June 26, 2024
Updates from Adams Morgan
Click Here
to see previous updates in our newsletter archive
Check
ObviouslyDC.com
for the latest in DC government funding and grant opportunities for businesses.
Be prepared. Visit to
Ready.DC.gov
for preparedness information for a
variety of hazards including manmade and natural disasters.
NOTE: AMPBID offices will be closed on July 4
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Drag Storytime Sunday At Unity Park
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Join us this
Sunday, June 30 at 11am
for Drag Storytime! The event will take place in Unity Park directly across from The LINE DC (the triangle park at Columbia, Euclid, and Champlain Streets). Katie Magician will be reading stories about love, inclusion, and friendship… books that the entire family will enjoy! DC Public Library will be joining us too. Don't forget to make a brunch or lunch reservation at one of the many nearby restaurants, go shopping, visit a salon, and continue supporting our local businesses.
Can't make it this weekend? Join us for the remainder of the Drag Storytime dates (all Sundays): July 28, August 25, September 29, and October 27.
More details and RSVP here.
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Highlights from the newly-approved DC Budget for FY25
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The Mayor transmitted the FY25 budget and financial plan, along with the Budget Support Act to the Council of the District of Columbia on April 3, 2024.
The budget is comprised of roughly $21 billion in operating funds and $11.8 billion in capital improvement funds.
Initial disagreement on how to replenish a locally mandated reserve fund ($217 million).
Tax increases
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Universal Paid Leave Fund (0.26% in FY24 to 0.75% in FY25)
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"Mansion Tax" (The proposal would tax homes at a rate of $1 for every $100 above the $2.5 million threshold)
Downtown Initiatives
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Capital One Arena Area ($520 million)
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Office Building Conversions ($63 million)
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Tourism ($32 million)
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Arts Hub ($5 million)
Small Retailer Property Tax Credit from $5,000 to $10,000
Public Safety
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276 additional Metropolitan Police Officers
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Funding Councilmember Pinto's Secure DC Legislation
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Reminder: DC Minimum Wage Increases on July 1
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DC's minimum wage will rise from $17 per hour to $17.50 per hour on Monday, July 1
, per guidance from the DC Department of Employment Services. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed legislation in 2016 that provides for yearly increases tied to the Consumer Price Index, which climbed by 2.8% last year in the Washington area.
Also on July 1, the base minimum wage for tipped employees in the District will rise from $8 per hour to $10 per hour.
Under DC law, if an employee's hourly tip earnings added to the base minimum wage don't equal the District's full minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
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Highlights from the newly-approved DC Budget for FY25
|
The Mayor transmitted the FY25 budget and financial plan, along with the Budget Support Act to the Council of the District of Columbia on April 3, 2024.
The budget is comprised of roughly $21 billion in operating funds and $11.8 billion in capital improvement funds.
Initial disagreement on how to replenish a locally mandated reserve fund ($217 million).
Tax increases
-
Universal Paid Leave Fund (0.26% in FY24 to 0.75% in FY25)
-
"Mansion Tax" (The proposal would tax homes at a rate of $1 for every $100 above the $2.5 million threshold)
Downtown Initiatives
-
Capital One Arena Area ($520 million)
-
Office Building Conversions ($63 million)
-
Tourism ($32 million)
-
Arts Hub ($5 million)
Small Retailer Property Tax Credit from $5,000 to $10,000
Public Safety
-
276 additional Metropolitan Police Officers
-
Funding Councilmember Pinto's Secure DC Legislation
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Free Science Festival in Adams Morgan this weekend!
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The hands-on event space at
Because Science
, called the Craft Lab, is celebrating one year of offering science + art activities to the community!
Celebrate with Because Science this weekend
, 12 noon - 6pm both days, with nonstop free activities for kids + adults. Click to see the schedule, which includes activities like space painting, lamp making, origami, and more!
Weekend Bonuses:
Win free goodies by spinning our prize wheel, save 20% off Craft Lab registrations for July events (including our STEM Day Camp), and if you’re a Quantum Tenure Rewards Member (free to join!) you’ll earn double this weekend on purchases.
Because Science is located at 1759 Columbia Rd, NW, next to the 7-Eleven.
