This Week’s Highlights 

Dear Neighbors,

School may be out soon, but here in the Wilson Building, the budget season is just starting. On Tuesday, the Council received Mayor Bowser’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget as well as the FY 2025 Supplemental Budget. This week’s newsletter includes highlights (and lowlights) from the budget, an update from the Public Safety Walk in Petworth, and news on Citi Open, Pepco, and WMATA.  Plus, lots of community resources and upcoming events in the neighborhood!

---

Council News/Legislative Updates

FY26 Budget Update

The District is facing tough choices when it comes to the FY 2026 Budget because of the impact of federal layoffs and projected revenue declines. The FY 2025 Supplemental Budget reflects deep cuts resulting from Congressional Republicans’ political maneuver to prevent DC from using our locally-generated taxpayer dollars to meet the needs of residents. There are some positive highlights in the budget for Ward 4, but there are also many proposed cuts and measures that would hurt families and deeply concern me.

Because of Congress’s interference with the District budget, it impacted the city’s ability to carry out projects in Ward 4 we budgeted for in 2025. The good news is these projects are funded and scheduled to occur in FY 2026. 

There’s some other areas of optimism: there are no cuts to Ward 4 DCPS capital projects, there’s funding allocated for the renovation of the Petworth Library and playground servicing at Fort Stevens and Raymond Recreation Centers. I was also glad to see that the proposed budget protects funding for the Pre-K Expansion and Enhancement Program (PKEEP), which we have had to fight for in years past. And the budget ensures no furloughs or layoffs for District employees and no facility closures.

However, I’m deeply concerned about how this budget is balanced: by making cuts to vital programs that support and protect families and children.

• Cuts and eligibility changes to Medicaid, TANF & Health Care Alliance Program
• Repeal of Child Tax Credit
• Reduced paid family leave investment
• Ends DC’s sanctuary city protections
• Repeals I-82 wage increases for tipped workers
• Makes it easier to evict struggling renters
• Eliminates funding to establish a community commons library on Kennedy Street
• Drastic cuts to Cure the Streets violence interruption program

My priorities during this budget season remain the same: protecting the services that matter most for Ward 4 families and ensuring a budget is not balanced on the backs of the most vulnerable.

Testify at Budget Oversight Hearings

Sign up to testify! Make your perspective heard by testifying at one or more budget oversight hearings, because the strains these cuts and changes would pose for families means public feedback will be more important than ever. These hearings are our opportunity to dig into the details of agency funding and make sure our community’s voice is fully accounted for. 

On Wednesday, the Committee on Housing heard from nearly 200 witnesses weighing in on four housing bills the Council is considering. I was on until 11pm to hear from community members and government witnesses and ask them about the impact these bills would have on District families and the housing ecosystem. Your testimony is important to the Council and we want to hear from you.

You can sign up to testify at a hearing by visiting www.dccouncil.gov/hearings. When you click on a particular committee hearing, you’ll see more details about the specific topics that will be covered and how many people are testifying. Even if you cannot make it to a live hearing, you can still submit written comments by selecting “Submit Testimony” and then choosing “Record Testimony” (it only takes 5-10 minutes). There are great resources on how to testify at DC Action and the DC Fiscal Policy Institute.

---

Community News

Public Safety Walk

I’m grateful for all the community members who joined me and Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who serves as Chairwoman of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, on a Public Safety Walk in Petworth earlier this week. Together with MPD, Safe Passage Team members, and community allies, we had a chance to see how these partners and agencies are helping to prevent crime and promote safe spaces and sustainable peace in Ward 4.

World Pride Begins!

Photo via @JRileyMW

This year, for the first time ever, DC is welcoming the World Pride Celebration to our community! Starting now and over the next few weeks, there will be dozens of events across the District for neighbors to take part in. In addition to World Pride festivities, Ward 4 is also proud to host several events celebrating Pride Month over the next few weeks, including Takoma Pride on Sunday, June 1st from 10am to 2pm, and Petworth Pride in the Park on Saturday, June 14th from 10am to 2pm.

