DC Mayor Bowser engages Ward 8 residents in community walk

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Visits Ward 8 in Final Year of Office

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser began her tour of the District’s eight wards in her final year of office. On Monday, she visited Ward 8. Some residents welcomed her visit, while others demanded more action from her office to improve the area.

Community Concerns in Ward 8

The mayor spent over an hour walking through the Fairlawn community. She started near Minnesota Avenue and Boone Elementary. During her visit, she spoke with community leaders and residents to identify needs in Ward 8.

Residents expressed major concerns, including excessive drug use and prostitution. Other issues included a lack of street lighting, negligent landlords, trash on many streets, squatting, and safety concerns for children around Boone Elementary.

Resident Reactions

“These walks help to let people know what we’re going through every day — what our children are facing, the drugs and prostitution,” said Ward 8 resident Laura White. She noted that students are exposed to these conditions on their way to school.

However, not everyone believed the walk would lead to meaningful change. “It’s never enough,” said Julie Cameron, another Ward 8 resident. “I’ve seen these walks before, and nothing comes of it.”

Mayor’s Goals and Community Involvement

During her visit, the mayor was joined by Interim Police Chief Jeffrey Carrol and leaders from various departments, including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security. Bowser stated that the goal of the walks is to hear directly from residents about safety, small businesses, and overall quality of life.

Bowser acknowledged that some issues involve complicated policy questions. She emphasized that residents, business owners, and property owners also have a role in improving conditions. “When I see a lot of trash on the ground, I can almost promise you that there are certain other activities that go along with it,” Bowser said.

Future Plans

Several residents expressed a desire for real follow-through and tangible changes, not just conversations after the mayor leaves. This visit is one of eight community walks Bowser plans to hold in each ward. She aims to stay close to neighborhood concerns until the end of her term.