Community Announcements

USAODC Hate Bias Task Force Meeting – Thursday, September 30, 2021

The United States Attorney’s Office
for the District of Columbia
Hate-Bias Task Force Meeting
The Role of Federal Law Enforcement in Bias-Related/Hate Crime Prosecution

Thursday, September 30, 2021, 6:00 p.m.

Event Number: 2761 433 3694; Event Password: 2Qp6SxAyW2x

To join this online event, go to
https://usao.webex.com/usao/j.php?MTID=e727d8d10f869774bd5a4456f31139a5f

GUEST SPEAKERS
United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
JP Cooney, Assistant U.S. Attorney
Chief, Public Corruption & Civil Rights Section, Criminal Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Tune in to learn more about current trends as well as federal and local law
enforcement collaboration regarding hate/bias crime investigations

For special accommodations contact
Donice Adams / donice.adams@usdoj.gov / (202) 815-8732

Flyer, 09302021 Mtg (FINAL- for distrib’n)

Ticket Amnesty Program Deadline Extended to December 31, 2021

Let’s Talk: Living in Changing Neighborhoods Virtual Tenant Summit Thursday, September 30, 2021 @ 1pm

Let’s Talk: Living in Changing Neighborhoods
Virtual Tenant Summit
Thursday, September 30, 2021 @ 1pm

 Register now at otasummit2021.eventbrite.com

The Office of the Tenant Advocate is here to address tenants’ pressing concerns. Hear from panelists from the Department of Behavioral Health, the Rent Administrator, and the Office of the Attorney General about how tenants can work together to ensure their communities are enjoyed by every tenant.

We’ll discuss smoking marijuana in nonsmoking buildings, how to handle situations where a neighbor may be experiencing a mental health crisis, and how diversity affects a unit’s rent-controlled status.

Panel Moderator:
Joel Cohn
Policy Director,
DC Office of the Tenant Advocate

Panelists will include:
Dorothy Kerr
Social Worker, Community Response Team
Department of Behavioral Health

RG Weatherington
Assistant Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General

Lauren Pair
Rent Administrator
DC Department of Housing and Community Development

Our panelists will help answer the questions:

1. I live in a non-smoking building, but my neighbor smokes medical marijuana. Is this okay?
2. What happens when a landlord moves a tenant with a subsidy into a rent controlled unit? Does it affect the future rent?
3. My neighbor has shown signs of mental illness or inappropriate behavior in my building, and it scared me. What can I do to help?

The panelist will speak for 10-15 minutes, and then we’ll open the forum up to questions from tenants in the audience.

Registration is now open here: otasummit2021.eventbrite.com 

Ward Redistricting Process Begins

With the release of decennial population counts from the Census Bureau, redistricting DC’s 8 Wards has begun. Ward redistricting in the District of Columbia is the remit of the DC Council. The council has created a Subcommittee on Redistricting, chaired by At Large Council Member Elissa Silverman. ANC and SMD redistricting will follow Ward redistricting

Councilmember Silverman’s explainer on the process and the roles of community input is available at https://www.elissasilverman.com/redistricting

The Office of Planning has compiled the population data and has made it available at https://planning.dc.gov/publication/2020-census-information-and-data

The Office of Planning, via the Census, reports that the 2020 population in the District was 689,545 for an average of 86,193. The ward populations before redistricting are as follows:

Join us for DC Flood Awareness Week! | June 21 – 25

June 21-25 is DC Flood Awareness Week!
FLood Week Graphic
What is Flood Awareness Week? DC Flood Awareness Week seeks to improve public knowledge of flooding and the potential threats for homeowners and renters. The campaign aims to empower District residents and business owners to mitigate their exposure to potential flooding through improved readiness and education. Join us for five days of fun and informative programming.

Learn more! ready.dc.gov/floodweek

June 21 | An Introduction to Flooding in the District | 6:30PM
Flooding can happen in many ways and often without warning! To kick off DC Flood Awareness Week, we’ll provide an overview of flooding in the District and how you can know if your home or business might be at risk. We’ll also explore different types of flooding, how flood forecasting works, and how the public can learn about potential flood events. Lastly, attendees will learn about ReadyDC, and the District’s Flood Risk Viewer.

RSVP TODAY!

