This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Last week, while advocating with my colleagues to preserve the District’s budget, I was inspired by every District resident and Ward 4 neighbor who made calls and sent emails to help. While the Senate ultimately passed the continuing resolution, they also passed critical legislation allowing DC to continue spending FY25 funds. Now, this legislation moves to the House, where we’ll need a majority of representatives to vote in support. In this week’s newsletter, I’m also addressing concerns from the community about events at the U.S. Institute of Peace on Monday, traffic safety efforts taking place in Ward 4, and more updates. I hope you find this helpful!
Community News
Updates on Restoring DC’s Budget
On Friday, the continuing resolution passed Congress. Luckily, the Senate unanimously passed legislation restoring DC’s approved FY25 budget and preventing cuts to essential DC programs and services. I want to extend a huge thank you to every Ward 4 and DC neighbor who made calls, sent emails, and was on the ground last week fighting to protect DC’s budget. Our advocacy — from city workers to local activist groups — truly made a difference in shaping this outcome.
Right now, DC is continuing operations as normal, and crucial Ward 4 and District projects remain on track. If needed, DC can draw from contingency and emergency reserve funds, which are designed to account for situations like unexpected obligations created by federal law. The Senate approved bill now moves to the House, where it will need a majority vote.
Simply put, this legislation allows DC to continue spending at FY25 levels — as has been approved by Congress and as we have been doing for the past six months. I’m grateful to Senators Collins, Van Hollen, and the whole Senate for quickly moving to restore our approved budget. We now call on the House to quickly pass this bill to ensure DC can continue providing the funds our communities need to stay safe, healthy, and vibrant.
Responding to MPD’s Involvement in Events at US Institute of Peace
On Monday night, MPD officers were called to the U.S. Institute of Peace headquarters near the National Mall to remove individuals following actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency. In the days since, I have heard from dozens of Ward 4 neighbors who are understandably concerned about why MPD was brought in to address this issue and what exactly took place.
MPD is funded by the District, entrusted with preserving the safety of our community, and bound by a duty to uphold our laws. Maintaining the trust of the people of DC is incumbent on MPD faithfully adhering to these responsibilities. Additionally, treating the District as an extension of the executive branch is inappropriate, dangerous, and cannot be tolerated. I have demanded a full investigation into this incident to ensure our law enforcement continues to uphold the law and our community receives answers.
Working to Improve Traffic Safety in Riggs Park
Last week, my team joined ANC 4B Commissioner Geong, DDOT’s Safe Routes team, and the LaSalle-Backus PTO for a traffic safety walk around LaSalle-Backus Elementary School. The area along Riggs Road where the school is located has been a source of concern for many community members, with frequent reports of speeding and drivers running red lights, endangering students and families, particularly during drop-off and pick-up time. DDOT’s Safe Routes team is looking into several solutions, including potential jersey barriers, street narrowing, and speed bumps, and committed to improving signage in the area. I’m also continuing to work with DDOT to advocate for a Safe Routes Action Plan for LaSalle-Backus to look into further traffic calming measures to ensure our students, teachers, and families are safe.
Join Our Ward 4 Student Safety Convening Next Week
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. I’m encouraging all Ward 4 neighbors to join — RSVP to attend here.
Help Shape DC’s Comprehensive Plan
Right now, The DC Office of Planning is working alongside DC residents, businesses, and community organizations to develop DC 2050, the District’s next Comprehensive Plan. DC’s comprehensive plan is a crucial roadmap for outlining how we build new housing, grow job opportunities, connect neighborhoods, and invest in infrastructure across our community.
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. I strongly encourage Ward 4 neighbors to Learn more and RSVP on the DC 2050 website.
Community Resources
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 Students: Apply for an Abramson Scholarship!
The Abramson Scholarship Foundation’s 2025 cycle is now accepting applications! The Abramson Scholarship provides comprehensive support to scholars throughout their college journey, including financial assistance, personalized mentoring, and engaging programming. Learn more and apply online by the deadline of April 1st!
Join the DC Health Parent Advisory Group
DC Health and Parents United for School Health are organizing a Parent Advisory Group on school health. The Advisory Group will meet quarterly (January, April, July, and October) and provide an opportunity for parents to discuss experiences, concerns, and insights on DC school health services directly with DC Health, the agency that administers the school health services programs in DC schools. The organizations are looking for two representatives from each ward to serve on the board for a renewable one-year term. Learn more and apply here!
