Urges the Mayor to advance a racial equity agenda that dismantles structural racism and empowers residents
For Immediate Release: Monday, March 1, 2021
Contact: Jonathan McNair, 202-288-0714, jmcnair@dccouncil.us
Washington, DC – Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie released his FY 2022 budget request letter
calling for resources to alleviate the immediate impacts of Covid, address Ward 5 constituent priorities, and
advance a racial equity agenda that gives all residents a real fair shot. In the document, Councilmember
McDuffie calls for a $120M dollar investment to eliminate the racial wealth gap including $100M for a
guaranteed income program and $20M to develop and implement a District-based Baby Bond initiative.
“Centuries of slavery, segregation, and government-sanctioned discrimination have prevented Black
Washingtonians from building wealth and becoming financially secure,” said Councilmember McDuffie.
“We must be bold and intentional about closing the racial wealth gap and investing in historically
underserved communities.”
In the letter, Councilmember McDuffie reiterates the urgent need of equitable vaccine distribution and
targeted investments to support those hardest-hit by COVID. Additionally, He requests $156M for affordable
housing and anti-displacement measures, $40M to support legacy and small business development, $9.5M to
fund the NEAR Act and public safety priorities, $42.4M in library and recreation improvements, $11.6M in
transportation and infrastructure investments, $2.6M for environmental justice priorities, and $3.2M in arts
and culture initiatives.
A full copy of Councilmember McDuffie’s budget request letter can be found here.
[…] but has since been withdrawn. A separate proposal from the Connecticut state treasurer and a proposal from a District of Columbia Council member have also recently been put […]