Of course, Pride is a time to celebrate diversity, equality, unity, individuality, and progress of LGBTQIA+ communities.  It is also a time to commemorate and honor the sacrifice and resilience of LGBTQIA+ communities past and present. The month ahead is an opportunity to uplift the advocacy of the LGBTQIA+ community, support local LGBTQIA+ businesses and organizations, and highlight the vibrant spirit of each unique LGBTQIA+ community. I’m looking forward to celebrating Pride with you all!

Preparations for the Citi Open at Carter Barron

The Citi Open tennis tournament returns to Ward on July 19th through 27th at the FitzGerald Tennis Center at Carter Barron in Rock Creek Park. We’ve heard concerns from constituents about insufficient community engagement and implications for parking and traffic, and we’re working with city officials to help address these concerns.As with recent years, the event logistics are being handled by the Mayor’s office and managed by the Mayor’s Office on Community Relations’ Yamileth Escobar, our Ward 4 Manager (yamileth.escobar2@dc.gov, 202-436-2087). MOCR will be holding a community meeting in the near future with key agency partners such as MPD, DDOT, DPW and my office in attendance. As soon as we get the details, we’ll be certain to share with you in the newsletter and on our website.

---

Community Resources

Tap, Ride, and Go with Metro

Metro launched a new, faster, and easier way to pay fares called “Tap. Ride. Go.” The feature rolled out this week is currently only available on Metrorail, although it will be accessible on Metrobuses and Metro parking facilities in the future. Customers can now simply tap a contactless credit or debit card with the contactless or mobile wallet/smartwatch virtual cards on rail station fare gates to pay for fares. SmarTrip cards (physical and mobile) will continue to be an option to pay for fares and parking. Click here for more details.

WMATA Bus Network Changes Coming June 29th

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. 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!

Health Insurance for Impacted Federal Workers

Over the next few weeks, DC Health Link is holding a series of events citywide to help people who are losing access to health insurance, especially federal workers and contractors. Free expert help will be available, including information on 27 private health insurance plans to meet every need and budget. Learn more at www.DCHealthLink.com/DCOneTouch.

DDOT Notice of Intent for Webster St from Kansas Ave to Illinois Ave

This week, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) shared a notice of intent (NOI) to initiate safety improvements on Webster St NW from Kansas Ave NW to Illinois NW in response to traffic safety input submitted by neighbors. Based on its evaluation, DDOT will remove 25 feet of parking from the south side and east leg of Webster St at Kansas Ave. DDOT is also proposing other safety improvements, including intersection daylighting, installation of speed humps, and signage improvements. Neighbors can read more about the NOI here and share comments in writing by Thursday, June 26th. 

DC 2050 Public Workshops

The DC Office of Planning is inviting neighbors to participate in upcoming workshops for DC 2050, the District’s next comprehensive plan. DC 2050 will guide where and how the District builds new housing, grows job opportunities, connects neighborhoods, preserves our history, and invests in services. Here are the dates:

• Saturday, May 31 from 11am-1pm at Ron Brown High School (4800 Meade St. NE)
• Wednesday, June 4 from 6-8pm at Stuart-Hobson Middle School (410 E St. NE)

Neighbors can RSVP for either event at DC2050.com.

MPD CCTV Installations Across Ward 4

Last 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)

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 Sixteenth Street Heights, Brightwood Park, and Hawthorne neighbors:

• For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform water services project work on 13th St NW between Farragut and Hamilton St NW.
• For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to begin test pits and water main installation on 5th St NW between Hamilton and Kennedy St NW.
• For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform tie-ins and start water services on the 6900 block of Western Ave NW.

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!

---

Neighborhood Events

Summertime Jazz Concerts in Ward 4

Jazz on the Lawn at Nineteenth Baptist Church on May 31st: Jazz on the lawn is back, kicking off this Saturday, May 31st from 2 to 4pm as Will Magic and the Magic Band performs at 4606 16th Street. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair to enjoy this free, R&B soul experience. If it rains on Saturday, don’t fret – the live music will continue inside the Fellowship Hall.

