COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ‘THE JOHN A. WILSON BUILDING 4350 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004 David Grosso Committee Member Councilmember At-Large Government Operations Chairperson, Committee on Education Health Human Services Labor and Workforce Development February 38, 2020 Mayor Muriel Bowser 3350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20004 Mayor Bowser: {1am writing today regarding the federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) selection of a new halfway house contractor for D.C. residents returning from incarceration at prisons around the country. As you know, the District of Columbia government has little say over the decisions made in these situations by our federal partners. However, we can ensure that the District government supports our residents’ successful return home through deep engagement and collaboration | strongly support keeping this reentry facility in the District of Columbia. Numerous reports over the years have emphasized the importance of locating residents who are incarcerated or returning from prison closer to or, ideally, in our city. Most recently, these values were reiterated in the recommendations from the District Task Force on Jails & Justice and the report on Restoring Local Control of Parole. The consensus is that our incarcerated residents and returning citizens must be closer to support networks and the continuum of services in the city. As such, maintaining this halfway house in the city is critical History sadly shows that simply being in D.C., however, is not sufficient for success. The new contract presents an opportunity to turn the page. The new facility can be well-run and provide Our residents with the tools and resources they need to properly reintegrate into the broader community. If our government agencies, including the Department of Corrections’ READY Center, Office of Returning Citizens Affairs, Department of Employment Services, and others, engage and partner with the new contractor, the chances of this success will increase. Additionally, | am sensitive to the concerns of the community about the siting of this facility. These issues implicate economic development, public safety, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, and the need for inclusive planning efforts. Many of these are long- standing and deserve the government's attention regardless of the location of the halfway house, but the facility siting aggravates the concerns. Greater upfront engagement with the community can ameliorate those issues. Through proactive action, we can position the facilityfor successful reintegration of our residents and the shared prosperity of the nearby community. Our returning citizens who will be staying at the halfway house, the contractor running the facility, the community, and our government agencies must be partners in this effort. | ask that you direct your deputy mayors and appropriate agency heads to start taking action now to advance these efforts for our collective success Please provide me with updates on the following: 1. Which D.C. government agencies are engaging and partnering with the new halfway house contractor to help our returning citizens succeed? (a) Please identify how these government agencies are engaging and partnering with the new halfway house (b) Please identify which private partners the government is engaging to ensure the success of the returning citizens utilizing the halfway house and provide a description of their planned services (©) Which government agencies or services will be co-located with the halfway house? Which government agencies or services will be located within a half- mile of the halfway house? (@) What is the current strategy to reduce violence within a half-mile of the new location of the halfway house? What changes to that strategy are contemplated for when the halfway house reopens? 2. How are D.C. government agencies creating efficient lines of communication among the halfway house contractor, the government, and community members near the site to promote a positive relationship and prevent negative tensions that may arise due to the siting? (a) Identify administration agencies and officials who have convened community meetings or discussions to facilitate these lines of ‘communication (b) Include the dates and provide a brief summary of any meetings or discussions that have occurred. (©) If meetings or discussions are still in the planning stages, please provide details for those plans, including who is involved, dates, and agendas. 3. What additional resources will be deployed to the community to provide for better outcomes for everyone? 4. What existing and new plans are D.C. government agencies pursuing to promote inclusive economic development along this section of Minnesota Avenue NE? (a) How are local community leaders, including ANC commissioners, included in developing plans for this area? (b) What is the status of the Benning Road Corridor Redevelopment Framework regarding the area around the halfway house site? (©) In light of the community's recent pushback on a new fast-food franchise in the area, what steps are underway to support local entrepreneurs and healthy food options in particular? (d) How is your administration incorporating lessons from other jurisdictions regarding halfway houses into these plans and efforts?(e) What is the role of D.C. government in forging relationships between residents of the halfway house and potential employers? How many potential employers will be located within a half-mile of the halfway house? ' know that we share a desire to welcome returning citizens home to D.C. and to lay the ‘groundwork for their success. | respectfully request a response by March 20, 2020. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at (202) 724-8208 or dgrosso@dccouncil.us. Sincerely, Reh David Grosso Council of the District of Columbia (At-Large) Chairperson, Committee on Education Cc: Kevin Donahue, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice John Falcicchio, Acting Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Planning Paul Kihn, Deputy Mayor for Education Wayne Turnage, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services