Digital Library

In June 2025, CCE's Board of Directors adopted a new five-year strategic plan. The plan, developed by a committee of Board leaders and staff members, is designed to help CCE operate with improved clarity, focus, and purpose in three ways. First, it re-establishes our Mission and Vision and establishes new Values so that we can telegraph our “what,” “why,” and “how” to the world and have a shared North Star for our staff and leaders. Second, it recommends more clarified, precise decision-making processes, developed specifically around CCE’s unique structure. Third, it sets programmatic and organizational Pillars that clarify and hone our priority areas of focus for the next five years.

CCE written testimony on the need to ensure implementation those provisions of the Strengthening Probate Amendment Act of 2024 that had a fiscal impact - namely increases in certain tax exemptions to account for inflation, and extending the time period families have to address Homestead deductions on the deceased's home.

The Council for Court Excellence submitted written testimony to the D.C. Council regarding the proposed budget for the Corrections Information Council.

On June 12, 2025, Misty Thomas Zaleski, CCE's Executive Director, testified at the Budget Oversight Hearing for the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants before the Council of the District of Columbia.

On June 11, 2025, Magdalena Tsiongas, CCE's Policy Manager, testified at the FY26 Budget Oversight Hearing for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services before the Council of the District of Columbia.

On June 4, 2025, Tracy Velazquez, CCE's Policy Director, testified at the Budget Oversight Hearing for the Mayor's Office on Returning Citizen Affairs before the Council of the District of Columbia.

On June 2, 2025, Katie McConville, CCE's Policy Council, testified at the Budget Oversight Hearing for the D.C. Department of Corrections before the Council of the District of Columbia.

On June 2, 2025, Tracy Velazquez, CCE's Policy Director, testified at the Budget Oversight Hearing for the D.C. Department of Corrections before the Council of the District of Columbia.

On May 30, 2025, CCE hosted a webinar to summarize the findings and data from our newest report, "Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail," produced in partnership with the D.C. Auditor.

On May 29, 2025, Magdalena Tsiongas, CCE's Policy Manager, testified at the Budget Oversight Hearing for the D.C. Office of the Ombudsperson for Children before the Council of the District of Columbia.

In May 2025, CCE released "Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail" in partnership with the Office of the D.C. Auditor. The report reveals dangerous and deteriorating conditions at the D.C. Jail that continues to put the health and safety of residents and staff at serious risk. This report offers the most comprehensive review to date of facility operations, documenting a crisis marked by rising deaths, structural decay, staff shortages, and inadequate medical and behavioral health care. In addition to the problem of inadequate investment toward a replacement jail facility, this report points to the need to take a broader look at the current operations and management of, and resources for, the jail. The Department faces significant staffing challenges amid a growing jail population. Additionally, this report finds inconsistent compliance – and at times dangerous or deadly non-compliance – with key agency protocols and correctional best practices.‍ *No judicial member of CCE participated in the formulation or approval of this report. This report's findings and recommendations do not reflect the specific views of or endorsement by any judicial member of CCE.*

Executive Summary of May 2025 report, "Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail," developed in partnership with the Office of the D.C. Auditor. *No judicial member of CCE participated in the formulation or approval of this report. This report's findings and recommendations do not reflect the specific views of or endorsement by any judicial member of CCE.*