Wednesday Jazz Series on Kennedy Street: Uptown Main Street hosts a free weekly jazz concert on Wednesdays on the 700 block of Kennedy St NW. Head over on June 4 to hear jazz trombonist Shannon Gunn while you grab a bite from a local spot, and let the music carry you into the evening.

East Rock Creek Village Hosts Jazz at Walter Reed on June 8th: Swing into June with the East Rock Creek Village’s free June Jazz concert featuring James Keith Zimmerman and his 5-piece band performing swing, bossa nova, and more. The afternoon of live music takes place on Sunday, June 8th from 4 to 6pm in the Marketplace Plaza at The Parks at Walter Reed. Seating is available for seniors and light refreshments will be provided. Click here to RSVP.

Jazz in The Parksat Walter Reed Returns on June 14th: The region’s most acclaimed jazz musicians are returning to the ever-popular Jazz in The Parks on the Great Lawn this summer! The next free performance on June 14th features The Blues Alley Youth Quartet followed by Herm Hopkins Soul Quartet with opener Baba Ras D. The fun starts at 5pm with a children’s performance, with headliners starting at 6pm. Click here to RSVP.

Fort Totten Summer Concert Series Kicks Off Tonight: The DC Fray and The Modern at Art Place are kicking off their free Friday night concert series, now through August 29th just east of Ward 4 in Fort Totten. Tonight’s concert features the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience. Bring your own chair (or use one of theirs) and sit back to enjoy live tunes, food options, beverages, vendors, games, and community vibes from 6 to 8pm. Click to RSVP.

Bubble Your Fun at the School’s Out Foam Bash

Kick off summer with a splash at the School’s Out Foam Bash on Friday, June 13th from 5 to 7pm in the lot at 716 Kennedy Street. The fun is free and will include loads of bubbles, music, ice cream, balloon animals, giveaways and more. 

Strawberries Galore at the 157th Annual Strawberry Festival

The 157th Annual Strawberry Festival is a sweet celebration of summer, featuring free moonbounce, pony rides, crafts, games and more on the grassy lawn of St. Paul’s Rock Creek Episcopal Church on Saturday, June 14th from 4 to 8pm. Delicious food and strawberry treats – including strawberry shortcake! – are available for purchase. Your donation of a non-perishable food item for the National Capital Food Bank is welcome! 

Home Rule Festival Returns to the Parks at Walter Reed

The 4th annual Home Rule Music Festival honors the legacy of Black music by uniting legendary performers, local talent, and community-driven programming across multiple events throughout the city. On the June 21st, the festival comes to Ward 4 for a family-friendly event at The Parks at Walter Reed celebrating the vibrant sounds of Washington, D.C. – from jazz to go-go. RSVP for free and VIP tickets here.

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 will feature curated pieces in celebration of Pride Month.

New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery

Saturday is your last chance to check out the “Mapping the Soul” by Joanathan Bessaci exhibit at Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park, as well as your chance to experience their latest exhibit, “We Are Proud,” a celebration of LGBTQ+ artists Ram Brisueno, Chris Malone, and Tom Noll running through June 28th.

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

Next Stop…Riggs Park: May 29-June 17: FY2026 Budget Hearings

Petworth News: DDOT releases Grant Circle safety changes with final NOI — share your input by June 12th

Petworth News: Enjoy more than 100 community events at The Parks at Walter Reed this summer!

Ward 4 Dispatch: Responding to Violence in Our Community, Preparing for Budget Release, and DPR Aquatics Season Begins

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.

---

Your input is critically important during the budget process! Ready to get started? Sign up at dccouncil.gov/hearings. Below is the updated schedule for the Committee on Facilities, which I chair. 

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be hearing from agency leadership and members of the public to assess how agencies — including those responsible for improving accessibility and equity for our neighbors with disabilities, and providing District residents with schools, pools, rec centers, and public buildings that are comfortable, resilient, and safe — are serving the people of DC.We are here to serve you, so make sure your input and priorities are heard! Ready to get started? Sign up today at dccouncil.gov/hearings.

Yours in Community,

—Janeese