All articles tagged with #mayor muriel bowser
Washington D.C. officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, are testifying before a House committee amid Republican efforts to increase federal control over the city, with debates focusing on public safety, criminal justice, and D.C.'s limited autonomy, amidst ongoing tensions over federal intervention and local governance.
The D.C. Council has advanced the Commanders stadium deal to a second reading, with a vote scheduled for September 17. If approved, Mayor Bowser is expected to give final approval, aiming for the stadium to be built and opened by 2030, with the potential to host a Super Bowl.
The D.C. Council approved a $21 billion fiscal 2025 budget with tax hikes to mitigate cuts proposed by Mayor Muriel Bowser, focusing on protecting low-income residents and funding high-demand programs. The budget includes increased property and business taxes, reallocations for schools, and enhancements to social programs. Mayor Bowser expressed concerns over the tax hikes and some budget cuts, while council members debated various amendments and funding priorities. The budget will undergo further revisions before a final vote next month.
The Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards have reached a $515 million deal to remain in D.C. until 2050, with Mayor Muriel Bowser praising the agreement as a "win-win-win" for the city. The deal, expected to pass the D.C. Council, will be integrated into the city's capital budget and aims to support downtown revitalization. Bowser also expressed interest in bringing the Commanders to D.C. and emphasized the positive impact of sports teams on the city's economy and community.
The NBA's Washington Wizards and NHL's Washington Capitals have reached a $515 million agreement with the District of Columbia to stay in the city through 2050, including an expansion of the arena complex, creation of an entertainment district, and safety and transportation upgrades. The deal comes after talks for a new arena in Virginia ended, with Virginia officials expressing disappointment and frustration. The agreement is expected to be passed by the District of Columbia's Council next week.
The House passed the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, allowing for a potential return of the Washington Commanders to D.C. The bill permits a 99-year lease with the National Park Service, but faces opposition from some Maryland House members. Mayor Muriel Bowser supports the move, emphasizing its significance for the city's revitalization efforts. The bill now awaits approval in a Senate vote.
The D.C. Council is set to vote on the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024, a comprehensive crime bill introduced by Councilmember Brook Pinto to address gaps in the system. The bill aims to enhance protections for seniors, children, and victims of sexual and domestic violence, while also ensuring accountability for offenders by eliminating or extending statutes of limitations for serious crimes, making misdemeanor arrest warrants extraditable, and clarifying the admissibility of GPS records in criminal cases. Mayor Muriel Bowser has expressed support for the legislation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety and accountability in the city.
Carjackings in Washington, D.C., continue at a record-setting pace in 2024, with 56 reported so far this year, including the deadly attack on former Trump official Mike Gill. The surge follows a doubling of carjackings in 2023, with high-profile victims including U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and a diplomat from the United Arab Emirates. Mayor Muriel Bowser has attributed the rise to a social media challenge and offered free steering wheel locks to prevent crimes. The majority of carjacking arrests involve juveniles, and the city also saw a surge in homicides in 2023.
Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed skeptical residents at a community meeting held at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in Northeast Washington to outline her vision for the redevelopment of the RFK Stadium site. While opinions varied among attendees, many expressed concerns about taxpayer funding for a new stadium. Bowser emphasized that the city's primary focus is gaining control of the land from the federal government and highlighted the potential for a mixed-use development that serves the District of Columbia. The mayor also mentioned ongoing negotiations with the Nationals and Monumental Sports for long-term funding for improvements to Nationals Park and Capital One Arena. A sports study has been commissioned to evaluate funding structures for a potential NFL stadium and address the financial needs of existing professional sports franchises.