DC DC
Subcommittees
Based on resident feedback and partner expertise gathered throughout the W8CED process, DCDC’s focus will include six areas of community need. As a DCDC member, you’ll have an opportunity to engage in activities that support the future of your community, including participating in subcommittees to address specific resident priorities like housing and health.
Economic Justice
The economic justice subcommittee focuses on increasing investment in small businesses and expanding access to commercial real estate.
Specific priorities identified by the community include:
- Access to capital and industry-specific technical assistance.
- Expanded opportunities for commercial real estate ownership and co-working or incubator spaces.
- Public-sector small business resources.
- Streamlined and coordinated grant application processes across agencies.
- Increased procurement opportunities.
- Improved public safety and transportation.
- Enhanced small-business ecosystem.
- Co-op support.
- Workforce development resources.
Education, Workforce Development and Employment
The education, workforce development, and employment subcommittee addresses employment disparities and inequitable investments in education.
Specific priorities identified by the community include:
- Working relationships among education institutions and workforce development programs.
- Employer-guided curricula.
- Culturally-rooted learning environments.
- Experiential learning opportunities.
- Support for the University of Columbia DAWN Initiative.
- Mutually beneficial workforce development programs.
- Partnerships to support residents in achieving self-sufficiency.
Environmental Justice
The environmental justice subcommittee focuses on sustainability and the green economy.
Specific priorities identified by the community include:
- More green infrastructure and food-related businesses such as incubator kitchens, urban farms, and off-the-grid water management and energy projects.
- Partnerships with public schools and the University of D.C. to provide cross-generational education programs in sustainable agriculture and distributed water management.
Family Support
The family support subcommittee focuses on creating a comprehensive system of supports for young children and their families.
Specific priorities identified by the community include:
- Child-centered, family-focused, and community-based efforts.
- Support for family success centers.
- Increased mental health services for youth and seniors.
- Access to a comprehensive communication network connecting residents to community activities and information.
- Intergenerational engagement opportunities.
- Inclusion of youth and seniors in decision-making processes.
- Advocacy for guaranteed basic income to support the most vulnerable families.
Health, Wellness and Safety
The health, wellness, and safety subcommittee focuses on improving physical and mental well-being and community safety and belonging.
Specific priorities identified by the community include:
- Access to high-quality mental health care and guaranteed income.
- Resident participation in shaping community services such as first response, incarceration, employment, and housing solutions.
- Safe and rewarding opportunities for youth civic engagement.
- Reduction of unnecessary police encounters by means of a better-trained police force.
Housing Justice
The housing justice subcommittee focuses on affordable housing.
Specific priorities identified by the community include:
- Resident priority for access to affordable neighborhood housing units.
- Down payment assistance, homeownership counseling, and credit repair.
- Access to capital through a housing improvement fund.
- Development and implementation of an inclusive and equitable housing strategy.
