Dear neighbors,

This week, the D.C. Council approved the FY25 budget and related legislation. I am pleased to report that many projects and programs vital to Ward 7, healthcare, childcare, education, housing, economic development, and public safety are fully funded.

Though the budget process required difficult decisions, the priorities we put forth were met.The next step in the process is underway; Mayor Bowser has received the budget for review and approval.

Details of FY25 spending and expected revenue can be found here; the Council's budget webpage is informative and easy to navigate.Below, is a summary of many of my budget requests that were fulfilled.

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In service,

Vince

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HEALTHCARE

•    Our new hospital --Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center at St. Elizabeths-- is fully funded and construction proceeds on-time.

EDUCATION

•    $2 million in additional "Schools First in Budgeting" and/or at-risk concentration funding for Ward 7 DCPS schools
•    $3.5 million to provide an additional permanent position for an educator, a permanent substitute teacher, a wellness coordinator, or a full-time equivalent to implement a flexible schedule for each elementary school in Wards 7 and 8
•    $1.2 million to St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School to cover operating expenses
•    $66.6 million for the modernization of Beers ES
•    $94.9 million for the modernization of Burrville ES
•    $70.2 million for the modernization of Drew ES
•    $85.7 million for the modernization of J.C. Nalle ES
•    $77.6 million for the modernization of Neval Thomas ES
•    $6.1 million to renovate the Kenilworth swing space to support planned school modernization projects

RECREATION and LIBRARIES

•    $20 million for a new River Terrace Recreation Center
•    $2 million for Jackie Robinson Field
•    $13.5 million for the Hillcrest Aquatic Center
•    $5.5 million for the Rosedale Pool
•    Funding to refresh football fields at Marvin Gaye Recreation Center; the basketball courts at Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center and Ely Place; and the tennis courts at Ely Place and Fort Davis Recreation Center
•    $500,000 for planning of The Complex at RFK Stadium project budget
•    $24.7 million for a new Rosedale Library
•    $23.7  million for a new Deanwood Library

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

•    $20 million for an East Capitol Gateway grocery store
•    $62.8 million to support continued infrastructure development Hill East site
•    $22  million to support continued infrastructure development Fletcher Johnson site

TRANSPORTATION

•    $99.5 million for the Benning Road Streetcar extension
•    $110.9 million for the Benning Road Bridges and Transportation Improvement capital project
•    $12 million to maintain overnight Metrobus service, including Ward 7 routes X2, W4, and B2

PUBLIC SAFETY

•    $463 million for a new correctional facility