This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This week, the FY26 budget was officially transmitted by the Mayor to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, which means the Council will start reviewing the budget within the next few weeks. As we get ready for budget season, I want to remind neighbors about how you can get involved in the process, including by testifying in a budget oversight hearing. This was a busy week on the Council and in the community, with progress on affordable housing, a hearing on my legislation protecting paid leave, and much more. Lastly, I want to share some important updates with you on Pepco bills and upcoming changes to Metrobus routes.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Progress on Receiving the FY26 Budget
After a period of uncertainty surrounding the timing of the FY26 budget, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer has now received all budget documents from the Mayor and will now have a ten-day review period before transmitting them to the Council. The Council’s budget office has been clear that once the plan is transmitted by the Mayor, the Council will retain the 70 days needed to properly review the budget, hear from the community, and make changes. However, the overall schedule has been pushed back from the usual timeline. Right now, we are expecting to hold budget oversight hearings throughout June, followed by committee markups at the end of the month and final votes in July.
Receiving the budget means the Council and the public will get clarity on where funds are being allocated, what programs and projects need funding, and where gaps need to be filled to make sure District government continues to meet the needs of our residents. As we head into the thick of budget review, I want to underscore the importance of community members coming out to testify at budget oversight hearings. These hearings are our opportunity to dig into the details of agency funding and make sure our community’s voice is fully accounted for. In next week’s newsletter, I’ll share more about the details of these hearings and how neighbors can sign up to testify. There will be many more updates to come, so stay tuned!
Powerful Testimony on Universal Paid Leave Portability Act
On Wednesday’s Committee on Executive Administration and Labor hearing, I had the opportunity to hear from residents in Ward 4 and throughout the District on the need to ensure that laid off workers can still access the Universal Paid Leave Fund, so they aren’t financially punished for circumstances outside their control.
During the hearing, I was moved by testimony from Ward 4 resident Mindy Lee, who spoke before the committee – on her due date – about the stress of being laid off from her job at 8 months pregnant. She spoke about why the bill I introduced, the Universal Paid Leave Portability Act, is critical to ensure families can still access the paid leave benefits they’ve earned to care for family members or to recover from a medical illness:
“Despite having paid into the DC Paid Family Leave program through DC taxes and my employer reporting my wages to DOES, I am now in the precarious position of not qualifying for DC paid leave and having no source of income as I prepare to recover from childbirth and bond with my newborn.
Under DC law, caregiving is what’s considered “informal work.” But in every way that counts, it is work in service of others, that keeps families together and deserves dignity and recognition. In the coming weeks, I will be pushing forward with the Universal Paid Leave Portability Act to help ensure caregiving and healing does not become a financial risk for DC residents.
Community News
Breaking Ground on New Affordable Housing in Ward 4
On Wednesday, nonprofit affordable housing provider Mi Casa Inc. gave a tour of a renovated affordable housing development at 301 Delafield Place NW in Brightwood Park. Once completed this December, the new complex will include 25 affordable units at 30% area median income and Energy Star and Green Community certification. Another reason this development is special is because it was acquired in partnership with residents under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), vital legislation that helps prevent residents from being displaced and losing access to housing. Thank you to Mi Casa for helping advance this important project and promoting long-term affordability in our Ward 4 community!
Pepco Bill Increases Starting in June
Starting in June, many DC residents will notice about a $20 increase in your monthly Pepco bill. This isn’t just happening in DC, but it is a result of higher costs from the regional electricity grid that powers 13 states and the District. Last year, PJM Interconnection, the company managing that grid, significantly raised prices due to growing electricity demand and delays in bringing new energy sources online. As a result, Pepco and the Public Service Commission estimate average household bills will go up by around $21 a month starting in June.
This increase comes at a tough time, especially with the financial strain many are already under and summer heat around the corner. On top of that, Washington Gas is proposing a 12% rate hike starting in August, a change that still under review by the Public Service Commission, which must approve any rate increase.
