This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
With Halloween just around the corner, the next few weeks will be packed full of exciting events in the community. I’m also happy to share that our constituent services pop-ups will continue this fall, with the first pop-ups happening next week. From the Council, I’m also sharing updates on hearings that took place this week around youth absenteeism, and progress made by the Attorney General’s office on combating Petra Properties’ conduct in our community.
Community News
Fall Pop-Ups Begin!
Starting next week, constituent services pop-ups are back for the fall season! Over the next month, we will bring agency resources to neighborhoods across our community to help residents get the support they need from DC government. Check out the full schedule below and join us in your neighborhood!
Designating Reverend A. Knighton Stanley Way
This Saturday, I will be joining neighbors in 16th Street Heights to officially designate Iowa Ave between Arkansas Ave and 13th St NW as Rev. A. Knighton Stanley Way. We will be joined by members of Rev. Stanley’s family, church congregation, and community members to honor his lasting legacy and celebrate the designation.
Reverend Stanley was a pillar of our community for the nearly four decades he served as leader of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ. During his years of service, Rev. Stanley was more than a faith leader—he understood that gospel demanded action, and was a leader in the civil rights movement, opened his heart to those who needed help, and lived a life committed to justice. I hope you’ll join us on Saturday as we honor an individual who represented the very best of our community.
Council News/Legislative Updates
DC Attorney General Settles with Petra Properties
On Thursday, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced a settlement in OAG’s lawsuit against Petra Properties. The lawsuit, which was filed earlier this year, alleged Petra deliberately exploited District law in order to maximize its own profits, effectively limiting access to affordable housing. As part of the settlement, Petra is required to pay $700,000 in penalties to the District, end its discriminatory leasing and advertising policies, and submit to three years of compliance monitoring by OAG.
While this settlement represents a step forward in our work to combat Petra’s abuses, there is still more work that needs to be done. Later this month, the Council will hold public hearings on two bills aimed at combating Petra’s harmful practices:
- On Wednesday, October 22nd at 9:30am, there will be a hearing on the Housing with Integrity Act, legislation I introduced to prevent landlords who rack up housing code violations from acquiring new business licenses;
- On Tuesday, October 28th at 12pm, there will be a hearing on the Rent Stabilization Protection Act, preventing exploitation of DC’s voucher system by companies like Petra.
Both of these hearings will be offered via hybrid format, and I strongly encourage neighbors to show out to testify in support of these bills.
Youth Absenteeism Hearing
On Wednesday, the Committee of the Whole held an oversight hearing to examine chronic absenteeism and truancy in the District, hearing from government officials, school leaders, educators, students, families, and advocates about the barriers that keep students out of school and the strategies needed to address them.
In the 2024–25 school year, 38 percent of DCPS students were chronically absent, up from 37 percent the prior year, and 35 percent missed at least ten unexcused days. Charter schools saw a slight improvement, with chronic absenteeism holding at about 39.5 percent and truancy declining from roughly 35 to 33 percent. These numbers show a clear need to take action to ensure students are in the classroom and receiving the support they need.
During the hearing, I asked questions of agency leaders about the first full year of the Department of Human Services’ Truancy Reduction Pilot Program, along with broader efforts between agencies to support attendance. I also emphasized the need to address issues like staffing and caseloads at DHS, interagency data coordination, equitable family outreach, earlier interventions, and expanding non-punitive, school-based approaches to improving attendance citywide.
Social Housing Town Hall
It has been a challenging few months for tenants and unhoused residents in the District alike. Legislation like the RENTAL Act and sweeps of encampments endanger residents and our rights. We know that this negatively impacts our community. We need to fight for the resources that our residents need now, and to build a long-term vision for the future. That’s why I’m joining with Green New Deal for DC to hold a Social Housing Town Hall on October 21st. The program will include a panel discussion with advocates about the current housing landscape. I will also discuss my social housing plan and its potential to transform the District’s affordable housing landscape. RSVP to reserve your spot here.
Community Resources
OAG Guidance on Right to Protest in DC
Everyone has a constitutional right to protest, gather peacefully, and make their voices heard. Today, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued guidance to make clear what is and what is not permitted under federal and local laws for protests in the nation’s capital. Learn more and understand your rights by visiting OAG’s website.
Leaf Collection and Other DPW Updates
Leaf collection season begins next month! As with previous years, information will be available from DPW on dpw.dc.gov/leaf, where residents can expect to find weekly updates on current locations, how to be prepared, and view the live leaf collection tracker. Before leaf collection begins, neighbors should make sure to rake their leaves to their curbs or tree boxes and stay up to date on updates from DPW. Stay tuned for more details in the weeks to come!
Comment on Metro’s Strategic Transformation Plan
Metro is inviting members of the public to weigh in on a refresh of its Strategic Transformation Plan. The plan serves as a long-term strategy and tool for priority setting as Metro works to meet the evolving needs of its customers, employees, and the region. If you have comments or ideas to share on Metro’s long-term strategy and services for DC residents, make sure to read the plan and weigh in.
Share Feedback on DC Out-Of-School-Time Programs
The DC Deputy Mayor of Education and the Commission on Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes is seeking feedback from families across the District on the state of Out-of-School-Time opportunities available to their families within the District. Families are encouraged to fill out OST’s survey by Friday, October 31st.
