Mayor Bowser has been a big champion for open data initiatives, which we generally favor. But here comes Anthony Williams in CityLab, saying cities have moved too far towards technocracy, and when he says they struggle to erase the perception “city leaders are indifferent to social inequality.” Pay attention:
"This style of data-driven governance is seen as driving gentrification as it seeks to make cities more appealing to Millennials. It’s their commutes that are getting easier, and their communities becoming more livable. Of course, those new young residents pay the taxes that add up to better services for poor and working-class communities. But that’s not how it’s observed."
$15 minimum will boost pay for 60k Washingtonians
City economists break down the impact of last year’s law, which they assess as positive. Because low-wage workers increasingly live in the suburbs--and are priced out of the city—⅔ of the gains will go to an additional 90,000 workers who live in the M or V of the DMV.
There are three ways for cities to exercise power: push for representation in bodies like the UN; create our own forums, like the C40, for collective power; and practice creative “extrastatecraft” by empowering local social movements.
There’s a new campaign underway asking the city to sever ties with Wells Fargo over its housing discrimination and funding of the Dakota Access Pipeline. You don’t have to wait for legislation to make a difference--if you have an account, you can join this rally of people closing their accounts! (4-5 pm)
People’s Climate March Kickoff Meeting
In anticipation of the April 29th Peoples Climate March, DC, Maryland and Virginia residents are all getting together at St. Stephen’s to mobilize for climate, jobs and justice. (6:30pm)
Voodoo Black Exorcist at Smoke & Barrel
This low-budget Spanish film features topless voodoo rituals, plotlines ripped straight from The Mummy, and heartbreaking felinicide. The Washington Psychotronic Film Society hosts this cult “favorite” entry in the blaxploitation genre. (7:30pm)
Reminders from the Weekly Scheduler
Sing along with strangers at DC9. A People’s Choir DC is just what it sounds like: people singing together. This month’s theme is togetherness. (7pm)
Austrian soft-power play about Marie Curie, Lise Meitner, and Hedy Lamarr. (7:30 pm)
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