June 22 | An Ounce of Prevention: Flood Barrier Technologies | 10:00AM
Flooding is a real threat, especially in low-lying areas of the District. By designing buildings and neighborhood defenses District residents can still live, play, and work along our city’s beautiful waterways. Fortunately, there are many different technologies that can be deployed. Join us as we learn more about different engineering solutions that are being deployed at public and private properties throughout the District to hold back flood waters!

RSVP TODAY!

June 23 | The History of Flooding in the District | 6:30PM
Dive into District of Columbia’s long history of flooding. We will explore how the District’s waterways have been transformed over the last 200 years by land use decisions, infill development, and urbanization. Specifically, the presentation will introduce “Uncovering The History of the District’s Buried Streams” – a new story map from the Department of Energy & Environment. The presentation will also examine past flooding events through historic photos and flood maps.

RSVP TODAY!

June 24 | Get Covered: Flood Insurance – Do You Need It? | 4:00PM
Flooding can happen when you least expect it! Learn how to protect your residence in the event of a flood! Join us for an informative flood insurance forum lead by the District’s Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB). This session will cover everything from homeowner and renter policies to agency resources and complaint processes available.

How to join:
1) Click here to join the WebEx session June 24 at 4:00PM
2) Join by phone: 1-650-479-3208 | Access code: 172 179 7613

June 25 | Day of Action: Be Aware and Be Prepared! | All Day
For the final day of DC Flood Awareness Week, we’re calling District residents to action to ensure they stay aware of any potential flooding and stay prepared for when that times comes! Throughout the day DOEE and HSEMA will be sharing the best ways residents can stay aware and prepared with the hashtag #DCFloodWeek on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Stay Aware! Sign up for Alert DC | alertdc.dc.gov

Stay Prepared! Make a plan with ReadyDC | ready.dc.gov

Download the HSEMA App! | Apple App Store | Google Play Store

DC DMV Extends Deadline for Renewing Expired Driver License/ID Cards

Last week, the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) extended the time residents have to renew expired driver licenses and identification (ID) cards to September 9, 2021. The previously announced deadline was July 1, 2021. This action, as well as other changes DC DMV is making, will give residents more time to renew driver licenses and other ID cards that require an in-person appointment at a DMV Service Center.

This announcement does NOT impact the enforcement of valid inspections and vehicle registrations that took effect on June 1, 2021.

In-person service at all DC DMV service centers, adjudication services, and the Deanwood CDL Office is still by appointment only. DC DMV will continue to offer more appointments and other options to ensure all residents have a chance to be in compliance with their credentials before the September 9, 2021 deadline. Changes at DC DMV include:

• Beginning this month, the number of new appointments released each week will increase from 6,000 to 10,000 as DMV employees return to work and the agency increases its operating capacity.
• The DC DMV Rhode Island Service Center will reopen at full capacity beginning Friday, June 25, 2021.
• Employees will continue to work overtime so appointments may be scheduled on select Monday and Wednesday evenings.
• DMV will continue to monitor appointments so that more appointments can be added to specific categories based on demand.

New appointments are added to the online appointment scheduler Tuesday through Friday (new appointments may appear throughout the week due to cancellations). Residents without Internet access can call 311 and a call taker will access the online appointment scheduler on their behalf.

When scheduling an appointment through the online appointment scheduler, residents should:

• Check appointment availability at all locations as one may have appointments available while another may not.
• Avoid refreshing the appointment page while waiting. Because of heavy website volume, the scheduler will move slower as it navigates from page to page.
• Use the Online Document Verification Guide to ensure they have the necessary documents to complete their transaction and will not have to make another appointment.

DC DMV will continue to share information with residents about how to resolve issues, either online or by making an appointment, including:

• DC residents with REAL ID compliant credentials (black star in upper right corner) renew online at dmv.dc.gov, by mail, or through DC DMV’s mobile app. There is no appointment option for these DC residents.
• The “Non-REAL ID Credential Renewal” appointment service is ONLY for DC residents with an expired DC driver license or ID card that is not REAL ID compliant.
• The “Senior Appointment” service is ONLY for DC residents aged 65 or older. Senior appointments made by residents who do not meet the age restriction will not be honored by DC DMV. Note: Residents 70 and older must make an in-person appointment regardless of whether their license is REAL ID compliant to provide medical certification on a driver license application. Additionally, seniors are not required to book this appointment category; they can book any category that has appointment availability.
• The “New Resident” appointment service is ONLY for new DC residents who are converting an out-of-state driver license  or ID card and if also applicable, registering and titling a vehicle with an out-of-state title/ registration.
• The “Private Sale Title/Tags” appointment service is only for DC residents who have recently purchased a vehicle from a private seller and need to title and register the vehicle. For vehicles purchased from a car dealership, the dealership is responsible for submitting the resident’s paperwork and payment to DC DMV for titling and registering. The turnaround time for DC DMV “dealer work” is 7 to 10 business days.
• The “DL/ID and Vehicle Related Services” appointment service is for residents who need to obtain a new DC credential and/or new DC vehicle title and registration. Except for the driver knowledge testing, residents may select this category for all services requiring an in-person appointment (including renewal of non-REAL ID credential, seniors, new resident, and private sale title/tags).
  • New residents who need to complete driver license conversions and/or vehicle registrations may also schedule appointments under the “DL/ID and Vehicle Related Services” category.

