This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had an amazing Mother’s Day Weekend! This week, I have some important updates for neighbors on DC Health Link coverage and property tax payments. I’m also sharing details on the bill I introduced to reduce food waste in DC schools, and the latest traffic safety improvements coming to Ward 4.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Promoting Zero Waste in DC Schools
This week, I was proud to introduce a new bill: the School Food Waste Reduction and Composting Act of 2026. Every day, our schools serve thousands of meals to students—but too much edible food and compostable material still end up in the trash. This bill creates a clearer path for schools to reduce food waste, expand composting, and strengthen food donation practices across DCPS and public charter schools. By improving coordination between agencies, schools, and food service providers, we’re taking a practical step toward building healthier, more sustainable schools for DC students. Thank you to Councilmember Henderson, T. White, Allen, Pinto, and Nadeau for co-introducing this bill!
Community News
Important Update from DC Health Link
Right now, over 2,000 District residents are in jeopardy of losing health coverage under the Healthy DC Plan unless they take action by June 3rd. If you are covered by DC Health Link, look out for mail, phone calls, and emails from DC Health Link as you may need to verify some information to keep your health insurance coverage. Emails will come from healthydcplan@dc.gov. The return address on mail will look like one of these:
Pop-Up Next Week on 400 Block of Kennedy St
Our pop-up at New Hampshire and Farragut St yesterday was amazing! Next Thursday from 3pm-5pm, join us on the 400 block of Kennedy St NW to meet with agency representatives and get help with constituent services. For the next four Thursdays, we’ll be in Ward 4 neighborhoods supporting residents and troubleshooting community concerns. Check out the full schedule here.
Ward 4 Public Safety Updates
This week, we received reports of two shootings in our community—one outside Petworth Recreation Center and another on 14th Street near John Lewis Elementary School. In both incidents, young people were injured and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. I am relieved to hear they are expected to recover.
I have been in contact with MPD and appreciate their swift response in both cases. I’m also grateful to the first responders, neighbors, and community members who continue to show up for one another. My office will continue working closely with residents and public safety agencies to keep Ward 4 and our young people safe.
Community Resources
Act Now to Protect Your Home from a Tax Sale
If property taxes on your home are past due, the lien to your home might be sold at the annual DC Property Tax Sale in July. This puts your home at major risk for foreclosure—which means you could lose your home. Legal Aid DC and Legal Counsel for the Elderly can help check if you should get property tax benefits or exemptions, apply for a payment plan or tax relief, and/or file an application for forbearance to stop a sale from happening. If you need legal help: please call Legal Aid DC at 202-628-1161 ext. 7 if you are younger than 60 years old or Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202-434-2120 if you are 60 years old or older by June 10, 2026. Please do not delay. Calling now could help save your home.
Traffic Safety Improvements Coming to MacFarland MS
This week, DDOT’s Safe Routes to Schools team shared the Action Plan for traffic safety infrastructure improvements around MacFarland Middle School. Construction will begin in the coming weeks with signage and pavement markings. Among the upcoming changes will be new LED stop signs, rubber speed bumps, curb extensions, and pavement markings. You can read the full Action Plan presentation here. Thank you to DDOT and the MacFarland community for making these improvements happen!
Out-Of-School Time Program Registration Opens May 19th
Registration for out-of-school time programs opens on Tuesday, May 19th! For grades PK3-8, families can use the MOST portal to register for programming from tutoring and hands-on STEM to arts and athletics. As a reminder, students must be enrolled for SY26-27 to register, and a new consent section is required for each student and must be completed to finish registration. To sign up, visit most.dc.gov.
Ranked Choice Voting Info Sessions in Ward 4
DCBOE Voting Town Hall in Takoma
On Saturday, May 16th from 10:30am to 2pm, join the DC Board of Elections (DCBOE) for a community town hall at the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library in the large meeting room to learn about ranked choice voting (RCV) and prepare for the upcoming elections. The townhall will feature a presentation by DCBOE, Q&A, and hands-on practice. You can submit questions in advance to rcv@dcboe.org. To learn more, visit dcboe.org/RCV for interactive tools, practice ballots, and additional information about RCV, or drop by the library any time.
Test Out the Ranked Choice Voting Sample Ballot
ANC 4D’s May 20th public meeting agenda will include an informational session by DCBOE on how RCV works, and live demonstrations with the machines that will be used on Election Day. Doors open at 5pm; the ANC 4D meeting begins at 6:30 pm. Join in person to try out the sample ballot (Truesdell Elementary, 800 Ingraham St. NW) or virtually at ANC4D.org.
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
Jazz Series with DCPL and The Parks Main Street
On Thursday, May 21st from 6 to 8pm, join DC Public Library and The Parks Main Street for an unforgettable evening of global sound and creative expression! This session at Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library features dynamic ensembles and artists who draw inspiration from jazz, world music, and contemporary styles, creating immersive musical journeys that honor the roots of jazz while exploring new directions.
Riggs Park Day is Back on May 30th!
On Saturday, May 30th from 12 to 4pm, Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center is hosting its first Riggs Park Day since 2018, featuring local vendors, agencies, neighborhood schools and businesses, entertainment, food, giveaways, and more. My team will also be there to meet with neighbors and support with constituent services. Hope to see you there!
Petworth Porchfest: Map, Schedule, and More!
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 150 hosts and over 400 bands have signed up, with a variety of music genres and hosts across the Greater Petworth area. Check out the map to find where music is happening throughout the day, and the updated schedule! New this year is the Porchfinder tool, to help you plan out your day. 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
The Washington Post: After 20 years, the Prince of Petworth still reigns in Washington
PoPville: Celebrating 20 Years of PoPville – Prince of Petworth Profile in WaPo
The 51st: 13 ways to get involved around D.C. this week
Petworth News: Check out 3 ways to find great Petworth Porchfest music on 5/30
Next Stop…Riggs Park: New Capital Bikeshare Station South Dakota & Ingraham NE
Ward 4 Dispatch: Pop-Ups Begin, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Mother’s 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.
Today was National Bike to Work Day, and I joined neighbors from across our community for a bike ride from Ward 4 downtown along 14th Street. Thank you to everyone who showed out!
Have a fantastic weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese