This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Next week, the Council will return from recess with a jam-packed legislative session ahead. This week, I’m sharing a few of the bills that are of particular importance to Ward 4 residents.
This past weekend, I was inspired by thousands of DC residents flooding the streets to march against the federal government’s interference and occupation of DC. Even though the manufactured “emergency” expired this week, federal law enforcement presence in our communities continues, and Ward 4 and DC residents — especially our most vulnerable neighbors — continue to face the harsh realities of this occupation. What’s more, on Wednesday, the House of Representatives took up more than a dozen bills representing the most direct threat to Home Rule we have seen in years. There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s get right into it.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Fall Legislative Session Begins Next Week
Next week, the Council will resume hearings for the fall. As we begin considering ongoing legislation, here are a few of the important issues on the docket over the next few weeks:
- RFK Campus Redevelopment: Next Wednesday, we will take our second and final vote on the plan to redevelop RFK Stadium and the surrounding land. Following our first vote in August, I shared thoughts about the initial plan and the substantial improvements we were able to make for affordable housing, environmental protection, fair labor, and more. Ahead of our final vote, I’ll be working to ensure this deal delivers on its promises not just for the Commanders, but for the people of Ward 4 and DC.
- RENTAL Act: As it stands, the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act is not acceptable for Ward 4 and DC residents. As many in our city face being priced out of their homes, this bill introduced by the Mayor would worsen many of the issues facing residents by removing protections for tenants and creating more upheaval and confusion. During recess, I have been working with my colleagues to improve this legislation and hope to continue this progress ahead of our final vote.
- Local News Funding Act: This summer, I reintroduced the Local News Funding Act in response to the drastic decline in local journalism DC has experienced alongside other cities across the country due to corporate interference, mass layoffs, and public defunding of broadcast grants. This bill would create a system where residents decide which news outlets receive public grants through “news coupons.” I will be pushing for the Committee on Business and Economic Development and Committee of the Whole to hold a hearing on the bill this fall.
- Housing With Integrity Act: This bill would promote stronger accountability in DC’s housing ecosystem by creating meaningful consequences for landlords who consistently fail to meet basic housing standards. The bill would accomplish this by preventing housing operators from receiving new Basic Business Licenses if they own rental properties with 10 or more units where Class 1 or Class 2 housing code violations affect 30% or more of those units and remain unaddressed for at least 90 days.
- RECHARGE DPR: In May, I kicked off my ‘RECHARGE’ initiative, a top to bottom approach to improving Department of Parks and Recreation services for District residents. The initiative consists of a series of roundtables to engage with residents, leaders, and experts on DPR’s programs and practices. Then, using takeaways learned from these hearings, we will build a comprehensive legislative framework to help ensure DPR consistently delivers for residents.
DC Marches Against Occupation and Congress Targets Home Rule
Over the weekend, I was proud to stand alongside thousands of DC residents in Freedom Plaza to rally against the Trump administration’s federal interference in the District. Even amid the unjust occupation DC has been subjected to, Saturday’s rally showed the power we hold as a community and our ability to fight back against violations of our constitutional rights.
On Wednesday, President Trump’s use of emergency powers that allowed the federal government to take control over MPD reached its 30-day expiration. However, our communities are still facing escalated threats, as National Guard troops remain in DC and federal law enforcement continues to target members of our community. Amid these attacks, I have been dismayed by our Mayor’s actions showing willingness to cooperate with blatant federal interference. This violence will only continue as long as District leaders create a pathway for cooperation with an administration that is only seeking to project power and harm District residents.
We are also facing growing legislative threats from Congress. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives took up more than a dozen bills representing the gravest threat to Home Rule we have seen in years, including bills seeking to criminalize homelessness, attempting to try children as young as 14 as adults, and stripping away our right to elect our own independent Attorney General. More than ever, we need our allies in Congress to stand with the District to ensure our right to self-governance is not eroded. My colleagues and I continue to meet with supporters of District autonomy in Congress and work to make sure harmful proposals like these are strongly voted down.
Community News
Support Our Local Businesses at Art All Night!
