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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-147
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
November 7, 2023
To honor the life of Cahli Thomas and recognize his many contributions to the District of Columbia
and its residents.
WHEREAS, Cahli Thomas was a life-long District resident who dedicated his life to public
service;
WHEREAS, Cahli grew up in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of the District and graduated
from Gonzaga College High School, where he was the captain of the basketball team;
WHEREAS, Cahli went on to graduate from Delaware State University , where he also
played basketball, and then returned to the District to begin a career of public service;
WHEREAS, while still in high school, Cahli began participating in the Green Zone
Environmental Program, through the Department of Energy and Environment (“DOEE”), and then
returned to DOEE after graduating from college, taking every position available to him, until accepting a full-time position in the Energy Administration;
WHEREAS, at DOEE, Cahli served as an energy program specialist and led the D.C. State
Energy Program, which hosts energy programming, including youth bicycle education clinics and
a low-income electric bike program;
WHEREAS, Cahli co-organized and hosted DOEE’s annual Electric Vehicle Grand Prix
competition, which helps high school students learn about and build electric vehicles that they
eventually race;
WHEREAS, Cahli went out of his way to recruit young people to follow his path to
working at DOEE and serving their city, in particular, Cahli took care to help expand the Electric Vehicle Grand Prix to new teams and support those teams, especially Anacostia High School;
WHEREAS, on October 16, 2023, Cahli was another victim of the scourge of gun violence
in the District and across the country;
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WHEREAS, Cahli will be remembered fondly for his work at DOEE, and his support of
so many young people has created a legacy that will live long after he is gone; and
WHEREAS, Cahli is survived by his mother Carla, his father Karl, and his beautiful 7-
year-old daughter, Nova.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, T hat this
resolution may be cited as the “Cahli Thomas Memorial Recognition Resolution of 2023”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia expresses its condolences to the family of
Cahli Thomas, its recognition of his years of service to his community and his city, and honors his
memory.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.