By Martin Austermuhle It was five years ago that Mayor Muriel Bowser called D.C. a “proud sanctuary city,” but now she’s trying to scrub the designation and protections it offers some immigrants. As part of her proposed budget for 2026, Bowser is pushing to repeal a 2019 law that limits how and when city agencies […]
Category: District of Columbia Government
Washington DC — The Nation’s Capital
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Report identifies need for new jail in the District of Columbia
By DaQuan LawrenceSpecial to the AFROdlawrence@afro.com According to a recent report issued by the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor (ODCA), the nation’s capital is overdue for a new jail. The extensive report, titled “Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail,” outlines deteriorating conditions at the current jail facility. Authors of the report say the […]
Posted inEducation
DCPS rolls out districtwide phone ban to cut distractions
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee gives information on the districtwide ban on personal cell phones and electronic devices for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
House passes several ‘anti-D.C. Home Rule’ bills
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed three bills aiming to override D.C.’s local laws, reigniting debates over Home Rule and statehood. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-At-Large) condemned the measures as undemocratic and harmful.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. sees record visitation, fueling local economy
Washington, D.C. welcomed a record 27.2 million visitors in 2024, generating $11.4 billion in spending, $2.3 billion in tax revenue and supporting 111,500 jobs. The surge in tourism follows increased investment in Destination DC’s marketing efforts, delivering a strong return on investment for the city.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ward 5 residents invited to help shape the future of RFK Stadium site at May 14 community meeting
By Councilman Zackary Parker (D-Ward 5) Dear Ward 5 neighbors, There’s been a lot of buzz this week around a proposal for the future of the RFK Stadium site. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on May 5 to announce a deal to bring the Commanders back […]
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
Open meetings no more? D.C. Council reshapes transparency rules in emergency vote
By Martin AustermuhleThe 51st In early April the D.C. Council passed emergency legislation that significantly expands lawmakers’ ability to meet behind closed doors and away from the prying ears and eyes of the press and public. Ironically, an unrelated bill was introduced called the “Transparency is Accountability Act.” Proponents of the emergency measure – the […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. braces for impact as federal layoffs mount; Bowser outlines support
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser hosted a town hall to address the impact of mass layoffs of federal workers on the city, with an estimated $325 million less in revenue over the next four years.
Posted inD.C. Government
‘More than brick and mortar:’ DC begins removing ‘Black Lives Matter’ plaza near the White House
Crews began removing the large yellow “Black Lives Matter” letters from the street near the White House on March 10, in response to pressure from Republicans in Congress, with the goal of replacing them with city-sponsored murals.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Mayor Bowser launches applications for 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program
The 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program, managed by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, aims to support DC-based retail businesses with a funding opportunity of $10,000 through a lottery process, with applications open until March 31, 2025.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Applications for 2025 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program open
Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced the opening of the 2025 application period for the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides opportunities for young Washingtonians to earn income, develop vital skills, and discover career options.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Office to Anything’ program launches ahead of new federal workforce requirements
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser launched the “Office to Anything” program to incentivize the revitalization of empty office spaces in the District of Columbia, offering a 15-year temporary property tax freeze for commercial, hotel, entertainment, retail and other non-residential uses.