Interested in public policy, the DC budget, research and information to inform and improve the caliber of public policy discussions or advocacy? This is the place for you: information and intelligence that improves advocacy is the stock in trade of this blog.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Voter education: Candidate Phil Mendelson and the FOP
Sunday, March 30, 2014
What are your favorite YouTube intellectual channels?
What are your favorites? Please comment and share some links.
Bike to Work Day May 16
Bike to Work Day 2014 Registration is Now Open. It's FREE! http://t.co/AttFx9YTRV pic.twitter.com/wcZOkJ78MR
— Commuter Connections (@BikeToWorkDay) March 7, 2014
Mayoral candidates on education (voter guide)
Among others, the Fork in the Road groups includes: Ward 2 Education Network, Ward 5 Council on Education, Ward 7 Education Council, Ward 8 Education Council, Teachers and Parents for Real Education Reform, Capitol Hill Public Schools Parent Organization (CHPSPO), Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (SHAPPE), and WE ACT Radio.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Mayor Gray's Mar. 29 sked
Abbreviations cheat sheet
I can see you scratching your head... I'm sharing this because I am a stickler for maintaining my contacts for personal and professional use. This tool makes that easier.
Mayor Gray cuts ribbon on another playground Mar. 28!
The playground ribbon cutting is just one item on the mayor's March 28 sked; other items are listed on the mayor's public schedule.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
CFSA FY 2015 budget briefing Apr. 7
RSVP to Racheal Streeter at CFSA via email, racheal.streeter@dc.gov.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Young people express history through dance Mar. 28
You can be a citizen scientist!
Photo: Wikipedia |
You can help by becoming a Citizen Scientist. As a Citizen Scientist, you will record your rabbit sightings and share them with DDOE biologists. More information about the program and becoming a volunteer is available from Lindsay Rohrbaugh via email, citizen.science@dc.gov.
Mayor Gray cuts ribbon on Turkey Thicket Playground Mar. 26
The release describes the playground design. It
centers on two themes: transportation and a "mini-village." The transportation component will include trains, cars and boats; the mini-village component will include mountains, play houses and a farmers’ market. Other new features include sensory play equipment, a community garden, seating, a splash pad with a lighthouse and boat, a climbing hill, musical instruments, shade structures, a movie wall, a walking track and more.
At the ribbon cutting, the mayor will also announce the vision for the Play DC Master Plan. According to the release, "The Play DC Master Plan effort is led by DPR, OP and 25 stakeholders as the District defines a path for improving parks and services in a dense, fast-growing city." Specifically, the master plan will:
- Establish a clear understanding of the current conditions of all District parks, recreation centers, and outdoor facilities
- Assess the current programs available at all parks and recreation centers
- Identify challenges and service gaps
- Develop and propose solutions that are:
- Phased for implementation over the next 10 years
- Based on sound and detailed analysis that is inclusive and responsive to District residents
- Grounded in community input and industry best practices that improve public services and reduce costs
- Improving the District's ability to protect and preserve historic resources
- Progressing citywide goals identified in Mayor Gray's ONE CITY Action Plan, including economic strength and diversification, education and workforce preparation, sustainability and quality of life.
Mayor Gray will be joined by CM Kenyan McDuffie (Ward 5), Department of Parks and Recreation Interim Director Sharia Shanklin, Department of General Services Director Brian Hanlon, Office of Planning Interim Director Rosalynn Hughey, ANC 5B05 Commissioner Jenese Jones, and Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association's Debee Yamamoto. Community members and students from the Brookland Educational Campus at Bunker Hill School will also participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Have you heard? The DC Code is open!
For more information, read the BEGA press release and listen to the most awesome discussion of the new site and open government in general on The Kojo Show (March 24, 2014).
Improvement on the DC Council's website
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Mayor's biweekly presser and UMC announcement Mar. 26
More about the mayor's schedule is on the mayor's daily schedule web page.
DDS forum on the HCBS IDD waiver Apr. 9
The purpose of the event is to proposed amendments to the HCBS Waiver, including new rates for services and changes to existing services; and CMS's new definition of Home and Community Based setting and DC's plan to assess our settings and come into compliance, where needed. In advance of the forum review the details on the proposed Medicaid waiver amendments and transition plan.
