This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Even though we’re still awaiting the FY27 budget from the Mayor, there are plenty of updates to share with the neighbors this week, including important legislation the Council passed to build more housing and support tenants facing high utility costs. Plus, as we head into Easter weekend and the spring season, make sure to check out some of the amazing holiday events and neighborhood cleanups happening across Ward 4!
Community News
Takoma Locker Room Renovations Complete!
The Takoma Aquatic Center locker room renovations are finally complete! This project has been long in the works, and I’m grateful neighbors will finally be able to take advantage of this new space. I was proud to secure $482,000 in the DC budget for this project, and am glad to see the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services bring it across the finish line. Here’s some of what the new locker room includes:
- New stainless steel lockers with electronic locking systems
- Plumbing system upgrades and ADA improvements
- Electrical system improvements including LED lighting
- New ceramic tile with waterproofing and finish work
Spring Cleanups and Easter Events in the Community
Spring is here, and that means Ward 4 is buzzing with plenty of neighborhood events! Here are a few of the upcoming Easter weekend events and spring cleanups happening over the next few weeks:
- Neighborhood Easter Party at Petworth Playground: On Saturday, April 4th from 11am to 1pm, Grace Meridian Hill is hosting their annual Easter Party at Petworth Playground (801 Taylor St, NW)! Join for community togetherness, to meet neighbors and have enjoy fellowship together. Sign up to volunteer here!
- Extreme Cleanup at Broad Branch: On Saturday, April 4th, join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. This event is part of the Annual Rock Creek Extreme Cleanup, a month-long push to remove litter throughout the Rock Creek watershed! RSVP and find more info here.
- Brunch with the Bunny at Zion Family Life Center: On Saturday, April 4th from 11am to 3pm, join Zion Family Life Center (4817 Blagden Ave NW) for their “Brunch with the Bunny” event. This is a great opportunity to come together and share in the festivities.
- Spring Cleanup Week: 2026 Spring Cleanup Week is here! From April 12th until April 19th, neighbors, students, and local businesses are coming together to host a week of community cleanups from Takoma to Manor Park, to Brightwood, and many more locations. Here are the details on just a few of the cleanups happening around Ward 4:
- On Saturday, April 11th at 4pm, join the Ida B. Wells and Whittier PTOs, along with The Parks Main Street at 405 Sheridan St NW to clean the neighborhood, followed by food and drinks at Peaches Kitchen.
- On Monday, April 13th at 10am, join the Spring Cleanup Week Team and neighbors for a spring cleanup at Emery Heights Recreation Center, followed by drinks at Three Whistles.
- On Sunday, April 19th at 3pm, join the South Manor Neighborhood Association and UDC’s National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association Chapter for a cleanup at 1st St and Riggs Rd, NE, followed by a social at La Mia Italia.
- On Saturday, April 18th from 9 to 11am, the Lamond Community Action Group is organizing an Earth Day cleanup at Milligan’s Point (Rittenhouse St NE and Sligo Mill Rd). Bring your gardening tools and help spruce up the neighborhood for spring!
- On Saturday, April 25th at 10am, the Mayor’s office is organizing community cleanups across the District, including a Ward 4 cleanup at Emery Heights Recreation Center (5701 Georgia Ave, NW). Roll-off containers will also be available to help residents dispose of bulk waste.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Sharing Legislative Wins for Ward 4 Neighbors
Tuesday was a busy legislative meeting on the Council, and we passed several bills that will have a significant impact on Ward 4 residents. First, we took an important step towards building more housing by passing the One Front Door Act, directing experts to update our construction codes so certain smaller apartment buildings can safely be built with a single staircase. This bill will help unlock new housing and ultimately lower costs, all while keeping safety front and center. Second, we passed the Transfer and Recordation Tax Appeals Act, creating a clear, step-by-step process for homeowners and buyers to challenge inflated property valuations. That means if the District overestimates the value of a property when it’s being transferred to a new owner, you’ll finally have a fair opportunity to appeal that valuation. This can greatly impact the amount you pay in Transfer and Recordation Taxes at closing.
