This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
As I write to you today, there is still a lot up in the air around DC’s budget. Early this week, we learned of House Republicans’ inclusion of language in their spending plan cutting over $1.1 billion from DC’s local budget, which would threaten our teachers, emergency responders, and many essential services. This is a direct attack on DC’s right to self-governance, and residents across DC have been fighting over the last week to make sure this provision does not pass. As we await the Senate’s vote on the continuing resolution today, here are all my updates from the past week on the Council and in the community.
Community News
Fighting for DC’s Budget
Late on Sunday night, we learned of a provision included in Congress’s latest spending proposal that would overturn DC’s balanced budget and force the District to revert to FY24 spending levels. Despite the District already being six months into FY25, Congress’s measure would force $1 billion in cuts in the six remaining months of the fiscal year, slashing funds for the largest areas of spending for DC, including public schools, human services, and public safety and justice. In effect, this would force draconian cuts to teachers, first responders, and countless vital services District residents rely on.
On Monday, I joined my colleagues at the Capitol to lobby members of the House and Senate against this dangerous provision, and over the last few days, hundreds of District residents have come together to call on Senators and Representatives to stand up for DC. While we don’t have a full vote in Congress, DC residents have the ability to walk, Metro, bike, and drive to Capitol Hill to lobby federal decision makers, and I have been grateful to see neighbors come together to take action.
The effects of Congress’s brazen attack on DC’s right to self-governance will make our nation’s capital less safe and secure, less healthy, and less prosperous. We need to be crystal clear: this is not about federal spending — the money Congress is preventing DC from using are locally generated taxpayer dollars — this is about control, a paternalistic effort to limit our local autonomy and prevent us from meeting the needs of residents and visitors alike.
We must also be clear-eyed that while this is the gravest threat to DC’s autonomy in over two decades, it will not be the last. District residents need to stand united, 700,000 strong, in our objection to any such efforts, and continue to be the support our community needs to stay safe, healthy, and strong.
As we await the Senate’s midnight deadline today to pass the continuing resolution, there’s still work we can do to apply pressure. The Free DC Project has created a page for residents to easily send emails to Senators voicing their opposition. Additionally, here is a list of Senators you can call to make your voice heard:
Senate Republican Leadership:
- John Thune (SD), Majority Leader – 202-224-2321
- Susan Collins (ME), Chair, Appropriations Committee – 202-224-2523
- John Barrasso (WY), Majority Whip – 202-224-6441
DMV-Area Senators:
- Chris Van Hollen (MD), Appropriations Committee – 202-224-4654
- Angela Alsobrooks (MD) – 202-224-4524
- Mark Warner (VA) – 202-224-2023
- Tim Kaine (VA) – 202-224-4024
Other Target Senators:
- Jon Ossoff (GA), 202-224-3521
- Gary Peters (MI), 202-224-6221
- Ruben Gallego (AZ), 202-224-4521
- Mark Kelly (AZ), 202-224-2235
- Jacky Rosen (NV), 202-224-6244
- Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), 202-224-3542
- Elissa Slotkin (MI), 202-224-4822
- Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), 202-224-2441
- Maggie Hassan (NH), 202-224-3324
- Angus King (ME), 202-224-5344
Here’s a script you can use:
“Hello! My name is __________ and I am a resident of the District of Columbia. I am asking you to vote no on cloture for the continuing resolution unless Senator Alsobrooks’ amendment is approved protecting DC’s locally funded budget. Allowing the CR to move forward as-is would force DC to make $1 billion in cuts to public safety, schools, and other frontline workers halfway through our fiscal year. DC’s budget is balanced and was already approved by Congress last year. Furthermore, making this unprecedented change doesn’t save the federal government a single cent, and makes our city less safe. Please do not approve the CR in its current form and instead push for the amendment that would restore bipartisan, common-sense language protecting DC’s budget funded by my tax dollars. Thank you.”
Community and Government Coming Together to Support our Federal Workers
As many in our community face unprecedented challenges I’m grateful to everyone who is stepping up to support neighbors. Last week, Mayor Bowser 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.
Welcoming Brightwood Family Success Center to Ward 4
A bright spot of this week came on Tuesday, when we were able to welcome the new Brightwood Family Success Center to our Ward 4 community. The Center is the product of the work of countless community members and organizations, most notably the Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative and DC’s Child and Family Services Agency, which helped provide funding through DC’s Family First Program. The Center will also partner with several community organizations like Emory Beacon of Light, Mute the Violence, 4th District MPD, the Wards 3 and 4 Prevention Center, and Urgent Wellness to provide services to community members.
