This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This week, we took a huge step forward on a project that has been years in the making: the Fort Totten-Takoma stretch of the Metropolitan Branch Trail is complete! I also have important updates to share on applications for Emergency Rental Assistance opening next week, an oversight roundtable I’m chairing on staffing and closures at DPR pools, and updates on leaf collection beginning in Section 4B.
As we gear up for the Thanksgiving season, neighbors across Ward 4 and DC are organizing food drives, pop-ups, and giveaways to make sure no neighbor goes hungry. On Saturday, November 22nd, I’m hosting my annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway with the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association at the Riggs LaSalle Rec Center. Make sure to share details with a Ward 4 neighbor!
Community News
Emergency Rental Assistance Reopens on November 20th
On Thursday, November 20th at 9am, DC’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) reopens for new applications. ERAP is critical to protecting residents against evictions and displacement, and I want to make sure Ward 4 neighbors know how to access this support.
This time around, DHS is moving to an appointment-based scheduling system to better process and accept applications. Starting November 20th at 9am, residents can call 202-507-6666 to schedule an appointment. For anyone who needs help applying, visit the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (64 New York Ave, NE) for support.
ERAP funds run out quickly, so it’s important to be prepared. Make sure to have your materials on hand before scheduling begins. To check your eligibility and see what you’ll need to apply, visit erap.dhs.dc.gov. For any questions, contact erap.program@dc.gov or call 202-507-6666.
Housing stability is essential to our community’s wellbeing. If you or someone you know is struggling with rent, please don’t hesitate to take advantage of this resource. And as always, if you need assistance navigating the application process or connecting to other housing support services, reach out to my constituent services team.
Metropolitan Branch Trail Opens from Fort Totten to Takoma!
On Wednesday, I had the honor of celebrating the opening of a critical new section of the Metropolitan Branch Trail connecting Fort Totten to Takoma. This milestone has been a long time coming, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless advocacy of our community leaders—especially the commissioners of ANC 4B, past and present. For years, these ANCs showed up to meeting after meeting, reviewed design plans, and made sure the community’s voice was heard throughout every stage of this project.
The Metropolitan Branch Trail has always been about more than just a bike path. It’s about connectivity—connecting our neighborhoods, connecting us to jobs and recreation, connecting families to schools and shops. When completed, this eight-mile trail will link Union Station to Silver Spring, and this Fort Totten to Takoma section is a vital piece of that vision. This project means safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians, new sidewalks, improved streetlights, and revitalized green spaces. Our kids can now bike to school more safely, our seniors can walk to the Metro more easily, and our commuters have real alternatives to sitting in traffic.
I want to recognize DDOT, the National Park Service, and all the construction workers who brought this vision to life, often working through challenging conditions and complex coordination. This trail belongs to all of us, and I’m looking forward to enjoying it and continuing building the connected, accessible, sustainable community we all deserve.
Leaf Collection Begins in Section 4B
After completing its first round of leaf collection in Section A, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is beginning collection in Section 4B on Monday, November 17th. This section includes parts of 16th Street Heights, Crestwood, Brightwood, and Petworth, west of Georgia Ave. As a reminder, DPW will conduct two rounds of leaf collection in each section. As this process continues, I want to make sure neighbors are aware of a few important highlights:
- 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.
- To report a missed collection, call 202-737-4404 or submit a 311 request.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Public Roundtable on Closures and Staffing at DPR Pools
Last week, I was happy to report some important progress on Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) pools in our community, as DPR announced it is working to resume public access to Roosevelt, Dunbar, and Ballou pools within the next month. This is a significant step forward after months of closures, and over the next few weeks, I’ll be working to ensure DPR sticks to this timeline so the pools can remain open to the public.
But there is still more work to do. On Thursday, November 20th at 11am, I will hold an oversight roundtable on closures and staffing issues at DPR pools to hear from District residents and agency leadership. This roundtable will address the ongoing closures of Roosevelt, Dunbar, and Ballou pools, widespread staffing issues resulting in late openings and early closures throughout the city, including Takoma, and other aquatics concerns raised by DC residents.
If you’ve experienced any of these issues, I encourage you to sign up to testify at this hearing in-person or via Zoom or submit written testimony for the record. The deadline to register is Tuesday, November 18th at 5pm. Your voices and experiences have been critical in securing the reopening of these pools and will be essential as we work to make sure DPR aquatics centers are providing the service our community deserves.
Community Resources
New DC Water Project Beginning in Petworth
Starting this month, DC Water will be conducting a new construction project on Illinois Ave between Webster Street and Grant Circle. The project includes installing new large diameter water mains to improve water pressure and maintain adequate flows throughout the system. Construction is estimated to finish by January 2026 with construction taking place during normal work hours, 9:30am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday. DC Water is working closely with DDOT to ensure minimal traffic disruptions during the project. Regular updates will be provided to the community, and any questions can be directed to DC Water Community Affairs Specialist Joyous Willis joyous.willis@dcwater.com.
Update on Kennedy Street Construction Project
At the end of October, DDOT shared an updated fact sheet with the community on the Kennedy Street construction project. The goal of this project is to improve overall safety for roadway users, install traffic calming measures, upgrade streetlighting, enhance green spaces, and more. As work continues, we recognize the inconvenience caused to residents who live in and around the Kennedy Street corridor. Neighbors are encouraged to contact Project Outreach Coordinator Peyton Manning at Peyton@tbaconnects.com with any questions.
