From: Councilmember Kenyan R.
McDuffie <kmcduffie@dccouncil.us>
Sent: Thursday, February 4, 2021 1:20 PM
Subject: February 4th Ward 5 Report - Black History Month
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Neighbor,
As we celebrate Black History Month and commemorate the trailblazers
whose shoulders we stand upon, I can't help but think about the
challenges that we continue to confront. More and more Americans of
all backgrounds are waking up to the realities of systemic racism
and demanding we address longstanding structural inequalities. This
year, the best way we can honor Black History Month is by advancing
racial equity and speaking out against injustice wherever we see
it.
The REACH Act is helping to lay the foundation to address these
issues. The Council Office of Racial Equity launched on January
18th and this past Monday Mayor Bowser began the search for a Chief
Equity Officer. As we near the start of budget season, I am focused
on delivering an equitable recovery for District residents and
making targeted economic investments in Black communities to lift
families out of poverty and empower entrepreneurs. Let's work
together and continue fighting for true racial equity here in the
nation's capital.
In service,
Kenyan
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In this
issue of the Ward 5 Report:
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Councilmember McDuffie continued his calls for
equitable vaccine distribution in the New York Times, DCist, and ABC7 this past week.
Monday, Councilmember McDuffie spoke at a press conference on the
importance of Black District residents owning property and
businesses, covered by the Washington Post.
Last week, he spoke with Martin Austermuhle from
DCist about the new Council of
Racial Equity Office and the equity impact assessments the office
will produce for future legislation.
Councilmember McDuffie also spoke with Laura Hayes from the City Paper about his new legislation,
the Fair Meals Delivery Emergency Act. More info on that bill
below.
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On Tuesday, February 2nd the Council
unanimously passed Councilmember McDuffie’s legislation, The Fair Meals Delivery Emergency
Act, which requires third-party meal
delivery services to obtain permission from restaurants before
listing that restaurant on the delivery service platform.
Restaurant operators across the District requested this legislative
fix after losing customers from delivery services posting
inaccurate or out of date menus.
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Celebrating Black History Month
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Tune in on Wednesday, February 10th at 8 PM to watch a
History Channel documentary on the Tuskegee Airmen featuring
Councilmember McDuffie, who explains their legacy and significance as
we celebrate Black History Month.
In 2019, Councilmember McDuffie presented a Council resolution honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and
creating Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day here in Washington,
DC.
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On Monday, Councilmember McDuffie spoke at a press
announcement about the importance of investing in Black communities
and building the Go-Go museum. Watch the full clip here.
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Last week, Councilmember McDuffie toured Dunbar High
School and McKinley High School to see the schools’
preparations for the return of in-person learning. Starting
February 2nd, in-person education has resumed for
students at DCPS who opted to return.
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In case you missed Councilmember McDuffie's panel
conversation on smart growth and the importance of supporting
Black-owned businesses, you can watch the full discussion here. The panel portion begins 26 minutes into the video.
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Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Process
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Like last year, we are distributing the Ward 5 online
budget priorities survey. We have shared it through our email lists, ANC
partners, Civic Associations, and social media. Physical copies of
the survey are available at Woodridge library, located at 1801
Hamlin St, NE. All surveys must be completed by 11:59 PM on
February 19th. We hope you will make your voice heard in the budget
process by filling out our survey and telling us your priorities
for the FY 2022 budget.
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Mayor Bowser has also released the schedule for her
FY22 budget engagement forums. These forums are important
opportunities to make your voice heard and priorities known during
the budget process. The first forum will be held on Wednesday,
February 10th at noon. You can sign up and learn more
about this process here.
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2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
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On Monday, DC's Chief Financial Officer released the
2020 CAFR. The report identifies areas where we saw substantial
declines in revenue, in the hospitality and tourism sectors, along
with increases in unemployment due to the COVID-19 induced recession.
Urgent needs persist, including unemployment insurance benefits
program as well as other critical services to meet the needs of
residents.
You can view slides from the CFO's presentation here and the full CAFR here
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Round 2 of the DC CARES cash assistance program for
excluded workers is now open. DC is providing $1000 to DC residents
who lost their job or worked less due to COVID and were excluded from
unemployment benefits or federal stimulus. Please note, residents who
already received DC Cares funds in the first round are not eligible
for round 2.
To learn more and apply, visit dccares2021.org
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Celebrate Black history month by supporting
Black-owned businesses like DCity Smokehouse in Ward 5 on Florida
Ave. You can find a list of DC area Black-owned restaurants to visit here.
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DMPED has re-opened the Entertainment Bridge Fund
Grant Program, which aims
to provide $29.5 million in financial relief to the entertainment
industry. The fund is comprised of two programs: (1) Venue
Program that will support DC’s entertainment venues, and (2)
Supporting Business Program that will support entertainment businesses
that do not have site control of a venue but their activities heavily
rely on live events.
Visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov/bridgefund to learn more and apply.
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DMPED announcing the availability of $5M in funding
for the DC Local Equity, Access, and Preservation Funds program (DC
LEAF). DC LEAF incorporates three separate solicitations: (1) FY
2021 Neighborhood Prosperity Fund, (2) FY 2021 Nourish DC Fund, and
(3) FY 2021 Locally Made Manufacturing Grant Program.
Applications will open on February 12th at https://dmped.dc.gov/ and close at 4 PM on Friday, March 15th. Learn
more about DC LEAF funding here.
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As of February 1st, DC residents 65 and older,
health care professions, teachers and in-person school staff, MPD
officers, and childcare professionals are eligible to sign-up for
the Covid-19 vaccine. Every Thursday starting at 9 AM, appointments
will become available for residents living in Wards 5,7, and 8. On
Fridays at 9 AM, more appointments will become available for all
qualifying residents.
You can schedule a vaccination appointment at coronavirus.dc.gov or by calling 855-363-0333. There
is limited availability every week, so try to schedule your
appointment on Thursday when more slots are added.
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