This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This weekend will be full of Halloween festivities across DC, and our community is already buzzing with Halloween spirit! Yesterday, I shared a special newsletter dedicated to spotlighting the many events happening in Ward 4 and letting neighbors know how they can celebrate safely. From the Council, I’m also sharing updates on significant votes and hearings held this week on legislation impacting tenants across Ward 4.
Community News
Fighting for Accountability on MPD and ICE Coordination
Over the last few months, students across Ward 4 and DC have personally witnessed forceful, racially-motivated immigration arrests – detentions that occurred just steps away from their school grounds. As families witness this, I have heard from dismayed school leaders, families and neighbors who have reached out to my office to report that MPD officers accompanied federal immigration agents making these arrests:
MPD’s coordination with federal immigration law enforcement is a violation of our trust and strikes a devastating blow to the trust and accountability between police and the communities they serve. On Thursday, I published an op-ed in Petworth News discussing these arrests and how neighbors can take action. As we push for a hearing on MPD and federal coordination as a first step towards accountability, I am asking neighbors to reach out to DC leaders to demand they do more to protect public safety for all in our city. Read the full op-ed and learn more here.
Fall Pop-Ups Continue: Chevy Chase, Barnaby Woods, & Hawthorne
Our first two pop-ups of the fall were a success! Thank you to all the neighbors who came out to get help with constituent services issues, meet with agencies, and share their ideas for improving DC government. Next week, we’ll be joining Chevy Chase, Barnaby Woods, and Hawthorne neighbors for our next pop-up at Lafayette-Pointer Park. See the full schedule here and join us in your neighborhood!
Council News/Legislative Updates
TOPA Weakened in Final RENTAL Act Vote
During Tuesday’s legislative meeting, I was disappointed to see my colleagues approve a last-minute amendment to the RENTAL Act exempting 2-4 unit buildings from the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). TOPA is a critical law that has been in effect for decades in DC, allowing tenants to maintain leverage when their buildings’ owners decide to sell. For thousands of tenants across DC who live in 2-4 unit buildings – often covered by rent control – limiting TOPA is a catastrophic blow to their ability to stay in their communities in affordable housing.
As someone who became one of the first in my family to buy a home thanks to TOPA, I know the law is one of the greatest tools we have for preserving affordable housing and creating generational opportunity. However, Tuesday’s vote will make it more likely buildings continue to be bought up by corporations and wealthy developers, rather than staying in the hands of residents who have lived in DC for generations.
If we are truly serious about closing the racial wealth gap and creating opportunities for Black and brown residents to stay and thrive in DC, then we need to strengthen and expand laws like TOPA, not dismantle them. We owe DC residents more than policymaking by anecdote and industry talking points. We owe them a seat at the table when their rights – and their homes – are on the line.
Council Holds Hearing on Housing with Integrity Act
On Wednesday, the Committee on Public Works and Operations held a hearing on my Housing with Integrity Act. I first introduced this bill after seeing far too many residents in Ward 4 suffer at the hands of negligent property owners—tenants forced to live with serious housing code violations, children arriving at school sick due to unsafe living conditions, and neighbors left powerless as nearby properties fall into dangerous disrepair. Despite this pattern of negligence, many of the companies responsible continue to expand their portfolios and footprints across the District. It’s clear that our current enforcement tools are not strong or effective enough, and action is needed to prevent this from taking place.
While I’m hopeful this bill will move us closer to our goal of holding bad landlords accountable, one of the most pressing questions that remains is how we ensure accountability for landlords at properties they currently own—not just future acquisitions. We must ensure that both DLCP and DOB have the tools, staffing, and resources necessary to hold bad actors accountable and prevent them from continuing to operate unchecked in the District. And we need to do this in a way that is both effective and workable, with maximum impact for our communities.
The Housing with Integrity Act is a first step in the right direction, and I am grateful to the public and government witnesses that testified about their lived experience and technical expertise so we can ensure that this bill goes as far it can to hold bad actors accountable in our housing system.
