This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
It has been a busy week both on the Council and in the community, and in this newsletter, I’m sharing updates on my FY27 budget priorities shaped by feedback from Ward 4 residents. I’m also excited to highlight a new women-owned small business hub that opened this week on Kennedy Street, along with opportunities to get outside and connect with neighbors through community events like Sidewalk Palooza.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Amplifying Ward 4 Priorities for the FY27 Budget
Over the past year, Ward 4 residents have continued to show up to share their priorities for the District’s budget. This week, I sent my annual list of budget priorities to the Mayor, informed directly by the feedback neighbors have shared through oversight hearings, budget forums, and conversations across our community. Even in a challenging year, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to ensure our budget reflects our values and keeps our work on track. Ward 4 residents have made clear that they want a budget that allows people to meet their basic needs, stay housed, and access the support they need to thrive. Here are some of the key priorities I shared in my letter to the Mayor:
Housing Stability, Food Security, & Economic Supports
- Preserve and expand funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
- Maintain and expand funding for homeless services such as shelters, bridge housing, and short-term and permanent vouchers
- Fully fund Give SNAP a Raise and strengthen TANF and TANF caregiver subsidies
Health, Disability, & Aging Services
- Preserve Medicaid coverage for adults and increase funding for Medicaid-funded disability services
- Protect funding for the DC Healthcare Alliance so current participants can remain in the program
- Maintain funding for DPW to ensure reliable trash collection and address persistent rodent issues
Community Safety Through Prevention, Accountability, & Facilities
- Increase funding for community-based violence interruption initiatives in high-need neighborhoods
- Expand Safe Passage and focus resources on corridors where students face the greatest risk traveling to and from school
- Invest in programs to remove lead pipes from homes
Youth, Recreation, & Community-Based Prevention
- Increase operating funding for the Department of Parks and Recreation to expand hours on nights and weekends
- Include funding to repair all broken exercise equipment across DPR’s recreation and aquatic centers
- Address DPR staffing challenges, including lifeguard salary increases, to ensure pools remain open and accessible year-round.
Education, Workforce, & Neighborhood Opportunity
- Fully fund all five Ward 4 Main Street programs, including Petworth, Uptown, Upper Georgia Avenue, Takoma, and The Parks
- Advance the Georgia Avenue Surplus project and implement recommendations from the Georgia Avenue Revitalization report
- Fully fund the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund
Proceeding with Ward 4 Capital Projects
- Whittier ES modernization and swing space
- LaSalle-Backus Education Campus modernization
- ADA upgrade and track replacement at Riggs-LaSalle
My budget priorities reflect what I’ve heard from neighbors about the realities they are facing and the investments our communities need most. While the range of programs and projects that require funding extends beyond this list, I encourage you to read my full letter outlining some of these core priorities. Our budget is a reflection of our values, and community voices are an essential part of the process. Thank you to every neighbor who shared your experiences, participated in our forums, and continues to advocate for our community.
Elizabeth M. Goodman Health School Redesignation Act
This week, I was proud to introduce legislation to redesignate Ward 4’s Sharpe Health School as the Elizabeth M. Goodman Health School. Elizabeth M. Goodman was a visionary educator whose leadership transformed educational access for children who were homebound, hospitalized, or otherwise unable to attend traditional schools. As Principal of the Health School, she strengthened and expanded programs to meet the needs of students and their families, growing the school into a comprehensive educational environment and enabling thousands of young people to continue working toward graduation.
The Health School exists today as a direct result of Ms. Goodman’s vision, advocacy, and dedication to ensuring every student has access to education, regardless of circumstance. This redesignation is an important step toward honoring her lasting impact on students and families across the District. Many community members have been instrumental in advocating for this redesignation, including ANC 4C and the Ward 4 Education Alliance, and I am grateful for their efforts. You can read the full bill and learn more about Elizabeth Goodman’s legacy here.
Community News
Spring Forward with Sidewalk Palooza!
As we welcome the start of spring, neighbors across the District are getting outside and working together to improve our sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure through Sidewalk Palooza, returning March 21st through 29th. Sidewalk Palooza invites residents to walk or roll through their neighborhoods to identify things like broken or uneven sidewalks, missing curb ramps, faded crosswalks, and other accessibility barriers. Together, neighbors submit 311 requests through DC 311 so agencies know what needs attention. Community events like this are also a great way to learn how to request city services while advocating for safer, more accessible streets for all. Shoutout to Sidewalk Palooza creators Erin Palmer and Nick Sementelli, and the amazing volunteers making these events possible. We already have two Ward 4 events on the calendar, with more to come:
- Monday, March 23rd at 4pm, East Rock Creek Village Sidewalk Palooza Walk
- Meet at Whole Foods at The Parks at Walter Reed (7130 12th Street, NW)
Join ERCV neighbors for a walk to identify and report sidewalk and accessibility issues. RSVP here.
- Meet at Whole Foods at The Parks at Walter Reed (7130 12th Street, NW)
- Friday, March 27th at 10am, Safer Blair Road + Takoma Sidewalk Palooza
- Meet at Blair Road and Piney Branch Road, NW to learn about ongoing safety efforts along Blair Road and help identify additional accessibility and pedestrian infrastructure needs to report through 311.
Wellness Oasis Opens on Kennedy Street
This week, I was excited to join neighbors for the opening of Wellness Oasis at the intersection of 8th and Kennedy Street, NW. For several years, this building sat vacant and now has been transformed into a vibrant hub for community care and entrepreneurship—home to six women-owned small businesses offering services like massage therapy, fitness training, a cafe, and other wellness offerings. Wellness Oasis—and numerous other small businesses we have welcomed over the last few years—reflect the kind of investment we hope to see along all our commercial corridors, meeting community needs while supporting local entrepreneurs.
