Dear Ward 8 Residents, 

As in previous years, after hearing from the residents about their budget priorities, I submitted our budget request letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser for consideration in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget. 

Today, Mayor Bowser released her proposed FY24 budget and shared the proposed capital investments, which included some of our recommendations. However, we have work to do before considering this budget a "fair shot" for residents. 

In today's meeting, I echoed residents' concerns about our city's housing crisis. I am concerned about the significant divestment in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) that helps District residents facing housing emergencies, the delay in ERAP applications, and the high number of evictions facing DC residents.  According to DC Jobs with Justice, "So far, in 2023 there have been 2,736 evictions cases filed" in DC.

I emphasized the need to include more 3, 4, and 5-bedroom housing units in future construction projects to support larger families, specifically black and brown families in the District.  

Additionally, I pushed for the government to be more intentional about increasing the investment towards the construction of recreation centers East of the River, and to speed up construction and support residents that need these facilities.   

Our main goal is to ensure the disbursement of budget funding is done in a way that prioritizes residents and communities that need it the most. As I fight to keep our budget priorities in the final FY24 budget, I encourage you to testify at the upcoming public hearings and participate in the process. 

Regards, 

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8 
[CLICK TO WATCH]

MAYOR BOWSER FY24 COUNCIL BREAKFAST BUDGET PRESENTATION

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. comments on the FY24 Budget Presentation and asked for more clarity on specific investments around:
  • Delayed recreation projects;
  • Affordable housing commitments and;
  • Investments in ERAP and application delays
For more information on the FY24 Budget visit: https://mayor.dc.gov/page/fy-2024-fair-shot-budget
We are excited to announce the first  Ward 8 Women's Symposium. This event is open to all women in the community, specifically those who live or work on behalf of Ward 8 residents. 

Join us at noon on Saturday, March 25th, at Bard High School Early College. We have a full schedule of events featuring dynamic speakers, interactive workshops, and boutique shopping. 

REGISTER TO ATTEND: www.tiny.cc/ward8women
The DPR Lottery Is Open
All lottery registrations have an EQUAL chance in the automated and randomized lottery, ensuring equity and fairness.

Everything you need is here - http://DPRSummerCamp.com 

UPDATE ON DDOT’S PROCESS OF NAMING THE NEW MULTI-USE TRAIL IN WARD 8 


The 1.3-mile trail runs along the east side of I-295 from Ash Street SE to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and was built as an element of the larger I-295/Malcolm X Interchange project. The trail opened in Spring 2022.  The land is currently being transferred from NPS to the District of Columbia, and DDOT is looking to officially name the trail. 

In November 2022, DDOT created and distributed a survey to the public to collect name ideas. A total of 150 submissions were received. Staff reviewed the submissions and identified the seven (7) most suggested names.  Pursuant to § 9–204.05, to align with the District of Columbia Council standards for street naming, submissions that included the use of living persons’ names were removed. DDOT also eliminated names that are already taken by other public spaces within the District. 

DDOT is going back to the community with a final survey to select one of the 7 names. Once a final name is selected, DDOT will install trail signage along the corridor. We hope you will help us distribute it through your networks, and provide your input on what the trail should be named. The survey link can be found here: dc.gov/ward8trail

We are accepting responses until Friday, April 17th.

Suitland Parkway Trail Rehabilitation and a reminder to please provide your input on the project survey.

 

DDOT hosted the first public meeting for the Suitland Parkway Trail Rehabilitation project in February.  If you were not able to attend the meeting, you are able to find a copy of the presentation here: Suitland Parkway Public Presentation v3.pdf | Powered by Box. You can also find a recording of the public meeting here: https://youtu.be/TJCLwlgmgic  

 

We are asking the public and stakeholders for input on the project via this online survey: Suitland Parkway Trail Rehabilitation Concept Engineering Feedback Form (office.com)

 

Please take a moment to provide your input and share the survey with your neighbors. We will be collecting feedback until Friday, March 31st. 

