This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Happy first week of May! Saturday was another successful Porchfest, and I’m grateful to all the sponsors, Main Streets, volunteers, performers, and neighbors who came out to support our businesses and make the event possible, even through the rain. This week, we celebrated the opening of Riggs Crossing, a brand new all-affordable, all-senior housing development in Riggs Park, while on the Council, I announced an important oversight initiative to make our parks, rec centers, and senior centers work better for everyone. Lastly, I’m looking forward to hosting our Ward 4 Small Business Summit next Thursday and encourage all our small business owners and entrepreneurs to join us!
Community News
Welcoming Riggs Crossing to Ward 4
On Wednesday, Riggs Crossing Senior Residences officially opened its doors to the community as a brand-new, all-affordable, all-senior housing complex in Riggs Park! The new complex includes 93 income-restricted units, including 5,000 square feet of new retail space to allow our seniors to comfortably age in place, right here in DC. Over the last few years, we have worked hard to help sign seniors up to live in the new space who are in need of good, affordable housing options, and it is amazing to see the complex open, with plenty of resources for our seniors to thrive. I want to extend a huge thank you to the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association for their advocacy and everyone involved in the development process who has worked tirelessly to make this moment possible.
Ward 4 Small Business Summit Next Week
Next Thursday, I’m excited to host a unique and exciting opportunity for small business leaders, entrepreneurs, and neighbors: Our first ever Ward 4 Small Business Summit! In partnership with our Ward 4 Main Streets, we will bring together key stakeholders — including DC and federal agency leadership — to support our local businesses by providing essential resources and guidance to help them maintain and grow. The summit will focus on equipping Ward 4 business owners with the tools they need to thrive, as well as offering valuable information for residents interested in starting their own entrepreneurial journeys. We will also hold three professional-led panels and share services & trainings available to both current and aspiring business owners. RSVP here and hope to see you there!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Updates on the FY26 Budget
Even though the House of Representatives has returned from recess, a DC budget fix is still nowhere in sight, and the Mayor has announced preparations for “extraordinary measures” to accommodate the budget cuts forced on us by Congress’s inaction. At the same time, we are also waiting on the Mayor to submit a revised FY25 budget and her proposed FY26 budget, which will give the Council a clearer sense of the road ahead. As we approach a challenging budget year, I am committed to fighting for the bottom-line needs of Ward 4 residents and was grateful to hear that the Mayor has committed to meeting some of my key budget asks, including preserving funding in the budget for PKEEP and the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund. Nonetheless, the challenges and constraints of this budget year mean our advocacy and community engagement will be more important than ever, so make sure to sign up to testify at one of our budget oversight hearings once the schedule is finalized.
Announcing RECHARGE DPR Plan
This week, I was proud to introduce my new RECHARGE plan, aimed at transforming the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) into a more Responsive, Efficient, Clean, Healthy, Accessible, Resilient, Green, and Elevating agency. DPR is one of the most impactful agencies in our community, and DC residents deserve a department that truly meets the needs of our city, whether better addressing safety concerns, speeding up repairs, or improving communication with residents.
Starting next week, I will hold a series of oversight roundtables in my role as Chair of the Committee on Facilities to engage with District residents, government leaders, and subject matter experts. Our first hearing will take place on Monday, May 5th on Environmental and Safety Hazards on DPR properties. Then, using takeaways learned from these hearings, we will build a comprehensive legislative framework that helps ensure DPR consistently delivers for District residents. I want to make sure this work represents the voice of our community, so make sure to sign up to testify for an upcoming hearing as they are scheduled.
Community Resources
Public Safety Updates
On Tuesday evening, MPD reported a shooting near the Petworth Metro that tragically took a life and injured two others. This violence is heartbreaking and unacceptable, and I have been in contact with 4th District MPD who is working diligently to identify those responsible. If you have any information on this incident, call (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to 50411. In recent months, we have taken several actions to increase security around Petworth Metro Station, including increasing enforcement and presence by Metro Transit Police, installing security cameras, and expanding HIPS DC and DBH drug treatment services. We need every agency mobilized and working with the community to prevent this type of gun violence from taking place. Keeping our communities safe takes law enforcement, agencies, and neighbors working in partnership, and I’m grateful to everyone who is helping us work towards this goal.