Wellness Wednesday at Brightwood Family Success Center
The Brightwood Family Success Center (6203 12th St NW) invites neighbors to its upcoming Wellness Wednesday event on Wednesday, November 19th from 11:30am to 1pm. The center will host Dr. Tiffany N. Johnson-Largent, Project Specialist for Health and Wellness at UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Johnson-Largent will present valuable information on understanding nutritional labels and offer quick, practical tips for improving nutrition, maintaining good health, and fostering mindfulness around overall well-being. To RSVP, click here.
Support Emory Beacon of Light’s Food & Gift Card Drive
The Emory Beacon of Light community is organizing a food and gift card drive to help provide meals to families in need this Thanksgiving season. Donations will be accepted until Sunday, November 23rd and can be dropped off at 6100 Georgia Ave, NW. For more information, call 202-829-5732 or email l.nelson@emorybol.org. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, Emory Beacon of Light also hosts food giveaways with free food, fresh fruit and vegetables, and more. If you’d like to volunteer, email l.nelson@emorybol.org.
Shepherd Park Library T-Shirt Design Contest
The Friends of the Shepherd Park Library are sponsoring a T-shirt design contest to promote the library. “Books Not Burgers” was the slogan that got the library built 35 years ago. Should it stay? Or is there something else distinctively DC that would make for a great T-shirt? There are prizes! For contest details, click here. Entries can be submitted to pattison_mark@outlook.com before December 14th.
Ward 4 Mutual Aid 2025 Holiday Gift Match
Want to help a family in Ward 4 with holiday gifts this year? Sign up for Ward 4 Mutual Aid’s Holiday Gift Match! Last year, 237 families with over 700 children participated in the Gift Match with the support of 266 sponsors. Any Ward 4 family with children under the age of 16 can sign up to receive gifts. Families and sponsors can sign up using this online form.
BVSPCA Free Adoption Until November 23rd
Interesting in adopting a pet? Brandywine Valley SPCA is extending their free adoption promotion following the DC Village location grand opening last week. This promotion will continue with $0 adoption fees until November 23. Learn more here.
Neighborhood Events
The Parks Holiday Market & Celebration
On Saturday, November 15th from 12 to 5pm, celebrate the holidays with friends and neighbors on the Marketplace Plaza with The Parks at Walter Reed’s Holiday Market & Celebration. There will be a magical visitor to get you in the holiday mood, and tons of local handmade goods and unique finds for your entire shopping list. Carpe Librum will also hold a bookstore pop-up on the Plaza with thousands of used books, CDs, and vinyl to benefit Turning the Page, a local nonprofit that promotes DC education and literacy. RSVP here!
DC Bar Advice and Referral Clinic
On Saturday, November 15th from 10am to 12pm, the DC Bar Pro Bono Center is hosting an Advice and Referral Clinic at Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS (2427 MLK Jr. Ave, SE). Clients will be paired with volunteer attorneys for same-day consultations. Attorneys will provide free legal advice and brief services on civil matters governed by DC or federal law, including housing law, personal injury, tax law, healthcare access, and more.
DDOT Community Meeting on Kansas Ave Bike Lanes
On Tuesday, November 18th from 6:30 to 8pm, DDOT is hosting a community meeting at Sela Public Charter School (6015 Chillum Pl, NE) to discuss the Kansas Ave Bike Lane Project. DDOT representatives will be there to hear concerns and answer community questions about the project. To learn more about the project, click here.
2025 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway Set for November 22nd!
Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away and is always a time to support our neighbors who may not be able to afford the cost of a Thanksgiving meal. This year, I am grateful to join the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association to host our annual Ward 4 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. On Saturday, November 22nd from 11am to 1pm, we’ll be at Riggs LaSalle Rec Center to hand out turkeys to neighbors in need. If you’re planning to attend, make sure to bring proof of Ward 4 residency. First come, first served, and one turkey per family. Help us spread the word!
Thanksgiving Grocery Pop at Simpson-Hamline UMC
On Wednesday, November 26th, Simpson-Hamline United Methodist Church and Raised to Reach Back, Inc. will host a Thanksgiving grocery pop-up from 1 to 3pm at 4501 16th St, NW. All those in need are welcome to pick up Thanksgiving essentials including stuffing, onions, potatoes, beans, rice, peppers, and more.
Petworth Main Street Holiday Events
The season of cheer is approaching, and Petworth Main Street has a variety of events planned for you! First up is a Small Business Saturday Passport event on Saturday, November 29th from 10am to 7pm. Jumpstart your holiday shopping at your favorite Upshur Street businesses for a chance to win a gift basket!
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.
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
Recently, 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
ABC 7: DC’s Metropolitan Branch Trail expands with $12M Fort Totten-Takoma segment
DC News Now: Metropolitan Branch Trail enters next key phase of connecting DC, Silver Spring
WTOP: Over 30 holiday markets in the DC area, mapped
Street Sense Media: Proposed D.C. bill would extend rent stabilization to housing voucher programs, closing loophole
Next Stop…Riggs Park: November 22: Ward 4 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Ward 4 Dispatch: Putting Money in the Pockets of Families Who Need It Most
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.
On Monday morning, my team and I visited The Parks at Walter Reed to share coffee, donuts, and flag pins with veterans at Abrams Hall as a small token of gratitude. DC is lucky to have organizations like HELP USA providing the support to make sure veterans can live safe, healthy, and dignified lives.
Yesterday, our fall agency pop-ups came to a close with our final event at Riggs LaSalle Rec Center. Too often, DC government resources can feel out of reach, and I’m grateful to all the agencies, ANC commissioners, and neighbors who joined to help us bring this support into our neighborhoods and help make DC government work better for all of us.
Wishing you a great weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
