Mayor Bowser opens new animal shelter and breaks ground on FEMS-OSSE campus

Mayor Muriel Bowser is set to lead a dual event titled “Scissors & Shovels” on Wednesday, November 5, at 11 am. The event will mark the ribbon cutting of the new DC Animal Shelter at DC Village and the groundbreaking for the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) and Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Fleet Maintenance Campus. Both facilities are located on the DC Village campus in Ward 8.

The newly constructed animal shelter replaces the previous facility on New York Avenue. It features updated infrastructure such as new walls, partitions, flooring, indoor and outdoor dog runs, and expanded community service areas. The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA), which began its partnership with DC Health at the start of 2025, will operate the shelter. BVSPCA’s responsibilities include animal control, care, medical services, field operations, lost and found management, and adoptions within Washington, DC.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony for the animal shelter, Mayor Bowser will initiate construction on the FEMS and OSSE Fleet Maintenance Campus. This project represents an investment of nearly $86 million aimed at supporting fleet operations for both agencies. The complex will consist of several buildings and fueling stations designed to improve operational efficiency.

“These projects reflect Mayor Bowser’s ongoing commitment to building modern, high-quality facilities across all eight wards. Since 2015, the District has invested billions in schools, libraries, recreation centers, and public safety infrastructure to ensure residents and employees have access to world-class public spaces,” according to a statement from city officials.

The event will also feature Dr. Ayanna Bennett (Director of DC Health), Dr. Antoinette Mitchell (State Superintendent of Education), John A. Donnelly Sr. (DC Fire and EMS Chief), and Delano Hunter (Director of Department of General Services). Members of the press who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by email.

A live feed of both ceremonies will be available through multiple platforms including mayor.dc.gov/live as well as Channel 16 (DCN), Facebook Live, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.