Free Resilience Workshop for Neighbors Impacted by Federal Cuts
If you have lost your job or have been impacted by the cuts to federal programs, the Center for Grounded Action is offering free, in-person resilience workshops on May 4th and 5th to help offer support and resources to community members. Learn more and register here.
Ward 4 Mini-Commission on Aging Meeting
On Thursday, May 8th from 10am to 12pm, join the Ward 4 Mini-Commission on Aging for its regular meeting at 4th District MPD headquarters, 6001 Georgia Ave NW. They will be joined by leadership from DDOT and DHCF and will have food donated by The Bridges Academy.
Shredding Events and Bulk Trash Recycling Info
In need of shredding or bulk trash recycling services? On Sunday May 4th, from 2 to 5pm, realtor Katie Bocock of Compass Realty is offering shredding services at the SDA Church Community Center, 6810 Eastern Ave NW, Washington DC. Then on Saturday May 10th, from 10am to 1pm, One Montgomery Green is hosting a shredding and electronics recycling event at Silver Spring United Methodist Church, 8900 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD.
GAP Open House and Family Fun Day
On Saturday, May 17th from 10am to 1pm, GAP Community Child Development Center is hosting an Open House and Family Fun Day at 209 Upshur St NW. Activities will include a magic show, baby ducks, bunnies, and chicks, classroom tours, and light refreshments all day. Come on out and learn about GAP’s incredible resources offered to the Ward 4 community!
Healthy Homes Fair
Register today for the biggest, consumer-facing, home electrification event in the United States on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, from 1 to 5pm at Catholic University! Visit the Healthy Homes Fair to explore the products, services, and incentives available to use your homes to combat climate change while increasing health and comfort. With more than 100 exhibitors, an appliance “petting zoo,” an e-bike tasting party, a bouncy castle for the kids, food trucks, and much more, the Fair is bound to have something for everyone!
DC Water Updates
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Keep in mind that construction activities are highly dependent upon favorable weather conditions. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Petworth, Manor Park, Brightwood Park and Chevy Chase neighbors:
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform new water main installation and roadway restoration work on 8th Street and Quintana Place NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work on the 300 and 400 blocks of Kennedy St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer main lining activities on Longfellow St from 2nd Pl NW to 3rd Pl NW, Georgia Ave & Kennedy Ave NW, and 16th St & Upshur St NW.
- As part of the ongoing Chevy Chase Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer cleaning and lining activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: 4100 block of Military Rd NW, 3700 – 3800 blocks of Legation St NW, 5500 block of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW, 5400 block of 41st St NW, 3500 block of Legation Rd NW, 3900 block of Legation Rd NW, 5500 block of Nevada Ave NW, 5300 block of 39th St NW
Neighborhood Events
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo on 14th Street
On Saturday, May 3rd, and Sunday, May 4th, join Uptown Main Street for a Cinco De Mayo celebration on 14th Street in Ward 4! Enjoy food and drink specials from local restaurants, live Mariachi performances on Saturday and Sunday evening, and a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and Uptown flavor. No RSVP required — just come hungry and ready to celebrate!
Truck Touch 2025
On Saturday, May 3rd from 8am to 2pm, visit RFK Stadium’s Lot 8 for DC’s annual “Truck Touch” celebration — a high-energy, hands-on experience for all ages! Kids will get the opportunity to explore nearly 30 types of impressive vehicles from DC government agencies — from street sweepers and snowplows to dump trucks, police cruisers, fire engines, and even mobile medical units. This is your chance to hop inside, honk the horn, and learn about the tools that keep our city moving. Thanks to the Department of Public Works for hosting!
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing two new exhibits. “Mapping the Soul,” by Joanathan Bessaci, is a “poetic exploration of identity and memory, where sculptures, maps, fabrics, and photographs weave together fragments of a personal and universal story,” and is open from April 25th to May 31st. And “The Wonder of DC Trees” is now open at the MLK Library downtown until May 29th.
