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Mayor Bowser Kicks Off AlleyPalooza 6.0

Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Mayor Announces Appointments of Jeff Marootian as Acting Director of DDOT and Julie Lawson as Director of the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City

(Washington, DC)– Today, Mayor Bowser launched AlleyPalooza 6.0, the Administration’s citywide effort to repair or renovate alleys across the city. During AlleyPalooza 6.0, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) will improve eight alleys in each of the District’s eight wards. More than 60 alleys have already been renovated or repaired in 2017, and since Mayor Bowser launched AlleyPalooza in 2015, nearly 400 alleys have been improved.

“Since launching the first AlleyPalooza campaign in 2015, we have made historic investments in our city’s alleys, renovating or repairing nearly 400 alleys across all eight wards,” said Mayor Bowser.“Alleys are a key part of Washington, DC’s infrastructure and improving them is just one way my Administration is building a safer, stronger DC.”

Through increased budget allotments and improved financial and program management, the Bowser Administration has increased funding for alley maintenance and rehabilitation to unprecedented levels, investing $175 million in local infrastructure, roads, alleys, and sidewalks. The District has more than 350 miles of alleys and receives an average of 1,000 service requests for alley repairs each year. To ensure the alleys most in need of repair are selected for AlleyPalooza, DDOT uses a data-driven assessment tool that examines alley condition, service request quantity, service request age, and community feedback.

“Mayor Bowser’s focus on infrastructure has empowered us to enhance the quality of life for all District residents,” said Acting Director of DDOT Jeff Marootian. “Our team works year-round to enhance and care for our infrastructure. Our top priority is ensuring our residents are safe. We’re investing more than $7 million in AlleyPalooza 6 to repair or reconstruct alleys that will serve our resident for years to come.”

During the kickoff, Mayor Bowser also announced the appointment of Jeff Marootian as the Acting Director of DDOT. Marootian previously served as the Deputy Director of DDOT and has been serving as the department’s interim director since August. In addition, the Mayor announced the appointment of Julie Lawson as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City. Previously, Lawson cofounded and directed Trash Free Maryland, a network of more than 60 organizations and businesses that work to reduce trash pollution through a common policy agenda. In her role as Director of the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City, Lawson will work closely with the Mayor and District agencies to execute the Clean City initiative, coordinate service delivery operations, and oversee community engagement efforts.

“With Jeff in charge at DDOT and Julie leading the Office of the Clean City, we will be able to do more to provide the types of day-to-day services that improve the quality of life for Washingtonians while continuing to build a more livable, walkable, and bike- and transit-friendly city,” continued Mayor Bowser.

Back to Basics

Alleypalooza 6.0 is part of Back to Basics DC, the Administration’s effort to highlight the day-to-day work that keeps Washington, DC moving forward. Residents can follow the progress of AlleyPalooza 6.0 at ddot.dc.gov and on DDOT’s social media channels (@DDOTDC).