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Heads Up: Major NATO Event in DC July 9-11
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Washington, DC is preparing to host
NATO’s 75th Anniversary Summit
from July 9-11, 2024 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (WEWCC). Organizers anticipate up to 13,000 delegates from 68 countries, utilizing about two dozen hotels and generating a significant economic impact in Washington, DC this summer.
Expect
heightened security and road closures
downtown, particularly in the area around the WEWCC.
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What you need to know about the new Daytime Parking Validation Program at Colonial Garage
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What is the Daytime Parking Validation Program?
Participating businesses will receive monthly validation stickers from Colonial Parking and provide them to customers upon request, giving customers reduced parking rates at the garage on 242118th St. NW.
How does it work?
Customers park at the garage and ask you for a validation sticker. You put the sticker on their parking card and they pay a reduced rate when they return to the garage. The program runs from Monday to Friday and includes two hours at a rate of $15, reflecting a $4 discount from the current rate. Cars must be out of the garage by 5 pm each day.
When does the program begin?
Parking discounts will be available starting July 1st. Colonial will monitor program participation throughout July and follow up on its success.
Will this cost me anything?
No! Participation is completely free for businesses. We only ask that you promote the program to customers directly.
How many validation stickers will my business receive each month?
Colonial will begin providing each business with one validation sheet (40 stickers) each month.
I want to participate! What are my next steps?
If you are interested in offering validation stickers to your customers, please contact either
Amir Abdella
at or
Eueal Godana
(the garage manager) to request the validation stickers.
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Upcoming Events at Venture X
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Thursday, June 27;
8:30AM - 9:30AM - Venture ConneXions
Join Venture X for their monthly networking breakfast, a fantastic opportunity to connect with business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals, building meaningful relationships, and discover potential clients. Remember to bring your business cards and be ready to share a quick elevator pitch. Invite a friend or colleague to join and stay for the day!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
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Thursday, June 27, 6PM-8PM- DC Tech Studio: Demo Day
DCTAV invites you to an exciting evening at the DC Tech Studio @ Venture X-Adams Morgan for the Founding Cohort's Demo Day. Witness the culmination of six weeks of intense innovation and entrepreneurial spirit as our talented startups present their groundbreaking solutions and business ideas.
Click here
for more info and to register.
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Moving Businesses Forward
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Thursday, July 11, 2024; 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST
Online via Zoom
¡No se pierda esta serie de talleres de GWHCC, en español, diseñado para mujeres empresarias que buscan aprender sobre:
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Importanciones Exitosas
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Herramientas para el Éxito en la Industria de la Construcción
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Recursos Humanos, Nomina y Administración
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Registro Federal y Proteccion Legal de Marca
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Inteligencia Artificial para Empresarias
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Y Mucho Más...
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Turning Toward the Sun: A Fall Benefit
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On
Thursday, September 26
, Christ House is hosting their inaugural fall benefit,
Turning Toward the Sun
. The evening will celebrate the Christ House’s accomplishments of providing comprehensive and compassionate care to men experiencing homelessness since 1985, as well as recognizing the incredible individuals who have sustained their mission along the way. The night will include inspiring stories, live music, a delicious meal, and a silent auction.
Christ House
is asking its Adams Morgan neighbors to consider supporting their event by providing gift cards, merchandise, or services for their silent auction. In return, you will receive promotional benefits and widespread community exposure, as they expect between 200-250 people to attend their benefit. Your company name and contribution will be featured in their event program and your donation is tax deductible.
If you are interested in donating, please contact their Development Director,
Karyn Cassella
. Thank you so much!
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The Adams Morgan Farmers Market at Unity Park
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Every Saturday through December
8:30am - 1:00pm
at Unity Park (Corner of Euclid St and Columbia Rd)
Celebrating more than 52 years serving the Adams Morgan community.
The market will be having a special sale of vegetable plants that they want you to know about - at a special price of $2.00/plant.
Including:
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TOMATO PLANTS:
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Roma
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Brandywines (heirlooms)
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Yellow Cherry Tomatoes
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Big Boy
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Amish Paste (heirloom)
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Early Girl
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Watermelon (Sugar Babes)
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Black (Purple) Eggplant
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Red Bell Peppers (King Arthur)
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.....and more
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Join Metro Message - A Community Conversation
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Please join WMATA's Chief Customer Experience & Engagement Officer Sarah Meyer for the first Metro Message – A Community Conversation on
Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
View the agenda and register for the meeting
.
