Despite the economic concerns surrounding the Mayor’s emergency shutdown in response to COVID-19, which has affected the finances of D.C. businesses and residents, the FY 2021 budget offers investment in education, transportation, environment, healthcare, housing, jobs and public safety by utilizing surplus funds and suggesting other revenue streams.

“In order to balance the budget the mayor reduced local government spending, utilized COVID-19 funding from the federal government, spent surplus funds from 2019 and tapped into reserve funds.

Some highlights of the proposed budget include major investments in transportation, education, housing,  health and public safety as well as suggested legislative amendments that would affect schools and the cannabis industry.

Legislative Amendments include: offering tax abatements for developers who build housing with at least 350 units and rent at least one-third of the units at a rate that is affordable to those making less than 80 percent of the local median income; transferring the Medical Marijuana and Integrated Therapy (MMIT) responsibilities from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA); and allowing existing public charter schools to share facilities with current D.C. Public Schools that have underutilized spaces.

“We urge the D.C. Council to build on the Mayor’s proposal to ensure that the final budget adequately funds crucial investments that are needed to build a stronger, more just recovery.”