This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
As we head into Memorial Day weekend, I’m sharing important updates from the DC budget process, as this week, my committee secured major investments for expanded youth programming and resources. I also want to update neighbors on how we are responding to several concerning public safety incidents in the community, and our work to address facilities issues in DCPS schools.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Securing Budget Investments for DC Youth
On Monday, the committee I chair, the Committee on Facilities, finalized our recommendations for the fiscal year 2027 DC budget. Despite having fewer resources, our investments reflect the need to address the social development, public safety, and school readiness needs of DC’s youth. If we want our youth to succeed, we must invest in programming and spaces that provide safety, support, and pathways to opportunities. I’m proud of the funding we secured—not only to expand youth opportunity, but to invest in health, economic vitality, and neighborhood resilience for residents across all eight wards. Here are some of our committee’s key investments:
Advocating for Paid Family Leave in the DC Budget
Yesterday, as a member of the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor, I voted against on the committee’s budget recommendations for FY27. In short, the report recommendations would make it harder for working families to get by, especially because it would significant roll back one of the most critical programs working families in DC rely on every day: Paid Family Leave.
A serious illness or caregiving need is one of the most economically destabilizing events a family can face. I know this as a caregiver for my father before his passing. But subtitles in the budget will abandon families when they need help the most. They would pause medical and family caregiving benefits for one year for private sector workers and reduce caregiving benefits and institute onerous requirements for District government employees.
Instead of honoring the commitment the District made to working families, we are budgeting this budget on the backs of working families. I voted no on the CEAL Committee report because I know we can do better. I will fight for a budget that protects Paid Family Leave and addresses the affordability challenges families are facing—not a budget that makes it harder for families to get by.
Community News
Responding to Recent Violence in Ward 4
Over the past two weeks, I have been alarmed by several public safety incidents in our community, including shootings near Upshur Recreation Center and John Lewis Elementary last week, and an armed robbery on the 800 block of Delafield Place this week. In response, my team knocked doors and spoke to more than two dozen residents to share the latest updates and actions MPD is taking to respond. Additionally, we joined MPD for a public safety walk at 8th and Taylor on Wednesday and spoke with the site manager at Upshur Recreation Center to assess how agencies are working to keep residents, especially youth safe. Incidents like this impact every one of us, and over the coming days and weeks, I will be working to create space for residents to share their concerns and hear how DC government and public safety agencies are working to bring down crime across Ward 4 and DC.
Addressing HVAC Issues at DCPS Schools
On Wednesday morning, I visited Cardozo High School in Ward 1 and Ballou High School in Ward 8, which both closed temporarily due to broken HVAC systems causing extreme heat. At both schools we took temperature readings, spoke with school principals, and communicated urgent concerns to DGS and DCPS. As Chair of the Committee on Facilities, I have been concerned by the persistent facilities issues in our schools and have worked to invest more dollars in preventative maintenance and school readiness. However, this year’s budget proposal from the mayor includes harmful cuts to the very funding that helps make these repairs when problems arise.
There is also a significant issue with agency communication. Families should not find out at 7am that school is closed and students and staff should not have to face recurring HVAC failures without lasting solutions. We know these issues are closely tied to students’ performance, wellbeing, and safety in school, and need to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves. That means expanding preventative maintenance, doubling down on small capital projects, and investing the resources to keep District facilities safe and comfortable for students to learn.
Petworth Porchfest Next Saturday!
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. Already, over 150 hosts and over 400 bands have signed up, with a variety of music genres and hosts across the Greater Petworth area. Check out the map to find where music is happening throughout the day, and the updated schedule! New this year is the Porchfinder tool, to help you plan out your day. The rain date will be May 31st. Can’t wait to see you all at Porchfest!
Pop-Up Next Week on New Hampshire & Rittenhouse
Next Thursday from 3pm-5pm, join us on New Hampshire Ave and Rittenhouse St to meet with agency representatives and get help with constituent services. For the next three Thursdays, we’ll be in Ward 4 neighborhoods supporting residents and troubleshooting community concerns. Check out the full schedule here.
Community Resources
Modified Services for Memorial Day Weekend
As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, I also want to make sure neighbors are aware of closures and modifications to DC government services. In recognition of the holiday, Metro will operate on a holiday schedule, and waste collection will slide forward one day starting on Tuesday. That means if you typically receive collection on Monday, you will receive collection on Tuesday, and so on. For more details on closures and services, visit the Mayor’s website.
District of Columbia Energy Action Summit
Taking place next Wednesday, May 27th and Friday, May 29th, the District of Columbia Energy Action Summit, hosted by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia, is a two-day event dedicated to addressing rising energy costs, advancing conservation strategies, and expanding access to consumer assistance programs. The summit will bring together utility companies, regulators, consumer advocates, and local policymakers to discuss current challenges and innovative solutions for District residents, small businesses, and community stakeholders. Learn more and RSVP on the Public Service Commission’s website.
