February 6, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
This weekend, we are expecting some dangerously cold temperatures as well as high winds. Temperatures will drop significantly overnight Friday into Saturday, with wind chills falling as low as negative 10 degrees. That said, please continue calling the Shelter Hotline if you see someone who is outside and might need free, accessible transportation to shelter; you can request the Shelter Hotline by dialing 311 or by calling 202-399-7093.
Now, even though these conditions can make it seem like summer is a long ways away, we do want to make sure two application deadlines are on your radar:
Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program application deadline: Friday, March 6
For 47 years, the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) has represented our commitment to young people in DC – a promise of opportunity, mentorship, and a paycheck earned through hard work. When I came into office, we expanded the program and made it available to more young adults.
This summer, thousands of young people ages 14–24 will take part in paid jobs and workforce training across the city. In addition to encouraging young people to apply, I also encourage employers across the District to become MBSYEP hosts.
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) summer camp lottery deadline: Monday, February 16
And for our families with younger children, the DPR summer camp lottery is also open. DPR summer camps are popular with families and for good reason: they provide safe, engaging, and enriching camp opportunities for children ages 3–13 at more than 50 locations across all eight wards.
The summer camp lottery is now open and closes Monday, February 16. After the lottery closes, DPR rosters for each camp will be randomly selected. Families will receive their lottery results starting on February 17. Families can register for the summer camp lottery at dprsummercamp2026.splashthat.com.
Stay safe and warm this weekend.
Join Mayor Bowser and the DC Department of Aging and Community Living for Red, White, & You, a special Valentine’s event for DC seniors. Featuring music, dancing, and food, this gathering brings older residents together to strengthen connections and highlight how valued and loved our seniors are this Valentine’s Day and beyond.
- When: Wednesday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m.
- Where: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Panorama Room, 1600 Morris Road SE
- RSVP to Red, White, & You
Celebrate strength, confidence, and community at DPR’s Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Expo! Join DPR for a fun day of sports, hands-on activities, and connections with inspiring athletes. There will be more than 20 vendors and plenty of chances to move, learn, and play!
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DC businesses: Are you RFK-ready? As the redevelopment of the RFK campus moves forward, now is the time to prepare for upcoming contracting opportunities. The project will include a new stadium for the Washington Commanders, housing, retail, and entertainment, creating many opportunities for local companies.
Business owners are encouraged to apply now to become a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) so they can compete for District contracts. This historic investment will create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and help DC businesses play a key role in shaping the future of RFK.
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Celebrate Black storytelling and cinematic excellence at the 37th Annual Black Film Festival, part of DC Public Library’s Tuesday Night Movies Series. This weekly series invites adult audiences to experience powerful films in a shared, welcoming space.
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 The Department of Public Works has resumed trash, recycling, and food waste collections. If your trash or recycling was not collected on your scheduled day, please leave your bins out, as missed collections are being prioritized. If materials have not been collected within two days, residents should report the issue to 311.
Updates as of Friday afternoon:
Frontside Collection:
DPW has completed most Monday through Thursday frontside collections and began Friday frontside collection on the normal schedule. Over the weekend, crews will address any missed trash routes.
Alley Clearing:
Bobcats have cleared a path through most Monday and Tuesday collection alleys. Crews are currently working through Wednesday and Thursday alleys. Over the weekend, they will address Friday alleys and focus on any trouble spots that may require extra attention.
Alley Collections:
Wednesday alley collections are ongoing today. Crews will work through the weekend to reach Thursday and Friday alley collections and return to alleys that were missed earlier in the week due to icy conditions.
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