SSNA & ANC 4A Community Clean-Up
On Saturday, May 3rd from 9:30 to 10:30am, join the Sixteenth Street Heights Neighborhood Association and ANC 4E for a community clean up! Meet in front of Zeke’s at 9:30am with your gloves and trash bag to help make the neighborhood shine!
Takoma Foundation Beerfest Fundraiser
On Saturday, May 3rd from 3 to 7pm, join the Takoma Foundation for its annual Beerfest Fundraiser, featuring suds from local craft breweries and tasty bites to go with. Proceeds from ticket sales go towards grants to community organizations serving the greater Takoma Park area. Learn more and get your tickets here!
Protest and Pride Art Build
On Sunday, May 4th from 12 to 3pm, gather with neighbors at Rhizome to learn about and make protest art for the neighborhood. Art supplies, pizza, and drinks are provided. Bring any art supplies you have! Thanks to Takoma neighbor Erin Palmer for organizing!
Ward 4 Mother’s Day Free Market
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and on Saturday, May 10th, from 12 to 4pm, Petworth Peanuts and Ward 4 Mutual Aid are hosting a Free Mother’s Day Market at Emory United Methodist Church (6100 Georgia Ave). The organizers are currently seeking donations of clothing, books, toys, car seats, strollers, and more, until Thursday, May 8th. If you’re able, please make sure to donate! Click here to see the map of drop-off spots.
A Taste of Petworth
Join Roosevelt High School for the 2nd annual A Taste of Petworth, a fundraising event that will highlight the excellence of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Theodore Roosevelt High School. Roosevelt’s CTE programs offer a diverse range of pathways, including Culinary Arts, Business Management, Global Service and Diplomacy, and JROTC, providing students with essential skills for success in today’s global marketplace. This year’s A Taste of Petworth will take place on Friday, May 23rd, 2025, from 6pm to 9pm at Roosevelt. The event will feature a Casino Night theme, bringing together delicious tastings from local restaurants, student-led showcases, live entertainment, and casino-style games. Neighbors can purchase tickets using the following link: https://bit.ly/4jSvB2X
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Ward 4 office hours are happening every Wednesday afternoon at Fort Stevens Rec Center from 12 to 1pm, followed by office hours at Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Community members can stop by and speak one-on-one with a member of our team about DC government services or our work in the Ward 4 community.
Support for Federal Workers
As many in our community face unprecedented challenges, I’m grateful to everyone who is stepping up to support neighbors. The Office of the Mayor has rolled out fedsupport.dc.gov, sharing resources for federal workers who have been laid off or impacted by recent cuts. I also want to remind neighbors of resources on my website for federal workers impacted by recent actions and neighbors facing the threat of immigration enforcement, compiled with the help of Councilmember Nadeau. DC government and the DC Council are also hiring for a range of positions, and I encourage community members to take a look at the open positions and share with a neighbor.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: Donate baby, child & maternity items for the upcoming Mother’s Day Free Market
Next Stop… Riggs Park: Reminder: LRCA Scholarship Application Due May 16, 2025
Petworth News: Timber Pizza opens a pop-up on the 200 block of Upshur
Washington Jewish Week: DC’s Shawn Shafner Brings Jewish Tradition to Center Stage
WUSA 9: Kennedy Street Crew leader, money launderer sentenced to 13 years in prison
Ward 4 Dispatch: Win for PKEEP and Pay Equity, DC School Lottery Deadlines, and Get Ready for Petworth Porchfest!
These are news articles that mention Ward 4 or pertain to events in our community. Councilmember Lewis George does not write or endorse their content but shares them for community awareness.
On Tuesday, I loved getting the chance to join the community hype squad at Takoma Elementary School to send our students into CAPE testing feeling loved, supported, and encouraged. Special thanks to our Takoma PTO, DC FEMS staff, Hattie Holmes Seniors, and everyone who showed out!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
