This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Happy New Year! The first full week of 2026 was a busy one on the Council and in the community. This week, I’m coming to you with updates on our efforts to center community voices in determining the future of Rock Creek Tennis Center, my new legislation targeting rat infestations across the District, opportunities to share feedback on DC agency performance, and ways to lend a helping hand to neighbors this winter.
Community News
Fighting for Ward 4’s Voice in the Future of Rock Creek Tennis Center
Last month, we learned that the National Park Service plans to lease the Rock Creek Tennis Center for possible development. While the tennis center sits on National Park land, Carter Barron and the tennis complex are integral parts of Ward 4, especially for neighbors in Sixteenth Street Heights and Crestwood. Any decisions about the complex’s future will greatly affect Ward 4 residents and impact our community for years to come.
For months, residents have been advocating for this land to be transferred to District ownership. This transfer would give us the power to shape a future that truly reflects our community’s needs and values. I was disappointed to hear that these plans to transfer the land to the District were pulled back, and since NPS posted its Request for Proposals, I have been communicating with ANC 4E, the Rock Creek Conservancy, and leaders in the executive branch to fight for more community voice in this process.
However, NPS’s proposal deadline this month does not allow enough time for meaningful community engagement. The District must submit a bid that reflects what our community wants for this space—but that can only happen if we have adequate time to hear from residents, gather input, and build a vision together.
I am urging the Mayor to request an extension of the RFP deadline. More time would mean real engagement and a competitive bid that centers community needs instead of rushing through a process that will impact us for decades. I’m asking neighbors to reach out to Mayor Bowser and tell her the District’s bid must be informed by robust community input, and that requires an extension. This is our community, and our voices deserve to be heard in this process.
Responding to Gun Violence on 13th and Shepherd Street
On Tuesday night, neighbors on the 1300 block of Shepherd Street NW reported shots being fired. No one should have to live in fear in their own neighborhood, and families should not have to endure violence without meaningful intervention. In the days since, my team knocked doors around the intersection of 13th and Shepherd, and I have spoken with Commander Lavenhouse and OUC to ensure an appropriate response is being taken.
Video footage shared by residents has been elevated to MPD and forwarded to the Detective’s Office for review. Every possible action should be taken to use available information to support accountability, and I’m grateful to the neighbors who shared this footage with law enforcement. I strongly encourage any other residents with relevant footage or information to share it with MPD and sign up for MPD’s Camera Connect program.
Additionally, the Office of Unified Communications experienced an unexpected disruption in 911 phone service, which has since been resolved. Even a moment of disruption is unacceptable when residents are calling for emergency help, and my office is continuing robust oversight of both OUC and MPD to ensure emergency systems function reliably when neighbors need them most. While we have made progress on this issue through oversight and legislation, any gaps are unacceptable, and I will keep pressing for immediate and long-term strategies to keep our community safe.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Tackling Rat Infestations Across Ward 4
Rat infestations are one of the most frequent concerns I receive from Ward 4 residents. According to recent research, DC has the fastest-growing rat population among 15 major cities, a problem which is only being worsened by increasing urban density and global warming. This increase in rat infestations is more than a nuisance—rats carry diseases that can spread to humans and pose serious health risks to our residents.
This week, I announced my introduction of the Rodent Abatement and Transparency (RAT) Act to fight back. This bill takes several key steps:
- Enforcement: Strengthens the District’s ability to hold property owners accountable by allowing DC Health to recover costs when it steps in to address rodent infestation
- Coordination: When DPW finds active rodent activity during trash violation enforcement, those cases will be automatically referred to DC Health for rat abatement
- Transparency: Requires DC Health to create a public rodent abatement dashboard by January 1st, 2027. Residents will be able to see rodent population estimates, treatment trends, and activity data by Ward, ANC, and SMD
- Reporting: DC Health must report to the Council on the effectiveness of abatement strategies. Additionally, ANCs must be notified before public litter cans are removed from residential blocks
Reducing DC’s rat population will take targeted strategies to improve enforcement, strengthen data systems, and protect public health. I’m grateful to Councilmembers Parker, Allen, Nadeau, Pinto, and Henderson for co-introducing this important bill, and hope to see it receive a hearing soon.
Make Ward 4’s Voice Heard in Performance Oversight Hearings
At the start of each year, the DC Council holds performance oversight hearings for every agency across District government. These hearings are a forum for councilmembers to assess agencies’ performance over the past year and for neighbors to speak face-to-face with agency leaders about the issues they care about.
As we head into these critical hearings, I want to hear residents’ feedback to inform my questions and to understand in what areas Ward 4 residents want to see improvement. Before hearings begin, please fill out this brief survey and share with a neighbor to make sure agencies hear our community’s concerns and needs.