A light meal will be served.
Confirm your attendance and submit any requests for accommodations by April 2 to Jestina Heroe, (202) 730-1586 or via email. Send questions or comments to DDSPublicComments@dc.gov.
The forum follows the FY 2015 budget briefing (see DDS FY 2015 budget briefing Apr. 9 (updated 11:10a)).
DDS FY 2015 budget briefing Apr. 9 (updated 11:10a)
The event is designed to prepare people with disabilities and their families, advocates, providers, and other stakeholders for the April 11 DC Council budget hearing. The briefing will share information about funding for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). Attendees will have an opportunity to make comments and ask questions.
Confirm your attendance and submit any requests for accommodations by April 2 Jestina Heroe, (202) 730-1586 or via email. Send questions or comments to DDSPublicComments@dc.gov.
The HCBS IDD Waiver Forum will follow the budget briefing, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. More info in another blog post.
Report on 200-participant education conference to improve student quality of life
YEP-DC has summarized the event in the post D.C. Model Initiatives Demonstrate ‘Intersections in Education’ at YEP-DC Annual Conference.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Report to DC Voters: Breaks for Some Seniors Shrink the Tax Base
Report to DC Voters From: Edward Cowan, March 22, 2014Breaks for Some Seniors Shrink the Tax Base
Phil Mendelson, chairman of the District Council, voted against a bill to relieve some seniors of having to pay any property tax on their homes because, he said, "taxing needs to be broad based." He also thought the exemption was unduly generous.
Mendelson was referring to a bill sponsored by council member Anita Bonds (At Large), who won her seat in a special election in April 2013 and seeks re-election this year.
The bill, approved by the council on March 4 by a vote of 10-2, would benefit 4,362 home owners, according to the Office of Revenue Analysis (ORA). The bill would reduce revenues by $8.2 million this year and by $34.9 million over five years. There are in total about 193,000 properties in the District.
However, the ORA reported that the bill could not be accommodated within projected budgets and so could not become law unless the mayor or the council offsets the revenue loss (cuts spending by as much, or raises revenue). Mayor Vincent C. Gray, who seeks re-election, has said he will include the bill in his 2015 budget, due April 3.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Spread the word about two new voter guides!
@susiecambria #DCMayoral Candidates answer questions about disabilities go to: http://t.co/PQeyJJHpnh & Pass the word! #LEADON #PWD
— Dara Baldwin (@NJDC07) March 22, 2014
Our #DCision14 voter guide is out! http://t.co/Z4mRhdqp4q @dc4d @tweetelissa @kcivey @KDunntweets @susiecambria @mofozzie
— JUFJ Campaign Fund (@JUFJAction) March 21, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
In honor of the Irish among (and before) us
Participate in DC Vote’s Annual Lobby Day Apr. 4
More information is available from Rafael Ramos-Meyer via email.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Help with social media
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Community Poll: Help make DC restaurants accessible
To do this, though, the partners need your input, ergo the Community Poll (short survey).
According to the survey,
The guide goes beyond the typical structural elements associated with accessibility, to include best practices for serving customers with disabilities, and how to implement accessible friendly policies that can increase customers. Restaurants receiving the guide will also be asked to make a pledge to be accessibility friendly, and to place a window decal on their restaurant to let patrons know.In the next few weeks, OHR will launch an on-the-ground effort in two District restaurant corridors to talk with restaurant owners and managers about accessibility issues, and we want you to choose them! Below are five restaurant corridors; one from each District quadrant. Let us know where you want us to visit!
Youth Division open house for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Please contact Sergeant Lisa Kelly-Griffith at (202) 576-7434 if you plan to attend and the number of youth that will be accompanying you by April 1, 2014 close of business. Also, let her know if you would like to set up a booth that highlights your programs and/or community events?
