Commentary: D.C. has stood strong despite the downturn, and education reform is key to meeting future challenges
By Adrian M. Fenty
Monday, August 2, 2010Four years ago, I ran for mayor on a promise to transform the District of Columbia into a world-class city. An exceptional public education system and a skilled workforce are critical to that vision. We've made incredible strides during the last four years, and we are going to double down on those efforts during the next term.
Despite the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression, we've created thousands of jobs, financed 11,000 units of affordable housing and spent more than $1 billion rebuilding our schools, community centers, parks and waterfronts. Ten thousand new residents moved to the District last year, the largest one-year population gain since World War II. We are ranked the top real estate market in the country for foreign investment and top destination for talented young professionals. Investors from Helsinki to Abu Dhabi are lining up to inject capital into our premier development projects.
My job is to ensure this prosperity continues and see that it is shared by residents in every corner of the cit
My job is to ensure this prosperity continues and see that it is shared by residents in every corner of the cit