September 5, 2025
Dear Washingtonians,
I told you last week that my north star is defending Home Rule and our limited autonomy. This week, at an update on the state of our public schools, we were reminded why we fight so hard to protect Home Rule. We know that before Home Rule, before Washingtonians could take their concerns to local representatives, DC’s city services were underfunded and unresponsive to residents. Our schools were overcrowded. And it was particularly bad for those who already had the least privilege and power. Home Rule hasn’t been a panacea for all our problems, but it has given us some ability to control our own destiny.
Twenty years ago, our students were so far behind their peers nationwide it was unconscionable. Our fourth graders were 28 points behind students nationwide in reading and 16 points behind their big city peers. Last year, after 17 years of school reform, our DCPS fourth graders outperformed not just their big city peers but students nationwide. That progress happened because we – DC residents – decided we would fix our public education system. While there’s more work to do, our students, families, and neighborhoods are better off today because of our collective decision to go all in on public schools. That's the power of Home Rule. And while we are vulnerable, we should all be proud as Washingtonians that we have excelled despite our vulnerability.
To that end, earlier this week I issued a Mayor’s Order that gives us a pathway out of the Presidential emergency. It creates a framework for using federal resources in our city. To be clear, these are federal resources and agencies that we work with year-round, whether there is a federal surge or not. The Mayor’s Order creates a more formal process for that work to happen; and that coordination is in the best interest of our city.
I encourage you to read through our state of schools update. We’re nearly two decades into school reform and two weeks into the new school year, and there are amazing things happening in schools across all eight wards.
Sincerely,
  Find photos from this week on Facebook.
Next weekend, experience Art All Night, the District’s signature arts festival, featuring visual and performing arts, like painting, photography, dance, and live music. Make sure to download the Art All Night 2025 App, your personal guide to all things Art All Night!
And starting this Saturday, September 6, explore the culinary side of creativity with Dine All Night: an eight-day event that celebrates food as an art form through limited-time menus, special dishes, and curated dining experiences across all eight wards.
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When:
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Art All Night: Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13
- Dine All Night: September 6 through 13
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Where: Locations across the city
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Learn more here
Celebrate the end of summer at the Department of Parks and Recreation’s annual Doggie Day Swim. As the outdoor pool season comes to a close, four pools across the city will open just for dogs. Please note all dogs must have a current and valid DC dog license.
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The 16th Annual DC State Fair returns this Saturday with a full day of creativity and community. Explore unique vendors, meet local organizations, and discover the talent that makes DC one of a kind. Come out and celebrate everything homegrown!
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When: Saturday, September 6 at 10:00 a.m.
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Where: 680 Rhode Island Ave NE
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More information here
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This weekend, the Washington Wizards, DowntownDC BID, and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development are teaming up to bring a high-energy basketball block party to the heart of Downtown. Up to 100 teams (ages 10 to 18+) will face off in a 3v3 tournament, while kids ages 6–14 can level up their skills at a free youth clinic. This family-friendly event will have food trucks, live music, and appearances by G-Wiz and the Wizards Dancers!
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When: Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, 12:00 p.m.
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Where: 601 F Street NW (Outside of Capital One Arena between 6th and 7th Streets NW)
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Learn more here
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