This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
July is just around the corner, and there’s lots to report from a busy week on the Council and in the community! This Sunday, WMATA is rolling out its new bus network, with updated routes and a new naming system. This week, I’m also sharing updates on budget progress on the Council, legislation I’m reintroducing to protect tenants, details on our Ward 4 Summer Public Safety Meeting, and resources for the 4th of July holiday next week.
Community News
Metrobus Changes Coming on Sunday!
Starting on Sunday, June 29th, big changes are coming to Metrobus routes as WMATA will begin implementing its Better Bus Network redesign. Over the last year, hundreds of neighbors have spoken up on this plan. We held a town hall with WMATA leadership and gathered community feedback, using this input to send a letter to the WMATA Board of Directors laying out the changes that needed to be made. And while no plan is perfect, our community’s voice made a real difference.
Ahead of Sunday, neighbors should make sure to visit wmata.com/betterbus to map your commute and familiarize yourself with the new routes. WMATA has also shared tools on its website to help neighbors learn the new system, including neighborhood profiles and a trip planning feature. One of the biggest changes is WMATA’s new route naming system, which will correspond to the destination of each route. Lines labeled “C” will signify Crosstown routes, “D” for Downtown routes, “M” for routes to Montgomery County, and “P” for Prince George’s County. So, if you take the E4 from Friendship Heights over to Fort Totten, you’ll now take the C81 or C83. If you take the 70 or 79 downtown from Silver Spring, you’ll now take the D40. And if you take the K6 from Fort Totten to Montgomery County, you’ll now take the M60. WMATA is also changing routes based on ridership patterns and community input, and many routes will see improved frequency.
Thank you to WMATA for making this plan happen and every Ward 4 neighbor who advocated for our community. See you on the Metrobus!
Ward 4 Summer Public Safety Meeting
On Wednesday, July 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30pm, I am hosting a Ward 4 Summer Public Safety Meeting at Emery Heights Community Center (5701 Georgia Ave NW) to discuss specific actions being taken to address crime this summer, and how community members can support. We’ll be joined by Chief Smith, Commander Lavenhouse, and other agency leadership to answer questions from the community. Ahead of the meeting, I encourage neighbors to RSVP and share questions they would like to ask of myself, Chief Smith, Commander Lavenhouse, and agency leadership.
Preparing for 4th of July Celebrations in the Community
The 4th of July is just around the corner, and as our community gets ready to take part in the festivities, it’s also important to make sure neighbors are celebrating safely. In preparation for next week, FEMS has been in the community talking to neighbors and sharing flyers and pamphlets on firework safety, with MPD supporting this work. You can read up on this information on FEMS’ website and find more details on reporting use of illegal fireworks here. If you or a neighbor sees dangerous or illegal fireworks activity taking place, make sure to contact FEMS’ hotline by calling 202-673-2776 or 311. While MPD will not have the capacity to have officers stationed at specific locations, there will be dedicated units on each shift to respond to known areas of fireworks going off, along with inspections of sites for selling any illegal fireworks.
Our community is also home to some of the best 4th of July celebrations in the District, like the Friends of the Soldiers Home celebration, complete with food trucks, kids’ games, and a perfect view from the golf course to watch the National Mall fireworks display. To everyone in our community, enjoy the festivities and have a safe and happy 4th of July holiday!
Find it in Ward 4!
As Ward 4 residents, we are lucky to be home to some of the District’s greatest small businesses and most vibrant corridors, including Uptown, Petworth, Upper Georgia Ave, The Parks Main Street, and The Parks at Walter Reed. This week, I was excited to launch a new initiative to showcase and support our local economy: Find it in Ward 4! The goal of this initiative is to keep our corridors strong and thriving by highlighting local businesses and encouraging neighbors to show their support. Our first video highlighted some of Ward 4’s amazing ice cream shops to check out as the summer heats up, including Lulabelle’s, Everyday Sundae, Ice N’ Slice, and The Charmery. Make sure to check out some of these locations and let us know which businesses you’d like to see next!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Major Progress on the FY26 Budget
On Wednesday, the Committee on Facilities, which I chair, approved the Committee’s report on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Despite being such a difficult budget year, I am proud of the investments we were able to make in agencies within and outside of our committee.
For the Department of General Services (DGS), the Committee added over $1.8 million for this summer’s school readiness efforts. This new investment increases the summer readiness budget over last year’s and will help DGS address even more maintenance issues, such as HVAC, security, and ADA compliance, before schools open in August.
I am also excited about transferring the budget and responsibilities for recycling collection on Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) properties from DGS to the Department of Public Works (DPW). For years, the public has been frustrated with litter in our parks and recreation centers. No longer will one agency be responsible for trash and another for recycling. Now, residents will be able to report overflowing recycling cans to DPW, the District’s solid waste management experts, just like they can do for trash cans at DPR and all litter cans on the street.
For DPR, the Committee added two positions to the Level 1 maintenance team. This will allow DPR to more quickly fix small but common maintenance issues that do not need full work orders. We also funded DPR’s grant for the DC Special Olympics, so residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities have equitable recreational opportunities.
For the District’s disabilities agencies, I was glad to restore $1 million for residential disability service providers so people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can receive the quality, accessible, person-centered care they need and deserve. I also transferred the Office of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing to the Office of Disability Rights so both agencies can focus on ensuring District government agencies comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Our committee also made significant capital investments, many of which are dedicated to ensuring DPR modernizations can achieve net zero energy standards. These investments include:
- $1.5 million for a new greenhouse at DPR’s Lederer Community Garden
- $2.2 million for the New Community Center at Historic Crummell School in Ward 5
- $2.6 million for the Fort Davis Recreation Center modernization in Ward 7
- $5 million for the Congress Heights Recreation Center modernization in Ward 8
The Committee also transferred millions of dollars to other committees to protect and advance important Ward and District priorities that don’t fall under my Committee. These investments include:
- $200,000 for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- $350,000 for DACL’s Senior Connector Card program
- Funding to restore two investigator positions in DOB’s the Rental Housing Inspection Program
- Funding to restore two SWEEP Inspectors at DPW
- $1,350,000 to restore all funding to Safe Shores, the District’s Child Advocacy Center.
