This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Today, the mayor testified to the Council on the FY27 DC budget, marking the first step in the budget process. Next week, we will receive the complete budget documents from the Chief Financial Officer, and I’ll share a deeper rundown of what the mayor’s proposal includes, and how neighbors can advocate for their priorities. Next week is also spring recess for DCPS families and DC Emancipation Day, so make sure to read up on resources and reminders for the week ahead!
Council News/Legislative Updates
FY27 Budget Begins!
Budget season is upon us! Today, the mayor presented the Council with a high-level vision of the FY27 DC budget. While we won’t know the full details of the mayor’s proposal until next week, in my next newsletter, I’ll share a rundown of what the budget contains, what we’ll be working to improve, and how neighbors can help advocate for Ward 4 priorities. In the meantime, the schedule of budget oversight hearings is now live! Keep in mind this schedule is subject to change, so make sure to stay up to date on the hearing schedule on the Council website. Below are some of the key hearings—including those I will chair for the Committee on Facilities—where residents will have the opportunity to testify.
Community News
DC 2050 Online Workshop Now Open
In several of my past newsletters, I’ve talked about DC’s Future Land Use Map—a long-term framework that will help guide how and where the District grows in the coming decades. This plan will fundamentally shape decisions about use, density, and height of what can be built in each area of the city, impacting how the District expands access to housing and economic opportunity. Last week, the Office of Planning opened an online workshop for residents to view and comment on proposed land use changes for the comprehensive plan. I’m encouraging neighbors to check out the plan and share their feedback so we can ensure this plan is one that meets the needs of all Ward 4 residents.
Public Safety Updates
On Wednesday, my team joined MPD, the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations, and the Wards 3 and 4 Prevention Center for a public safety walk on the 5700 block of Eastern Ave, NE. Over the last several weeks, neighbors in Lamond-Riggs have shared concerns about several abandoned vehicles parked for long periods of time in the area, and suspected drug distribution taking place inside. Following Wednesday’s walk, I was grateful to see DPW tow nine abandoned vehicles from the area in response to concerns raised by neighbors. Thank you to DPW for their quick response, and to 4B09 Commissioner Geong for coordinating Wednesday’s walk!
More Upcoming Neighborhood Cleanups!
If you’re looking for ways to get involved in the community this spring, Ward 4 has plenty of neighborhood cleanups coming up! Below are some of the events happening over the next few weeks to help keep our neighborhoods clean and green:
- On Saturday, April 25th at 10am, the mayor’s office is organizing community cleanups across the District, including a Ward 4 cleanup at Emery Heights Recreation Center (5701 Georgia Ave, NW). Roll-off containers will also be available to help residents dispose of bulk waste.
- 2026 Spring Cleanup Week is here! From April 11th until April 19th, neighbors, students, and local businesses are coming together to host a week of community cleanups from Takoma to Manor Park, to Brightwood, and many more locations. For more details on the cleanups happening around Ward 4, visit springcleanupweek.com.
- On Saturday, April 18th from 9 to 11am, the Lamond Community Action Group is organizing a Spring Clean and Earth Day event at Milligan’s Point (Rittenhouse St NE and Sligo Mill Rd). Bring your gardening tools, meet new neighbors, and help spruce up the neighborhood for spring!
- On Saturday, April 18th from 10am to noon, ANC 4B06 Commissioner Tiffani Nichole Johnson is organizing a community cleanup day at the Fort Slocum Park Pavillion. Join to help make our neighborhood a cleaner greener place! Bring gloves, shovels, grabbers, and rakes if you have them, and help neighbors pick up litter. Limited supplies will be available, and snacks are provided. The rain date will be April 25th.
Community Resources
DCPS and Council Recess Next Week
Next week is spring break for DCPS, which coincides with the Council’s regularly scheduled recess. Although recess means there will be no hearings scheduled for next week, our work to support residents and prepare for the FY27 budget will continue on a modified schedule, with telework on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and closed on Thursday and Friday in recognition of DC Emancipation Day. Please feel free to reach our office at 202-724-8052, or email us at teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov if we can be of any assistance. Thursday’s holiday also means some government services will be modified, including trash collection sliding forward one day for residents with Thursday or Friday collections.
ANC 4B Community Safety and Support Committee Meeting
On Thursday, April 16th at 7pm, ANC 4B’s Community Safety & Support Committee is taking a deep dive into DC Health’s Perinatal Health and Infant Mortality Report and what the findings mean for families here in Ward 4 and ANC 4B. Perinatal health is a community issue and your voice matters. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, advocate, or neighbor, your participation and questions are welcome. The meeting will take place virtually. Click here to join, with passcode PXYr2u.