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Net neutrality event later this month
According to the event notice,
Because of a recent rule change, Internet provider companies like Verizon and Comcast can now block or slow down any website, application, or service they like. And they'll be able to create tiered pricing structures with fast lanes for those websites that can afford the tolls, and slow lanes for everyone else. Previously, all websites had to be treated equally by the Internet providers, a policy known as Net Neutrality.According to the Federal Communications Commission's Open Internet Order, Net Neutrality allows for an Open Internet, which "is the Internet as we know it, a level playing field where consumers can make their own choices about what applications and services to use, and where consumers are free to decide what content they want to access, create, or share with others."
On Jan. 14, 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., struck down the Federal Communications Commission's Open Internet Order. This means that Net Neutrality is no longer required by law.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
D.C. Speak: How Washingtonians Talk Mar. 27
According to the Humanities Council,
This active happy hour will engage Washingtonians in dialogue about understanding DC's culture through its unique language known as DC Speak. The panel will examine how it developed, how it has changed over time and how it contributes to the building of community in Washington. The panelists through a brief presentation will also demonstrate what is meant by DC Speak. The evening will also feature the Council's signature drink (yes, its a real drink!) and other happy hour menu specials offered by The Coupe.
More details and to register: dcspeak.eventbrite.com/.
CM and candidate Evans on NewsTalk Mar. 10
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
Public policy event, Inclusion and Outcomes: Where Policy and Disability Meet
- The Special Education, General Education Connection
- The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Increasing Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
- What ACA and Medicare Policies Mean for People with Disabilities
More information about the event and to register, go to the website. Direct questions to sternsymposium@umd.edu or Maria E. Blaeuer, Esq., 703-868-3544 (voice) or Blaeuer via email.
Wards 1 and 3 had largest gains in volunteers for Age-Friendly Block-by-Block Walk
- Ward 1: 28 (gain of 13)
- Ward 2: 18 (gain of 5)
- Ward 3: 28 (gain of 9)
- Ward 4: 22 (stayed the same)
- Ward 5: 20 (gain of 2)
- Ward 6: 15*
- Ward 7: 10 (gain of 2)
- Ward 8: 6 (gain of 1)
*there are a number of registrants whose SMD did not show up correctly; I've not corrected them and this mostly affects Ward 6
Wards 1 and 3 are ahead with registrants as you can see. What isn't included are the commissioners in Single Member Districts in Ward 6; all have said they will participate. Where will that leave Ward 1 and 3?
You don't have to be an ANC to participate. Lots of regular people, including college students, are volunteering.
It's easy to register and easy to volunteer. Sign up here. And as for volunteering, you and a couple others will walk (or drive if need be) a Single Member District and take notes.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Get yourself some data: The Indices is out!
The Indices! I've got a copy of the Indices! I love the Indices! Thanks @OPinDC pic.twitter.com/jh7My1QoIs
— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) March 6, 2014
So what, you ask? This is the best compilation of data for DC I've seen. The report, which is published every few years, contains descriptions of DC government agencies, data in tables and maps, and (I think for the first time), pictures, and infographics. And this year, the report is in color.
In the 2013 edition:
- Chapter 1: Washington, the Government and the People
- Chapter 2: Demographic Characteristics of the District
- Chapter 3: Economic Development
- Chapter 4: District-wide Planning
- Chapter 5: Government Operations and Finances
- Chapter 6: General Services, & Housing and Community Development
- Chapter 7: Health and Human Services
- Chapter 8: Community Services and Neighborhood Amenities
- Chapter 9: Education
- Chapter 10: Transportation and Environmental Services
- Chapter 11: Public Safety
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Spring forward and be safe, advice from FEMS
As you spring forward, check your smoke alarm. It may be time for a new one. The DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department provides free installations of smoke alarms for owner-occupied District homes. Request an installation at http://311.dc.gov or call 202-673-3331.
Bruce Johnson's update on CM Barry
New: at bedside Marion Barry says he's putting health first. Can't say when he'll be at work. Lots more rehab @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/r0EGuOuWVz
— bruce johnson (@brucejohnson9) March 5, 2014
The Future of [your] Street, a new way to talk and envision community improvement
On April 1st, 2014, invite neighbors into your home to talk, exchange ideas, and collectively vision for their communities all over dinner as part of The Future of [your] Street. Sign up to host dinner by March 15.
Ward 7 Emergency Public Safety Meeting Mar. 10
From a community list:
The heinous crime was and is an anomaly in the community and the intent is to keep it that way. This is the opportunity for the Public and MPD to come together for the safety and security of the community.I would like to thank Commissioner's Walter Garcia and Antawan Holmes for reaching out to Chief Cathy Lanier, Commander Contee the Office of the Mayor and Ward 7 Council Member and making arrangements that made this meeting happen.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
How does your ward stack up in registrations for the Age-Friendly DC Walk?
- Ward 1: 15
- Ward 2: 13
- Ward 3: 17
- Ward 4: 22
- Ward 5: 18
- Ward 6: 15
- Ward 7: 8
- Ward 8: 5
Ward 4 is ahead with registrants as you can see. What isn't included are the commissioners in Single Member Districts in Ward 6; all have said they will participate. Where will that leave Ward 4?
You don't have to be an ANC to participate. Lots of regular people, including college students, are volunteering.
It's easy to register and easy to volunteer. Sign up here. And as for volunteering, you and a couple others will walk (or drive if need be) a Single Member District and take notes.
Monday, March 3, 2014
danah boyd's talk at Harvard about It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens
In the meantime, here are two reviews from danah.org:
"I want to get this publication into the hands of every teacher, parent, policy maker, and journalist. Thoughtful in her analysis and adept at skewering the most common misunderstandings and anxieties about teens’ online lives, boyd is the best possible person to write a book like this, and this book does not disappoint in any way."
—Henry Jenkins, coauthor of Spreadable Media: Creating Meaning and Value in a Networked Culture"Astute, nuanced, provocative and hopeful, boyd does it all in this must-read treatise on teens and their digital lives."
—Stephen Balkam, Founder and CEO, Family Online Safety Institute
If you are interested in what boyd has to say about her research, watch the Harvard Book Store video of boyd's book talk, also below.
Voter education from Good Faith Communities Coalition
Questionnaire to mayoral candidates in the April 1, 2014 Democratic primary: 5 questions in areas related to social justice and homelessness as currently being experienced in the District of Columbia – Safety Net, Chronic Homelessness, Families, Affordable Housing and Outcome Measures and Transparency.
The voter guide is here (PDF).
Cold Emergency activation notice March 3
On Monday, March 3, 2014, the Cold Emergency Alert is activated. Additional services and supports are available to help residents who are homeless.Please Note:
- Due to the snow today, the Alert Night and Overflow shelters did NOT close at 7 am as usual; they will remain open 24 hours and close at 7 or 8 am Tuesday.
- The West End Library and Sherwood Recreation Center will open at 7 pm tonight as warming sites.
- The Shelter Hotline will have the latest information about open sites and will transport as feasible and safe under the conditions.
When the actual or forecasted temperature or wind chill is 32 degrees F or below, the District issues a Hypothermia Alert. If the actual or forecasted temperature or wind chill is 15 degrees or below, or 20 degrees with precipitation or other cold indicators, a Cold Emergency Alert will be activated. This means that additional services and supports are available to help homeless residents. To request support for persons in DC who are homeless and on the street now, contact the Shelter Hotline at 1-800-535-7252 or 311 or email uposh@upo.org. Visit www.dmhhs.dc.gov for updates. To receive alerts, register with Alert DC online at https://textalert.ema.dc.gov/register.php or by texting "DC" to 411911.
This information, and any updates, will be posted on dmhhs.dc.gov.
Wild Apricot's curated list of free training for nonprofits
This list is on top of the offerings by Wild Apricot itself.
A little blog housekeeping
There are plenty of other examples. So why am I making the change? The data on blog readership shows that there is more traffic in the afternoon; Twitter clickthroughs are the same. So I'm giving it a try. I hope you'll stick with me!
State of the District rescheduled to March 11
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Legislative meeting media briefing Mar. 3 (cancelled)
If you can't make it to the event you can watch on the DC Council website, dccouncil.us/videos.
Your help is needed at the DC STEM Fair
Interested in #STEM? Come to the @DCSTEMFair on March 22nd! We still need volunteers and judges too. Sign up at http://t.co/aVjVgmD92W! #DC
— The DC STEM Fair (@DCSTEMFair) February 26, 2014