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:
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work on the 300 and 400 blocks of Hamilton St NW.
- 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: 3300 block of Military Rd NW, 3700 – 3900 blocks of Military Rd NW, 4100 block of Military Rd NW, 5600 block of Nevada Ave NW, 3400 – 3500 blocks of Oliver St NW, 5800 block of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW, 3800 block of Northampton St NW.
Neighborhood Events
Town Hall for Affordable Childcare and the DC Budget
On Saturday, March 22nd at 4pm, join neighbors, educators, and families at the Petworth Library to urge Congress to restore DC’s budget and fight for the protection of funding for quality, affordable childcare in DC. All ages and residents are welcome. RSVP here.
The Parks at Walter Reed Bookstore Pop-Up
On Saturday, March 22nd from 10am to 5pm, The Parks at Walter Reed is hosting a bookstore pop-up at the Marketplace Plaza organized with Carpe Librum. Browse through gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl of all genres for all ages. All items are $7 or less and proceeds support local non-profit Turning the Page. Find more details here and get involved with Turning the Page as a volunteer 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.
Community Resilience Collective Neighborhood Skills Share
On Saturday, March 29th at 3pm, the Community Resilience Collective is hosting an event at Rhizome DC for neighbors to learn and share skills to navigate and thrive in today’s political environment. Simply fill out this form to offer your skills or request an opportunity to learn new skills. Areas include navigating government systems, protecting public health, housing security, financial resilience, and more. Learn more about the event here. Thanks to Takoma neighbor Erin Palmer for organizing!
Chevy Chase Civic Corps Community Meeting
On Saturday, March 29th, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) is hosting an all-day hybrid event at the Chevy Chase Community Center to share plans on the long-awaited Civic Corps redevelopment project, which will encompass the current Community Center, Library, park, and outdoor recreation facilities between McKinley and Northampton Streets on Connecticut Avenue. You can share your views with DMPED ahead of time by contacting Daniel Lyons at 202-445-9765 or emailing daniel.lyons@dcc.gov. Learn more and register here for virtual attendance.
Free DC Kickoff Event for Ward 4
On Sunday, March 30th from 1 to 3pm, Free DC is holding its Ward 4 Community Kickoff. For those who aren’t familiar, Free DC is a movement led by the people of the District to win dignity for our communities and exert our right to self-determination. The kickoff event will have activities, music, a chance to learn about the campaign, and time to be together. Members of Free DC who live in Ward 4 will be there to welcome you, help you connect with neighbors, and have a great time! 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.
DOEE Urban Sustainability Discussion
On Thursday, April 3rd from 12 to 3pm, join the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) as they provide information on programs and services that protect human health. DOEE will be discussing urban sustainability and the connections between an individual’s personal actions and the health of their surroundings. The event will take place at the Shepherd Park Library (7420 Georgia Ave NW).
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.
Ward 4 in the News
The 51st: How to access D.C.’s paid family leave benefits
PoPville: Townhall for affordable childcare and the DC budget
DC News Now: DC officials, advocates make last-ditch effort to prevent the stopgap spending bill from Senate approval
DC Policy Center: TOPA’s Promise and Pitfalls: Balancing tenant rights, affordability, and housing investment in Washington, D.C.
Ward 4 Dispatch: Fighting for DC’s Budget
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.
This week, I was thrilled to hear that our Upper Georgia Ave Main Street Program is back in action under the management of DC nonprofit SB Works! Our Ward 4 main street associations are a crucial part of our small business ecosystem, and I’m excited to see what is to come for our Upper Georgia Ave corridor.
Spring is a time of renewal for many in our community and around the world, and I’m wishing a Happy Nowruz to everyone in our community who is celebrating.
Cherry blossoms in DC are projected to be at peak bloom next week. Remember, you don’t need to go far to see beautiful cherry blossoms — just check out Casey Trees’ cherry blossom map to find blooms near you in Ward 4!
This year, Lafayette Elementary School in Chevy Chase is representing Ward 4 in the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s annual Student Art Showcase. Make sure to see students’ amazing art starting Saturday until April 6th at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area and check out the Cherry Blossom Festival’s website for more events!
Lastly, on Thursday, it was an honor to join the Women’s National Democratic Club and DC’s women leaders past and present to honor Women’s History Month. Women have led the District throughout our history, and women will continue to raise our voices, drive progress, and show up for our communities.
Have a relaxing spring weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