Free Resilience Workshops for Neighbors Impacted by Federal Cuts
If you’ve lost your job, or are impacted by the cuts to federal programs, the Center for Grounded Action is offering a FREE resilience workshop. The virtual session will take place on Wednesday, October 22nd from 9 to 11am. Learn more and register here.
Riggs Crossing Senior Units Available to Lease
Riggs Crossing, our newest apartment building with affordable rents for 55+ seniors, is looking for seniors who may be eligible and interested in housing. 7 1-bedroom units are currently available at $1,335/month at Riggs Crossing, right by the Fort Totten Metro station. Make an appointment with the leasing office at www.riggscrossing.com to learn more, tour, and apply!
Seeking Whittier Warrior Community Feedback!
The School Improvement Team (SIT) for Whittier Elementary’s modernization project is asking Warrior community members for feedback on the proposed schematic design revealed earlier this week. It is important community members explain both your thoughts and the reasoning behind them as the SIT considers making changes.
Here is the design and here is the project page, including the recording of this week’s SIT meeting discussing the proposal. Please send written feedback to Project Coordinator, Michelle Sterling, at Michelle.Sterling@k12.dc.gov by 9am on Wednesday, October 22nd, and please CC my Committee at facilities@dccouncil.gov.
Neighborhood Events
Halloween Community Clean-Ups in Takoma
This weekend, there will be two Halloween-themed clean-ups in Takoma. On Saturday, October 18th at 10am, the Mayor of Spookyville will host neighbors at the alley behind 715 Van Buren St NW for a clean-up, with supplies, service hours, and snacks provided. Then on Sunday, October 19th at 4pm, join neighbors at the Takoma Community Triangle Park (4th/Cedar/Blair, NW) to clean up Cedar Street and the area around Takoma Elementary School. Supplies, snacks, water, and s’mores kits will be provided. Halloween costumes are welcome, and student service hours are available. Thanks to Erin Palmer for organizing!
Albright Memorial UMC 100th Anniversary Fundraiser
On Saturday, October 18th from 10am to 3pm, join Albright Memorial United Methodist Church (409 Rittenhouse St NW) for an autumn yard sale! Find great deals on clothing, shoes, coats, household items, vinyl records, baby items, and more.
Enter SPCA’s Halloween Decorating Contest
The Shepherd Park Citizens Association is still on the prowl for neighbors to enter its annual Halloween decorating contest, entering houses, pumpkins, or both. Nominate your house by emailing pattison_mark@outlook.com, and an expert panel of neighborhood judges will set out on Monday, October 27th to choose the winner.
Tails and Tailgates with Humane Rescue Alliance
On Tuesday, October 21st from 4 to 6:30pm, join the Humane Rescue Alliance and the Commanders’ Jake Martin for a family-filled evening with local vendors and sponsors, a raffle featuring game tickets, and amazing adoptable animals. The event will take place at the Humane Rescue Alliance, 71 Oglethorpe St NW.
9th Annual Spookyville: Haunted Alley
Spookyville is back for its 9th year on Friday, October 24th at 6pm in the alley behind 715-719 Van Buren St NW. The all-volunteer, all-ages Halloween celebration is free and open to all, transforming the alley behind Van Buren St into a one-night-only Haunted Alley extravaganza.
BOOCHANAN Halloween Block Party
On Saturday, October 25th from 5 to 9pm, the BOOCHANAN Halloween Block Party returns on the 1500 block of Buchanan St NW. The event will include costumed live bands, a bounce house, spooky piñata, box maze, food, drinks, and fun!
Sherman Circle Spooktacular
On Sunday, October 26th from 3 to 7pm, the annual Sherman Circle Spooktacular will return with free, family friendly Halloween festivities for the entire Petworth community. Hosted by Petworth Peanuts, the event will include live entertainment, balloon artists and face painters, food trucks, costumes, and lots of Halloween spirit.
CCA Halloween Parade
On Sunday, October 26th, the Crestwood Citizens Association will host their annual Halloween Parade! Gather at 18th and Shepherd St NW at 2pm for games, photo opportunities, a scavenger hunt, and more. Cakes and cider will be provided thanks to the Mahshie Fazio Partnership, along with a fun raffle. The parade will begin at 2:20pm, and all are welcome to come in costume to parade or watch and enjoy!
MPD 4th District Haunted Campground
On Thursday, October 30th from 6 to 8pm, join MPD 4th District at 6001 Georgia Ave NW for their spooky Halloween event: Haunted Campground, featuring candy, costumes, and community fun for all ages.
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.
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
Recently, 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
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Fridays through December 2025: Continue Supporting New UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market
The MoCo Show: Portion of Red Line to Shut Down for Two Months in Summer 2026
The 51st: A guide to giving and receiving help in D.C.
Ward 4 Dispatch: Lead-Free Progress, Raymond Traffic Safety, and New Bins on the Block
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 weekend, it was my honor to join current and former principals and school leaders at Raymond Elementary for the monthly meeting of the School Club. A special highlight was getting to see my former principal at Alice Deal, Mr. Moss! Thanks to Principal Hubbard for hosting, Frazier O’Leary for inviting me, and all the educators who continue to share their time, passion, and expertise to help our students thrive.
I also want to give a shoutout this week to one of our Fort Stevens seniors on a momentous occasion: Mrs. Evelyn White, who celebrated her 104th birthday on Saturday! Ward 4 is proud to be home to so many centenarians who inspire us with their wisdom, joy, and community spirit.
Have a wonderful fall weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
