January 6, 2023
Dear Washingtonians,
This week, I was honored to take the oath of office for the third
time. A lot has happened since the last time I took the oath and shared with you that my favorite part is when each of us swears to represent the District of Columbia—as a whole—without fear or favor. Our lives were upended by a pandemic that isolated us from our friends and family, shut down our schools, and created new levels of uncertainty that we’ve never experienced before – about our health, our lives, and our future.
From the pandemic, to protests, to an insurrection, we’ve stood together. We made it through together.
And now on the other side, I have more optimism and more hope for the future than ever before. Not a blind optimism, but one that is informed by a tested leader who knows where we are strong and who knows where we must be stronger. I’m optimistic about our future because I know our past. I know about the leaders – some you know well and others you’ve never met. And I know our story. Everybody loves a winner and a good comeback – and that’s DC’s story, isn’t it?
When we work together, there is nothing that we cannot take on. Success is ours to grab.
I want to thank you, the residents of this great city, the greatest city in the world, my hometown, for placing your trust in me for another four years. I want you to know that I believe as a city we are only as strong as the ward that struggles most. We are only as vibrant as our system of values and how it works to protect us and our rich diversity. And I want you to know that I believe that our political choices are only as sound as all of voices that make them, not a narrow few. It demands that none of us is a slave to an ideology or popularity or too scared to make tough decisions. In recent years, our dialogue became increasingly political and erratic and too strident in our personal politics; that is our past. Our future is working together, and I will set the tone for my Administration to work harder, smarter, and more engaged with all of our partners – those whose views we share and those with views we don’t share.
I’m honored to be your mayor, I’m committed, and mark my words: We will come back, we will win, and we will do it together.
Read my full inaugural address HERE or watch it HERE and learn more about my vision for the next four years and how we will work together to reimagine downtown, put all students on a pathway to success, fight for the middle class, fight for and expand democracy, build a sustainable and resilient DC, and tackle gun violence.
Then, on Monday, January 9, tune in to mayor.dc.gov/live at 11:00 a.m. when I'll roll out DC's Comeback Plan.
Sincerely,
 Join neighbors and help us celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at these upcoming events:
MLK Day of Action: Sign up to participate in volunteer opportunities such as meal packing, preparing ‘Go Kits’ for seniors, and donating coats to benefit children and adults.
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When: Saturday, January 14 @ 10:00 a.m.
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Where: Arthur Capper Community Center (1000 5th Street SE)
- Register HERE.
Warm Hands, Warm Hearts: Join the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs in the spirit of giving this Martin Luther King Jr. Day by collecting gloves and donating them. This event will be filled with music and fellowship.
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When: Sunday, January 15 @ 3:00 p.m.
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Where: Franklin Park (1332 I Street NW)
- Learn more HERE.
Recapture the Dream 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk & Parade: A tradition for over 40 years, this memorial parade brings together thousands of DC residents every year to honor Dr. King’s work and reinforce the idea that “every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice.”
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When: Monday, January 16 @ 9:30 a.m.
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Where: MLK Jr Ave & Howard Road SE (2500 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE)
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 This week, Mayor Bowser, students, and school leaders cut the ribbon on the new, permanent home for Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) DC. Bard High School Early College DC first opened in August 2019 as a partnership between Bard College and DC Public Schools. BHSEC DC is a District-wide high school program that offers students the unique opportunity to earn up to 60 transferable college credits and an associate degree from Bard College alongside a high school diploma, free of charge.
The new school is located in the former Malcom X Opportunity Center in Congress Heights and offers District students another first-class facility to pursue their academic goals.
Students and families interested in applying to Bard High School for next school year should submit their My School DC application by February 1.
Learn more about applying HERE.
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 Local businesses are reminded that applications for the Bridge Fund are due by Friday, January 13 at 5:00 p.m.
The Bridge Fund grants provide flexible financial relief to small businesses and sole proprietors that experienced revenue loss during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, with priority going to those that have not received prior rounds of relief funds. Grantees will be allowed to use funds for needs such as rent, payroll and labor, and operating expenses. Awards will range from $5,000 – $45,000.
Eligible businesses include restaurants, retailers, or entertainment small businesses located in the District of Columbia with an active DC Basic Business License, less than $5 million in gross receipts each in 2019, 2020, and 2021, and the ability to demonstrate revenue declines or significant costs and financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the period of April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021.
Learn more and apply HERE.
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