This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This was a consequential and challenging legislative week on the Council. On Monday, we took our final vote on the FY26 budget, as well as a significant first votes on the RENTAL Act on Monday and the RFK campus redevelopment today. This week, we also finished out strong on our Ward 4 pop-ups and continued pushing ahead on helping neighbors with constituent services issues. There’s a lot to get into, so let’s dive right in.
Council News/Legislative Updates
The Good and Bad of the Final FY26 Budget
On Monday, we took our final vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 DC budget. Over the last few months, my colleagues and I have worked hard to address some of the shortfalls of the Mayor’s plan, especially to fill gaps in services for the District’s most vulnerable residents. However, where this budget landed was not a plan I could in good conscious vote to approve for the people of Ward 4 and DC.
Despite making numerous improvements over the Mayor’s initial proposal, the final budget still leaves thousands of DC residents without health insurance, provides no Permanent Supportive Housing Vouchers, fails to fund DC’s Child Tax Credit program, and overturns the will of the voters and the right of tipped workers to earn a living wage in repealing Initiative 82. Our budget is a reflection of our values as a city. Yet ultimately, this budget fell too far on the side of maintaining the status quo for well-funded and well-connected special interests, while increasing harm for working people across our community.
We can’t eliminate every cause of harm. That is the reality of governing. But as a Council, our responsibility is to use the resources we have to reduce as much harm as possible. Too many of our decisions in this budget fall well short of that goal. The people of Ward 4 and DC deserve better, and over the coming months, I will continue to fight to make sure we deliver on this goal.
While this budget was far from perfect, there are still several investments I’m grateful to have helped secure for Ward 4 and DC. Reflecting on the work we’ve done together, I am grateful to everyone who made a phone call, testified at a hearing, and advocated for the needs of our community. Your voices truly made a difference in shaping this budget.
RFK Campus Redevelopment: Studies, Hearings, and First Votes
On Tuesday, we heard from more than 500 DC residents on the RFK campus redevelopment plan. Then, using this feedback from public testimony and data on the impact of the project, on Wednesday, we heard from the Mayor and Commanders’ leadership on the details of the deal. As I stated in last week’s newsletter, for this deal to work for DC, it must see the DC receiving a fair share of benefits, commit to our housing goals, align with environmental standards, and create and maintain good-paying union jobs for DC residents.
During Wednesday’s hearing, I asked the Mayor and team leadership about each of these issues, including the project’s commitment to working with organized labor and complying with District environmental standards for fossil fuel emissions, managing stormwater runoff, and zero waste commitments for waste produced on event and gamedays. I was also grateful to hear that the Mayor and team leadership are committed to expanding opportunities for everyday District residents to make use of and enjoy the development.
Following these two hearings, and after continued negotiations with Commanders leadership, we took our first of two votes on the RFK campus redevelopment deal. And while there’s more work to be done, we reached some major wins:
- Strong labor standards: Agreement reached between the Commanders and union partners, securing hundreds of good-paying jobs with benefits during and after construction.
- No public money for cost overruns: The Commanders will cover any extra stadium or parking construction costs.
- Jobs for returning citizens: A 15% hiring commitment with real support to ensure long-term success.
- Community investments: $50 million over 30 years, including grocery subsidies for Ward 7 families and support for youth through a revamped Commanders Academy.
- Environmental standards: A commitment to LEED Platinum certification for both construction and maintenance—aligning project with District environmental values.
Ultimately, this was one of the toughest votes I’ve had to make in my time as Ward 4 councilmember. As someone who grew up in the District—who knows what it feels like when development happens to us instead of for us—stadium deals like this are hard to stomach. But given the substantial improvements we have been able to make to this plan, I voted to approve it on first reading. The Commanders have made their commitments. Now they need to keep them. Because this city—our city—is putting serious money behind this project, and we expect serious returns. Not charity. Not crumbs. Returns that match the investment our people are making.
The work starts now. And I feel the full weight of this vote—every commitment that needs to be kept, every resident who’s counting on these promises to become reality, every risk we’re taking with our public dollars. Every government official who supports this agreement is responsible for what happens next. And District residents must hold us accountable if we fail to hold the team, developers, and ourselves to the commitments made to the residents of the District of Columbia.