Apply for a Grant from ANC 4D by June 1st
ANC 4D has over $10,000 available this round for projects that benefit Advisory Neighborhood Commission area 4D. Local nonprofits, community organizations, and block parties (with a fiscal agent) can apply for grants from $100–$2,000 by June 1st. To apply, visit anc4d.org/community-grants for guidelines, an FAQ, and a how-to webinar. Questions? Email 4Dgrants@anc.dc.gov (include “grant” in the subject line).
Act Now to Protect Your Home from a Tax Sale
If property taxes on your home are past due, the lien to your home might be sold at the annual DC Property Tax Sale in July. This puts your home at major risk for foreclosure—which means you could lose your home. Legal Aid DC and Legal Counsel for the Elderly can help check if you should get property tax benefits or exemptions, apply for a payment plan or tax relief, and/or file an application for forbearance to stop a sale from happening. If you need legal help: please call Legal Aid DC at 202-628-1161 ext. 7 if you are younger than 60 years old or Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202-434-2120 if you are 60 years old or older by June 10, 2026. Please do not delay. Calling now could help save your home.
DDOT Notice of Intent for North Portal Estates
This week, DDOT issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to begin installing a sidewalk on the north side of North Portal Drive, NW between Birch Drive, NW and 16th St, NW to enhance pedestrian visibility, reduce crossing distances, and create a safer intersection for all users. To view the full NOI and submit comments, visit DDOT’s website.
Important Update from DC Health Link
Right now, over 2,000 District residents are in jeopardy of losing health coverage under the Healthy DC Plan unless they take action by June 3rd. If you are covered by DC Health Link, look out for mail, phone calls, and emails from DC Health Link as you may need to verify some information to keep your health insurance coverage. Emails will come from healthydcplan@dc.gov.
Plymouth Congregational and New Hope Baptist Food Pantry
On Saturday, May 23rd from 10am to noon, Plymouth Congregational and New Hope Baptist UCC are joining to host a food pantry at 5301 North Capitol St NE. To register in advance, please fill out this Google Form.
Registration Open for 2026 Peace Camp
This summer marks the 3rd year of Peace Camp, a week-long program where middle schoolers have fun, build community, and learn how to make the world a little better. Campers will explore what it means to serve their communities through hands-on service projects and then lead one of their own. Each year, campers choose the issue they care most about and design a project around it. To learn more and register, click here.
Emergency Readiness Session in Takoma
What would you do if an emergency happened tomorrow like a fire, power outage, severe storm, or flooding? Would you be ready? Start building your emergency readiness with this hands-on session on Saturday, May 30th from 10 to 11:30am focused on go bags, home emergency kits, and basic first response skills. Featuring interactive presentations from Neighbor 4 Neighbor, DC’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, and Hands on Hearts, this session will cover how to build and use go bags and home emergency kits, what to expect in the first hours of an emergency, and how to respond in critical moments. Coffee and continental breakfast provided. Thank you to Takoma neighbors Erin Palmer and Paul Schwartz for hosting. RSVP here for the exact location (close to Takoma Metro).
Neighborhood Events
8th and Kennedy St NE Cleanup Day
On Sunday, May 24th at 10am, ANC 4B is hosting a community cleanup day on 8th and Kennedy St NE. Gloves and trash bags will be provided, and community service hours are available. To sign up, email 4B09@anc.dc.gov. Thank you to Commissioner Danielle Geong for organizing!
Riggs Park Day is Back on May 30th!
On Saturday, May 30th from 12 to 4pm, Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center is hosting its first Riggs Park Day since 2018, featuring local vendors, agencies, neighborhood schools and businesses, entertainment, food, giveaways, and more. My team will also be there to meet with neighbors and support with constituent services. Hope to see you there!
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
Petworth News: Check out 3 ways to find great Petworth Porchfest music on 5/30
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Complete Main Street Retail Survey by May 31
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Submit Comments on Proposed Traffic Safety Changes Around Fort Totten Drive & Hamilton Street NE by June 29, 2026
Chevy Chase News & Notes: May Issue
Ward 4 Dispatch: DC Health Link, MacFarland Traffic Safety, and Zero Waste in DC Schools
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.
Monday is Memorial Day, a time to commemorate the veterans who have died serving in our Armed Forces—including the over 5,000 District residents who laid down their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice warrants our highest gratitude and strengthens our calls for full representation through DC Statehood.
On Tuesday night, I attended DC SCORES’ Our Words Our City event, and was inspired by the students who participated. As a proud DC SCORES alum, I’m especially grateful for the work they do every day to empower youth across the District. Congratulations to all the students who shared their voices, and special shoutout to Briana Scurry for winning the 2026 Poet-Athlete Award!
Lastly, on Thursday, I was thrilled to celebrate the reopening of 301 Delafield Place a rent-stabilized apartment complex in Petworth with 25 units of affordable housing preserved through TOPA—one of the strongest tools we have to preserve affordable housing, prevent displacement, and keep residents in the communities they love and helped build. The building is also equipped with solar panels and clean energy that will help lower costs for residents while building a more sustainable DC. Thank you to Mi Casa and all the tenants whose organizing and advocacy made this possible.
Wishing you a restorative long weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
