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John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Phone: (202) 727-2643
Email: [email protected]

Chief of Staff:
Tomás Talamante <[email protected]>

City Administrator:
Kevin Donahue <[email protected]>

Director of the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel:
Eugene Adams <[email protected]>

Senior Advisor:
Lindsey Parker <[email protected]>

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Affairs:
Lamont Carey <[email protected]>

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services:
Phil Thomas <[email protected]> <[email protected]>

Scheduling Requests:
mayor.dc.gov/page/invite-mayor [ [link removed] ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


December 19, 2025

Letter from the Mayor

Dear Washingtonians,  

The Fresh Start 5K [ [link removed] ] is a tradition that I started when I was Mayor-elect, and in 2026 it will symbolize my commitment to DC residents to run through the tape and finish strong. On Thursday, January 1, 2026, I invite you to join me and neighbors from across the city at the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge for the 12th Annual FITDC Fresh Start 5K. This year’s race will begin on the Navy Yard end of the bridge and cross over to Anacostia Park before heading back again.  

You can sign up at fitdcfreshstart5k26.splashthat.com [ [link removed] ] to run, walk, or cheer alongside neighbors from across the city. With music, refreshments, vendor booths, and a Kids Dash, there’s something for everyone. Register today to secure your commemorative T-shirt, runner’s bib, and medal (while supplies last!). Same-day registration begins at 9:00 a.m., the Kids Dash starts at 10:15 a.m., and the 5K begins at 11:00 a.m. To save time on race day, participants can take advantage of early packet pick-up on the following days to grab their shirts and bibs in advance:    


* Today, Friday, December 19, until 7:00 p.m.  
* Saturday, December 27, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Packet Pick-Up Locations:  


* King-Greenleaf Recreation Center (201 N Street SW)  
* Deanwood Community Center (1350 49th Street NE)
* Takoma Community Center (300 Van Buren Street NW)
* Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Avenue NE) 

I hope you will join me on January 1 – let's make this our strongest start yet. 

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser
In This Week's Newsletter:

* My School DC Lottery Application Now Open [ #link_4 ]
* Funding Opportunities to Grow Your Business with DMPED [ #link_3 ]
* #BeDowntown: Fun for All with DPR's Holiday Hype [ #link_5 ]
* Leaf Collection Update: Section D Starts Monday [ #link_1 ]

My School DC Lottery Application Now Open
myschool

The My School DC public school lottery application for School Year 2026-27 is now open. The application will remain open for grades 9-12 until February 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m., and for grades Pre-K 3-8 until March 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Families can log in to myschooldc.org [ [link removed] ] and apply to as many as 12 schools.  

A My School DC Lottery application is required only:  


* if your child will be a new Pre-K student at a DC Public Schools (DCPS) school (including your in-boundary school), or  
* if you want your child to be a new student at:   
* a dual-language strand at any DCPS school (in-boundary or out-of-boundary)  
* a selective, citywide or out-of-boundary DCPS school or any DC public charter school 

The My School DC hotline is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., to support families as they navigate the lottery process. The hotline can be reached at 202-888-6336 or by emailing [email protected]. 

"My School DC is a random lottery. There is no advantage to applying first; however, applicants must apply by the application deadlines listed above."  

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Funding Opportunities to Grow Your Business with DMPED
aps

Applications are now open [ [link removed] ] for several Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) grant programs designed to help your business grow and thrive, including the Great Streets Retail Grant [ [link removed] ], DC Locally Made Manufacturing [ [link removed] ], and the Emerging Retail Initiative [ [link removed] ]. These programs support businesses at different stages, from launching a new venture to expanding established operations.   

DMPED is also hosting a virtual information session where you can learn more about eligibility, walk through the process, and get your questions answered live. Register today!  


* *When: *Wednesday, January 7 at 12:00 p.m.
* *Where:* Virtual
* *Learn more and RSVP: *here [ [link removed] ] 

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#BeDowntown: Fun for All with DPR's Holiday Hype
hype

Tomorrow, join the Department of Parks and Recreation for this year’s Holiday Hype! Enjoy holiday cheer for the whole family in the heart of Downtown DC, including music, games, hot cocoa, handmade gifts, and more.  


* *When:* Saturday, December 20, 1:00 p.m.
* *Where:* Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW  
* *RSVP: *dprholidayhypedec20.splashthat.com [ [link removed] ]

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Leaf Collection Update: Section D Starts Monday
section d

Leaf Collection in Section D will start on Monday, December 22. Rake your leaves into the tree box or curb in front of your home. Paper bags are welcome if you’d like, but please don’t use plastic bags, as they can’t be composted. Check your collection section [ [link removed] ] and sign up for updates [ [link removed] ] to stay informed.

*Section D: Rake out by Sunday, December 21!* 

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Mayor Muriel Bowser

John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW | Washington DC, 20004

(202) 727-2643

[email protected] | mayor.dc.gov [ [link removed] ] | @mayorbowser

 



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