This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This week marked the final week of classes for DCPS students! Congratulations to every one of our Ward 4 scholars for making it to the end of the school year, and a special congratulations to all the students who are graduating this year! My newsletter this week covers important updates on legislative action taken by the Council, updates on the FY26 budget process, and some exciting events coming up in the community, including the Home Rule Music Festival at The Parks at Walter Reed on Saturday!
Council News/Legislative Updates
FY26 Budget and Oversight Updates
On Monday, I chaired the final FY26 budget oversight hearing for the Committee on Facilities, where we heard from members of the public and leadership of the Office of Disability Rights, the Department on Disability Services, and the Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (MODDHH). Making sure our schools, parks, rec centers, and public buildings are safe and accessible, and ensuring residents with disabilities have the support they need are crucial parts of our committee’s work, and I am grateful to everyone who testified. One of the biggest areas of focus of Monday’s hearing was the Mayor’s proposal to remove MODDHH as an agency entity and transfer its funding, employees, and functions into a program within the Department on Disability Services. The services MODDHH provides to District residents ranges from conducting outreach to neighbors with disabilities to providing language access support, to helping guide the District’s approach towards expanding accessibility. During the hearing, I discussed the potential advantages of the Office of Disability Rights instead serving as a home for MODDHH, given the overlapping mandates of the two agencies and the potential for improved coordination. In the coming weeks, I’m looking forward to working with agency leadership to ensure the outcome is one that protects and grows the District’s commitment to serving and supporting residents with disabilities.
Now that budget oversight hearings are coming to a close, the next step will be committee markups, where councilmembers will come together to review each committee’s work and propose changes. Then, the budget will move to final votes by the full Council before being approved. There will be much to share in the coming weeks on budget investments impacting our community, so stay tuned for more!
Takeaways from Tuesday’s Legislative Meetings
On Tuesday, the Council met for a Committee of the Whole and legislative meeting, taking votes on several significant measures impacting Ward 4. First, the Council voted on Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s Peace DC plan, which is made up of nearly a dozen bills guiding the District’s public safety strategy. I’m encouraged by several elements of the proposal, including strengthening DC’s Safe Passage program and improving retention for our most experienced firefighters and police officers. However, I have concerns about other areas of the bill and was grateful to my colleagues for approving my amendment striking the bill’s expansion of Special Police Officer enforcement on public transit — a proposal which has not received a public hearing and would broaden arrest and citation powers for officers who lack the training standards and oversight mechanisms of sworn officers. The bill also permanently expands pretrial detention in the District including for people accused of some nonviolent crimes, carrying harmful due process implications for District residents without clear evidence of bringing down crime.
I also voted alongside my colleagues to authorize the District’s purchase of six properties on Georgia Ave that are facing foreclosure and are at risk of becoming blighted. As our Georgia Ave Revitalization work continues, these properties represent a real opportunity for cohesive development. While I share the goal of acquiring these properties, I was disappointed by the lack of communication with ANCs, small businesses, and community members who will be most impacted by this project and deserve to be kept in the loop from the start. I’m looking forward to exploring the opportunities the project presents while prioritizing the voices of community members who will be impacted most.
Community News
Get Ready for the Home Rule Music Festival!
On Saturday, one of Ward 4’s biggest events of the year returns to The Parks at Walter Reed: The 4th annual Home Rule Music Festival! The festival honors the legacy of African American music by uniting legendary performers, local talent, and community-driven programming, all celebrating the vibrant sounds of Washington, DC – from jazz to go-go. There will be food, games, and fun for all ages! RSVP for free and VIP tickets here.
With the festival going on all day, keep in mind there will be some road closures around The Parks at Walter Reed, and remember to be neighborly so everyone can enjoy the day. Saturday will also be very hot, with temperatures approaching 90 degrees, so remember to stay hydrated, take breaks from the sun, and look out for the safety of your neighbors.
Community Resources
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!
Waste Collection on Holiday Slide Schedule
Due to the Juneteenth National Holiday yesterday, trash, recycling, and food waste collection through the Curbside Composting Pilot Program is operating on a slide schedule through tomorrow, June 21st. So, if your usual trash collection day is Friday, your trash will be collected on Saturday. All collection routes next week will operate on a normal schedule.
North Capitol Street Intersection Safety Improvements
Thanks to feedback and advocacy from our community, DDOT is kicking off Phase II of its North Capitol Street Corridor Study, which will include traffic safety improvements at eight high crash intersections along North Capitol Street, including the intersection of North Capitol, Riggs Road, and Missouri Ave in Ward 4. Thank you to DDOT for continuing work on this important project!
WMATA’s New Bus Plan Explained
The Chevy Chase Community Association, the Friends of Bus Transit, and WMATA are collaborating on an event, “WMATA’s New Bus Plan Explained” to explain the new bus network. This will be held in-person on Tuesday, June 24th, from 7 to 9 pm, at Blessed Sacrament’s 3630 Quesada St. location in the Parish Center. The event is open to everyone, with a particular focus on areas west of Rock Creek Park.