Georgia Ave Roadway Repair Project
Starting on Monday, April 13th, DDOT is scheduled to begin resurfacing work on Georgia Ave NW from Aspen St to Elder St. The roadway project is anticipated to be complete by Friday, April 24th, weather permitting. As a result of DDOT work, temporary lane closures are expected with one travel lane remaining open, and curbside parking may be restricted. Work will take place Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
Free Mulch at Fort Totten Transfer Station
Mulch is now available at the Fort Totten Transfer Station, courtesy of the Department of Public Works (DPW). The Fort Totten Transfer Station, located at 4900 John McCormack Rd NE offers DC residents (with valid DC government issued identification) the opportunity to fill up to five 32-gallon bags (must bring your own bags and shovel) with free mulch, during residential dumping hours, Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 2pm and Saturdays 7am to 2pm.
Neighborhood Events
The Parks at Walter Reed Spring Events
Over the next few months, The Parks at Walter Reed has a full schedule of exciting events for all community members to take part in. From flea markets to history tours, to fitness classes, there’s something for every neighbor to enjoy. Check out the schedule below or visit The Parks website to see the full list of upcoming events.
Artist Talks at Zenith Gallery
Tomorrow, April 11th at 2pm, Zenith Gallery is hosting talks featuring artists Anne Calamuci, and Marcie Wolf-Hubbard as part of the gallery’s 48th anniversary exhibition. For more information, visit Zenith Gallery’s website.
Above the Influence Basketball Tournament
On Tuesday, April 14th at 12:30pm, my office is joining the Wards 3 and 4 Prevention Center and community partners to host a basketball tournament at Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Rd, NE). The event is free and open to all 9th-12th grade students. Registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up today!
9th and Illinois Ave Triangle Park Community Meeting
On Tuesday, April 14th at 6pm, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will hold a community meeting on the 9th St and Illinois Ave triangle park project. The meeting will take place at 9th St and Illinois Ave, NW, and in the case of rain or cold weather, at Emery Heights Recreation Center (5701 Georgia Ave, NW). For more information and to RSVP, click here.
Ward 4 Faith Leader Breakfast
On Thursday, April 16th from 8:30 to 10:30am, Ward 4 Faith Leaders is hosting a breakfast at Fellowship Baptist Church (5605 Colorado Ave, NW) for new clergy to learn about the work, discuss upcoming activities, and break bread together. To RSVP, email Rev. Patti Fears (revpatti@verizon.net) no later than April 10th.
Petworth Porchfest Set for May 30th!
It’s official: 2026 Petworth Porchfest is scheduled for Saturday, May 30th! There will be music on porches from 2 to 7pm and on the main stage from 5 to 8pm. Already, over 130 hosts and over 350 bands have signed up, with a variety of music genres and hosts across the Greater Petworth area. If artists haven’t submitted and want to perform, submissions will continue to be accepted through May. People are encouraged to apply on the Porchfest website if possible. The rain date will May 31st. Can’t wait to see you all at Porchfest!
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: Petworth PorchFest returns in May 2026! Register to host or perform!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: UDC CAUSES Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market Vendors; Community-Based Opportunities
The 51st: What to do in D.C. on any day of the week
Business Insider: I quit my corporate job at 25 to sell pizza with a friend. Now we have 9 locations.
Ward 4 Dispatch: Housing and Utility Wins, Spring Cleanups, and Easter 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 Wednesday, it was an honor to swear in our newest commissioner representing ANC 4E04, Hal Gordon! I’m excited to work with Commissioner Gordon to expand access to housing, advance community priorities for Northern Bus Barn construction, and support residents in Sixteenth Street Heights.
I was also grateful to spend time with the dedicated members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s DC chapters to talk through how we protect and advance critical investments in maternal health, youth mental health, and juvenile justice. I’m thankful for their partnership and shared commitment to showing up for Ward 4 and DC residents.
Next Thursday is DC Emancipation Day, marking the anniversary of 3,100 enslaved people being freed in the District. Each year we mark this day as the “first blow against the edifice of slavery” and the day the District was freed “from the thrall of slavery forever.” In celebrating Emancipation Day, we are reminded the strength and fortitude of the people of DC in the face of adversity and resolve to continue fighting injustice in all its forms.
Wishing you a wonderful spring weekend, neighbors.
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
