Neighbor,
In the past few weeks, I have visited crime scenes, heard concerns from residents and consoled families whose lives have been forever changed by another heinous act of gun violence. There is a gun violence epidemic in our city, and instead of dealing with it in any meaningful way that prioritizes accountability and opportunity, District government is recycling failed tactics and pointing fingers, none of which keeps the public safe. Instead of taking strategic steps to fix this crisis, I fear that many people are simply becoming numb to trauma. The keys to solving the District's gun violence problems are accountability and opportunity.
Perpetrators of gun violence must be held accountable for their actions to ensure justice for victims and consequences for offenders. However, accountability alone won’t prevent gun violence from happening in the first place, nor will it address the culture of gun violence that is too prevalent in some communities. It’s a culture that exists because in some neighborhoods, people are simply too scared to dream…too tired to hope…and too sick to love. To change this culture, we must make community investments that create real economic pathways and futures for residents instead of allowing the cycle of poverty and despondency to continue.
I authored The Neighborhood Engagement Achieves Results (NEAR) Act and passed it with unanimous Councill support over 5 years ago because I knew that a pure law and order approach wasn't keeping residents safe or addressing structural inequities like access to essential services and resources. Unfortunately, the NEAR Act, which remains one of the most comprehensive public safety and police reform laws passed anywhere in the nation, has never been faithfully implemented by executive agencies. At today's public safety hearing, I questioned executive agencies about their failure to implement this legislation and was frustrated to see that many of the NEAR Act's core provisions are still not being complied with as required by law. As a third-generation Washingtonian and someone who grew up here when DC was the murder capital of the country, I cannot support pursuing the same solutions to generational problems regarding public safety. That is insanity - we can and must do better. That starts with fully implementing the legislation we passed over 5 years ago.
In service,
Kenyan
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In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:
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COVID-19 Vaccine & Mask Guidance Updates
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Today, District government announced that starting on Saturday, July 31st, all people 2 years and older will be required to wear masks indoors. This updated guidance is in response to a significant increase in the daily COVID case rate.
The Mayor also announced new incentive programs to help vaccinate District youths. Starting Saturday, August 7th, on-site prizes will be available for youth at Brookland Middle Schoo, Sousa Middle School and Johnson Middle School. More details on vaccine incentives and prizes for youths can be found below.
You can find a full list of places to get vaccinated at vaccines.gov
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Back to School Guidelines
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This week, District government announced that all children 2 years and older will be required to wear a mask during in-person education at schools. There are also a number of pediatric immunization requirements for incoming students as well as some updated guidances for schools based on DC Health and CDC guidelines. See more info below:
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McDuffie Speaks At Voting Rights Protest
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On Monday, Councilmember McDuffie joined local faith leaders and members of the Texas Black Legislative Caucus to demand national voting protections from Congress amid ongoing efforts of Republican-led legislatures to limit access to the ballot box. Councilmember McDuffie spoke about the history of voting rights and the need to circumvent the filibuster to ensure every American can vote without fear of intimidation or unfair hurdles. You can watch his full remarks here.
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Eviction Moratorium & Utilities Changes
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The DC Council recently passed emergency legislation that phases out the eviction moratorium while maintaining numerous protections for tenants. Landlords cannot file evictions for tenants behind on their rent unless the landlord has already completed a STAY DC rental application on behalf of the tenant.
Councilmember McDuffie added an amendment to the eviction moratorium emergency bill that ensures residents struggling with bills get extended protection from having their utilities being shut off. You can find more information on the timeline of eviction and utility protections below.
If you have back rent or have difficulty paying utility bills (including wifi), visit stay.dc.gov to start an application to get financial relief. Our team is available to assist residents with the application process. If you need support, please fill out the help request form for our office here
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After shootings, D.C. residents ask what city will do. 'What's in place isn't working' (Washington Post)
Two Men Shot, Killed in Northwest DC (NBC4)
Police: Northwest DC triple shooting leaves 2 men dead, 1 person injured (WUSA9)
Proposed D.C. Council budget would fully fund trust accounts for low-income children (Washington Post)
Mendelson Funds Baby Bonds Program As Part Of D.C. Budget, But Broader Tax-Hike Fight Expected (DCist)
DC Council to consider creating ‘baby bonds’ for families making under $132K (WTOP)
Texas Lawmakers Dodging Voting-Reform Bill Welcomed in D.C. (Washington Informer)
Ahead of DC Council’s first 2022 budget vote, a look at some of the changes sought by committee chairs (The DC Line)
D.C. Regulated Third-Party Delivery Apps During the Pandemic. What Happens Now? (Washington City Paper
D.C. Council votes to raise taxes on the rich (Washington Post)
New D.C. Councilmembers Help Pass Tax Increase on Wealthy (Washington City Paper)
Bowser wants D.C. Council to 'reconsider' tax increase on the rich (Washington Post)
Evictions will restart soon in DC. Here’s what you need to know about the protections and resources available to tenants. (The DC Line)
DC mayor signs law banning sale of flavored tobacco products and menthol cigarettes (Jonetta Rose Barras)
DC mayor signs law banning sale of flavored tobacco products and menthol cigarettes (WTOP)
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Councilmember McDuffie was in Ivy City last week to hear concerns from residents about ongoing construction in the area.
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On Saturday, Councilmember McDuffie attended the Brookland Manor Block Party in Brentwood.
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Crummell School Victory Party
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Join Ivy City residents for a victory party at the Crummell School to celebrate the new basketball courts, playground and budget dollars to fund a new recreation center. The event will take place at Crummell (1900 Gallaudet St NE) from 5-8 PM.
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1st Annual Roving Leaders Day
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Join DPR for the 1st annual Roving Leaders Day on Saturday, July 31st from noon to 5 PM at Langdon Park - 2901 20th St NE.
There will be a moon bounce, rock wall, jumbo games, and more. Team McDuffie will be present to celebrate Roving Leaders Day with the Ward 5 community.
*NOTE that the date of Roving Leaders Day was changed from July 17th to July 31st due to weather concerns*
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August 19th marks the return of restaurant week! Make sure to support Ward 5 restaurants during the week like Ivy City Smokehouse
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The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development has two funding opportunities for grants.
The purpose of the FY21 Food Access Fund Grant is to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. The FAF Grant will support qualified businesses with capital for tenant improvements related to the expansion of operations into a new location in an area identified as having low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to locations in Ward 7 or Ward 8. The program will accept applications until August 18th.
The purpose of the Great Streets Initiative and the Legacy Small Business Recovery Grant is to transform certain designated emerging commercial corridors into thriving, walkable, shoppable and inviting neighborhood experiences. The Great Streets Initiative does this by supporting existing businesses, attracting new businesses, increasing the District’s tax base, and creating new job opportunities for District residents. The application deadline for this grant is Wednesday, August 18th at 4:00 pm.
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DMV Updates on Hours & Expired Credentials Extension
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In-person services at all DC DMV facilities have resumed. Now, all expired driver licenses and ID cards must be renewed by September 9th.
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