This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Budget season is here, which means the Council is busy with oversight hearings, legislative advocacy, and escalating neighborhood concerns through the budget process. In addition to the budget, we also celebrated a big milestone for traffic safety in Petworth this week and are looking ahead to constituent services pop-ups starting in two weeks!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Advocating for Workers in Budget Oversight Hearings
Budget season is now underway, and last week, I shared a breakdown of what the mayor’s proposal contains, and what it means for Ward 4 neighbors. Now, we’re digging into the details through oversight hearings, and I’m focused on how we can improve the budget for District workers and families.
One of my biggest concerns in the mayor’s budget proposal is the cuts to programs workers rely on every day. For one, the proposal pauses paid family and medical leave claims, even though residents have already paid into that fund. That’s money residents set aside, paycheck after paycheck, trusting it will be there when they need it—in the case of a family member getting sick or a loved one needing extended care.
This budget proposal also wipes out pay increases for city workers who have been showing up every day—some for years—on expired contracts, pulling the rug out from under thousands of DC workers. These are the same people who have kept this city running through incredibly hard times. They deserve stability, respect, and fair pay, not broken promises.
On Wednesday, I joined the budget oversight hearing for the Department of Employment Services to ask tough questions about these decisions and push for answers that center workers and their families. I will continue fighting for a budget that reflects our values and supports the people who keep this city moving.
Council Action on Juvenile Curfew
On Tuesday, the Council advanced permanent legislation extending DC’s juvenile curfew. I have been clear from the start: as long as the District is under federal occupation, a youth curfew puts our young people at risk in ways that do not outweigh any perceived benefits. Just over the last few months, we have seen federal law enforcement become involved in enforcing the curfew in ways that put our young people at risk—exactly the outcome many of us warned against. Over the weekend, videos and headlines circulated showing an MPD officer pulling young women forcefully off of a bike riding past. I have received reports and videos of officers threatening youth with pepper spray and paint guns. I’ve seen videos of National Guard troops and MPD officers interrogating youth coming off of Metro in Southeast as early as 4pm, with one officer even taunting a Metro rider before they even came up the escalator.
This type of coordination between federal forces and MPD is a threat to youth, and a threat to Home Rule. No other city has national guard troops and federal agents who are not trained in de-escalation enforcing curfews for their youth. And it’s not surprising, because research from juvenile curfew laws in other jurisdictions has shown that curfews do not result in fewer instances of youth-involved crime, public disturbances, or high-risk behaviors. Rather, they increase the incidence of racial profiling and put our young people at increased risk of harm.
We have better options. Investing in community-based programs and organizations that are already supporting young people can promote safety, connection, and opportunity, without introducing the risks that come with increased enforcement. We cannot rely on quick fixes that produce more harm than good. I remain committed to advancing solutions that promote positive youth development and reduce public safety concerns—investing in our young people without escalating unnecessary risks.
Community News
Traffic Safety Win in Petworth
After years of advocacy from ANC leaders and community members, on Thursday, I was proud to join Petworth neighbors to celebrate the new traffic signal at New Hampshire and Taylor St NW! This intersection has been a concern for too long, and this milestone is the result of sustained efforts to make our streets safer for all travelers. Thank you to Commissioner Heller, ANC 4C, DDOT, and neighbors for making it happen!
Ward 4 Pop-Ups Begin Next Month
Ward 4 constituent services pop-ups are back starting next month! Every Thursday from 3pm-5pm, my team and I will be out in the community with DC agencies, connecting neighbors with resources and troubleshooting constituent services issues. Check out the schedule below and join us in your neighborhood!
AG Secures Settlements with Live Nation and Ticketmaster
This week, the DC Attorney General’s Office reached a major settlement in its anti-monopoly lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster for charging predatory hidden fees to consumers in DC. As part of the decision, the District will refund $8.9 million directly to DC fans subjected to these hidden fees and deceptive sales tactics. OAG will announce a process for these claims in the coming months, and I’ll keep neighbors posted as we learn more. Thank you to OAG for fighting for greater transparency, accountability and fairness for DC residents!
Community Resources
OAG Launches New Environmental Violations Hotline
On Earth Day Wednesday, Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced the launch of a new hotline for residents to report possible environmental violations to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). From now on, residents can report violations—including illegal dumping, piles of trash, idling buses or trucks, or other types of illegal pollution—to OAG by emailing environmental.justice@dc.gov or calling 202-442-9828.
Resources for Residents Facing High Utility Costs
As summer approaches, I’m hearing from many Ward 4 residents who are still dealing with skyrocketing Pepco and other utility bills. While I was grateful the Council passed my emergency legislation temporarily pausing electricity shutoffs for thousands of DC residents, too many are still facing costs they simply cannot afford. As we continue working to address this problem, I encourage neighbors to visit Pepco’s website for information on bill support resources and other assistance programs you may be eligible for. I’ll continue fighting to bring down utility costs and provide relief to neighbors across Ward 4.
Roosevelt HS Seeking Volunteer Host Families
This spring, Roosevelt High School will have the opportunity to host seventeen students and three chaperones from Christian Von Mannlich Gymnasium in Homburg, Germany. The students will stay with host families during their time in DC from Friday, May 29th to Tuesday, June 9th. The responsibilities of the host families include providing dinner during the week and meals on the weekend, taking part in activities on the weekend (either organized by the host family or exchange program chaperone), and answering any questions about DC and/or the United States in general. Right now, Roosevelt still needs host families for eight students and a host family for one of the chaperones. If you are interested in opening your home and being part of this rewarding cultural exchange, please complete this form as soon as possible. Questions? Email julian.hipkins@k12.dc.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
Lafayette-Pointer Park Spring Clean-Up
On Saturday, April 25th from 9am to noon, join friends and neighbors for the annual spring clean-up in Lafayette-Pointer Park. All ages are welcome! Make sure to RSVP, and in addition to gardening gloves, please add in the note when you sign up if you can bring any of the following: clippers, loppers, shovels and edgers, wheelbarrow, and a weed whacker. Refreshments, donuts, and service hours are available! Contact Stephanie.Cappa@gmail.com with any questions.
Friends of Shepherd Park Library Used Book Sale
On Saturday, April 25th from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday, April 26th from 1 to 4pm, the Friends of the Shepherd Park Library will hold a used book sale at the library, 7420 Georgia Ave NW. Books, CDs and DVDs $1. Books for young people, including teen-geared graphic novels, just 50 cents each.
Upcoming Exhibits at Zenith Gallery
On Friday, April 24th from 4 to 8pm and Saturday, April 25th from 2 to 6pm, Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park (1429 Iris St NW) will host Meet the Artist talks for its 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!
Senior Bingo on the Lawn at Lamond Rec Center
On Wednesday, April 29th from 11am to 1pm, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is hosting Senior Bingo on the Lawn at Lamond Recreation Center (20 Tuckerman St NE)! Seniors are invited to take part in the excitement with jumbo screen bingo, giveaways, refreshments, and other activations for all to enjoy.
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
PoPville: CVS Opens First Pharmacy-Focused Location in Washington, D.C. – Petworth
Next Stop…Riggs Park: April 25: Plymouth Congregational & New Hope Baptist Church Food Pantry
The 51st: Federal judge pumps the brakes on Trump’s plan to remove 15th Street bike lane
Ward 4 Dispatch: Breaking Down the FY27 Budget
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 Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet with members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc for their advocacy day at the DC Council, discussing expanding access to healthcare, protecting residents facing displacement, and keeping our young people safe and supported. Grateful to have them as a partner in this work!
Wishing you a great spring weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