I was especially proud to see my emergency legislation to address skyrocketing utility bills pass the Council. Right now, too many families are seeing their Pepco bills double, and some are even facing shutoffs while these rates are being challenged in court. My bill would offer immediate protections to keep people connected to electricity while we sort out a fair, long-term solution. Lastly, the Council overrode the Mayor’s veto on the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Act, requiring MPD to identify law enforcement officers present at the scene of an arrest. Our residents deserve to know who is patrolling our communities, and to hold those official accountable when rights are violated. We’ve got more work ahead, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure Ward 4 families are protected, informed, and supported every step of the way.
FY27 Budget Delays
This week, the Council was scheduled to receive the FY27 budget from Mayor Bowser, but due to delays with the Executive and Chief Financial Officer, we are still awaiting the budget’s transmission and now expect to receive it no later than April 15th. Although budget oversight hearings were scheduled to begin next week, this means hearings will likely be postponed until the budget is transmitted to the Council. As always, I hope to see our community show out in full force at hearings to advocate for Ward 4’s priorities in the DC budget, and I’ll be sure to share updates on the hearing schedule and other details as soon as I have them.
Strengthening Our Home Care Workforce Act
Home care workers occupy a vital role in the District, making it possible for seniors and individuals with disabilities to receive the direct care they need in the comfort of their own homes. On Wednesday, I was proud to introduce the Strengthening Our Home Care Workforce Act of 2026, updating the District’s labor laws to include home care workers in our wage and overtime protections, giving them the dignity they deserve and ensuring we don’t lose these high-demand workers to neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia. I was grateful to work with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and District home workers to craft this legislation and look forward to seeing it advance through the Council.
Community Resources
Uptown Farmers Market Opens This Weekend!
Tomorrow, April 4th at 8:30am, my team will be at the opening of the Uptown Farmers Market (5500 Colorado Ave NW) to celebrate its opening and support neighbors with constituent services. Make sure to stop by to get help with constituent issues and support our local vendors!
Traffic Safety Improvements at Raymond ES
This week, DDOT shared a notice of intent to implement traffic safety improvements around Raymond Elementary School, including new signage, improved visibility, daylighting, flex posts, and other traffic calming measures. I was grateful to have my team visit Raymond ES last year to hear from DDOT and school leaders about needed safety improvements, and I’m grateful to see these changes now being put into action. To learn more about the traffic safety improvements and share feedback, visit DDOT’s NOI website.
Share Feedback on DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Last month, the DC Office of Planning released an updated Future Land Use Map as part of the DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan—a long-term framework that will help guide how and where the District grows in the coming decades. As we continue to assess this plan and what it means for Ward 4, I encourage you to review the map and share your feedback with the Office of Planning at DC2050@dc.gov. Community input is a critical part of this process, and your voice can help ensure the final plan better reflects our shared priorities. As always, I’ll keep the community updated as the process moves forward and more opportunities arise to weigh in.
Share Feedback on Metro Bus Service Improvements
Right now, WMATA is considering additional Metro Bus service improvements in the District, which are meant to make bus service more frequent and reliable. Before these proposed improvements are finalized by the WMATA Board this spring, Metro is seeking feedback from the public on the proposed service improvements. Neighbors can share their feedback through a survey on wmata.com/budget until Monday, April 6th at 5pm.
4th District Commanders Walk on Eastern Ave
On Wednesday, March 8th at 4pm, my constituent services team will be joining 4th District MPD for a public safety walk on the 5700 block of Eastern Ave, NE. Join to meet with 4th District leadership, ask questions, and learn about efforts to promote public safety in our community.
