May 18 coronavirus response from Ward 5 CM McDuffie: Mayor unveils DC budget proposal, DC Council set to begin budget oversight hearings

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie <kmcduffie@dccouncil.us>

Sent: Monday, May 18, 2020 8:41 PM
Subject: May 18 Coronavirus Response - Mayor Unveils DC Budget Proposal, Council Set to Begin Budget Oversight Hearings

View this email in your browser Below are updates on the District's response to the coronavirus pandemic. For the latest and most comprehensive information always visit http://coronavirus.dc.gov. Mayor's Budget Proposal Presented Today Small Business Spotlight: LISC Small Business Grants Mayor's Budget Proposal Presented Today Today, Mayor Bowser released her budget proposal for the District government for the budget year that starts October 1, 2020. Now that the budget has been released, the Mayor will take questions directly from Councilmembers at a hearing tomorrow. Then the Council will undertake Budget Oversight Hearings leading to the final passage of the budget in July. While the budget will certainly undergo changes by the Council, the Mayor's proposal is the framework and starting point. A few highlights and points of particular interest to Ward 5 residents. Councilmember McDuffie had advocated for stabilization and activation of Spingarn HS in his February budget letter. The Mayor's budget proposal would rebuild Spingarn to be the permanent home of the DC infrastructure academy. With regard to recreation centers, the budget proposal funds ADA repairs at Riggs-LaSalle and Turkey Thicket Recreation Centers in FY21. It continues $2+ million in improvements for Brentwood Recreation Center in FY20 & FY21, including new field lights and interior renovation. The budget keeps $19.7 million in funding for renovation of Langdon Park Recreation Center, set to begin in FY23 and provides funds for new grass at Kenne Field in FY21. Plans for Fort Lincoln Park and Theodore Hagans Cultural Center remain on track and are not impacted by today's budget. Similarly, the renovation of the Arboretum Recreation Center and the new Lamond-Riggs Library untouched. The Mayor's budget proposal invests in Ward 5 DCPS elementary schools by establishing Early Child Development Centers at Bunker Hill Elementary, Wheatley EC, Browne EC, Burroughs Elementary, and Langdon Elementary and includes funding for renovation/modernization of Burroughs, Browne, and Langdon. For small businesses, there is continued funding for the Main Streets and Clean Teams programs and $250,000 to build capacity for small businesses in emerging industries. Small Business Spotlight: LISC Small Business Grants LISC is accepting applications for its third round of Small Business Relief Grants. The deadline to apply for this round of funding is May 20. Apply here or visit the FAQ for more information.