The Fresh Start 5K 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 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. 

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 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]. 

Applications are now open 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, DC Locally Made Manufacturing, and the Emerging Retail Initiative. 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 

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