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Chairman Phil Mendelson 2
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 4
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 7
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To recognize and acknowledge Charles C. “Sandy” Wilkes for his work as the founding 11
Chairman of the Board of the D.C. Policy Center, and his many other notable 12
professional achievements. 13
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WHEREAS, Charles C. “Sandy” Wilkes has devoted a lifetime of leadership and service 15
to the Washington, D.C. community through his pioneering work in law, business, civic 16
engagement, and urban development; 17
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WHEREAS, As Chairman of The Wilkes Company, Mr. Wilkes has demonstrated a 19
commitment to shaping a better future for the District through innovative vision; 20
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WHEREAS, Mr. Wilkes’ leadership extends beyond the D.C. Policy Center as evidenced 22
by his many distinguished roles—including Chairman of the Washington Children’s Foundation, 23
Chairman of Board of Directors of the National Theatre Foundation, Trustee and Leadership 24
Council Member of the Federal City Council, founding member of The Developer Roundtable, 25
and founding Director of both the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District and 26
the NoMa Business Improvement District—and further enriched by his service as Chairman of the 27
NoMa Parks Foundation; 28
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WHEREAS, Mr. Wilkes’ commitment to community development, education, and the arts 30
is further exemplified by his appointment to the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s College of 31
Maryland by Governor Parris Glendening and his membership in the James Madison Council at 32
The Library of Congress; 33
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WHEREAS, Mr. Wilkes’ many contributions have not only fostered significant progress 35
in urban planning and policy but also set a benchmark for civic responsibility and visionary 36
leadership within the broader D.C. community, enriching both individual lives and shared 37
communities; 38
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WHEREAS, under Mr. Wilkes leadership, the D.C. Policy Center expanded its research 40
areas to include the city’s economy, housing, workforce, and public education, contributing 41
reliable and timely research that informed many policies adopted by the Council and the Mayor. 42
Deliverables include in-depth analyses of the city’s budget and financial position, elements that 43
make the District more competitive, initiatives that make housing more plentiful, and programs 44
designed to improve equitable access to education and the success of the District’s public school 45
students; 46
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WHEREAS, the D.C. Policy Center’s expanded research efforts have resulted in the 48
implementation of important legislation, including proposals that: bolstered housing preservation 49
programs, created the Equitable Access option in the District’s Common Lottery and the Education 50
to Employment data system, formed the Research Practice Partnership in education, and helped 51
reduce costs for thousands of small businesses; 52
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WHEREAS, Mr. Wilkes stepped down as Chairman of the Board of the D.C. Policy Center 54
on October 15, 2024, but continues to provide leadership and guidance to the organization as its 55
Chairman Emeritus; and 56
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WHEREAS, Charles C. “Sandy” Wilkes has created an enduring legacy of public service 58
and dedication to the improvement of residential life and business in District of Columbia. 59
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RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 61
resolution may be cited as the “Charles C. “Sandy” Wilkes Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 62
2025”. 63
Sec. 2. The Council recognizes and commends Charles C. “Sandy” Wilkes for his steadfast 64
service, guidance, and contributions as the founding Chairman of the Board of the D.C. Policy 65
Center and celebrates the significant benefits that his rich professional legacy has provided to the 66
District of Columbia. 67
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 68