Over the last few years, I have repeatedly called on our utilities to do more to cut costs for District residents and to move with urgency toward clean, affordable energy. Unfortunately, this particular Pepco increase stems from decisions made at the regional level, limiting what the District can do in the short term, even as DC households have seen electricity bills rise more than 75% between 2000 and 2019, and more than 12,000 customers being shut off in 2024.
As District residents face this increase, I want to remind neighbors about a few options available. First, the Department of Energy and Environment operates a utility discount program that helps residents improve their homes to reduce their energy consumption. You can find the full list of services here. Community solar programs offered by the District are also a great way for neighbors to reduce energy bills by tapping into renewable energy. Lastly, DC’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is scheduled to begin accepting applications for the coming year in October.
WMATA Bus Network Changes Coming Next Month
After more than two years of planning and feedback from the community, WMATA’s Better Bus Network plan will begin its implementation phase starting on June 29th. Throughout the planning and public comment period, our community has worked hard to make sure our voices were represented, especially for our seniors and students who rely so heavily on accessible and reliable public transit. I am grateful to everyone who sent emails, shared feedback with WMATA, and attended my Ward 4 Better Bus Network Town Hall last June to make your needs heard. Ultimately, this feedback from residents was integral to my letter to the WMATA Board of Directors, which shared concerns from neighbors across Ward 4 about the necessary changes to the network design. While no plan is perfect, I’m grateful that because of our advocacy, this plan is far more workable for the needs of our community.
Ahead of these changes going into effect, I’m committed to making sure neighbors are informed and know what to expect starting on June 29th. For a full rundown of the Better Bus Network design, I encourage you to visit the plan’s website. WMATA also has several tools allowing neighbors to see how their commutes will be impacted, including a trip planner tool. For example, if you normally take the 63 from Takoma to Petworth and downtown, you’ll now take the C75 or D44. Take a look!
Office Hours This Saturday at Petworth Community Market!
On Saturday, my team will be at the Petworth Community Market (9th St and Upshur St NW) from 9am to 1pm for Ward 4 Office Hours. Stop by to share ideas, ask questions about DC resources, and get help with constituent services requests!
Community Resources
Resume Writing for Federal Employees in Transition
On Monday, May 19th from 5:30 to 8pm, Christ Lutheran Church (5101 16th St NW) is hosting a free workshop to provide step-by-step guidance on transitioning your federal resume to a private industry resume. Learn how to select the correct format, what to include and exclude, and how to highlight strong quantifiable accomplishments that emphasize skills and qualifications relevant to your target job. Space is limited, so RSVP now!
Riggs & South Dakota Triangle Park Community Meeting
On Tuesday, May 20th from 6:30 to 7:30pm, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) are holding a community meeting to discuss the proposed improvements to the triangle park located at the intersection of Riggs Road NE & South Dakota Avenue NE. The meeting will take place at the Lamond Riggs-Lillian J. Huff Library, 5401 South Dakota Ave NE. For more information, click here.
MPD CCTV Installations Across Ward 4
This week, MPD announced that CCTVs will be deployed at the following locations to enhance public safety and assist in crime prevention efforts throughout the District, as part of MPD’s ongoing initiative to increase cameras across the city. Thank you to MPD and members of the community for advocating for these improvements!
- Rock Creek Ford Road & 13th Street NW
- 6100 Georgia Avenue NW
- Georgia Avenue NW & Shepherd Street NW
- 641 Nicholson Street NE
- 1412 Spring Road NW
- Piney Branch, Missouri Avenue, Georgia Avenue, & Colorado Avenue Intersection (1214 Missouri Avenue NW)
Brightwood Family Success Center Resources
On Wednesday, May 21st from 4 to 6pm, the Brightwood Family Success Center (6203 12th St NW) invites neighbors to celebrate Wellness Wednesday with its Art of Love event, including art painting activities designed to help release trauma and negative thoughts. And if you’re not familiar with Brightwood Family Success Center, check out their website for more information on services and resources they provide to neighbors.