Neighborhood Events
Join the Next Meeting of the Ward 4 Mini-Commission on Aging
Every second Thursday of the month from 10am to noon, the Ward 4 Mini-Commission on Aging holds their monthly meeting at the 4th District Police Station (6001 Georgia Ave NW) to discuss challenges, opportunities, and other issues facing seniors in Ward 4. Lunch is served, and all members of our senior community are welcome!
Above the Influence Basketball Tournament
On Tuesday, April 14th at 12:30pm, my office is joining the Wards 3 and 4 Prevention Center and community partners to host a basketball tournament at Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Rd, NE). The event is free and open to all 9th-12th grade students. Registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up today!
Lafayette-Pointer Park Erosion Community Meeting
On Tuesday, April 7th from 6 to 7:30pm, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of General Services (DGS) are hosting a community meeting at Lafayette-Pointer Rec Center (5900 33rd Street, NW) to discuss the future of stormwater management at Lafayette-Pointer Park. For more information and to RSVP, visit DPR’s website.
Artist Talks at Zenith Gallery
On Saturday, April 4th at 2pm, Zenith Gallery is hosting talks featuring artists Buzz Duncan, Robert C. Jackson, and Shawn Yancy, as part of the gallery’s 48th anniversary exhibition. For more information, visit Zenith Gallery’s website.
Ward 4 Faith Leader Breakfast
On Thursday, April 16th from 8:30 to 10:30am, Ward 4 Faith Leaders is hosting a breakfast at Fellowship Baptist Church (5605 Colorado Ave, NW) for new clergy to learn about the work, discuss upcoming activities, and break bread together. To RSVP, email Rev. Patti Fears (revpatti@verizon.net) no later than April 10th.
9th and Illinois Ave Triangle Park Community Meeting
On Tuesday, April 14th at 6pm, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will hold a community meeting on the 9th St and Illinois Ave triangle park project. The meeting will take place at 9th St and Illinois Ave, NW, and in the case of rain or cold weather, at Emery Heights Recreation Center (5701 Georgia Ave, NW). For more information and to RSVP, click here.
Petworth Porchfest Set for May 30th!
It’s official: 2026 Petworth Porchfest is scheduled for Saturday, May 30th! There will be music on porches from 2 to 7pm and on the main stage from 5 to 8pm. The rain date will May 31st. As neighbors gear up to take part in the festivities and enjoy all our local artists and businesses have to offer, I encourage you to read this article from Petworth News highlighting how neighbors can volunteer and take part in Porchfest. The article also highlights my Porchfest Permitting Act, which the Council recently enacted to make sure neighbors can host Porchfest events without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. Can’t wait to see you all at Porchfest!
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
Urban Turf: DC Council Advances “One Front Door” Act, Opening the Door to Taller Single-Stair Buildings
PoPville: DC Natives April “First Flower Friday” Garden Party
Petworth News: On Apple’s 50th Anniversary, Petworth News sells to Apple’s Regional News Service
Next Stop…Riggs Park: April 11: Fort Totten Park Clean Up – Register in Advance
Next Stop…Riggs Park: April 3: UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market Opening – Every Friday through November
Ward 4 Dispatch: DC 2050, Tax Resources, and Fighting High Utility Bills
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.
For Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, I was grateful to join Quality Trust’s Better Together Reception on Monday to speak with residents and advocates from across DC. As we head into budget season, I’ll fight to make sure the voices of neighbors with disabilities are heard loud and clear in our budget investments.
This morning, I had the best time visiting Truesdell ES for FRESHFARM’s Food Prints class! From harvesting vegetables in the garden to cooking together in their beautiful new teaching kitchen, Ward 4 scholars are building lifelong skills around food, health, and community. Shoutout to the educators making this work possible every day!
As neighbors across our community celebrate Holy Week, I’m sharing Easter wishes of peace and renewal for our Ward 4 community. And I hope that the concurrent observation of Passover and Easter this year brings our community closer and deepens our commitment to caring for one another.
Have a wonderful weekend and check back next week for more updates!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