• The “Driver Knowledge Testing” appointment service is for beginning DC drivers who must demonstrate they are prepared to operate a vehicle based on DC law. Additionally, some residents have license issues that require the knowledge test to be retaken. Knowledge testing may also be scheduled at a third-party Test Proctoring Center.

Scan the QR Code to the left or click here & Download the D

DC Board of Elections Summer High School Voter Registration Event

On Saturday, June 26 from 12pm – 3pm, the DC Board of Elections is hosting a voter registration event for 2021 high school graduates and rising seniors. Attached is an e-flyer with more information on this event. Also, please note that 16-17 year olds’ that live in the District can preregister to vote. Please help us spread the word about the event!

Summer HS Voter Registration and Resource Event_6.26.21

New “MyRides” Program Offers Residents Free Rides

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 15, 2021

CONTACT:
Rasheena Latham (DFHV) – (202) 740-2030; rasheena.latham@dc.gov

New “MyRides” Program Offers Residents Free Rides To/From Opioid-Use Treatment

DFHV partners with DBH and Via to target transportation barriers for individuals needing access to opioid use disorder treatment

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV), in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and Via, has launched the MyRides program to provide free on-demand rides to and from treatment services for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Nationwide, a major challenge for individuals seeking treatment for OUD is transportation to-and-from clinic visits. DFHV, DBH and Via teamed up to deliver an innovative solution to that problem in the D.C. metro area through the MyRides program.

“We are excited about this partnership that will break down transportation barriers in getting people critical access to treatment for opioid use disorder said DFHV Director David Do. “My Rides will make it easier for people to get the help they need.”

Authorized behavioral health workers can also use the MyRides program to provide clients with door-to-door service to treatment appointments. In addition, peer support workers can use the program to meet patients in the field.

This initiative is supported by Federal State Opioid Response grant funding. Rides are provided by Via’s existing service in the area. Via’s flexible technology platform enables convenient scheduling, booking, and real-time tracking information and updates to healthcare providers and passengers.

To learn more or register for the program, visit livelong.dc.gov/MyRides. For more information on MyRides, visit Via’s website.

Flood and Water Damage Forum, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 24, 2021

The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is hosting its virtual Flood and Water Damage Forum. The forum will take place on Thursday, June 24,  2021 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. DISB is partnering with DC Water, Federal Emergency Management Agency, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, DC Department of Energy and the Environment and the District of Columbia Insurance Federation on the forum. The event is designed to provide District residents, businesses and community stakeholders with access to resources and a transparent complaint process to address water damage issues.

DISB_FloodWaterDamageFlyer_52721ƒ

Reservation 13 Community Meeting June 7; Phase 2 Comments Deadline June 11

ANC 6B will be hosting a virtual community meeting with the development teams to review proposals and ask questions on Monday, June 7 at 7:00. For more information and agenda, see http://anc6b.org/event/reservation-13-community-meeting/

Official comments on the disposition proposals can be sent to the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development’s Project Manager Ketan Gada at ketan.gada@dc.gov. For more information from DMPED please see their explainer.

17th & C Triangle Park Survey – Deadline Friday, June 11, 2021

17th & C Triangle Park Survey Link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMpM1Kvm809Rbzr9U-n_TgIXg8PG3RhyxDb9WLU3USs2aBfA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Additional information about the project can be found here:

https://dgs.dc.gov/page/17th-c-se-triangle-park

Garfield Park Community Survey – Deadline Friday, June 11, 2021

Garfield Park Survey Link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdMFWvILJhXQ0dZ14AtypjhotA6IkoWo37oa8IEis2L_EKNQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Additional information about the project can be found here:

https://dgs.dc.gov/page/garfield-park

If you have questions, please contact me at david.wooden1@dc.gov.

