Ward 7 Summit Brief__April 8 2015

WARD 7 CITIZENS BUDGET SUMMITBRIEF

Prepared and Presented By:Ward 7 Residents & the Strategy and Organizing Working Group

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

WARD 7 CITIZENS BUDGET SUMMIT BRIEF

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ContentsOverview ................................................................................................................................................3Economic Opportunity Working Group.................................................................................................... 4

Housing Working Group ..........................................................................................................................6

Public Safety Working Group...................................................................................................................8

Transportation Working Group................................................................................................................9

Arts, Culture and the Environment Working Group................................................................................ 10

Infrastructure Working Group ............................................................................................................... 12

Public Education Working Group ........................................................................................................... 13

Strategy and Organizing Working Group................................................................................................ 14

Next Steps............................................................................................................................................. 15


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OverviewThis brief offers a summation of the Ward 7 Citizens Budget Summit I held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Deanwood Recreation Center. This brief also contains evaluations from Summit I and next steps, strategies, and methodologies for Summit II, which will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at the Fort Davis Recreation Center. At Summit I, approximately 65 Ward 7 residents participated in Ward 7s first ever non-partisan, Citizens Budget Summit. In essence, this Summitwas conceived by the people, for the people, and represented a true grassroots effort. The Summit engaged a diverse set of residents who discussed: Economic Opportunity, Housing, Public Safety, Transportation, Arts, Culture, and the Environment, Infrastructure, Public Education, and Organizing StrategiesBreakout Groups were led by Resident Facilitators and all dialogue was captured by the appointed scribes. Moving forward these Breakout Groups have transitioned into Working Groups to put into action the will of the people in Ward 7.

PurposeOur Ward 7 Summit Working Groups, will recruit, organize, and mobilize Ward 7 neighbors willing to contribute to and/or serve on "Testimony Teams" that will represent our voices before the appropriate Council Oversight Committees regarding the city budget. Our Citizen Summits are created to share information, organize, and mobilize ourselves in order to collectively advocate for budget priorities that are most salient for Ward 7 Neighborhoods and Families. We will actively engage ourselves in the entire FY16 budget process and collectively advocate for that which is in the best interest of Ward 7, overall. Our MissionOur Mission is to simply ensure that Ward 7 has a voice in the FY16 Budget discussions and decisions. Between April 15th and May 7th, our City Council will conduct 33 specific budget hearings under the jurisdiction of eight different Council Committees to get OUR input on the budget. Our Mission is to ensure that Ward 7 has Testimony Teams prepared and ready to address Council Oversight Committees as appropriate.


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The Council Oversight Committees1. Committee of the Whole (Chairperson Mendelson)2. Committee on Health and Human Services (Chairperson Alexander)3. Committee on Transportation and the Environment (Chairperson Cheh)4. Committee on the Judiciary (Chairperson McDuffie)5. Committee on the Housing and Community Development (Chairperson Bonds)6. Committee on Education (Chairperson Grosso)7. Committee on Finance and Revenue (Chairperson Evans)8. Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (Chairperson Orange)Economic OpportunityWorking GroupIssues Raised1. Job Creation2. Business Development & Enhancement3. Economic Opportunity4. Lack of High Quality Amenities and Retail Services5. Market Saturation of 7-11 Franchises and Medicaid-targeting Dental Offices.6. Negative perceptions that this market will only support unhealthy fast-food carryouts.7. Lack of any meaningful retail development around any of the four Ward 7 Metro Stations.Potential Solutions1. Create an overall economic plan for Ward 7 through a task force focus on developing Downtown Ward 7 / major commercial corridors, Minnesota Ave., Benning Rd.2. One stop shop for business support that offers incentives for businesses.3. Entice businesses to come to the Ward.4. Offer more job training programs and follow-up.5. Create partnerships with small businesses to create a hiring pipeline.6. Invite and entice businesses to come to Ward 7 through incentives and grants that focused just on this ward and filling the identified commercial corridors.Budget Priorities1. Funding for job training programs and adequate follow-up.