Congratulations to Donna Henry and the entire Wellness Oasis Team on this momentous occasion. Thank you for choosing to invest in Ward 4—we’re excited to welcome you to the community and excited to see all the future holds!
Update on Potomac Interceptor Repairs
Crews from DC Water and their contractors continue to make steady progress responding to the January collapse of the Potomac Interceptor. As of this week, there have been 32 consecutive days without overflows reaching the Potomac River, and environmental rehabilitation work is moving forward in areas impacted by the collapse. DC Water remains on track to complete the emergency repairs and restore full flow to the interceptor by mid-March, working in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. My office will continue to share updates as this work progresses and ensure the community stays informed.
Community Resources
Learn Ranked-Choice Voting with “Rank the Donut!”
On Saturday, March 14th from 10:30 to 11:30am, Takoma neighbors Erin Palmer and Paul Schwartz are joining Kenyatta M. Smith of Rank the District for a fun, hands-on way to flex your Ranked Choice Voting muscle by ranking donuts from Ward 4’s own Donut Run. Neighbors will walk through how RCV works and have questions answered, with donuts and coffee/hot chocolate provided. RSVP for the exact location.
Be “Heart Safe” AED Training
On Wednesday, March 18th at 1:30pm Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Daycare Center (4818 Blagden Ave, NW) is inviting neighbors to attend its defibrillator training with DC Fire and EMS. There will also be CPR and other important emergency information provided. All are welcome.
Healthy Homes Fair at Catholic University
Energy bills through the roof? Are you looking for ways to improve the health, safety and cost to heat and cool your home? The Healthy Homes Fair, hosted by Electrify DC, returns this March 21st, to Catholic University. This free, family-friendly expo helps DC-area residents learn how to make their homes healthier, more resilient, and more affordable for power. The fair features over 70 exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art technology, a mini EV auto show, and test drives, hands-on workshops, family-friendly activities like e-bike rides and a bouncy castle, solar-powered food trucks and giveaways worth thousands. Register for free today!
Support Takoma ES PTO’s Book Drive
From now until March 24th, the Takoma Elementary School PTO is organizing a book drive with the goal of getting every student a book for Takoma’s March Madness of Reading program. Books can be dropped off in the school lobby (7010 Piney Branch) between 8am and 6pm on school days. Questions? Email pto.takomaec@gmail.com.
14th Annual Toiletries Drive at Shepherd ES
From now until the end of March, the Shepherd Elementary School community is organizing its annual toiletries drive to help women and children in need during Women’s History Month. Items can be dropped off at the toiletry drive bin at the main entrance of Shepherd ES (7800 14th St NW). The following items are most needed: Body soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, band-aids, deodorant, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, hair combs & brushes, cotton balls, baby powder, baby oil, and travel size mouthwash.
Neighborhood Events
Music at Uptown Plaza
Tonight, March 13th from 6 to 7:30pm, Uptown Main Street is organizing a night of live music at 14th and Kennedy Street, featuring great music, delicious food, and amazing community, all in the heart of Uptown DC. Join for a live performance by Room 48 Band and soak in the vibes at the crossroads of Kennedy Street. Before or after the show, stop by some of our incredible local spots around Uptown DC. The event is free and open to all. Plus, check out the full list of Uptown Main Street and Petworth Main Street’s upcoming events below:
Bookstore Pop-Up at The Parks at Walter Reed
On Saturday, March 21st from 10am to 5pm, The Parks at Walter Reed is hosting a bookstore pop-up sponsored by Carpe Librum. Shop thousands of used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records—all for $7 or less. As always, proceeds support Turning the Page, an education non-profit engaging DC public school families for student success.
Wednesday Jazz on Kennedy Street
Wednesday Jazz is back on the 700 block of Kennedy Street, brought to you by Uptown Main Street, DSLBD, Realtor Eddie Suarez, and Home Rule Records. On Wednesday, March 25th from 6 to 8pm, support our local businesses by visiting the 700 block for music from Lady Love Trio. Free and open to all!
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. The rain date will May 31st. As neighbors gear up to take part in the festivities and enjoy all our local artists and businesses have to offer, I encourage you to read this article from Petworth News highlighting how neighbors can volunteer and take part in Porchfest. The article also highlights my Porchfest Permitting Act, which the Council recently enacted to make sure neighbors can host Porchfest events without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. 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
DC Policy Center: State of D.C. Schools, 2024-25: Forward momentum
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Riggs & South Dakota Park February 2026 Final Design/Pre-Construction Meeting Presentation
The 51st: With seminars and sample ballots, D.C. is teaching residents about ranked-choice voting
Ward 4 Dispatch: Tax Filing, Federal Accountability, and Eric’s ID Act
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 was heartbroken to hear about the car ramming and shooting at one of the biggest synagogues in the US, just outside Detroit. While I was relieved to hear that all the staff and preschool kids in the building are going to be okay, it’s important to recognize that this attack comes just after attacks outside synagogues in Belgium and Toronto, and the horrific antisemitic shooting at Bondi Beach a few months ago. While these attacks happened hundreds of miles away, these kinds of antisemitic attacks are felt by Jews everywhere.
Jews deserve to pray, learn, and send their children to preschool without fear for their safety, just like everyone else. My team and I are in touch with Jewish communal leaders to offer our support and will continue to work closely with all Jewish institutions to ensure they have the resources they need so that Jews are safe and feel at home in DC.
Yours in Community,
—Janeese