This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This was a consequential week on the Council. On Wednesday we took final votes on the RENTAL Act and RFK campus redevelopment plan. Then on Thursday, Mayor Bowser, Chairman Mendelson, and Attorney General Schwalb testified in the House Oversight Committee on ongoing interference in DC. Below, I discuss some of my takeaways on these votes and hearings and how they will impact Ward 4. Lastly, this coming weekend will be another big one in the community, with Chevy Chase Day, the Shepherd Park Yard Sale, Sun Day in DC, and more!
Council News/Legislative Updates
RFK Campus Redevelopment Approved on Final Vote
On Wednesday, we took our final vote to approve the RFK campus redevelopment. I’m pleased that through hard work and negotiation we were able to secure a number of important commitments in the deal, reflecting what residents have been asking for to move this project in a better direction:
- Clarified the definition of “District Event” so non-team events that generate parking revenue can still be treated as District events.
- Strengthened development milestones, accelerating rent payments and increasing accountability.
- Revised environmental language to make LEED Platinum Version 5 a guiding standard for construction
- Added reporting requirements to require DDOT to analyze the need for a third garage and issue a report on planning for a new firehouse on the campus
- Clarified the Transportation Improvement Fund to be used primarily for public transit improvements that are directly related to the RFK campus
While an investment of this size requires the strongest possible accountability measures, the commitments we’ve secured represent meaningful progress that warrant moving forward. Our oversight work will continue, and the enhanced provisions we worked hard to secure will help us ensure the Commanders uphold their end of the deal. DC residents deserve to know that the affordable housing promised today will actually be built, especially over a 25-year window. Over the coming months and years, it is our responsibility to ensure this commitment is upheld. Taxpayers deserve no less for the tax dollars they are investing.
Wins and Losses in Final RENTAL Act Vote
Wednesday also marked our final vote on the RENTAL Act, significant legislation impacting tenants in DC. Ahead of our meeting, I introduced a package of amendments alongside Chairman Mendelson and Ward 1 Councilmember Nadeau to encourage new investment in the District’s housing market and protect tenants’ ability to negotiate in the sale of their buildings. These changes represent real improvements that preserve tenants’ power over the future of their communities, and I was glad to see them approved by a majority of councilmembers.
However, the Council also approved a devastating last-minute change excluding buildings with 2-4 units from the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), an important and longstanding District statute protecting tenant rights. A change this significant — excluding potentially thousands of tenants from TOPA protections — deserves public input through the hearing process yet was advanced without any such input. Given this amendment passing, I voted no on the final version of the bill.
Throughout our consideration of the RENTAL Act, my colleagues have readily acknowledged that DC is facing an affordable housing crisis. But despite our agreement over the seriousness of the challenges we are up against, even the few improvements made to the RENTAL Act are only a half-step in a moment that demands a leap. If we are serious about change, we need to fight for what will truly improve DC residents’ conditions: stronger rent control, fully funded vouchers, and more deeply affordable housing. I am hopeful that this vote will not be the end, but the beginning of a much harder, more honest conversation centering those who have been pushed to the margins for too long.
Continued Congressional Attacks on Home Rule
On Thursday, I joined DC leaders on the Hill as Mayor Bowser, Chairman Mendelson, and Attorney General Schwalb testified in the House Oversight Committee. As DC faces a concerted effort by the GOP to overturn Home Rule, I’m grateful to everyone who tuned in to Thursday’s hearing and joined us at the Capitol to fight for DC’s autonomy.
After introducing more than a dozen bills directly targeting DC Home Rule earlier this month, the House of Representatives this week passed four measures intervening in our courts, youth prosecutions, youth sentencing, and police chase laws. In the midst of this effort to repeal our democratically passed laws, I was especially disappointed to see 31 House Democrats vote alongside Trump and the GOP on legislation restricting DC’s authority over our own criminal sentencing laws. As Democrats it is our responsibility to advocate for democratic principles of self-governance and autonomy. I’ll continue to fight for the people of DC who elected their leaders to legislate on behalf of the communities we represent.
Community News
Chevy Chase Day This Weekend!
Chevy Chase Day is always a blast, and this weekend, the event returns to the Chevy Chase Commons on Saturday from 1 to 4pm. I’m excited to join neighbors for a celebration of community, complete with art, music, a sidewalk sale, free ice cream, popcorn, and snacks, and plenty of opportunities to support our local artists and vendors. You can find out more about the event on the Chevy Chase Community Association’s website.