Community feedback is an essential part of the oversight hearing process. The more Ward 4 residents who testify, the more our voices will be heard by agency leadership. In the next few weeks, hearing pages will be uploaded on the DC Council website before oversight hearings begin at the end of January. To register to testify at a hearing, all you need to do is visit the DC Council’s hearing page and sign up to testify in person or virtually. I hope to see you at a hearing soon!
Council Report on MPD Cooperation with Immigration Enforcement
On Thursday, the Council’s Committee on Public Works and Operations released a report on possible human rights violations emanating from DC government cooperation with federal law enforcement. The report also outlines a “tremendous loss of trust” between residents and MPD, and recommends DC rescind executive orders allowing for increased cooperation between local police and immigration enforcement.
The report also recommends the Council pass the Safe Community Places and Policing Act which I introduced last month to affirm DC’s sanctuary values and restrict MPD’s cooperation with immigration officers without a warrant or court order. Public safety is rooted in trust between residents and local law enforcement, and I urge my colleagues to move swiftly to pass this crucial bill.
Community Resources
Join the Ward 4 Volunteer Corps!
If you’re looking for more ways to get involved in serving our community, I’m inviting neighbors to join our Ward 4 Volunteer Corps! As we continue through the snowy season, one of the biggest needs is helping our seniors make sure their sidewalks are shoveled. If you’re interested in lending a hand, email ward4volunteercorps+subscribe@groups.io!
Holiday Tree and Greenery Collection
Right now, DPW is collecting live holiday trees until February 28th. Don’t forget to remove decorations and place your holiday trees at the curb! Please use the curbside tree boxes and the holiday tree drop-off options below to compost all holiday trees and greenery. For more information, visit DPW’s website. DC Residents can also drop off holiday trees and greenery Monday through Friday at the following locations:
- DPW Salt Storage Facility 2700 South Capitol Street SE (Roll off box) 8am to 2:30pm
- Bryant Street Sweep Shop 201 Bryant Street NW (Roll off box) 8am to 3pm
- Guy Mason Recreation Center 3600 Calvert Street NW 8am to 4pm
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, visit DSLBD’s website to determine eligibility and apply! The final day to submit applications is January 20th, 2026, by 5pm.
Second Round of Leaf Collection Begins in Section 4A
This week, the Department of Public Works (DPW) kicked off its second round of leaf collection starting with Section 4A, which includes neighborhoods north of Missouri Ave, west of 8th Street, and east of Rock Creek Park. As this process continues, I want to make sure neighbors are aware of a few important highlights:
- To report a missed collection, call 202-737-4404 or submit a 311 request.
- 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.
Neighborhood Events
DC Tutoring and Mentoring Initiative Information Session
On Saturday, January 10th from 11am to 12:15pm, DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative is hosting a volunteer tutoring & mentoring information session at the Christ Lutheran Church (5101 16th St NW). This is a great opportunity to learn about becoming a mentor or tutor in Petworth and the DC area! DCTMI partners with over 50 non-profit organizations across more than 100 locations in DC and the surrounding suburbs. With neighborhood-focused initiatives that let you get involved right in your community, join to learn how you can support youth of all ages through local programs.
Three Whistles Coffeehouse Opens on Georgia Ave!
On Friday, Three Whistles coffeehouse held their soft opening at their new location on 5832 Georgia Ave, just across the street from Emery Heights. Make sure to visit and see their beautiful new space in the heart of Georgia Ave!
The Greeks Den Grand Opening Celebration
On Saturday, January 10th at 2pm, The Greeks Den is celebrating its grand opening on 203 Upshur Street NW! Ward 4’s newest hub for Divine 9 Greek apparel and accessories, the grand opening will have refreshments, a special raffle giveaway, and a chance to explore the new space and connect with the team.
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
Next Stop…Riggs Park: January 10-11: No Green Line Service between Fort Totten & Greenbelt
PoPville: Three Whistles, coffeehouse and more, soft opening Friday morning!
Petworth News: Apply for a Community Grant with ANC 4D and help make a local difference!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Reminder: Lamond Playground Improvements Presentation & Survey – Complete by January 9, 2026
The 51st: Our favorite stories we published in 2025
Ward 4 Dispatch: Carter Barron Update, Protecting Sanctuary Values, My School DC Lottery Now Open!
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.
As we ring in the new year, I was honored to celebrate one of our Ward 4 seniors, Mrs. Fannie Robinson, on her 100th birthday. A longtime Riggs Park resident, Mrs. Robinson’s commitment to her neighbors and service to the District—including years at LaSalle and Whittier Elementary Schools—continue to inspire our community and her family who love her dearly.
Enjoy your weekend, and check back next week for more updates!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
