommendations for the agencies under our jurisdiction. This markup reflects our continued focus on building a more inclusive economy, supporting small businesses, and investing in equitable development across the District.

Later in the week, I had the honor of co-hosting a Youth Sports Town Hall in partnership with Fight For Children. We heard directly from athletes, coaches, advocates, and community partners about the opportunities and barriers in youth sports across the city. I’m grateful to everyone who joined us to share their experiences and solutions.

Next week, on Monday, July 1, the Council will hold a Legislative Meeting to take up additional measures as we continue moving through the final stages of the budget process.

As summer temperatures continue to rise, please remember to stay hydrated, check on your neighbors, especially seniors, and take advantage of the District’s cooling centers if needed.
Thank you for staying engaged and informed.

In service,
Kenyan
Announcements
⚽ Next Week: U.S. Women’s National Team vs Canada – July 2nd at Audi Field
Sign Up to Walk With Councilmember McDuffie in the July 4th Palisades Parade
Join Councilmember McDuffie and Team McDuffie for the July 4th Palisades Parade!

📍 Meeting Location: 4755 Whitehaven Parkway NW
⏰ Meeting Time: 10:20 AM
🎉 Parade Start: 11:00 AM
👕 T-Shirts: All participants will receive a limited-edition Team McDuffie t-shirt. Be sure to sign up so we can get your shirt size!
To walk with Councilmember McDuffie, please sign up using the link below:
👉 [Join Us in the Parade ([link removed]) ]
We look forward to celebrating with you on July 4th!
Wednesday's CBED Budget Markup Hearing

On Wednesday, June 25, I convened a budget markup for the Committee on Business and Economic Development. This hearing was a key step in finalizing our Committee’s recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, specifically for the agencies under our purview.

As part of this markup, we voted on the Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, a document that reflects our commitment to advancing economic opportunity, supporting small businesses, and investing in the long-term growth and equity of our city.

We also considered and approved Proposed Resolution 26-0178, confirming Frank Sanders, Jr. to serve on the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission. His experience and qualifications will serve the District well in this important role.

Thank you to my colleagues and staff for their hard work and collaboration throughout this budget season. I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies and investments that strengthen our economy and support all District residents.
Team McDuffie in the Community
Youth Sports Townhall Recap: Lifting Up the Next Generation of Athletes

Yesterday, I had the privilege of co-hosting a Youth Sports Townhall in partnership with Fight for Children, an incredible opportunity to hear directly from community leaders, youth advocates, and sports organizations about how we can better support young athletes across the District.

Special thanks to my Deputy Chief of Staff, Jonathan McNair, who skillfully moderated the conversation and helped bring this event to life, alongside invaluable partners including the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Monumental Sports & Entertainment.


** 🔑 Key Highlights:
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DPR Launches Women’s Sports Division
DPR has launched a dedicated division to expand opportunities in non-traditional sports for girls and young women, including lacrosse, volleyball, flag football, boxing, and gymnastics.

Court Renovations Across DC
Monumental Sports has partnered with DPR to identify 102 outdoor basketball courts for renovation. Work is already underway at 70 locations to revitalize these community spaces.

Inclusive Sports for All Abilities
DPR is expanding adaptive recreation programming to ensure youth with disabilities have full access to inclusive, engaging sports opportunities.

Competitive & Recreational Pathways
Panelists emphasized the need to support both competitive and leisure sports tracks, so all youth, regardless of skill level, can find a place to play and grow.

Tackling Transportation Barriers
Transportation remains a significant challenge. We need strong partnerships to help ensure young athletes from every ward can access practices, games, and training.

Expanding the Open Goal Project
There’s strong momentum behind bringing the Open Goal Project to Wards 7 and 8, creating more pathways for youth to develop in the sport of their choice, right in their neighborhoods.


** 📣 Call to Action:
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* Support a coach, or become one. Show up for our kids.
* Advocate for equitable funding and high-quality coach development.
* Build youth sports in your neighborhood. Leadership starts locally.
* Keep showing up. Support the resources our youth need, and lead with love.


** Special Recognition:
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A heartfelt thank you to Fight for Children for naming me their 2024 Legislator of the Year. I am honored to stand beside so many dedicated champions for youth development, working to ensure every young person in our city has the opportunity to play, grow, and succeed.