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2. Targeted business development focused solely on Ward 7 and commercial corridors with a focus on basic community needs such as Banks, Medical Professional Services and sit down restaurants.3. Seek funding for a task force to create a comprehensive economic development plan for Ward 7.Related Hearings

COMMITTEE OF THEWHOLEChairman Phil MendelsonWEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015; Room 412Time Agency2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Office of Contracting and ProcurementContract Appeals BoardExecutive Office of the MayorOffice of the City AdministratorSecretary of the District of the ColumbiaPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Evan Cash, [email protected] or bycalling 202-724-8196.COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARYChairperson KenyanMcDuffieFRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015; Room 120Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Commission on Fathers, Men, and BoysDepartment of Youth Rehabilitation ServicesDC Board of ElectionsOffice of Campaign FinancePersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Katherine Mitchell,[email protected] or by calling 202-727-8275COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARYChairperson KenyanMcDuffieWEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015; Room 120Time Agency10:00 a.m. - End Office of the Attorney GeneralMayor's Office of Legal CounselOffice of Administrative HearingsJudicial Nomination CommissionCommission on Judicial Disabilities and TenureAccess to Justice InitiativePersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Katherine Mitchell,[email protected] or by calling 202-727-8275.COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, CONSUMER & REGULATORY AFFAIRSChairperson Vincent OrangeTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015; Room 412Time Agency10:00 a.m. - End Department of Insurance, Securities, and BankingOffice of Cable TelevisionOffice of Motion Picture and Television DevelopmentOffice of People's CounselPublic Access CorporationPublic Service CommissionPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Peter Johnson, [email protected] by calling 202-727-6683.


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COMMITTEE OF THEWHOLEChairman Phil MendelsonTHURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Office of Budget and PlanningDeputy Mayor for Planning & Economic DevelopmentOffice of ZoningOffice of PlanningPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Cynthia LeFevre, [email protected] by calling 202-724-8092COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, CONSUMER & REGULATORY AFFAIRSChairperson Vincent OrangeMONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency10:00 a.m. - End Alcoholic Beverage Regulation AdministrationDepartment of Consumer and Regulatory AffairsDepartment of Employment ServicesDepartment of Small and Local Business DevelopmentOffice of Risk ManagementOffice of Tenant AdvocateWorkforce Investment CouncilPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Peter Johnson, [email protected] by calling 202-727-6683COMMITTEE ON HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTChairperson Anita BondsWEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency10:00 a.m. - EndAdvisory Commission on Caribbean Community AffairsDC Youth Advisory CouncilOffice of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender AffairsCommission on Asian and Pacific Islander AffairsOffice of Latino AffairsOffice of African AffairsOffice of African American AffairsPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Joseph Trimboli, [email protected] by calling 202-724-8198.HousingWorking GroupIssues Raised1. Lack of an even disbursement of affordable housing stock.2. Define/re-define affordable housing. 3. Contradictions between local desires for income mix and federal housing finance standards.4. What does Area Median Income (AMI) really mean?5. More Homeowner assistance programs.6. More Homeowner education.7. Public housing perceived lack of regulation and governance.8. Resources to increase Elderly citizens ability to age in place, in their homes. 9. Oversaturation and Relocation of low and moderate income or group homes into Ward 7.


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Potential Solutions1. Home buying programs and post-buying support and education at all age-levels.2. Support for middle class/long term resident incentives.3. Reform home buying programs.4. Senior grants for age in place support.Budget Priorities1. Increase stock of affordable housing units with three and four bedrooms.2. Request for more homeowner assistance and support programs with continued education.3. Request more grant funding to aid elderly residents to maintain their home inside and out.4. Tax incentives to homeowners.5. Reform home buying programs.Related HearingsCOMMITTEE ON HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTChairperson Anita BondsWEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015; Room 123Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Housing Finance AgencyOffice of AgingPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Barry Weise, [email protected] orby calling 202-724-8171.COMMITTEE ON HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTChairperson Anita BondsMONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Department of Housing and Community DevelopmentRental Housing CommissionHousing Production Trust FundPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Irene Kang, [email protected] or bycalling 202-724-8198.COMMITTEE ON HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTChairperson Anita BondsTHURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015; Room 120Time Agency11:00 a.m. End Advisory Neighborhood CommissionOffice of Religious Affairs/Interfaith CouncilOffice of Veteran AffairsOffice of Women's Policy and InitiativesDC Housing AuthorityPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Nishant Keerikatte,[email protected] or by calling 202-724-8025