The new space will be a hub for Ward 4 families, offering an onsite computer lab, emergency assistance, bilingual parent support programs, resources and events for our young people, and much more. It is also the only family success center in the District offering onsite health services! The Center is open Monday-Friday from 10am to 6pm at 6203 12th St NW and can be reached at 202-733-4900.
Traffic Safety Progress in Petworth
This week, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to install a traffic signal at the intersection of New Hampshire Ave NW, Quincy St NW, and 8th St NW., and to convert the 3700 block of 8th St NW to be one-way southbound. This intersection has been particularly concerning for pedestrians who need to cross the street and are endangered by vehicles speeding through the intersection trying to catch the green light at Georgia Ave. Neighbors have been advocating for these changes for some time, and I am grateful these actions will be taken to calm vehicle traffic. DDOT is now accepting comments from neighbors on this NOI, which can be emailed to kornelius.anderson@dc.gov or sent in writing to DDOT by Monday, April 21st, 2025.
Community Resources
Street Sweeping Continues, Parking Enforcement Begins
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is now in the process of winding down leaf collection, completing final passes to gather any remaining leaves. If there are any neighbors who still haven’t received collection, please reach out to my constituent services team as soon as possible and we will help escalate the issue with DPW. As leaf season comes to a close, spring cleaning services will begin, including street sweeping, which began last week.Starting on Monday, March 17th, DPW will begin parking enforcement, so make sure to move your car during street sweeping hours and remind neighbors to do the same!
Help Shape DC’s Comprehensive Plan
Right now, The DC Office of Planning is working alongside DC residents, community-based organizations, businesses, and elected officials to develop DC 2050, the District’s next Comprehensive Plan. DC 2050 guides where and how we build new housing, grow job opportunities, connect neighborhoods, preserve our rich history, and invest in amenities. As our city evolves, DC 2050 will align land use policies and investments to make the District more equitable, affordable and resilient.
As this project gets underway, the Office of Planning is hosting three meetings for community members to share their feedback, on Saturday, March 22nd at 11am at MLK Library, on Tuesday, March 25th at 6pm at Barry Farm Rec Center, and on Thursday, March 27th at 6pm via Zoom. Learn more and RSVP on the DC 2050 website.
DC Water Updates
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Keep in mind that construction activities are highly dependent upon favorable weather conditions. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Manor Park, Brightwood Park, 16th Street Heights, and Chevy Chase neighbors:
- As part of the ongoing Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project in Chevy Chase, DC Water is scheduled to conduct sewer cleaning activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: 5500 – 5600 blocks of Connecticut Ave NW, 5400 – 5500 blocks of Nevada Ave NW, 5700 – 5800 blocks of Nevada Ave NW, and 3700 block of Oliver St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work on Kennedy St NW and the 300 and 400 blocks of Hamilton St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform line striping work on the 1300 block of Gallatin St NW.
- As part of the ongoing Piney Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to conduct sewer main lining activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: Illinois Ave from 5218 Illinois Ave NW to Hamilton Ave NW, Illinois Ave from Hamilton Ave NW to Gallatin St NW, Missouri Ave from 5th St NW to 421 Missouri Ave NW, 14th St from Allsion St NW to Webster St NW, 9th St NW from Delafield Pl to Decatur St NW, and Nicholson St NW and 5th St NW.
Neighborhood Events
Blacks in Wax
The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center’s (SETLC) Annual Blacks in Wax living history program is one of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation’s most unique and successful educational programs. The 2025 Blacks in Wax marks the 19th year of the program. Ordinarily, this program takes place at the Kennedy Center but take place this year at The Arc and Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Let’s make sure to come out and support this incredible community event! Find more details on the events on DPR’s website.
Building Your Economic Wealth Seminar
On Thursday, March 20th at 6:30pm, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Xi Omega Chapter is hosting Part 4 of its Building Your Economic Wealth Series, focusing on changes in financial life. Attendees will get the opportunity to develop strategies to financially manage life’s inevitable transitions, including job changes, divorce, and loss. The event will take place at Xi Omega Center (4411 14th St NW) with the discussion from 6:30 to 7:30pm and a social hour from 7:30 to 8:30pm. RSVP here.
