The D.C. Council voted 8-4 to approve funding for ranked choice voting as part of its budget process, advancing Initiative 83, which was supported by over 70 percent of voters in the November election. The measure would allow open primaries and enable voters to rank candidates, with an instant runoff process determining a majority winner if no candidate surpasses 50 percent of first-choice votes.
Category: D.C. Government
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Bowser moves to formally repeal D.C.’s ‘sanctuary city’ status
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 […]
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 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
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 inD.C. Government
D.C. leadership freezes hiring and pay increases to offset budget gap
Facing a $1.1 billion budget shortfall caused by a federal funding cap, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has enacted immediate government freezes and invoked a law to adjust the District’s budget by 6 percent. With Congress stalled on a funding fix, Bowser warned that further cuts, including furloughs and facility closures, may follow if no action is taken.
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
U.S. president says federal government should ‘take over’ D.C., backing Congressional GOP push
President Trump has expressed support for a federal takeover of Washington, D.C. to address the city’s crime and homelessness issues.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Proposed DC Council bill banning phones in school sparks online discourse
Councilmember Brooke Pinto has introduced a bill to ban the use of cell phones during school hours at D.C. Public Schools, citing low test scores and distractions, but some parents and students have raised concerns about its enforceability and impact on learning opportunities.
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.
