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April 2023. Volume 9. Issue 4.
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WINNER OF SIX SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS FOR 2022
Celebrating 58 Years - Vol. 58, No. 28 • April 27 – May 3, 2023
Some Consensus, and Concern, about Plans for a Revitalized Downtown By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
5 Through D.C.’s Comeback Plan, Bowser hopes to bring 15,000 new residents to Downtown D.C. within the next five years. These residents, along with those who visit Downtown, will be able to enjoy live music, family-centered activities and other neighborhood amenities within walking distance of their homes. (Courtesy Photo/ DowntownDC BID)
As D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) embarks on an endeavor to revitalize Downtown D.C., she has called on District government leaders, heads of Downtown-based business improvement districts (BIDs), and District residents to collaboratively execute what’s dubbed D.C.’s Comeback Plan. Through D.C.’s Comeback Plan, Bowser hopes to bring 15,000 new residents to Downtown D.C. within the next five years. These residents, along with those who visit Downtown, will be able to enjoy live music, family-centered activities and other neighborhood amenities within walking distance of their homes.
Tax Revision Commission Set to Make Recommendations during Contentious Budget Season As the Tax Revision Commission gears up to share tax policy recommendations with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the D.C. Council, more than 40 organizations continue to urge the independent body to prioritize racial equity in its assessment. In a letter to the Tax Revision Commission, the Fair Budget Coalition and Just Recovery
D.C. Democrats Supportive but Uneasy
DC campaign, along with dozens of organizations, recently demanded that the commission show how its recommendations advance racial equity. Other requests include advanced notice about public hearings, a special listening session with community members who’ve experienced poverty and economic exclusion, and a shift away from attracting businesses with competitive tax incentives. Niciah Mujahid, coalition director of the Fair Budget Coalition, expressed her disappointment in Bowser’s budget proposal, telling the Informer that marginalized District residents, especially
TAX POLICY Page 12
DOWNTOWN Page 52
Biden’s Re-election Announcement to Test Resolve of Black Voters
Organizers Demand Racial Equity in Tax Policy Recommendations By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
In espousing support for a revitalized downtown sector, some people, like Ward 2 resident Gigi Nelson, hope that District officials make it easier for small businesses to flourish. In years past, Nelson, a federal government employee and former ANC commissioner, has suggested that the District eliminate building height restrictions and implement zoning changes that pave the way for more affordable housing. While she remains certain that an increase in the Downtown housing stock will help regulate rental costs to some degree, Nelson questioned whether District officials will take the steps needed to attract entrepreneurs who can provide services desired by the people living in
By Stacy M. Brown and James Wright WI Staff Writers
5President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are running for re-election in 2024.
The news that President Joe Biden will seek re-election has many curious about how well he will perform among African American voters. D.C. Democratic State Committee Chairman Charles Wilson is enthusiastic about the president’s run. “I am excited,” Wilson, 47, said. “Let’s go. Let’s win. The president has done a great job since taking office. He and Vice President [Kamala] Harris have a lot they can talk about. They need to go out and tell their story.” According to the results of a recent poll conducted by TheGrio and KFF, Black people had a positive opinion of
BIDEN Page 52
Celebrating 58 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.