Young People, Trades, Entrepreneurship: Lewis George and McDuffie Reveal Their Mayoral Vision for Workforce Development

March 24, 2026

As Washington D.C.'s Democratic mayoral primary approaches on June 16, the race between front-runners Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie has intensified, with both candidates focusing on youth opportunity and economic development. Youth advocates are criticizing the city's emergency curfew zones in commercial districts, arguing they disproportionately target young people in business areas rather than addressing actual crime threats. Lewis George has secured major union endorsements and proposes creating workforce transition centers, innovation districts, and expanded vocational education, while McDuffie emphasizes his track record supporting small businesses and creating pathways for at-risk youth based on his own experience.

Who is affected

Young people in D.C., particularly those in commercial districts subject to emergency curfew zones
D. Floyd and members of the D.C. Youth Violence Prevention Coalition
Youth advocate Jevonte McCollum, a junior at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School
Union members from ATU Local 689, SEIU 32BJ, UFCW Local 400, Unite Here! Local 23 and Local 25, Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council, LiUNA, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Small business owners, including Angel Gregorio of the Spice Suite
D.C. residents in Wards 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7
Federal workers and contractors facing layoffs
Justice-involved individuals and returning citizens
Students in D.C. Public Schools and the Advanced Technical Center program
Local entrepreneurs and artists
Food service and hospitality workers (over 2,000 Unite Here! Local 23 members)

What action is being taken

Local and federal law enforcement are clashing with young people in emergency curfew zones
D. Floyd is hosting weekly events at Barry Farm Recreation Center for young people
Coalition members are accompanying youth to the Wharf and other commercial areas on Friday nights and weekends
Lewis George and McDuffie are campaigning for the Democratic mayoral primary
Candidates are in a nominating petition challenge period (ending March 30)
The Advanced Technical Center is providing college-level coursework and EMT certification training to students like Jevonte McCollum
Jevonte McCollum is pursuing barbering training elsewhere alongside his ATC studies

Why it matters

This race will determine D.C.'s leadership direction on critical issues affecting the city's most vulnerable populations, particularly youth who feel targeted by law enforcement and excluded from economic opportunities. The emergency curfew zones have created tension between public safety approaches and youth advocacy, with critics arguing they prioritize corporate interests over genuine crime prevention. The next mayor's approach to economic development, workforce training, and youth engagement will shape whether D.C. becomes more inclusive for long-time residents or continues gentrification trends that displace marginalized communities. With both candidates proposing expanded vocational and career technical education, the election represents a potential turning point in how the city invests in youth pathways to success beyond traditional college routes. The outcome will also determine the balance between business development and protecting local, small businesses and workers in a rapidly changing city.

What's next

The D.C. Democratic mayoral primary will take place on June 16
The nominating petition challenge period ends at close of business on March 30
The RFK stadium is slated for 2030 completion
Jevonte McCollum will complete his EMT certification and plans to study cardiology at either George Washington University or Morehouse College

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer