In advance of the start of her new term, Mayor Bowser canvassed the community far and wide for input and ideas under the banner of DC2ME. The Federal City Council was pleased to heed her call. We shared the following views on a shared vision for Washington, DC and we offered her our assistance bringing these ideas to fruition:
Improve the futures of our youth through education
DC should continue to seek improvement in K-12 grades, with emphasis on achievement, not simply graduation. It should also foster new career pathways, supported and defined by the private sector, to prepare young adults for jobs available in the local workforce.
Improve the health of all of our citizens
DC should address the infant mortality crisis by convening the area’s health industry leaders and devising a multi-pronged plan to address it. It should ensure that every neighborhood has a good health clinic and safer streets.
Utilize city investments to build a stronger economic future for all
DC should acquire the RFK site and develop an integrated plan with Hill East that encourages the creation of the industries of the future through an Innovation District. DC should lease city owned land versus selling it to create long-term revenue streams and better influence the future. DC should seek opportunities to drive investment to the East End and along the eastern banks of the Anacostia, complementing the activity west of the Anacostia River.
Build housing for all members of our community
DC should aggressively exploit Opportunity Zone incentives to create more housing. It should consider adjusting height limits in certain parts of city, provided that projects include affordable or workforce housing. And to reduce costs, it should offer to accelerate the approval process for projects, including affordable and workforce housing.