The Metro Message is designed to connect with community leaders to share timely and pertinent Metro information and updates. During the inaugural Metro Message, you will meet some of the Customer Experience & Engagement Executive Team, learn about upcoming Fare & Service Changes, the Proposed 2025 Better Bus Network, status on the current Red Line Major Construction project, and more. At the conclusion of the meeting, they will open the floor for Q&A.
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Fare Increase
Starting Sunday, June 30, Metro customers will see a slight fare increase. This will help keep fares in line with cost-of-living adjustments and allow us to maintain our current service levels. Metro's last general fare increase was in 2017.
This year, most fares are increasing by 12.5%. This means that Metrobus fares will be $2.25, express bus fares will be $4.80, and Metrorail fares will range from $2.25 to $6.75 on weekdays depending on distance traveled. Metrorail fares during late night (after 9:30 p.m.) and weekend service will range from $2.25 to $2.50 depending on distance traveled.
The best way to find the new cost of a trip is to use the
Trip Planner on wmata.com
and set the date after June 30 to calculate your new fare.
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Better Bus Initiative -- Share Your Input by July 15
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Better Bus
is Metro's overarching initiative to improve Metrobus for the region. In the coming years, Better Bus will mean a lot of things for the region, including new facilities, zero-emissions vehicles, improved bus communications, and more bus lanes and transit signals. For the first time in decades, WMATA is taking a fresh and detailed look at their bus service with the goal of serving customers and the region better. They're working to create a Better Bus network that is fast, frequent, reliable, and easier to understand.
Learn more about the initiative here
and share your input before 5pm on July 15.
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FY24 Business Funding Opportunities
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New and ongoing funding opportunities from the DC Government:
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Creative and Open Space Modernization Tax Rebate
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Open for Applications
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Special Event Relief Fund
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Open for Applications
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Vitality Fund
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Open for Applications
Go to
ObviouslyDC.com
for more information on all of these programs.
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💸Verizon/LISC Small Business Grants
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June 28th
Learn more here
The Verizon Small Biz Grant is back. You must create an account and complete two grant-eligible courses or events to unlock the application.
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💸Start.Pivot.Grow Micro Grant
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: June 30th
Learn more here
SPG $2,500 working capital micro grants can be used for utilities, commercial rent, inventory, professional development, software, marketing, or bookkeeping services.
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💸Fast Break for Small Business
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: September 13th
Learn more here
In collaboration with the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, offers small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to win a $10,000 grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.
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💸Accion Opportunity Fund
The Accion Opportunity Fund grants small business loans ranging from $5,000-$250,000, along with educational resources, coaching, and support networks in both English and Spanish. This program offers mentorship programs, microloans, and a hubzone program for small business owners’ financial needs.
More information
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💸Funding for Latino-Owned Businesses
Are you interested in starting or expanding your business? Our team of business coaches can provide you with one-on-one advice and training to help you manage and grow your business.
Apply online
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💸 Amazon Black Business Accelerator
The Amazon Black Business Accelerator is dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers.
More information
.
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💸 2024 Amber WomensNet's Grant
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here
In 1998, we gave our first Amber Grant in honor of 19-year old Amber Wigdahl, who died before fulfilling her business dreams. Today, we award three $10,000 Amber Grants each month. And three of our 36 monthly winners get an additional $25,000 Year-End Amber Grant.
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Additional Funding Opportunities:
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Small Business Resource Center
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DC APEX Accelerators help businesses
DC APEX Accelerator
offers personalized business counseling and competitive insights for navigating the government contracting process successfully.
If you already have experience working on government contracts and are looking for help to secure other contracts, we are available to help. At the DC APEX Accelerator, businesses get help with strategies to pursue state, local, and federal government contracts.
The full calendar of upcoming events can be found
here
.
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsor one of our community events! Partner with our community while reaching some of the city's most desirable demographics. For details, contact
Kristen Barden
at
202-997-0783.
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BOARD MEETINGS
The Board of Directors of the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District meets on the second Tuesday of every month (except August, October, and December).
Meetings are currently being held online as well as in-person (hybrid) and begin at 5pm.
Our Annual Meeting is held in March. Contact
Brian Barrie
for information about attending board meetings.
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©
Adams Morgan Partnership
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