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Public SafetyWorking GroupIssues Raised1. Home Break-Ins.a. Devaluing low-levels of crime, lackadaisical police response and writing off concerns raised by residents.b. Disparate treatment in comparison to other wards in the city.2. Lack of resources and proper allocation of them.3. Marvin Gaye Park continues to be an open-air drug market.4. Very little to no traffic enforcement.5. Police have a negative attitude and perspective of the community.Potential Solutions1. Renew funding for Drug Treatment and Ex-Offender re-entry programs. 2. Hire and retain police officers from within the community, encourage and incentivize their ability to live where they serve (i.e., officer next door). 3. Community policing would help reduce crime.Budget Priorities1. Community Policing2. Training for existing police force serving in 6D3. Request for more resources (human capital)Related HearingsCOMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARYChairperson KenyanMcDuffieWEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Office of Police ComplaintsCriminal Justice Coordinating CouncilSentencing and Criminal Code Revision CommissionPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Katherine Mitchell,[email protected] or by calling 202-727-8275.COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARYChairperson KenyanMcDuffieMONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015; Room 412Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Fire and Emergency Medical ServicesOffice of Unified CommunicationsOffice of Human RightsDepartment of CorrectionsOffice of Returning Citizen AffairsCorrections Information CouncilPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Katherine Mitchell,[email protected] or by calling 202-727-8275.

COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARYChairperson KenyanMcDuffie


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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015; Room 120Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Board of Ethics and Government AccountabilityOffice of Victim ServicesJustice Grants AdministrationPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Katherine Mitchell,[email protected] or by calling 202-727-8275.COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARYChairperson KenyanMcDuffieMONDAY, MAY 4, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency11:00 a.m. - End Department of Forensic SciencesMetropolitan Police DepartmentOffice of the Chief Medical ExaminerHomeland Security and Emergency Management AgencyDistrict of Columbia National GuardPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Katherine Mitchell,[email protected] or by calling 202-727-8275.TransportationWorking GroupIssues Raised

Strengths1. Four metro stations - Stadium Armory, Benning Road, Minnesota Ave, Deanwood.2. Unleveraged strength - Ward 7 has second highest bus ridership in WMATA (Ward 1 is #1) -We should always be the last to be cut. 3. Vision Zero - Pedestrian plan that the Mayor is introducing to plan with pedestrian in mind.4. Black Woman Bike 5. ANC commissioners and Eastland Gardens association are meeting around some transportation issues.Challenges1. Pedestrian safety issue a. East Cap/Benn (Shrimp Boat) & Minn/Benn pedestrian intersections - top 14 most dangerous intersections in the city.b. Eastern Ave. & 295 - people c. Service road on Kenilworth is a big pedestrian issue particularly with students having to cross to go to school since Kenilworth elementary is closed and few people have cars.d. Crossing guard training.2. Communication with DDOT/WMATA (re: bridge use; bus route changes/elimination).3. Traffic management and enforcement issues in Eastland Gardens/Parkside/Kenilwortharea.4. Bus access


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a. M-2 was cutb. 34 is on the chopping block to be completely gone5. Safe Routes to School Program - no Ward 7 schools involved. Important to have champions: school staff, parents, and community leaders.Potential Solutions1. Ward 7 Resident transportation group designed to share common transportation issues and voice them to appropriate transportation/government officials. 2. This group could also serve to prepare residents to be members of different councils that need Ward 7 representation (pedestrian council, WMATA council, bike council, etc.).3. Communicate with Ward 7 education council to share pedestrian/ transportation concerns and solutions.4. Build stronger working relationships between Ward 7 transportation planners/ engineersin DC government and WMATA.Budget Priorities1. Education around pedestrian safety (Vision Zero).2. Mitigating traffic back-ups into residential neighborhoods (MPD/DDOT).3. Assessment and audits of safe access to neighborhoods around major intersections (i.e., East Cap/Benn; Kenilworth/Nannie Helen Burroughs; Minn/Benn).4. Transparent communication with residents from DDOT, WMATA, MPD, etc.5. Transportation champions in the schools and communities.Related Hearings COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATIONAND THE ENVIRONMENTChairpersonMary ChehTUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015; Room 412Time Agency1:00 p.m. End District Department of TransportationPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Aukima Benjamin,[email protected] or by calling 202-724-8062.COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION& THE ENVIRONMENTChairpersonMary ChehFRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015; Room 412Time Agency10:00 a.m. End DC Taxicab CommissionPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Aukima Benjamin,[email protected] or by calling 202-724-8062.