Grant Applications Open for OAG’s Cure the Streets Program
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is currently seeking proposals from non-profit Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) interested in operating the FY26 Cure the Streets, Domestic Workers Employment Rights, Leaders of Tomorrow: Youth Violence Prevention or Workplace Rights grant program. If you want to make a difference in our community, consider joining one of the upcoming virtual pre-solicitation conferences scheduled to discuss application requirements, program guidelines and to answer questions about each grant program:
- Cure the Streets Grant Program (Virtual) – Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 – 11am
- Domestic Worker Employment Rights Grant Program (Virtual) – Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 – 1pm
- Leaders of Tomorrow: Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program (Virtual) – Thursday, June 26th, 2025 – 1pm
- Workplace Rights Grant Program (Virtual) – Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 – 2pm
JusticeAccess Legal Resources
DC residents who have legal questions or concerns have a new resource to turn to for assistance: JusticeAccess is a law library designed for non-lawyers, offering individualized assistance with legal research. JusticeAccess brings the law library to patrons, currently offering services through monthly visits to various public libraries throughout the District (including in Ward 4 at Petworth Library on the third Monday of each month and at Shepherd Park Library on the first Sunday of each month). JusticeAccess does not provide legal advice.
Bystander Intervention Training for Immigration Enforcement Activity
In light of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in our neighborhood and across DC, as well as increasing immigration enforcement across the country, it’s more important than ever for neighbors to be informed, prepared, and connected. On Thursday, June 26th from 6:30 to 8pm, join neighbors for an in-person training (location within walking distance of the Takoma Metro provided upon RSVP). This bystander intervention training is designed specifically for allies who want to safely and effectively support neighbors during encounters with immigration enforcement. Thank you to the Defend DC Immigration Defense Group and Takoma neighbors for organizing!
Ward 4 Mutual Aid Volunteer Opportunity
Ward 4 Mutual Aid is looking to source volunteers for their grocery distribution preparation on Friday mornings this June and July. If you’re interested in participating, please fill out this brief Google form to indicate your availability as well as any questions/comments you may have, and organizers will reach out with additional information.
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 Chevy Chase and Manor Park neighbors:
- As part of the ongoing Chevy Chase Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer lining activities at the following locations next week: 3800 block of Huntington St NW, 5600 block of Western Ave NW, 3900 blocks of McKinley St NW, 3900 block of Jenifer St NW, 5700 block of 39th St NW.
- As part of the ongoing Piney Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer lining and manhole installation activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: Quackenbos St from 5th St NW to 4th St NW, 5th St and Nicholson St NW, 16th St & Upshur St NW
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform final walk-through activities on 8th St NW and Quintana Pl NW
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration and line striping activities on 7th St NW and Rittenhouse St NW.
Neighborhood Events
Summertime Jazz Concerts in Ward 4
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. Listen to jazz while you grab a bite from a local spot, and let the music carry you into the evening.
Charles B. Walker Culture Club Juneteenth Bazaar and Celebration
On Saturday, June 21st from 11am to 3pm, join the festivities and shopping experience at the Charles B. Walker Culture Club’s Annual Juneteenth Bazaar & Celebration on the grounds of Zion Main Campus, 4850 Blagden Ave., NW. Support a variety of local vendors and the community for a family-friendly fun afternoon. This event is free to attend and open to the public.
Christ Lutheran Church Neighborhood Cookout
On Saturday, June 21st from 5 to 7pm, Christ Lutheran Church (5101 16th St NW) is hosting a neighborhood cookout with free burgers, hot dogs, and snacks! Neighbors are invited to bring their favorite yard games and stop by for an evening of food, games, and fun.
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Be sure to check out Zenith Gallery‘s, 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
PoPville: 157th Annual Strawberry Festival is this Saturday at St. Paul’s in Petworth!!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Traffic Impacts Blair Road Starting June 21
Chevy Chase News and Notes: June 2025 Edition
PoPville: “shout out to the new restaurant and coffee house- Casa Mia on 14th St NW”
Petworth News: Home Rule Music Festival is back on June 21st!
Washingtonian: This New DC Restaurant Serves Exemplary Ethiopian Cooking—and a Great Lasagna
Ward 4 Dispatch: Advocating for Ward 4 in Budget Hearings, Future of Carter Barron, and Barnard ES Groundbreaking
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 had the honor of swearing in our newest ANC commissioner in Ward 4: Charlie Mayer, who will be representing ANC 4B04 in Takoma. Thank you for stepping up to serve our community, Commissioner Mayer!
Lastly, a highlight of my week was visiting Whittier Elementary School on Monday to congratulate Ms. Washington on her retirement after 40 years of teaching. During her time at Whittier, Ms. Washington has not only served our students as a speech and language therapist but also as Whittier’s outdoor learning coordinator and master gardener. On behalf of Ward 4, thank you for your service, Ms. Washington!
Have a wonderful weekend and check back next week for more updates!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
