Speaker Menon questions OMB on DCWP budget doubling commitment
Menon notes the mayor's campaign pledge to double DCWP's budget but the exec plan only increases it 4.4%, still $53.6 million short. Solomon highlights 181 new positions and ongoing discussions about appropriate resources, but does not directly confirm the doubling commitment.
Okay, moving along to DCWP, which is also a top priority of the council.
On the campaign trail, the mayor had pledged to double the budget of DCWP, but the fiscal 2027 executive budget proposes only $78.4 million, an increase of just 4.4%
from $75.1 million at fiscal 2026 budget adoption.
The fiscal 2030 budget at the end of the plan in the mayor's term is $96.6 million.
That means DCWP still needs $53.6 million to achieve a doubling of its budget.
So how is the administration still committed to doubling DCP's budget?
Could you talk about the funding?
As you know, we're pushing for increased funding.
And the reason we're pushing for increased funding is because this agency has been asked year in and year out.
To be clear by the council, to do additional work.
We have so many important council bills that were passed in the last few years that add additional work to DCWP.
So as someone who ran that agency, I just want to raise a red flag that I'm very concerned about the agency's ability to do everything that we are asking it to do.
I know you.
know the agency well and we both share the goal of what the agency can do and what it can be.
We have a significant investment in this executive budget to bring their headcount when fully ramped up to 181 new positions.
To address multiple facets of their responsibilities, existing responsibilities and new responsibilities through the local laws that you referenced, Speaker.
So we look forward to having the continued discussion with you over the next few weeks about appropriate resources for DCWP.
Okay, so is the administration, though, still committed to doubling the agency's budget?
We want to give DCWP the resources that it needs.
We worked very closely with the commissioner to understand what he needs, both in the short term and in the medium term.
And this executive budget provides a significant, significant start.
We're happy to talk to you in the next few weeks about if there's any more that's needed.