This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
As candles and lights twinkle across Ward 4 and the year comes to a close, I am grateful for the spirit of community that connects us together. In a year that was challenging in so many ways, Ward 4 rose up and showed up for each other. Whether it was to help those who had been economically impacted by the federal layoffs, or organizing pedestrian “buses” to help immigrant families get their children to school safely, everyday Ward 4 neighbors were making a difference.
This week, I have several important community and legislative updates, including the latest on the Rock Creek Tennis Center at Carter Barron, an update on my bill to protect tenants during extreme heat days, and news on a bill I introduced this week to strengthen protections for our immigrant neighbors and ensure that the District’s policies align with our values and public safety priorities.
Temperatures have been dangerously cold, so continue to bundle up and keep an eye out for those who may need help. Cold.dc.gov has shelter information and resources for anyone in need of assistance.
Community News
NPS Solicits Requests for Proposals for Rock Creek Tennis Center
Late Wednesday my office learned that the National Park Service (NPS) has posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease and possible development of the Rock Creek Tennis Center. This means that the Tennis Center will continue to belong to the NPS, and will not be transferred to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) as had been budgeted for by the Council in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
I am disappointed by this news, because transferring the land to the District was our best opportunity to ensure that any modernization of the site is reflective of community input. Regardless, I will continue to press NPS and any future developers of the Tennis Center to solicit community input and incorporate studies from any relevant environmental, noise, or traffic impacts.
NPS will hold a site visit on Tuesday, December 23 at noon as part of the RFP process, and any interested community members should feel free to attend. To RSVP, email NPSNCRLeasing@nps.gov by Monday at 5 p.m. and be sure to include “ROCR Tennis Center Site Visit” in the subject line of your email.
Carter Barron and the Rock Creek Tennis Center together are an important community space and anchor for the Sixteenth Street Heights and Crestwood neighborhoods, and that community input on the future of this space is vital. I am continuing to gather more information about the site as this unfolds. As we know more, my office will be certain to share it with you.
The My School DC Lottery Application is Now Open!
My School DC is the one-stop application for the lottery for DC’s public school options and has now opened for the 2026-2027 year! Watch a video to learn about the lottery process, explore local schools with the School Finder, and then when you’re ready, start an application.
Don’t forget to submit your application by the following dates:
- February 2, 2026 – Deadline for 9th-12th grade applicants
- March 2, 2026 – Deadline for PK3- 8th grade applicants
- Lottery results will be announced on March 27, 2026.
The Yellow Line is Returning to Ward 4 Beginning on Dec. 31!
The Yellow Line is Returning to Georgia Av-Petworth and Fort Totten on Dec. 31!
Metro Construction on the Green Line will cause single-tracking between U St and Georgia Av-Petworth through Tuesday, December 30. But it’s all to get ready for the Yellow Line expansion all the way to Greenbelt! Beginning December 31, alternating Yellow Line trains will operate between Huntington and Greenbelt. Read more about updates here.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Safe Community Places Bill Strengthens Protections for Immigrant Communities
This week I was proud to introduce the Safe Community Places and Policing Amendment Act of 2025, a bill that ensures the District’s policies reflect our sanctuary values and public safety priorities by prohibiting personnel from engaging in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant or court order.
At a time when community trust is already fragile, it is essential that District resources are not used to facilitate federal enforcement actions that fall outside the District’s priorities or values, or that make our communities less safe.
I want to thank Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau, Robert White, Charles Allen, and Zachary Parker for signing on as co-introducers of this bill, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation.
Bill Protecting Tenants During Extreme Heat Days Advances
The Committee on Housing voted unanimously this week to approve my bill, the Extreme Heat Eviction Protection Amendment Act of 2025, and send it to the full Council. This legislation would prohibit evictions on days when the temperature is above 95 degrees. Evictions during extreme heat can pose serious health risks for renters, especially in Wards 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 which often experience higher temperatures than other parts of the city known as “urban heat islands.” I look forward to updating neighbors on the bill’s progress!
Affordable Housing Development and Preservation in Ward 4
Affordable and accessible housing is essential for Ward 4 and District residents’ economic stability, safety, and health.
