Important Snow Updates

Dear Neighbors,

As our community continues to deal with the snow emergency and frigid temperatures, I want to share some important updates with neighbors. I have heard from hundreds of Ward 4 residents who are understandably angry and concerned about continued snow buildup and service disruptions, and I want you to know I share your concerns. Residents deserve clear communication about what is happening, what to expect, and how the District is responding.

Yesterday, we received an update from the Mayor’s team on the status of DC’s response. Here’s the latest information:

• There are currently 280 active snowplows in operation, with 120 additional dump trucks and heavy construction vehicles working to remove large piles of snow
• Trash collection will be delayed until at least next week given continued freezing temperatures
• DPW is exploring solutions to resume trash collection while many alleys remain frozen, including deploying leaf crews not on snow removal to assist
• Trucks are salting blocks where removal is not yet possible
• The Department of General Services has been prioritizing snow removal at critical government facilities including police stations, shelters, and recreation centers
• I am continuing to escalate streets that have not yet received service to DPW and will continue until Ward 4 sees progress

Over the past several days, I have also been driving throughout Ward 4 to see conditions firsthand and triage urgent cases as they come in. Hearing directly from neighbors and witnessing the impacts on the ground is guiding how my office prioritizes requests and escalations.

Here’s some good news: the majority of our DC Public Library locations are now open, and DCPS schools have reopened on a two-hour delay today and Friday. Thankfully, DC has experienced very few and isolated power outages, and the 8 recreation centers on standby have not been needed for emergency warming and shelter space.

I have been amazed by the hundreds of neighbors who have stepped up to shovel sidewalks, check in on one another, and offer help where it’s needed most. DPW crews have been working around the clock, often away from their families, in extremely difficult conditions. We are grateful for their efforts, and we know more must be done to support them in getting this work finished.

At the same time, I remain concerned about our seniors, residents with disabilities, and others who are most vulnerable in this moment. Blocked sidewalks and icy alleyways are not just inconveniences; they are serious safety risks. My office is continuing to prioritize calls involving vulnerable residents, and I urge you to reach out if you or a neighbor needs assistance. You can also help by volunteering to shovel snow through our Ward 4 Volunteer Corps (email ward4volunteercorps+subscribe@groups.io) or by joining the DC Volunteer Snow Team.

It’s clear DC government must do a better job ensuring streets and alleyways are clear in the aftermath of a storm of this magnitude. As performance oversight hearings continue over the next few weeks, I will be pressing agencies on preparedness, coordination, and accountability so we are better equipped in the future. I also encourage you to share your voice by signing up to testify at a hearing and sharing your experiences.

Thank you for your patience, your advocacy, and your continued care for one another. I will keep you updated as we receive new information.

Yours in community,

Janeese