Calling all neighbors in Ward 8.  Join us for an update meeting to talk maintenance and all things Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center on March 29 at 6:30 pm.  Meet us at the rec center! Share your feedback! http://FerebeeHopeCM.splashthat.com

Bill 25-27 the “Davon T. McNeal, III Way Designation Act of 2023.”

Finalized Budget Oversight Hearing Schedule

Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs

All hearings will stream live at: 
https://www.youtube.com/@CouncilmemberTrayonWhite
Cherry Tree Planting at Royal Courts
Wednesday, March 15th

Councilmember White joined Coke Consolidated, the Washington Wizards at the Royal Court apartments to plant cherry trees.

"I am excited to see these types of investments in our community because they are far-reaching and work to improve our ecosystem," stated CM White.

"Beautification projects like these help restore neighborhoods and communities to increase public safety and encourage community engagement."

Thank you Coke Consolidated, the Washington Wizards, Casey Trees, Royal Courts, and everyone that brought this project together.
Blacks In Wax
Thursday, March 16th

Councilmember Trayon White joined attendees for the annual Blacks in Wax performances at THEARC Theater.  This showcase is a collaboration by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC), founded by Cora Masters Barry, along with the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) tennis scholars.

The event celebrated the rich history and culture of over 60 prolific, iconic American heroes from the worlds of sports, entertainment, history, politics, and literature.

This year’s Blacks in Wax performances showcased young activists who have made an impact in the country and the world through their public protests and involvement.

For more information visit: https://dpr.dc.gov/page/blacks-wax
 Oak Hill Community Meeting
Thursday, March 16th

Councilmember Trayon White attended a virtual community meeting with some of the residents of Oak Hill Apartments. After learning of the unsafe living conditions, Councilmember White agreed to host a follow-up meeting to include representatives from the Office of Tenant Advocates, Office of the Attorney General and Department of Buildings, formerly known as Department of Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).  

Residents informed Councilmemer White that they had been without gas for several weeks.  Some noted that they have mole growing in their units and feel that management has neglected them.  

To eradicate this type and other forms of neglect, On January 11th, Councilmember White introduced B25-0029 Non-Compliant Landlord Permanent License Revocation Act of 2023.  The bill would require the Mayor to permanently revoke the license of business license holders and property owners that repeatedly violate District of Columbia Housing Codes under the authority of the Department of Buildings after the standard period for compliance has expired.  
Ward 8 Home Buyers Seminar
Saturday, March 18th

Councilmember Trayon White in collaboration with The Barber Home Group held a Ward 8 Home Buyers Seminar to assist Ward 8 residents with the home buying process. 

This event included a panel of experts that spoke on financial assistance programs such as HPAP and EHAP, credit scores, housing counseling services and much more. 

Councilmember White is dedicated to supporting Ward 8 residents who are looking to purchase affordable housing East of the River.
On March 8th, Congress voted to overturn DC law for the first time in more than 30 years. This is an incredibly dangerous precedent that threatens the safety and rights of the people of DC. If Congress overrode local government anywhere else in the country, residents would be outraged. It is an act of disregard for our local autonomy, and sets a dangerous precedent we cannot afford to ignore.

Ward 8 ANC Commissioner Chairs Jamila White (8A) and Rev. Wendy Hamilton (8D) joined local government officials and more the 50 organization representatives to speak up and out against this egregious Congressional overreach attempt.  They also called for #DCStatehood on behalf of the 700,000 residents to prevent these types of power grabs in the future.

For more information on how to get involved in upcoming action and to hear the speeches of Commissioners White and Hamilton www.hands-off-dc.com
CLICK TO WATCH
Tony Lewis spent decades in prison for a nonviolent drug offense. More than 30 years later, he’s a free man thanks to his son. News4’s Darcy Spencer reports.

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