- $100,000 for Access to Justice Initiative.
- $2,000,000 in capital funds for DCPL’s General Improvement fund, which is used for library maintenance
The Committee also recommended striking the Mayor’s proposed subtitle that would have gutted the Greener Government Buildings Act and prevented the District from achieving our climate commitments. While we did a lot of great work, serious gaps to vital services that remain, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to fund these services before the Council finalizes the budget within the coming weeks.
Reintroducing the Housing with Integrity Act
On Thursday, I announced my reintroduction of the Housing with Integrity Act of 2025, which bars landlords who consistently fail to meet basic housing standards from receiving new Basic Business Licenses. The Class 1 and 2 infractions the bill targets are the most severe housing code violations — including lack of heat or hot water, electrical hazards, structural problems and pest infestations. When these violations remain unresolved, it shows a clear pattern of neglect that puts residents at risk.
In Ward 4 and across the District, we have seen too many instances of companies buying up properties and charging high rents while neglecting maintenance and safety, putting tenants at risk and harming our communities. This bill would stand up for tenants and neighbors by preventing neglectful landlords from expanding their foothold in communities across DC.
I am also grateful to have funded new investigator positions at the DC Department of Buildings in the FY26 DC budget to strengthen the agency’s ability to take action against landlords who maintain unsafe or undignified properties. This investment will support my legislation by helping expand DOB’s Proactive Inspection Program and bolstering housing enforcement.
Community Resources
Resources for Extreme Heat Emergencies
Over the past week, DC and cities throughout the region have experienced several heat emergencies as temperatures approach the triple digits. These temperatures can be extremely dangerous and require us to all look out for neighbors who may be in need. For weather like this, here are a few helpful resources to have on hand:
- Sign up for alerts here.
- Find cooling centers in your neighborhood here.
- For free, accessible transportation to a cooling center, call the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311.
- For all animal emergencies, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-723-5730.
Ward 4 Office Hours at the Chevy Chase Farmer’s Market!
On Saturday, my team will be at the Chevy Chase Farmer’s Market (5701 Broad Branch Rd 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!
Preparing for the Mubadala Citi DC Open
With the annual Mubadala Citi Open Tennis Tournament at Rock Creek Tennis Center just a few weeks away, I want to share some important information about the event logistics and where neighbors can go for support, particularly for nearby 16th Street Heights and Crestwood neighbors:
- As with the past several years, the Citi Open will be coordinated by the Mayor’s office with the support of our Ward 4 MOCRs, Yamileth Escobar (Yamileth.escobar2@dc.gov) and Leticia Acosta (leticia.acosta1@dc.gov).
- If any issues arise, neighbors should submit a 311 request and email my team alongside our Ward 4 MOCRs and the relevant ANC commissioner. Your ANC commissioner will then respond with an update. To avoid confusion and have issues addressed as quickly as possible, please share concerns only through this channel.
- I am also asking DPW to respond immediately to any issues that come up during the event, particularly idling trucks, which has been of particular concern in recent years.
In next week’s newsletter, I’ll be sharing more about the tournament itself and how neighbors can enjoy the event!
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!
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.
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:
- There will be no construction activities performed on Friday, July 4th in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
- 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: 1 Chevy Chase Circle NW, 5500 block of 41st St NW, 3800 block of Huntington St NW, 5400 block of 39th St NW, 3700 block of Jenifer 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: 13th St and Randolph St NW, 13th St and Taylor St NW, 13th St and Upshur St NW, 16th St and 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
Mute the Violence Youth Movie Night
On Saturday, June 28th from 12 to 3pm, join Mute the Violence DC, Brightwood Family Success Center, and other community sponsors for a movie showing at Emery Recreation Center! Walk the red carpet, strike a pose, and enjoy a movie – just for youth. RSVP now!
Weekend Tunes on Kennedy Street
On Saturday, June 28th from 11am to 1pm, Uptown Main Street, Home Rule Records, DSLBD, and Realtor Eddie Suarez are bringing the seriously smooth sounds of Room 48 to the 500 block of Kennedy Street! Pull up for good music, good vibes, and good food and drink, all free, outside, and made to kickstart your weekend the right way.
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.
Takoma Community Clean-Up
On Saturday, July 5th at 10am, join the next Takoma Community Clean-Up starting at Van Buren Street and Piney Branch Road NW! In addition to picking up litter, there will be information on how to submit 311 requests for city services, plus information about upcoming protests, how to share your protest art, and find out how to get involved in a neighborhood talent show celebrating creativity, resistance, and pride. Supplies and snacks will be provided!
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: Enjoy more than 100 community events at The Parks at Walter Reed this summer!
The Washington Post: The sign of a good bar: Tiny bottles of one German digestif
Ward 4 Dispatch: Final Budget Oversight Hearings, Home Rule Music Festival, and Congratulations Ward 4 Graduates!
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.
Tomorrow morning, I’m looking forward to visiting the Chevy Chase Farmer’s Market to hold Ward 4 office hours from 9am to 1pm! Whether you have a question about DC resources or need help with a specific constituent services issue, I hope you’ll stop by and say hello!
Have a great weekend and stay cool!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