Starting tonight, we are kicking off DC’s annual celebration of art, music, and culture: Art All Night! This evening, I’ll be stopping by locations across Ward 4 to take part in the events and show support for our local businesses. Here are just a few of the that will be happening tonight and tomorrow night:
- An interactive open house at Dance Loft on 14th with all dance genres, demos, and free classes for all ages
- African dance, drumming, and storytelling from the Kulture Shock Movement and Protecting Our Heritage Drumming Academy on 14th and Kennedy
- Paint Little Libraries for the community at La Coop Coffee
- An interactive art exhibit at the Lamond-Riggs / Lillian J. Huff Library
- Two Friday night stand-up comedy shows at Room 808
You can check out the full list of events and locations here. See you there!
Ward 4 Senior Jubilee 2025
On Thursday, October 2nd, I will host our annual Senior Jubilee! This will be an opportunity to gather together, celebrate our community, and enjoy music, dancing, food, games, prizes, and important resources from District agencies. Please RSVP online or by calling or leaving a voicemail with my office at 202-724-8052 to save your spot. For any questions or requests for accommodations, please reach out to Barbara Rogers at brogers@dccouncil.gov.
Community Resources
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
Last month, 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.
Webinar on SNAP Changes Coming to DC
Over 140,000 people in DC use SNAP (also known as EBT) to buy groceries for themselves and their families. But the mega bill that Congress just passed makes many cuts and changes to SNAP, some of which have already gone into effect. Join Free DC and community partners for a webinar on Wednesday, September 17th, from 7 to 8pm to learn how the “One Big Beautiful Bill” affects SNAP in DC specifically and how to take action. Register here to get the Zoom link, and feel free to spread the word!
DDOT Traffic Safety Changes in Petworth
This week, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) issued two notices of intent (NOI) for traffic safety changes coming to the Petworth neighborhood following engineering evaluation:
- On the 4000 block of 8th St NW and the 700 block of Taylor St NW, DDOT intends to install speed hump(s) and associated signs. Comments can be shared with kornelius.anderson@dc.gov until September 18th.
As a reminder, the best way to escalate is by submitting Traffic Safety Input to DDOT via DC’s 311 website. Each quarter, DDOT selects several sites for further evaluation to help make our streets safer for all travelers.
Support Takoma ES Teachers
The Takoma Elementary School PTO is currently organizing a fundraiser to support teachers as they start the new school year. The goal is to raise $100 per teacher to help cover classroom supplies and other essential needs. Every dollar goes directly toward creating a better learning environment for students, and every bit helps!
Neighborhood Events
Conversations and Laughter at Lamond Recreation Center
Now through December 20th, every Saturday, Lamond Recreation Center (20 Tuckerman St NE) will host a Conversations and Laughter Book Club from 9 to 11am. Neighbors are invited to come read books that challenge perspectives and encourage meaningful conversation. Click here for more information and to sign up.
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing a new exhibit entitled “Women Artists of the DMV,” which features works from more than 400 female artists from around the DC Metro area. The exhibit is open until October 18th, with Meet the Artist receptions on Friday, September 12th from 4 to 8pm and Saturday, September 13th from 2 to 6pm.
Sun Day in DC
Save the Date for Sun Day in DC! On September 21st from 1 to 5pm, save the date and join the fun at a District-wide celebration of clean energy. You are invited to visit sites across the District to learn about all the ways you can power your life with solar, batteries, and EVs. Residents at solar sites and vetted installers and experts at eight information hubs across the city will be there to answer your questions. Host a site, volunteer, sponsor, and register to attend now!
Takoma Park Street Festival
The 44th annual Takoma Park Street Festival is taking place on Sunday, October 5th from 10am to 5pm on Carroll Ave! Enjoy the day exploring 200 vendor booths and dancing in the streets to live music! Takoma’s unique shops and restaurants are all open and welcoming visitors. Come out and support DC and Maryland’s Main Street Takoma!
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
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 51st: Freeing DC: Your weekly Civics Roundup
Petworth News: Homecoming at Lincoln’s Cottage on Sept 20th, free for the whole family
Petworth News: Art All Night paints the town red on Friday, September 12th!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: September 13: Art All Night 2025 – Riggs Park & Manor Park
The 51st: 14 Things to do around D.C. this weekend
Ward 4 Dispatch: DC Sues Trump Administration, Resources for DCPS Families, and Get Ready for Art All Night
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 Tuesday, I was grateful to spend time with our Ward 4 seniors at our Senior Fair event at Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center. Thank you to all the agencies and community partners who showed up to share resources and support our senior citizens in living well and thriving.
Have a great weekend and check back next week!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