Improving the RENTAL Act to Protect Affordable Housing for DC
In addition to a consequential budget vote, Monday was also our first vote on the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act, significant legislation introduced by the Mayor impacting DC’s housing ecosystem.
Right now, the District stands at a crossroads when it comes to access to affordable housing. Many Ward 4 and DC residents are being priced out of their neighborhoods, and affordable housing construction is not meeting the pace of this need. At the same time, evictions in the District reached a ten-year high last year, as residents continue to struggle to afford the cost of living in one of the most expensive cities in the country. Following Monday’s vote, I remain deeply concerned that this legislation will worsen these issues, not improve the situation facing many District residents.
For one, this bill guts the very protections that ensure tenants actually receive notice before they lose their homes. It gives judges the discretion to excuse failure to notify tenants, and slashes notice periods from 30 days to just 10 days. This will create massive upheaval and confusion for tenants facing one of the most challenging and destabilizing situations a family can face. The bill as it stands guts the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, which our own Council-funded study has shown produces more affordable housing, preserves our housing stock, and gives tenants power over the future of their communities. It also exempts new construction for fifteen years, even for projects already built, and restricts what tenants can negotiate, incentivizing individual buyouts without the benefits of both legal representation and collective action.
While this bill is intended to create balance in DC’s housing ecosystem, the bill as it stands does not create balance. Instead, it falls well short of our most vulnerable citizens. We can and must fix it. I look forward to working with the Housing Committee over the next few weeks to improve this legislation so that it actually protects the interests of our communities and our shared goals of creating affordable housing.
Community Resources
Ward 4 Council Office Summer Recess Hours
Now that the Council is entering recess, our team is taking extra time to plan for next year, draft new legislation, implement new programs funded in the budget, and be in our community over the summer months. Our office will remain open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 4pm from August 4th through September 12th. We will be closed on Fridays, but a staff member or myself will be on call to monitor for urgent requests. We will continue supporting Ward 4 residents with constituent services requests, agency oversight, legislative needs, and getting issues over the finish line all summer long.
Host a Block Party This Summer and Spread the Word!
Summer is block party season in Ward 4! If you are planning a block party in your neighborhood and want to spread the word, or want me or a member of my office to attend, send the details to teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov so we can help everyone in the community stay connected. Plus, check out the recording from my workshop with DDOT on how to host a block party or read Petworth News’ guide here. I’m looking forward to seeing neighbors out on your blocks!
Share Details on Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways!
The start of the school year is just a few short weeks away, and I’m committed to helping every student start the year strong with the supplies they need to succeed. If you know of any upcoming backpack or school supply giveaways happening in Ward 4 or nearby, please share them with teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov, and we’ll help get the word out. Plus, save the date for the Lamond-Riggs Citizen’s Association giveaway on Saturday, August 16th from 11am to 1pm, which I’m joining to support at the Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center!
MPD Commander’s Walk in Lamond-Riggs
Over the next few weeks, 4th District MPD and Commander Lavenhouse are organizing several public safety walks for neighbors to ask questions to MPD and learn about work to keep our communities safe. Join MPD’s next walk on Wednesday, August 6th at 4pm starting at 5800 Eastern Ave, NE.
Pepco Customer Relief Fund
This week, the Pepco Customer Relief fund launched with partner the Salvation Army. The Pepco Customer Relief Fund is a one-time relief fund that provides financial support for residents challenged by high energy costs. For additional information on the fund, eligibility and how to apply, click here.
Share Feedback with DPR
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking community feedback on how they can improve their programs, services, and facilities. Public feedback will help DPR understand how well programs are meeting community needs and how DPR can improve these services. Take the survey here!
Resume and AI Webinar Resources
Last Wednesday, former Petworth neighbor Wayan Vota, founder of Career Pivot, held a free webinar for neighbors on how to use AI and emerging technologies to upgrade your resume, learn how to network and research jobs, and ultimately find the job you want. The webinar also shared information on DC’s health insurance market for neighbors who have recently lost their employer-provided health insurance. You can watch the webinar recording on YouTube and access the Google folder with PDFs from the presentation to learn more.
