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Neighbor,

Yesterday, I convened a Committee on Business and Economic Development mark-up to advance our  FY22 budget report. As the Committee Chair, I guided significant investments that address the District’s stark racial wealth gap, tackle systemic barriers to access capital and support workers & small businesses most impacted by the pandemic. I also secured funding for a number of significant Ward 5 constituent priorities. In the Committee report, I especially want to highlight funding of $9M for a District baby bonds program and $1.5M for Guaranteed Basic Income pilot programs. These kinds of bold and transformational policies help address the most significant challenges facing District residents such as the wealth gap, displacement and public safety.

I also allocated $10M to create a new commercial acquisition fund that provides down payment assistance for local business owners to buy their space and $6M in grants for local CDFIs and MDIs that have a demonstrated record of lending to and supporting small businesses owned by socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs. I accepted $30M for a second round from the Labor Committee for a second round of Bridge Fund grants and approved $8M in relief for arts, culture, and entertainment venues. I was able to secure $250K for a small area plan in Ivy City, which enables the community to identify strategic priorities in their neighborhood and shape future development, Lastly, I transferred  $250K to the Transportation Committee to fund on-demand air quality testing in Ward 5 that will help us address longstanding environmental justice issues in the Ward, including the potential relocation of the OSSE bus fleet. I encourage you to closely follow the budget process as we continue to advocate for Ward 5 residents, workers, small businesses.

In service,

Kenyan
In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:

Committee on Business and Economic Development Releases FY22 Budget Report

 
On Thursday, the Committee on Business and Economic Development held a mark-up for its FY22 budget report. The graphic above provides notable funding priorities for Councilmember McDuffie and you can find a full press release on the subject here.

Kenyan in The News

 
Skyler Kelley is Destined to Help Single Unhoused Moms. But First, Coffee (Washington City Paper)

D.C. Could Hand Out Another $30 Million in Business Relief Grants, as Lawmakers Look to Boost Bowser's Budget (Washington Business Journal)

Council Awaits Vote on Name Change Bill (The Wilson Beacon)

Kenyan in the Community
Last Monday, Councilmember McDuffie joined Mayor Bowser, Councilmember Gray and others to celebrate the groundbreaking of Skyland Town Center.
On Monday, Councilmember McDuffie met with Brentwood residents to hear and amplify their concerns about moving a new bus lot to W St. You can hear an excerpt of what Councilmember McDuffie had to say here.
Councilmember McDuffie celebrated Juneteeth by attending a youth entrepreneur vending event at U Street Industrial Bank and then by visiting Sandlot Georgetown to celebrate its launch.

Small Business Spotlight
Make sure to support our Ward 5 businesses like Eden's Kitchen on Bladensburg Road! Don't miss out on their new outdoor space and fantastic Eritrean food.

March with Team McDuffie at July 4 Palisades Parade
Join Councilmember McDuffie & Team Ward 5 to celebrate July 4th as we walk at the Palisades Parade this Sunday! We will be meeting at 11 am at the Intersection of Whitehaven Pkwy NW & MacArthur Blvd NW. The parade itself starts at noon. Sign-up to join our parade team here.

July 4th Road Closures and Government Operations Advisory

 
On Sunday, July 4, multiple holiday celebrations will occur around DC. There will be street closures, parking restrictions, and watercraft restrictions that motorists should take into consideration. You can find more specifics here.

Additionally, a number of government services will be closed on July 5th in observance of the holiday weekend. 

Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) will be open on Saturday, July 3 from 8:15 am - 4 pm for walk-ins. No appointment is required. All locations will be closed on Monday, July 5.

The District’s COVID-19 public testing sites will be closed on Saturday, July 3. To learn more about free testing sites across the District, visit coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.

The District’s COVID-19 call center will be closed on Monday, July 5th. For general COVID-19 related questions or to book a vaccine appointment for homebound residents, call 1-855-363-0333.

The Department of Employment Services Navigation Call Center will be closed on Monday, July 5. Residents are encouraged to file unemployment insurance claims online at does.dc.gov.

The STAY DC Call Center will be closed on Monday, July 5. Renters and housing providers can apply for funding to cover rental and utility payments online at stay.dc.gov.

Meal distribution sites at DC Public Schools and Department of Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, July 5. On Friday, July 2, youth can pick up an additional meal kit at open meal sites. Additionally, deliveries through the homebound COVID-19 program will be paused on Monday, July 5.

You can find a full schedule of which government services are open and closed here

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

 
Since June 1st, any District resident 12 years and older are eligible to get vaccinated. The District is planning to close high-capacity walk-up vaccination sites on July 17, DC Health will continue to provide targeted vaccination opportunities to the community, beginning with these new vaccine clinics at six DC Public Schools.

In Ward 5, Dunbar High School at 101 N St NW will have first vaccine dose opportunities for District residents 12-18 years old on July 24th. Children’s National will be providing the second dose opportunities at the Main Hospital (111 Michigan Avenue NW) on August 14th and at the school during school hours Monday – Friday from August 16-20. To schedule an appointment call (202) 476-5464, walk-ups are also accepted. Learn more about the schedule and other school-based vaccine sites here.
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