Arts, Culture and the EnvironmentWorking GroupIssues Raised1. Majority of arts funding tended to be awarded to programs and initiatives West of the River.


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2. Improve green spaces in the neighborhoods.3. Fort DuPont only produced two concerts last summer a reduction from previous years.4. Lack of robust arts programming in schools.5. Lack of an Arts Center/Hub.Potential Solutions1. Fund Art in the community as a driver of economic growth.2. More Ward 7 Residents needed to review grant funding proposals.3. Creation of an Arts Hub in Ward 7.4. Increase artistic productions that uses the existing outdoor environment (i.e., festivals).5. Increase Arts & Environmental funding to enhance rich cultural heritage and beautify park assets across the Ward.Budget Priorities1. Request funding for the study and development of an Arts Hub in Ward 7.2. Increase funding with respect to needs relating to the arts and the environment.Related HearingsCOMMITTEE ON FINANCE & REVENUEChairperson Jack EvansWEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Washington Convention & Sports Authority (EventsDC)Destination DCReal Property Tax Appeals CommissionDC LotteryOffice of the Chief Financial OfficerPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Sarina Loy, [email protected] or bycalling 202-724-8058.COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION& THE ENVIRONMENTChairperson Mary ChehTUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency10:00 a.m. - End Department of General ServicesPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Aukima Benjamin,[email protected] or by calling 202-724-8062.COMMITTEE ON FINANCE & REVENUEChairperson Jack EvansWEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015; Room 412Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Commission on the Arts and HumanitiesOffice of Inspector GeneralOffice of Partnerships and Grant ServicesWashingtonMetropolitan Area Transit AuthorityPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Sarina Loy, [email protected] or bycalling 202-724-8058.


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COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION& THE ENVIRONMENTChairperson Mary ChehFRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency11:00 a.m. - End District Department of the EnvironmentDepartment of Parks and RecreationPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Aukima Benjamin,[email protected] or by calling 202-724-8062.Infrastructure Working Group

Issues Raised1. Limited Connectivity cellular and internet.2. Pollution affecting solid waste management and storm water drains.3. Roads/Bridges4. LightingPotential Solutions1. Google Fiber project2. Make improvements to corridors in need of slowing traffic and enhancing pedestrian safety.3. Ensure infrastructure is updated to support increased usage as a result of housing and development projects.4. Improve access in and out of Ward 7 chokepoints (i.e., 295 @ Penn Ave, 295 @ Nannie Helen Burroughs, 295/New York Ave. Interchange).Budget Priorities1. Request funding for the study and implementation of improving infrastructure at major chokepoints2. Request funding for the study and implementation of corridor enhancements.3. Request that planning and transportation staff examines how best to make sure the infrastructure can continue to serve the community as it experiences growth.Related HearingsCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION& THE ENVIRONMENTChairperson Mary ChehFRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015; Room 123Time Agency11:00 a.m. Department of Motor VehiclesDepartment of Public WorksPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Aukima Benjamin,[email protected] or by calling or by calling 202-724-8062.


