This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
If you’ve been following along with my recent newsletters, you probably know we’ve been awaiting the mayor’s FY27 budget proposal. This week, we received the full budget documents, and I want to walk neighbors through what investments the budget includes, where it falls short, and how neighbors can help advocate for Ward 4 priorities. I’m also sharing the latest updates on the Petworth Library renovations as the project nears completion later this summer.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Unpacking the Mayor’s Budget Proposal
Over the past week, my team and I have been working through hundreds of pages of budget documents to understand the mayor’s proposal for fiscal year 2027—what it gets right, where it falls short, and how we can ensure it delivers for Ward 4. Here’s the bottom line: the proposal as it stands makes deep cuts to some of the programs and services residents rely on most, at a time when too many neighbors are already dealing with rising costs and significant uncertainty.
First, on housing: the proposal includes no new housing vouchers, cuts to Emergency Rental Assistance, and a pause on rapid rehousing enrollments. At a time when many neighbors are already working hard to stay housed, this is an area where we should be doing more—and it will be a key focus as we move through the Council process. For workers, the proposal pauses paid caregiving and medical leave claims and does not fund anticipated pay increases for District employees. These are benefits that families rely on and plan around, and they are critical to keeping our workforce strong. We’re also seeing cuts that will show up in our everyday spaces and services, including a 14% cut to DPR site-based programming, 18% cut to school maintenance, and 36% cut to municipal building maintenance. This budget plan slashes the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, a transformational program that has helped critical educators receive the pay they deserve. On top of that, we are seeing sweeping cuts to the Office of Unified Communications—especially to 311 non-emergency call center staffing—undermining residents’ ability to report issues and stay connected to their government. Finally, a range of core supports for working families are receiving significant cuts, including $27.3 million from Access to Justice grants, $17 million from TANF benefits, and $4.4M from utility affordability programs.
Budgets aren’t just numbers—they’re about whose voices are heard and whose concerns are prioritized. Over the past year, Ward 4 residents have spoken clearly: as neighbors face challenges like rising utility costs and looming evictions, we need more investment in the programs that keep people stable, not less. This proposal is the starting point, and over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing many more updates on the work we’re doing to fund key Ward 4 priorities. Next week, we’ll begin budget oversight hearings on the Council, and neighbors should sign up to testify in one or more of the hearings listed below on the Council’s website. Now it’s the Council’s turn to dig in, and I’ll be working to protect the resources our community relies on and push for a budget that better reflects our shared values.
Community News
Responding to Tragedy in Our Community
Earlier this week, Brightwood neighbors alerted my office that a young Latino adult was found hanging from a tree behind the MPD Fourth District station. The location of his death, and the manner of his death, was deeply distressing for our community, especially as bigotry and anti-immigrant attacks are on the rise. In response, I have asked MPD for a full and thorough investigation to address community concerns.
While based on their initial findings, MPD believes that this was an apparent suicide and has found no evidence of foul play, it is of the utmost importance that MPD conduct a thorough investigation and provide clear and regular updates to the community, both in English and in Spanish. My heart is with the family and friends of the victim in the wake of this devastating tragedy. If you need emotional support, please know that you are not alone. Help is out there—call or text the 988 Lifeline to speak with caring counselors who will be there for you.
Petworth Library Updates
Last week, DC Public Library shared an update on ongoing renovations of the Petworth Library. As it stands, the project is still on track to be complete this summer, and significant progress has been made on completing several important upgrades:
- Installation of the new lighting fixtures and cleaning of the historic lighting fixtures is complete.
- Installation of the new water fountain on the Second Level is complete.
- Floor removal and installation of the new carpet on the First and Second Level and LVT flooring on the Lower Level is complete.
- Drywall repair, priming, and painting is nearing completion on all levels.
- Installation of the Early Literacy Center acoustic balloon fixture is in progress.
- Wood restoration in the main entrance vestibule is in progress.
- Programming of the Building Automation System (BAS) is in progress
More Upcoming Neighborhood Cleanups!
One of the best ways to meet neighbors, enjoy our beautiful green spaces, and get involved in the community is through neighborhood cleanups! Here are a few happening over the next week:
- This is the last weekend of 2026 Spring Cleanup Week! 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.
- 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.
Community Resources
Gethsemane Baptist Church Clothing Giveaway
On Saturday, April 18th, Gethsemane Baptist Church (5119 4th St NW) is hosting a winter and spring clothing giveaway from 11am to 2pm. Offerings include women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, coats and jackets, career wear, and more. Make sure to share with a neighbor!
At-Large CM Robert White Community Meeting in 16th St Heights
On Tuesday, April 21st, At-Large Councilmember Robert White is holding a 16th Street Heights Community Meeting for neighbors living on properties owned or managed by Petra Development. The event will take place from 7 to 8:30pm at Simpson Hamline UMC Fellowship Hall (4501 16th St NW). To RSVP and share questions, email jjoyner@dccouncil.gov.
Share Feedback on DC2050
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. The Office of Planning has 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.
Neighborhood Events
Books, Blocks, and Balls Eggstravaganza at Raymond Rec Center
DC Health is hosting the annual Books, Blocks and Balls Eggstravaganza, a four-hour interactive event on Saturday, April 18th from noon to 4pm at Raymond Recreation Center (3725 10th St NW). The event provides an opportunity for District residents, caregivers, and childcare providers of children ages 0-5 to participate and receive information surrounding child development, developmental screenings, and early care related community resources. To RSVP and find more information, visit helpmegrow.dc.gov.
Upcoming Exhibits at Zenith Gallery
On Saturday, April 18th from 2 to 6pm, Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park (1429 Iris St NW) is hosting the closing reception of their 48th anniversary show. Then on Friday, April 24th from 4 to 8pm and Saturday, April 25th from 2 to 6pm, there will be Meet the Artist talks for the gallery’s Earth Day exhibit.
Earth Day Native Plant Giveaway
On Sunday, April 26th from 12 to 2pm, Christ Lutheran Church is hosting a native plant giveaway at 5101 16th St NW. Come celebrate Earth Day, learn about why native plants matter to our ecosystem, and learn how to plant them!
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.
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
WUSA 9: Pharmacy only CVS coming to DC’s Petworth neighborhood
PoPville: Continuing Coverage of the Wendy’s Coming Back to Petworth – Cont.
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Deadline Extended: Comment on Office of Planning’s Draft Future Land Use Map by May 17
The 51st: Bowser has put out her final budget. Here’s what the big funding fights will be
Ward 4 Dispatch: Spring Cleanups, DCPS Recess, and DC Emancipation Day
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, I was grateful to co-ortganize a student basketball tournament at Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center with the Wards 3 and 4 Prevention Center. Thank you to all the students who joined and competed!
As we wrap up the week, I hope DCPS families and staff had a joyful spring recess! Whether you were traveling, spending time with family, or just enjoying a slower pace here at home, I hope it gave you a chance to recharge.
Have an amazing weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