I joined Mi Casa Inc., a nonprofit leader in affordable housing development and preservation, for a tour of their properties across Ward 4 and to learn more about their mission to build inclusive, accessible housing and support collective homeownership opportunities.
In the Council, I’m working to preserve and expand affordable housing so families can grow and neighbors can age in the communities they’ve called home for generations. Thank you to Mi Casa Inc. for increasing quality affordable housing in Ward 4, and I look forward to continuing to champion affordable housing for all in 2026.
Community Resources
Leaf Collection Begins in Petworth and Brightwood Park on December 22
Due to below-freezing weather expected in the next week, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin collecting leaves in Section D, which includes Brightwood Park and Petworth east of Georgia Ave, on Monday, December 22nd. As a reminder, DPW will conduct two rounds of leaf collection in each section. As this process continues, I want to make sure neighbors are aware of a few important highlights:
- Locate your section and keep up to date on DPW’s progress via the leaf collection tracker at dpw.dc.gov/leaf.
- To ensure proper collection, make sure to have your leaves raked to your curbside or tree box at least 24 hours before collection is scheduled to begin in your section.
- To report a missed collection, call 202-737-4404 or submit a 311 request.
OAG Mediation for Tenants Facing Heating Issues
As the weather gets colder, the DC Attorney General’s Mediation Program is an important resource for neighbors who are having heating issues. If you are a District renter and your landlord is being unresponsive, OAG’s Mediation Program will prioritize these complaints and contact the responsible party the same day. Complaints can be submitted through the OAG Consumer Complaint Portal. OAG Mediation also staffs a hotline open from Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm to respond to requests for help and provide accurate information to callers. You can reach this hotline by calling 202-442-9828.
Grant Opportunities for Ward 4 Businesses
Earlier this year, the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development opened its Robust Retail Grant program, aiming to provide funds to local brick-and-mortar businesses to maintain operations and viability. DSLBD plans to award up to $10,000 per business to approximately 50 businesses from the $500,000 in available Fiscal Year 2026 funding. The grants will be awarded via lottery to DC retail businesses that meet all eligibility requirements. If you operate a business in Ward 4 and are interested in accessing support, review the request for applications and apply! The final day to submit applications is January 20th, 2026, by 5pm.
Apply for a Community Grant from ANC 4D
Are you an organization with a great idea for how to help northern Petworth and Brightwood Park be even more amazing than they already are? Then be sure to apply for the first round of Community Grants under Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4D’s newly revamped grants program! Grants range from $100 to $2000, and the first deadline is January 1!
Organizations like Parent-Teacher Organizations, “Friends of” park groups, local nonprofits, senior centers, neighborhood associations, and more are all eligible to apply, and if your group is informal, you are welcome to partner with an incorporated group to apply for the grant. Learn more about how to apply by visiting ANC 4D’s website.
Neighborhood Events
3rd Annual Holiday Cookie Crawl Returns to Upshur on Saturday
Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Holiday Cookie Crawl returning to Upshur Street on Saturday, December 20th from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.! Stop by Lulabelle’s and pick up your cookie passport and collection box, and then head to local retailers to finish your holiday shopping and take advantage of their special offers. Over 10 businesses on Upshur Street will be handing out freshly baked and pre-packaged cookies to guests.
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.
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
In August, my office launched an online reporting form for neighbors to report and document any concerning incidents involving federal agents. This information will be critical as we build our case, ensure organizations working on the ground are informed, and continue to hold this administration accountable. Please share the image with your social networks and neighbors to let others in the community know about this resource.
As our DC government works to keep our community safe, supported, and informed during this time, I also encourage neighbors to fill out my survey seeking input from residents to help shape how our office communicates around new federal developments.
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: WMATA is starting construction and single-tracking between U Street and Georgia Av-Petworth
PoPville: “Unsilent Night” in Petworth – DC’s most unique non-religious holiday event
Ward 4 Dispatch: Shine Safely Act, Helping Seniors Age with Dignity, and Shop Local This Holiday Season!
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 spent an amazing day ringing in the holiday season with our seniors! Our holiday party was full of singing, games, and food. It’s always a joy to come together and celebrate community. Thank you to Iona Senior Services for co-organizing this festive event, and Nineteenth Street Baptist Church for hosting us!
Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a joyous new year, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