OSSE Seeking nominations for outstanding Ward 6 teachers for DC Teacher of the Year!

Please help OSSE spread the word about this opportunity to recognize, honor and elevate the voices of outstanding teachers who are inspiring, dedicated, and who go above and beyond for their students. Nominate outstanding Ward 6 teachers for the 2022 DC Teacher of the Year Award.

WHO CAN MAKE A NOMINATION: Anyone can nominate a teacher! Students, families, community members, school leaders and staff members, etc.

HOW TO MAKE A NOMINATION: Visit www.bit.ly/2022DCTOY to fill out a simple nomination form by the nomination deadline of Friday, April 30, 2021.

Any teacher who currently teaches in a DCPS school or a DC public charter school can be nominated. Once nominated, OSSE will reach out to all nominated teachers to invite them to fill out an application. OSSE will then work with a diverse selection committee consisting of community members and education stakeholders to identify a winner. The winner is announced by the DC Mayor each October.

Friends of Lincoln Park and National Park Service Cleanup of Park – Saturday April 24th – Volunteers needed

Friends of Lincoln Park has partnered with the National Park Service for an Earth Day event on Saturday from 9-11am. We are looking for some volunteers to help do some clean-up of the park, in particular trash and debris that has collected along the curbs and edges of the park. NPS has lent gloves/bags/shovels/rakes/brooms etc. to do this and will pick up the trash bags. Here is the link to sign up https://qrco.de/bc4nh1

For questions please email friendsoflincolnparkdc@gmail.com.

Spielberg Park (17th & C) Virtual Community Meeting – Monday, April 19, 2021 6:30 PM

Please join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for a virtual community meeting on April 19^th to discuss upcoming improvements to Spielberg Park!  Come share your thoughts, help influence the project design, and learn how to get involved in the project.  Your attendance and feedback are critical to the process and greatly appreciated. All ages are welcome!

Spielberg (17^th & C) Park Virtual Community Meeting

Meeting date: Monday, April 19, 2021
Meeting time: 6:30- 7:30 PM

Meeting link:  https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=m7886e38980929365c0e79a6eb8d1bbb3

To Join by Phone:
+1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)
1-650-479-3208 Call-in number (US/Canada)
Attendee access code 360 353 07

Project Website:  https://dgs.dc.gov/page/17th-c-se-triangle-park
17th and C Street SE Park Community Meeting (splashthat.com)

Greater Greater Washington – Like Slow Streets, Streateries, or car-free Beach Drive? DC Council wants to hear about it.

Like Slow Streets, Streateries, or car-free Beach Drive? DC Council wants to hear about it. – Greater Greater Washington (ggwash.org)

TRANSPORTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Transportation & the Environment Public Roundtable

Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 @ 12:00PM

Location: Virtual Meeting

The Committee on Transportation & the Environment will hold a Public Roundtable on the following Matter:

• Transportation in the District After the Pandemic

The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official record. Anyone wishing to testify should contact Ms. Aukima Benjamin, Staff Assistant to the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, at (202) 724-8062 or via e-mail at abenjamin@dccouncil.us; witnesses will receive information on how to join the roundtable at that time. Witnesses who anticipate needing language interpretation, or requiring sign language interpretation, are requested to inform the Committee of the need as soon as possible but no later than five business days before the roundtable, which is March 15, 2021. We will make every effort to fulfill timely requests, however requests received in less than five business days may not be fulfilled and alternatives may be offered.

Watch Live:

– On the Council site, at https://bit.ly/2ooL0l1
– On the OCTFME site, at https://bit.ly/2JNZIro
– On TV, usually Channel 13

Full information can be found at this link.

ABRA Reopen Washington DC Alcohol Act Information Session

On Monday, March 22nd, ABRA hosted a virtual information session on draft policies that will be sent to DC Council for approval at a date tbd. Below is the slide deck from the presentation. The draft legislation can be found at this link: B24-0044 – Reopen Washington DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Amendment Act of 2021 (dccouncil.us)

Thank you for participating in our virtual Reopen Washington DC Alcohol Act Information Session. Click here to download the slide deck from the presentation. We encourage you to share this resource widely.

Your feedback is important to us. Please complete our brief survey which can be completed in less than five minutes. Responses can be made anonymously.