Ward 4 Senior Jubilee 2025
On Thursday, October 2nd, I will host our annual Senior Jubilee! This will be an opportunity to gather together, celebrate our community, and enjoy music, dancing, food, games, prizes, and important resources from District agencies. Please RSVP online or by calling or leaving a voicemail with my office at 202-724-8052 to save your spot. For any questions or requests for accommodations, please reach out to Barbara Rogers at brogers@dccouncil.gov.
Community Resources
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
Last month, my office launched an online reporting form for neighbors to report and document any concerning incidents involving federal agents. This information will be critical as we build our case, ensure organizations working on the ground are informed, and continue to hold this administration accountable. Please share the image with your social networks and neighbors to let others in the community know about this resource.
As our DC government works to keep our community safe, supported, and informed during this time, I also encourage neighbors to fill out my survey seeking input from residents to help shape how our office communicates around new federal developments.
Meet Up with Mendo in Ward 4
On Saturday, September 20th from 10am to 12pm, Chairman Mendelson will hold Ward 4 office hours at Rue Cafe in Petworth (3906 14th St NW). Neighbors will have the opportunity to speak with Chairman Mendelson and ask questions about DC services, legislation, and other community issues.
Neighborhood Events
Shepherd Park Yard Sale
The Shepherd Park Yard Sale is happening on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm! The event is one of largest community yard sales in the District, with multiple sellers across Shepherd Park. For more information, email spcayardsale@gmail.com and look for signs posted throughout the neighborhood.
Sun Day in DC
Save the Date for Sun Day in DC! On September 21st from 1 to 5pm, save the date and join the fun at a District-wide celebration of clean energy. You are invited to visit sites across the District to learn about all the ways you can power your life with solar, batteries, and EVs. Residents at solar sites and vetted installers and experts at eight information hubs across the city will be there to answer your questions. Host a site, volunteer, sponsor, and register to attend now!
Lincoln-Thomas Day
On Saturday, September 20th, from 11am to 1pm at Fort Stevens Park (13th & Quackenbos) the Military Road School Preservation Trust and the National Parks Service are holding the annual Lincoln-Thomas Day. The event honors two individuals from the Civil War-era, President Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, who shared a profound connection to Fort Stevens.
Paint and Pizza with 4D
On Friday, September 26th, 4D MPD is co-hosting a Paint and Pizza event alongside Ledo Pizza and Walmart. The event will take place at Lamond Recreation Center (20 Tuckerman St NE) from 5 to 7pm.
Caribbean Family Fun Day
On Saturday, September 27th from 12 to 6pm, the Jamaican Nationals Association is hosting Caribbean Family Fun Day at Takoma Park Site 3 (330 Van Buren St NW) to showcase the richness of Caribbean heritage while also providing meaningful resources and services to DC’s Caribbean community and the broader public. There will be food, music, games, a school supply giveaway, free health checks, free community services, and more.
Takoma Park Street Festival
The 44th annual Takoma Park Street Festival is taking place on Sunday, October 5th from 10am to 5pm on Carroll Ave! Enjoy the day exploring 200 vendor booths and dancing in the streets to live music! Takoma’s unique shops and restaurants are all open and welcoming visitors. Come out and support DC and Maryland’s Main Street Takoma!
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: Homecoming at Lincoln’s Cottage on Sept 20th, free for the whole family
Next Stop…Riggs Park: September 20: Ward 4 Meetup with DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson
The 51st: The D.C. Council is back. Here’s what lawmakers are up to.
Next Stop…Riggs Park: September 22: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Hybrid)
Ward 4 Dispatch: Fall Legislative Session Begins, DC Marches Against Occupation, and Art All Night This Weekend!
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 morning, I was proud to stand alongside the DC KinCare Alliance to underscore our appreciation for kin caregivers across the District. Throughout our community, there are hundreds of relative caregivers who step up to raise children when families face hardship — and deserve the same protections and support as any other parent.
I also want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended Art All Night last weekend! I’m always amazed by the talent of our local artists, musicians, and creators, and grateful to all the neighbors who joined to support our local businesses and show what our community is all about.
Lastly, beginning on Monday night, many of our neighbors in Ward 4 and DC will celebrate Rosh Hashanah and the start of the new year. To our entire Jewish community across Ward 4, I’m wishing you a happy and healthy new year!
Have a lovely weekend and check back next week for more updates!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
