March 29, 2022

Ward 3 Update: The District's Budget

Dear Neighbors,

With the release of Mayor Bowser's proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, the Council has once again entered into the budget oversight season. While only a month and a half long, conducting budget oversight is among the most important Council functions and represents the opportunity to invest directly in our neighborhoods, strengthen essential community supports, and enhance agency services. The District is working with a $184 million surplus this year (quite a bit lower than the initial projections of $576 million), which will be put toward enhancements to the Housing Production Trust Fund and the District's capital infrastructure projects.

As committees undergo a thorough review of the proposed changes and financial investments in the coming weeks, I would like to note a couple of education-related budget items that stood out to me upon an initial look at the budget reports:

The proposed budget continues funding for the new Foxhall and MacArthur Boulevard schools slated for Ward 3 and also announced the grade levels for the buildings, with the Foxhall site to host an elementary school and the MacArthur Boulevard site to host a high school that, once it receives an addition, will have the capacity to educate up to 1,000 students. The budget also maintained the additions proposed for Deal Middle School and Stoddert Elementary School. These investments represent a huge step forward in addressing the severe overcrowding at Ward 3 schools. That said, I’d like to see if the athletic field at the old Georgetown Day School lower campus site can be activated ASAP for use by Hardy Middle School and other students over the next year and a half.

While capacity building in our schools is to be lauded, one budget cut that is unconscionable to me is the discontinuation of the District's Foodprints program, which empowers children across the District to lead healthier lives through outdoor learning in school gardens, increasing access to nutritious food, and comprehensive food education. Unfortunately, this cut was somewhat expected. During performance oversight, DC Public Schools (DCPS) noted that it did not envision continuing the Foodprints program long-term, viewing the District’s investments to date as simply “seed funding." After Foodprints' remarkable successes, it is stunning that DCPS would not commit to funding this vitally important program long-term, and I know that other Councilmembers agree that this funding must be restored as the budget process advances.

Over the next six weeks, the Council will fine-tune the Mayor's budget proposal to ensure we are appropriating our public dollars in a way that most effectively serves the heightened needs of our residents and prioritizes a continued robust recovery from the pandemic. For anyone who would like to review the budget documents firsthand and participate in the remaining Council budget hearings, please see:

• The FY23 Budget
• The District's Budget Process 101
• The Council's Budget Oversight Schedule

Regards,

Mary

Vote to Name the ConstructionFest Mascot (& Win Prizes)!

The Cleveland Park panda mascot will be hard at work helping to promote our small businesses during ConstructionFest—and the panda needs a name!

The Main Street received so many fabulous name ideas from the community, from Panda McBearface to Pan D. Monium, and now it's time to vote for the official name. Voting ends 3/31 at midnight. Everyone who votes will be entered into a raffle to win one of 6 available prizes:

• $50 gift card to CP Bar & Grill
• $90 gift card to Imaj Hair Salon (Cut & Blow Dry)
• $25 gift card to Laredo

• $25 gift card to City Paws
• $16 gift card to Fresh Med
• Free Steam Vac Rental from Brothers Sew & Vac ($39.99)

From WUSA9 - Buildings in DC may have to change in order to become more bird-friendly

Ward 3 Community Corner

The High Rise Survey - The Forest Hills Connection has launched a community survey for the purpose of collecting information on DC apartment buildings and landlords. How well do the owners and managers perform on building maintenance, safety and security, noise and trash? How many buildings have tenants associations?

• Click here to share your input!

Community Conversation with the Humane Rescue Alliance - Join the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) on Thursday, March 31st at noon for a virtual discussion on the Animal Care and Control Omnibus Amendment Act, landmark animal welfare legislation introduced by Councilmember Cheh that will strengthen the District's animal cruelty laws, promote adoption of animals, and enhance HRA's ability to protect vulnerable animals from harm.

• Click here to RSVP for the free virtual event!

Return of the Walk to End Homelessness - Friendship Place has announced the return of the in-person Friendship Place Walk to End Homelessness! The event will be held on April 30th on the National Mall. To sign-up as an individual, start a walking team, or to join an existing team, please go to Friendship Walks.

The Ward 3 ANC Redistricting Task Force's Final Recommendations

Calling All Master (And Aspiring) Gardeners!

Fort Totten Drop-Off is Temporarily Changing

April 2nd is Last Day for Fort Totten Drop-Offs - The Department of Public Works has received a stormwater management grant to improve the state of stormwater runoff generated at the Fort Totten Trash Transfer Station. Due to these required renovations, the Fort Totten Transfer Station will be closed for residential drop-offs from April 3rd through the Fall of 2022.

Fort Totten's operations will shift to the Benning Road Transfer Station (located at 3200 Benning Road, NE) beginning on April 6th:

• Bulk and residential drop-off will take place Wednesday through Friday from 10 am until 2 pm
• Household Hazardous Waste drop-off will continue on Saturdays from 7 am until 2 pm
• Shredding will take place on the first Saturday of every month from 7 am until 2 pm

For more information, please see: Changes Coming to Fort Totten.

Resident Resource: The DCRA Contractor Rating System

Ending this Update on a Happy Note:

Celebrating 50 Years of Giant Pandas at the National Zoo!

Our Office is Open!

Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.

You may continue to reach us via email or phone through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent services requests.

FOLLOW MARY