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What's CITY Talking About?

Cuts and Layoffs Likely for DC Agencies Next Year

“I'll describe it today as a very, very sober, sober budget in front of us,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser at an education summit this week. The mayor proposed an increase in local funds for public schools, but inflation and the loss of millions in federal aid means that schools, along with every D.C. agency, could face cuts. However, the mayor did have some good news for educators. [NBC4]

Officials Urge Caution as Brush Fires Bring Smoke

D.C.’s air quality worsened to a moderately concerning code yellow on Wednesday after a series of fires in Virginia and Maryland brought a smoky haze to the region. The heavy rainstorm expected for Friday night should end the fire threat and extinguish most active blazes. But Weather Service officials are urging the public to be very careful when handling open flames or equipment that creates sparks. [Washington Post 🔒]

• Related: Speaking of dangerous air, are you sneezing as much as we are? Allergist Dr. Rachel Schreiber has some tips to help. [City Cast DC 🎧]

E-Bike Voucher Program Launches in April

A new D.C. program will make it easier for 250 residents to purchase and maintain electric bikes. Residents enrolled in food assistance programs, like SNAP, Medicaid, or DC Healthcare Alliance, will be prioritized. Applications are open from April 1 to April 15. [City Cast DC 🎧]

What To Do

DC Insider Trivia

Let’s Start With Last Week’s Question:

D.C. was home to the first roundabout in the U.S. How many are in the District now?

1. 15
2. 23
3. 36 ⭐
4. 52

🏆 Congratulations to Hey DC reader Mack C., who answered just two minutes after the newsletter was sent! Not too far behind within the 6 a.m. hour are Teri G., Shaquita E., and Tanya T.

So, why so many roundabouts? We can thank D.C.’s OG city planner Pierre L’Enfant for that. When L’Enfant designed the city in 1791 as a north-south and east-west grid system, he also created long, diagonal avenues to shorten travel between federal buildings, and envisioned public spaces at those intersections. Only five in his original plan became circles that exist today. Check out this WaPo guide to the history and fanfare of D.C.’s traffic circles.

Now Onto This Week’s Question:

How many Yoshino cherry trees are on the National Mall?

1. 500
2. 1,700
3. 2,500
4. 3,700

🎧 Here’s a hint: You’ll find the answer in this City Cast DC podcast episode.

Today on City Cast

Frat Chaos at UMD, E-Bike Vouchers, and Visiting All 683 DC Parks

Reporter Jacob Fenston joins the team as they talk about frat chaos at the University of Maryland, e-bike vouchers in D.C., and a new quest to visit every park in the District.