Take the Survey

If your questions were not answered during the presentation, please contact ABRA’s Community Resource Officer Sarah Fashbaugh directly at Sarah.Fashbaugh@dc.gov or (202) 397-3971.

03/18/2021 – Office of the Tenant Advocate: Renter’s Rights 101 during the Public Health Emergency Webinar

The Office of the Tenant Advocate is hosting a monthly Renter’s Rights 101 during the Public Health Emergency webinar/online class (held in both English and Spanish) for tenants in DC who would like to be better informed about their rights. The class covers what tenants should know about their leases, their responsibilities as tenants, the landlords’ responsibilities, security deposits, COVID-19 changes to the law, and more.

Thursday March 18^th
10am – 12pm in English
5:30pm – 7:30pm in Spanish

To RSVP for this online class, please contact Nicole McEntee at Nicole.mcentee@dc.gov. RSVPs will be accepted until the class is full; if the class fills up quickly, the next monthly online class will be on Thursday April 15^th.

*This is being posted on behalf of OTA. For any questions or further information, please contact OTA

National Cherry Blossom Festival – Porch Parade & Procession

We’re excited to announce that the 2021 Festival will bloom this spring (March 20-April 11), with an innovative format that honors the tradition of the Festival, while prioritizing the health and safety of participants amidst the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s Festival is designed to incorporate both virtual and personal experiences for everyone to enjoy this spring!

On March 20, watch the ceremonial start to the Festival as performers from Japan and DC bring to your living room a celebration of the season with artistry and spectacle. Co-presented with The Japan Foundation.

For more information: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

GET INVOLVED: Petal Porch Parade + Procession

One of the new programs this year is Petal Porch Parade + Procession. This program invites DC residents to celebrate their cherry blossom/springtime spirit by decorating their porches, yards, and/or windows. We are also encouraging the community to get outside and explore their neighborhood. The goal is to have participants register online and NCBF will create a map for people to walk around to tour theirs and other neighborhoods. The program will culminate with a mini-procession of 10 cars that have been painted by local DC artists driving down their street. We will be driving through all 8 wards but the route will be determined by density clustering of decorated homes. Individuals will be able to begin signing up around March 1st.

Neighborhood Champions – Petal Porch Parade and Procession

Mayor Bowser Issues Mayor’s Order Extending Today’s Public Emergency for 15 Days

Mayor Bowser Issues Mayor’s Order Extending Today’s Public Emergency for 15 Days

New Chief of Staff – DC Office of Planning

From the Office of the People’s Counsel

The Office of the People’s Counsel is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government. By law, it is the advocate for consumers of natural gas, electric and telephone services in the District. District of Columbia law designates the Office as a party to all utility-related proceedings before the Public Service Commission. The Office also represents the interests of District ratepayers before federal regulatory agencies. The Office is authorized to investigate the operation and valuation of utility companies independent of any pending proceeding.

Stay Informed: What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. The COVID-19 is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, Hubei province, China.

Since December 2019, cases have been identified in a growing number of countries.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Public health authorities are learning more every day. We will continue to update as we learn more.

Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in the District by visiting the official website for this event: http ://dchealth.dc.gov/coronavirus

Or visit the CDC website for information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 

2020 DC CENSUS

About The U.S. Census 

Every 10 years, the U.S. government counts every person living in our country in the Constitutionally-mandated Census. Once Census collection is over, the U.S. Census Bureau analyzes and release critical census data.

Data from the U.S. Census directly determines the pathway of Federal funding, impacting schools, businesses, transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, and overall social equity in the District.

The more accurate the data, the easier it is to ensure that we are meeting our community’s needs. When data is inaccurate, we miss out on billions of Federal dollars.

We Need Your Help

In 2010, DC was the second most undercounted city* in the nation, with the highest concentrations of undercounted folks living in Wards 1, 5, 7, and 8. The following groups have been historically undercounted in the District:

• Low-income residents
• Foreign-born residents
• Renters in multi-unit buildings
• Children ages 0-5
• African American Households

*City defined by a population of more than half a million residents

In 2010, DC was one of the most undercounted cities in the nation.  What did that mean for us?

Well, the District potentially loses out out on billions of Federal dollars through large scale federal entitlement programs.

Make sure that we #GetCountedDC: http://bit.ly/34eV5RU

Follow the link above to find out more information and to fill out the census online!