Vote to Recognize Our Ward 4 Businesses!
The annual Washington City Paper’s Best of DC readers’ poll has launched, which highlights the best businesses in the DC area. We know we have great local businesses in Ward 4, so let’s make sure that everyone else knows that too. Let’s help our Ward 4 businesses take home the wins by casting your votes here!
Ward 4 Drug Free Zones in Effect
MPD has announced several drug free zones in Ward 4, which are now in effect until Monday, May 19th at 8am. The creation of these drug free zones was authorized by the Secure DC omnibus bill and allows MPD to order individuals to disperse from the zone if an officer “reasonably believes” the person is there to commit a drug offense. The boundaries of the drug free zone will be:
- Quincy ST from 9th St to 8th St NW
- 8th ST from Quincy to Rock Creek Church Rd NW
- Rock Creek Church Rd from 8th St to 9th St NW
- 9th ST from Rock Creek Church Rd to Quincy St NW
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:
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work on 8th Street and Quintana Place NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration and line stripping work on the 300 and 400 blocks of Kennedy St NW.
- As part of the ongoing Piney Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer main lining and manhole installation activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: Quackenbos St and 5th St NW, Quackenbos St from 5th St NW to 4th St NW, 5th St from Nicolson St NW to Marietta Pl NW, 931 Kennedy St NW (Rear), 16th St & Upshur St NW.
Neighborhood Events
Small Business Month Cash Mob
In celebration of Small Business Month, from May 17th to May 31st, DC’s Main Streets, BIDs, and Small Business Technical Assistance providers are bringing Cash Mob Weekends to neighborhoods across the District. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 2pm, organizers are calling on DC residents to mob selected small businesses and commit to spending at least $25. It’s a joyful, spontaneous shopping rally—a community-powered show of support to show up (en masse!) to make an impact. Your dollars help strengthen DC’s small business economy while connecting you with the people and places that make our city one-of-a-kind. Ready to mob? Sign up now to get updates on featured businesses and locations.
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!
Ward 4 Democrats General Body Meeting
Join the Ward 4 Democrats’ May General Body Meeting on Tuesday, May 20th from 6:30 to 8pm and hear from Free DC and the DC Democratic State Committee Statehood Caucus who have been working on the front lines to defend DC Home Rule. Learn how to plug into the fight and next steps to continue fighting for DC Statehood.
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
Free Little Art Gallery at Merry Pin
Starting on June 3rd, Merry Pin in Shepherd Park (7350 Georgia Ave NW) is launching a Free Little Art Gallery. The Free Little Art Gallery will offer a unique platform for art lovers and creators to share and appreciate art in its miniature form. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, opening on June 3, will feature curated pieces in celebration of Pride Month. Merry Pin is currently seeking submissions for its Pride Month exhibit. To apply, click here.
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.
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
DC News Now: WMATA board approves Takoma project decades in the making
Petworth News: Bourbon and Bluegrass is May 17 & 18 at Lincoln’s Cottage!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: May 20: Riggs & South Dakota Triangle Park Public Meeting
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Final Reminder: LRCA Scholarship Application Due May 16, 2025
Ward 4 Dispatch: Standing Up for Tipped Workers, First RECHARGE Roundtable, and Mother’s Day
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 Thursday morning, I was grateful to have neighbors come together for our annual Bike to Work Day ride, starting at Highlands on 14th Street and biking all the way down to Franklin Park downtown. Thanks to every neighbor who joined us for a beautiful morning of great conversation and celebrating safe, sustainable transportation. An unexpected highlight was getting to ride alongside one of my former Deal classmates’ dads, Mr. Nathan!
Last but not least, I want to extend a big congratulations to our LaSalle-Backus DC SCORES coaches who were honored this week with DC SCORES’ teamwork award for their outstanding work mentoring our Ward 4 poet-athletes. I also want to congratulate Ms. Hill who won the Legacy Award for modeling excellence and service. Congratulations to all our winners!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
