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 […]
Category: District of Columbia Government
Washington DC — The Nation’s Capital
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
Achieving justice: Former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt speaks to new generation
Sharon Pratt, the first female leader of the District of Columbia and first Black woman to serve as mayor of a major urban city, spoke at the Greater Washington Urban League Guild’s MLK holiday prayer brunch, discussing the need for justice and equality in America.
U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton re-introduces D.C. statehood bill for the 119th Congress
U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen have introduced a D.C. statehood bill for the 119th Congress, aiming to give D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and full local self-government.
Joy Evans Therapeutic Center opens in Ward 7
The Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center, a $40.4 million project, has opened in Ward 7 to provide Washingtonians with critical services that strengthen physical, cognitive and emotional wellness, and is named after a former resident of Forest Haven, a D.C. institution for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
New Year brings wave of new laws across the United States
In 2025, new laws in various states will impact gun safety, healthcare, consumer privacy, transportation, and public safety, with gun safety taking center stage.
PRESS ROOM: Mayor Bowser declares snow emergency
Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a Snow Emergency for Washington, D.C. and the District Snow Team is deploying to treat roads, while a Cold Weather Emergency is in effect to protect residents from severe cold weather.
Mayor Bowser premieres $26 million fund, encouraging new venture capital to D.C. based start-ups
Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced a $26 million D.C. Venture Capital Program to invest in early-stage tech companies, with a focus on underrepresented founders, and the program is supported by the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).

