This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This week, the Council took our second vote to approve the Local Budget Act, securing important wins for Ward 4 and DC residents. I’m also sharing the latest updates on Petworth Library renovations and some exciting neighborhood events coming up in the next few weeks!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Council Passes Local Budget Act on Final Reading
On Tuesday, I voted alongside my colleagues to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act. As a District, our budget should be a reflection of our values—investing in the people who keep our city running, in the schools our children learn in, in the public spaces that bring us together, and in the basic services residents rely on every day.
There are still urgent needs in Ward 4 and across the District and we will have to keep fighting for affordable housing, strong schools, safe streets, reliable basic services, and a government that works for every resident. But I am proud that we were able to secure meaningful investments for Ward 4 while also protecting important citywide priorities. These investments reflect the work of residents, advocates, workers, families, ANC commissioners, civic leaders, and community organizations who showed up, spoke up, and made clear what their neighborhoods and this city need.
Here are some of the wins we secured to create opportunity for DC residents and make the District stronger and more affordable:
Community News
Petworth Library Construction Updates
As construction on the Petworth Library nears completion later this summer, DCPL has shared the latest updates on its renovation progress. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour the library, and was excited to see all the new features residents will be able to make use of in the years to come.
The project remains on track for a reopening this summer, with the official opening date to be announced in mid-July. I can’t wait for this neighborhood resource and gathering space to reopen its doors to the community soon!
Community Resources
DPR Wards 3 & 4 Capital Construction Meeting Presentation
Last week, the Department of Parks and Recreation held a Capital Projects meeting for Wards 3 and 4. If you weren’t able to make it and would like to learn more about the latest updates on Ward 4 capital projects, you can view DPR’s full presentation here.
Brandywine Valley SPCA Free Spay/Neuter Surgeries
The District’s partners at the Brandywine Valley SPCA are offering a limited number of free spay/neuter surgeries for dogs. This service is intended for owned pets living in the District. Each pet will receive spay/neuter surgery, a microchip, DHPP vaccine, and Rabies vaccine (if 12 weeks or older). Register today for surgery at their DC Village Campus.
Neighborhood Events
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing a new exhibit entitled “An Art Filled Life,” with new by artists Ram Brisueño and Ashley Joi. The exhibit is open until July 4th, with an artist talk and book signing on Saturday June 20th, 2 to 6pm at 1429 Iris Street NW.
Family Cooldown Day at Petworth Recreation Center
On Friday, June 26th from 1 to 4pm, my office is joining the Brightwood Family Success Center, 4D MPD, the Wards 3 and 4 Prevention Center, and other community partners for a Family Cooldown Day at Petworth Rec Center (801 Taylor St NW). Join for exciting games, food and refreshments, sprinklers, and plenty of DC resources and services. RSVP here.
Andrene’s Cafe 20th Anniversary Celebration
As Caribbean American Heritage Month comes to a close, on Saturday, June 27th from 1 to 6pm, Andrene’s Cafe is celebrating its 20th anniversary at 308 Kennedy St NW! There will samples, giveaways, raffles, and music for all neighbors to enjoy.
Wellness Fair and Open House on Kennedy Street
The Wellness Oasis on Kennedy Street is a new wellness-centered community hub located at 5427 8th Street NW (730–732 Kennedy Street NW). This 118-year-old building that has been vacant for over seven years is now a unique community destination bringing together small wellness-centered businesses and practitioners focused on healing, movement, nourishment, beauty, and self-care. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27th when there will be a Wellness Fair and Open House from 11am to 6pm, featuring free mini wellness sessions, free stretch and bodywork sessions, free Healthy skin consultations, local wellness vendors, healthy food, refreshments, live music and more. Bring a Friend and stop by!
Piney Branch Tunnel Groundbreaking Celebration
On Thursday, July 9th from 10am to 12pm, DC Water is hosting a groundbreaking celebration for the Piney Branch Tunnel Project on Piney Branch Parkway and 17th St NW. Once completed in 2029, the tunnel will provide a 96% reduction in the volume of combined sewer overflows in an average year of rainfall. The celebration will include remarks by DC Water officials and other community leaders, refreshments, and giveaways. To learn more about the project, click here.
Genevieve N. Johnson Wellness Fair Bazaar and Fish Fry
On Friday, July 10th from 10am to 3pm, the Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Center is hosting its annual Wellness Fair Bazaar and Fish Fry on the campus lawn, 4817 Blagden Ave NW. All are invited to enjoy the festivities and meet 60+ vendors, including free wellness resources. For more information or to sign up as a vendor, call 240-532-9796.
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: Lincoln’s Cottage hosts free events for American’s 250th
The Washington Post: Looking for July Fourth spots away from the National Mall? Try these.
The 51st: 10 ways to volunteer around D.C. this week
Ward 4 Dispatch: Utility Transparency, Home Rule Music Festival, and Juneteenth!
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.
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to join neighbors for a basketball game between MPD and DC Fire and EMS at the Lamond Recreation Center. It was great to see so many neighbors show out and show their Ward 4 spirit!
Have an awesome weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