AARP Ice Cream Party at Everyday Sundae
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security—one of the most significant achievements in our history. To commemorate, AARP DC invites you to join for an ice cream party on August 6th at Everyday Sundae in Ward 4. There will be a DJ, prizes & free delicious ice cream! Register at the link or walk-up registration allowed!
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, line striping, and final walk-through activities on 7th St NW and Rittenhouse St NW.
- As part of the ongoing Piney Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer main lining activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: 3rd St and Quackenbos St NW, 2nd St and Peabody St NW, 5th St and Peabody St NW, 7th St and Peabody St NW, 9th St and Tuckerman St NW, 7th St and Varnum St NW, Longfellow St and Kansas Ave NW, 3rd St and Sheridan St NW, Allison St and Illinois Ave NW, Georgia Ave & Kennedy St NW.
- As part of the ongoing Chevy Chase Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer main lining activities at the following locations next week: 3700 block of Livingston St NW, 3600 – 3800 blocks of Military Rd NW, 3400 – 3500 blocks of Morrison St NW, 4100 block of Military Rd 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
Neighborhood Events
Eastern Avenue Community Clean-Up
On Saturday, August 2nd from 8 to 9am, join neighbors on Eastern Ave and Kennedy St NE for a community clean-up along Eastern Ave. All ages are welcome and community service hours will be offered. Thanks to ANC 4B09 Commissioner Danielle Geong and ANC 5A01 Commissioner Keith Sellars for organizing!
Brandywine Valley SPCA Adoption Event
The Brandywine Valley SPCA is excited to be teaming up with NBCUniversal for its annual Clear The Shelters adoption event on Saturday, August 2nd. Join at either of their locations — 1201 New York Ave NE or 4 DC Village Lane SW — where adoption fees for all pets (big, small, young, old, and everything in between!) will be waived. If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your family, this will be the perfect time! You can learn more about Brandywine Valley SPCA and its services at www.bvspca.org/dc. To report an animal in distress in the District, please call BVSPCA at (202) 888-PETS.
Jazz in the Park at Petworth Rec Center
On Tuesday, August 5th from 6 to 8pm. DPR is hosting a Jazz in the Park event at Petworth Rec Center! The event is free and open to the public. All you have to do is get there, sit back, and enjoy our park and a free show! See the list of other Jazz in the Park events here.
Free Paint Recycling Event at Ida B. Wells MS
On Saturday, August 9th from 9am to 1pm, PaintCare is hosting their annual free leftover paint drop-off and giveaway event at Ida B. Wells Middle School. Households can drop off any amount of latex or oil-based paint. Businesses can visit www.paintcare.org/business-limits for more information. Proof of District residency required.
Help Beautify Shepherd ES!
On Saturday, August 9th from 10am to 3pm, Shepherd Park neighbors are gathering at Shepherd Elementary School (meeting outside front doors) to spiffy up the gardens. There will be weeding and planting, and some tools will be provided, but any and all gardening equipment is welcome. For any questions, email zbk_amadeus@yahoo.com.
Register to Take Part in the 2025 DC State Fair!
The DC State Fair is a free annual event to celebrate the District’s homegrown agricultural, artistic, and culinary talents. This year’s fair will be on Saturday September 6th at Bryant Street NE, right off the Rhode Island Ave Metro. Registration for DC State Fair contests is now open, which include everything from best apple pie to funkiest looking vegetable. If you are interested in registering for any of the contests, please read more in the contest guide here: https://www.dcstatefair.org/2025-contests. Contest registration is free and closes August 15th. Winners will be announced at the fair. See you there!
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: Get ready for Petworth’s new “Dog Days of Summer” event on September 6th
NBC 4: DC community raises funds for Petworth restaurant Chicatana after fire
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Save the Date – August 2: Eastern Avenue Clean Up
Ward 4 Dispatch: First Budget Vote, Citi Open Begins, and Ward 4 Pop-Ups Continue!
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, we held our final constituent services pop-up of the summer on Georgia Ave and Emerson St. Over the last month, our goal has been to take up positive space in neighborhoods across Ward 4 and support neighbors and small businesses with constituent services. I’m grateful to every neighbor who engaged with us and all our agencies whose partnership made this goal possible. Together, the work continues!
Have a wonderful weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