Petworth Spring Clean-Up
On Saturday, March 22nd at 9am, Project Petworth is organizing an all-day spring cleaning event around the entire Petworth neighborhood. Bring trash bags, gloves, trash pickers, a dustpan and broom, and lots of friends to welcome in the spring season and help keep our neighborhood beautiful. You can RSVP for the 2025 Petworth Spring Clean event on Facebook or Eventbrite and remember to spread the word!
Northern Bus Garage Community Room Open House
On Wednesday, March 26th from 5:30 to 7pm, WMATA is hosting a special in-person event at Zeke’s Coffee (4602 14th St NW) where neighbors can cast votes on the future layout of the Wayside Exhibit at the new Northern Bus Garage! Attendees will have the chance to view potential layouts for the exhibit wall in the Community Room. Metro’s Arts in Transit team and historian will also be available on-site to answer any questions you may have about the exhibit and the layout options. Make sure to share your input at this exciting community event! RSVP here.
Ward 4 Student Safety Convening
On Thursday, March 27th at 6:30pm, I am joining the Office of the Student Advocate, Peoples Congregational UCC, PAVE, DC Charter School Alliance, and Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative T. Michelle Colson for a Student Safety Conversation at Peoples Congregational UCC (4704 13th St NW). The goal of the event is to bring together families, students, school leadership, community-based organizations, and public safety leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue about student safety, address shared challenges, and identify actionable next steps. RSVP to attend here.
Senior Bingo at Emery Heights
On Thursday, April 3rd from 11am to 2pm, join my office and DPR for an unforgettable day of excitement, games, prizes, DC resources, and the thrill of the win at Bingo games at Emery Heights Community Center! Get your daubers ready and mark your calendars for an evening filled with anticipation and fun! RSVP is required.
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.
AARP Senior Tax Preparation Resources
Hey, Ward 4 seniors! We’re quickly approaching tax season, and DC is offering resources for seniors to get help filing their taxes. As always, AARP offers great resources for seniors to help file their taxes. If you are an individual or family living in DC with income less than $67,000, you can visit one of the following locations to get help filing your taxes from AARP:
- Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave, NW: Monday & Friday, 11am-4pm
- Appointment required (202-643-4279)
- Turkey Thicket Rec Center, 1100 Michigan Ave, NE: Tuesday & Thursday, 10am-2pm
- Appointment required (202-656-1341)
- Woodridge Regional Library, 1801 Hamlin St, NE: Monday & Wednesday, 10am-2pm
- Appointment required (202-643-9519)
DC Tenant Guide to the Eviction Process
The DC Pro Bono Center has announced the launch of the DC Tenant Eviction Defense Guide, a webpage sharing legal information for tenants on each stage of the eviction process with helpful graphics for tenants facing threat of eviction. All resources are available in Spanish and in plain text for accessibility. If you or someone you know is facing eviction, please make sure to share this resource to access support.
Citywide Public Composting Locations in Ward 4
Recently, the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) installed new food waste “Smart Bins” around the District for neighbors to deposit food waste for composting. These bins are accessible 24/7 and can be unlocked using an app or an access code. To find more information on accepted material and how to unlock the bins, visit the Zero Waste DC Food Waste Drop-Off website. Here are the smart bin locations in Ward 4:
- Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at 14th Street NW & Kennedy Street NW.
- Georgia Ave & Van Buren St NW (6514 Georgia Ave NW)
- Takoma Park Neighborhood Library (416 Cedar St NW)
- Brightwood (130 Kennedy Street NW)
- Petworth Library (4199 Kansas Ave NW)
- Uptown Farmers Market (Staffed drop-off events every weekend)
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: Join a neighborhood clean up on March 22nd
Next Stop…Riggs Park: District Resources for Former Federal Government Workers
The Washington Informer: Students Compete in Cook-Off to Represent D.C. in National Competition
Ward 4 Dispatch: Street Sweeping Begins, New Business Openings, and Community and Government Come Together to Support Our Federal Workers
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.
A highlight of this week came on Thursday, when my office got a visit from students representing DC Action advocating for DC’s out-of-school-time programs. It is always a joy hearing from our young leaders, and a source of hope and inspiration for DC’s future.
Wishing you a good weekend, neighbors.
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
