This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Happy first week of May! It was another busy week of budget hearings and legislative progress on the Council, and in the community, I’m looking forward to kicking off our spring constituent services pop-ups next week! Plus, make sure to check out some of the amazing spring events happening in the community this weekend!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Housing With Integrity Progress
On Tuesday, the Committee on Public Works and Operations held a markup on my Housing with Integrity Act. This legislation responds to a persistent and unacceptable reality in the District, where too many residents are forced to live in housing with serious health and safety violations while landlords face minimal consequences for failing to maintain their properties. Right now, our enforcement system is largely reactive, placing the burden on tenants to report violations and navigate complex processes to seek relief, often while they continue to live in dangerous conditions. That approach allows bad actors to profit from substandard housing and fails to deliver the level of accountability our residents deserve.
This bill creates meaningful consequences for that level of noncompliance and shifts the burden of enforcement away from tenants and back onto those responsible for maintaining safe, habitable housing. Following changes made in committee, the bill will also strengthen enforcement tools to allow for suspension and revocation of licenses, not just denial, ensuring that bad actors cannot continue operating without consequence. It will also establish clear licensing requirements for property management firms, recognizing the role these entities play in the day-to-day management of properties and the conditions tenants experience. Thank you to Councilmember Nadeau for moving this important bill forward.
Hearing from the Community on DPR and DGS
On Monday, I chaired a budget oversight hearing for the Committee on Facilities, where we heard from dozens of neighbors, advocates, and community leaders about the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Department of General Services (DGS) budgets. DPR and DGS are two of the most impactful agencies in the everyday lives of District residents, managing everything from youth recreation programming to day-to-day maintenance of our school buildings. On May 7th, I’ll chair another hearing to ask questions of DPR and DGS leadership, drawing from feedback shared by neighbors over the past year and in Monday’s hearing. If you’d like to share testimony to make your voice heard in the process, make sure to submit your comments on the hearing page.
Community News
Pop-Ups Start Next Week on Georgia Ave and Hamilton St!
Ward 4 constituent services pop-ups start next week! Next Thursday from 3pm-5pm, join us at Georgia Ave and Hamilton St NW to meet with agency representatives and get help with constituent services. For the next six Thursdays, we’ll be in Ward 4 neighborhoods supporting residents and troubleshooting community concerns. Check out the full schedule here.
Community Resources
POWERUP DC Small Business Summit
Got a dream or idea for a new business? Then POWERUP DC is for you! On Tuesday, May 5th at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, learn about the skills and tools to start, grow and prosper your business, designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals interested in becoming self-employed. Business experts will share the necessary steps to establish a successful business, franchising opportunities, various business models, common pitfalls as well as mentoring resources and other support services. Register now (space is limited)!
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 by May 17th
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 by May 17th so we can ensure this plan is one that meets the needs of all Ward 4 residents.
Neighborhood Events
Movie Night at Uptown Plaza
Tonight is movie night at Uptown Plaza! From 8 to 10pm at 14th and Kennedy St NW, Uptown Main Street is screening “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” under the open sky. Come early, bring chairs and blankets, enjoy free popcorn, and support the amazing local businesses that make Uptown shine.
IYMA Daily Essentials Petworth Pop-Up
On Saturday, May 2nd from 1 to 7pm, enjoy an afternoon of community, culture, and connection at the IYMA Daily Essentials Petworth Pop-Up. This all-ages, family-friendly outdoor event brings together live music, an open BBQ and food, a curated selection of local vendors, and a free open art studio. Hosted by IYMA Daily Essentials, a Black-owned, women-owned, immigrant-owned international market, this event is part of its ongoing effort to increase access to clean, culturally diverse foods while strengthening community ties in the Petworth neighborhood. There will also be a yard sale at this event, with items ranging from planter’s pots, lawn mowers, chairs, tables, fridges and other items. Come out, support local vendors, and enjoy good food and music!
Spring Cleanup at Peabody Community Garden
On Saturday, May 9th from 9:30am to 1pm, visit Peabody Community Garden (6025 9th St NW) to clean and transform the garden edge with native planting, litter cleanup, and community care. Gloves, tools, and all supplies are provided, plus snacks and pizza courtesy of hosts.
Mother’s Day Diaper Drive
On Saturday, May 9th from 10am to 3pm, New Samaritan Baptist Church and Capital Community News are conducting an inaugural diaper, pullups, and wipes drive in celebration of Mother’s Day, taking place at 1100 Florida Ave NE. The drive is asking for donations to allow the Greater DC Diaper Bank to deliver diapers to over 40,000 vulnerable families in the greater DC area. Rain or shine, drive through or walk-up!
Lost Sock Spring Fling Market
On Sunday, May 3rd from 10am to 2pm, Lost Sock Roasters in Takoma is hosting a Spring Fling Market with local vendors, coffee, art, vintage sales, and more. Stop by 6833 4th St NW to support local entrepreneurs and small business!
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 be 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
The 51st: How to get involved in the D.C. budget process
Ward 4 Dispatch: Budget Hearings, Traffic Safety Wins, and Spring Pop-Ups!
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.
Last week, I was delighted to meet with advocates from the annual DC Women in Blue Advocacy Day and hear the DC Federation of Democratic Women’s legislative priorities—including for housing, violence reduction, programming for youth and more. We must do more to ensure our budget is a reflection of the District’s values.
Sunday was opening day for Capital City Little League! Thank you to the parents, coaches, and volunteers for creating a space where our young people can grow, build confidence, and have fun. Wishing all our players a great season!
Have a wonderful spring weekend!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