Let’s keep pushing the ball forward, together.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses at the Black and Forth Farmers Market

This past Sunday, Team McDuffie had the pleasure of visiting and shopping at the Black and Forth Farmers Market, a biweekly outdoor marketplace that exclusively features Black-owned vendors, including farmers and food artisans from across the Mid-Atlantic region. The market was founded by Angel Gregorio, owner of The Spice Suite.

In addition to shopping at The Spice Suite, Team McDuffie had the opportunity to connect with and support local vendor TeTe’s Butter Company, which offers a variety of health and wellness products ranging from facial detox masks to essential oils. At TeTe’s Butter Company, they believe in providing safe, natural products that nourish your skin while preserving the environment and its ecosystems. Their ingredients come directly from nature plants, herbs, nut butters, and oils all carefully chosen for their natural healing effects on the body. Learn more at TeTesButterCo.com ([link removed])

Be sure to check out the Black and Forth Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, from 10 AM to 2 PM, at 2201 Channing Road NE, Washington, DC. For more information, visit BlackandForth.org ([link removed])
Celebrating a Historic Juneteenth Inauguration in Prince George’s County

Last week on Thursday, June 19th, Juneteenth, I had the great honor of attending the inauguration of The Honorable Aisha N. Braveboy as the 10th County Executive of Prince George’s County. With front-row seats to this historic occasion, it was a powerful moment to witness her swearing-in and to celebrate alongside regional leaders committed to justice and progress.

The event also provided a meaningful opportunity to connect with colleagues from the federal government, Maryland elected officials, union representatives, community leaders, and many others who came together to mark this milestone for the region.


** 👏 Congratulations, County Executive Braveboy!
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I extend my warmest congratulations to County Executive Braveboy. As Prince George’s County and the District of Columbia continue to neighbor one another, I look forward to collaborating on our shared priorities. from economic opportunity and infrastructure to regional equity and community empowerment.

Pictured with:
* Maryland State Senator C. Anthony Muse
* Congressman Glenn Ivey (District 4)
* Alexander Austin, Chair of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce
* Earl O’Neal, retired AFSCME member

It was a proud moment to join in celebration and unity on a day that holds deep meaning for our collective history and future.


** Small Business Spotlight
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Unwind Wellness

A DC-Born Destination for Healing and Self-Care
Founded in 2012 right here in Washington, DC, Unwind Wellness has grown into one of the city’s most recognized spa and wellness centers, offering a sanctuary for rest, recovery, and renewal in the heart of the District.

Led by founder Antonio Menezes, Unwind Wellness now operates in three locations, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and Capitol Riverfront/Navy Yard, and has earned numerous accolades including multiple “Best of DC” awards. The business remains proudly rooted in the local community, committed to offering high-quality, personalized care to residents and visitors alike.


** What They Offer
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Unwind Wellness provides a full range of holistic and therapeutic services designed to restore balance and enhance well-being:
* Massage Therapy: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Prenatal, Hot Stone, Couples, and even Four Hands Massage
* Facials & Skin Care: Customized treatments to address hydration, acne, anti-aging, and more
* Acupuncture & Cupping: Traditional therapies for pain relief and energy balancing
* Body Treatments & Waxing: Body scrubs, detox wraps, and full-service waxing
* Wellness Enhancements: Botox and anti-aging treatments at their Capitol Riverfront location


** Community-Centered Excellence
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What sets Unwind apart is their commitment to a personalized, client-first experience in a peaceful, luxurious setting. Open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, each location offers expertly trained staff, flexible scheduling, and a calming environment where guests can truly relax.

Whether you’re recovering from a long week, managing stress, or looking to invest in your well-being, Unwind Wellness is a local treasure that puts care and community at the center of its mission.


** Plan Your Visit
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* Georgetown: 1054 Thomas Jefferson St NW
* Adams Morgan: 1990 18th St NW
* Navy Yard: 831 2nd St SE
Link to their website: unwindwellness.com

Treat yourself, or someone you care about, to the gift of rest and relaxation with Unwind Wellness.
Upcoming Events in the Community
Stay Cool With DPR
OAG Consumer Mediation Program
For residents with AC or water outages, the best way to get connected with OAG Mediation is to call the Hotline at 202.442.9828. For all other non-emergency consumer or tenant issues, the best way to get connected is to submit a complaint online at [link removed] .

EAS Carpenters Union and Events DC Pre-Apprenticeship Announcement
Late Night Hype - Hosted by DPR & MPD

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