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Public EducationWorking GroupIssues Raised 1. Safety In and out of school (Coordinated Safe Passages Programs).2. Quality of life issues effect on pupils academic performance (Sousa and Miller Middle Schools).3. Curriculum implementing a comprehensive STEM curriculum at HD Woodson High.4. Curriculum implementing a comprehensive STEM curriculum at HD Woodson Feeder (Middle/Elem).5. Better Extra-Curricular Activities for Middle and High School students.6. Sustainability of Enrollment Numbers for HD Woodson High given Boundary Adjustments for Miller students.7. Fund, develop and implement a Comprehensive Public Education Plan for Ward 7 that includes both Traditional and Chartered Public Schools.8. This community is educationally unstable because on the one hand, officials have closed down Traditional Public Schools in Ward 7....for under-enrollment......then on the other hand, the PCSB is continually approving and opening new unproven Charter Schoolswithin the same Ward 7 neighborhoods.9. Lack of clarity on status of new Males of Color Programming and Implementation.10. Lack of clarity on status of the funded Ward 7 Application Middle School.Potential Solutions1. Public accountability regarding funding for at risk students so that dollars continue to follow students.2. Better coordination between DPR, DCPS, MPD, and other DC Youth serving entities for implementing early intervention programs.3. Increase visibility and improved access to the Ombudsmans Office and other funded OSSE/DCPS parental engagement resources.4. More professional support resources AND accountability for administrators and teacherswithin Ward 7 schools.5. Offer incentives for businesses in the community to support partnerships with schools.6. A Moratorium on Opening Any New Charter Schools within Ward 7 OR Closing any more Traditional Public Schools until such time that a Comprehensive Educational Needs Assessment has been fully funded and accomplished.Budget Priorities1. Facility Modernization of Kimball, Aiton, Smothers and Houston.2. Funding for a Comprehensive Ward 7 Academic/Educational Needs Assessment and Plan.


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Related HearingsCOMMITTEE OF THEWHOLEChairman Phil MendelsonMONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015; Room 412Time Agency2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. University of the District of ColumbiaCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATIONChairperson David GrossoTUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency1:00 p.m. End Office of the Deputy Mayor for EducationDistrict of Columbia Public Library SystemPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Christina Henderson,[email protected] or by calling 202-724-8061COMMITTEE ON EDUCATIONChairperson David GrossoWEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015; Room 412Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Public Charter School BoardBullying Prevention TaskforceHealthy Youth and Schools CommissionPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Christina Henderson,[email protected] or by calling 202-724-8061COMMITTEE ON EDUCATIONChairperson David GrossoTHURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015; Room 412Time Agency10:00 a.m. End District of Columbia Public Schools (Public Witnesses Only)Persons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Christina Henderson,[email protected] or by calling 724-8061.COMMITTEE ON EDUCATIONChairperson David GrossoTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015; COUNCIL CHAMBER (Room 500)Time Agency10:00 a.m. End Office of State Superintendent of EducationState Board of EducationPersons wishing to testify about the performance of any of the foregoing agencies may contact: Christina Henderson,[email protected] or by calling 202-724-8061.

Strategy and OrganizingWorking GroupIssues Raised1. How to efficiently organize and mobilize Ward 7 Residents into functioning Testimony Teams.2. These "Testimony Teams" will need to recruit Ward 7 Neighbors who are willing to donate a specific day(s) or a few hours of their time to appear as part of a specific Ward 7 Panel.


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3. Each team will need Ward 7 Residents who have Research, Writing, Testimony Experience, and Public Speaking Skill Sets.4. Ideally, Ward 7 should have a Testimony Panel ready to present at each of the 33 scheduled Public Hearings.5. Ideally, Working Groups should do their very best to develop a consensus set of "Ward 7 Budget Priorities" then craft Specific Talking Points and Written Testimony for formal submissions.Potential SolutionsSo here's a quick example of how we should break things down: Step 1: Each Working Group should review the Public Hearings schedules related to their subject area.i.e., Housing Working Group should look at: Committee on Housing and Community Development which will hold 3 Public HearingsStep 2: Each Working Group should able to determine when its Team will be called into action; Howmany people are needed; Who can Research agency info via Council website; Who can analyze exactly how these agencies plan on spending and where....then determine what should be added for Ward 7, if our needs are not adequately addressed...Next StepsThe Ward 7 community will convene working groups to take action on the issues and implement solutions identified during Summit I and Summit II.

Ward 7 Summit Brief__April 8 2015

Documents

Transcript of Ward 7 Summit Brief__April 8 2015