Introducing the Porchfest Permitting Act of 2025
Petworth Porchfest is one of our community’s favorite events of the year. Every year, neighbors come together to put on a fully volunteer-run festival where residents open their homes, local musicians perform for free, and neighbors enjoy live music together. It is also one of several similar events across other DC neighborhoods that have taken place over the last few years.
However, as has become increasingly clear over the last few years, DC makes it unnecessarily hard for neighbors to host events like Porchfest. Some people have been denied permits just because their music was part of Porchfest, even when it was happening on their own property.
This week, I introduced the Porchfest Permitting Amendment Act of 2025. The bill would make a simple change to DC’s Block Party Act to allow residents to apply for permits for events like Porchfest when music happens on personal property and there’s no charge to attend. It’s a simple change that will allow local musicians in Ward 4 and across DC to share their talent without facing unnecessary barriers.
Community Resources
Federal Shutdown Likely to Impact SNAP Benefits, WIC
Because of the continuing federal shutdown, the Department of Agriculture has notified states that there may not be funding for November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments. This suspension also affects WIC clinics (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), which will close on November 5th unless funding is restored.
The lapse in benefits will upend our neighbors who upon these benefits to sustain their families. If you or someone you know are affected by the shutdown or lapse in benefits, be sure to check out LinkU – a DC Health website where residents can look up how to access food resources, health care, and other forms of assistance.
Leaf Collection Begins November 3rd!
Leaf collection season begins next month! As with previous years, information will be available from DPW on dpw.dc.gov/leaf, where residents can expect to find weekly updates on current locations, how to be prepared, and view the live leaf collection tracker. Before leaf collection begins, neighbors should make sure to rake their leaves to their curbs or tree boxes and stay up to date on updates from DPW. Stay tuned for more details in the weeks to come!
Community Food Drive at Peoples Church
On Saturday, October 25th from 12 to 4pm, Peoples Congregational UCC is hosting a community food drive, with food and drinks, arts and crafts, and a raffle. If you’re interested in contributing, bring donations such as canned goods, non-perishables, and personal hygiene items to the drive at 4704 13th St NW.
Healthy DC Plan for Medicaid Recipients
Beginning January 1st, DC Medicaid eligibility requirements will change due to cuts on the federal level. As a result, some residents will no longer be eligible for Medicaid. However, a new option, the Healthy DC Plan, is available to residents who qualify, and there will be no gap in coverage. The Healthy DC Plan includes no monthly fees and no cost for care. All plans cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health care, and more. To see if you are eligible and view plan details, visit www.healthydcplan.com, or call (833) 432-7526.
OAG Guidance on Right to Protest in DC
Everyone has a constitutional right to protest, gather peacefully, and make their voices heard. Today, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued guidance to make clear what is and what is not permitted under federal and local laws for protests in the nation’s capital. Learn more and understand your rights by visiting OAG’s website.
Join the Brightwood Family Success Center Community Advisory Council
Right now, the Brightwood Family Success Center is looking for more residents and network members to join its community advisory council in Ward 4. This is an opportunity to understand community needs while allowing residents to voice their concerns. Your valuable input will help the center implement services for Ward 4 residents and their families. Learn more and apply.
Share Feedback on DC Out-Of-School-Time Programs
The DC Deputy Mayor of Education and the Commission on Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes is seeking feedback from families across the District on the state of Out-of-School-Time opportunities available to their families within the District. Families are encouraged to fill out OST’s survey by Friday, October 31st.
Neighborhood Events
Friends of Shepherd Park Used Book Sale
This weekend, the Friends of Shepherd Park Library will hold a used book sale at the library (7420 Georgia Ave NW). There will be books galore (kid’s books for 50 cents each and other books for $1), CDs and DVDs, Halloween candy, and more. Join on Saturday, October 25th from 10am to 4pm or on Sunday, October 26th from 1 to 4pm.
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing a new exhibit with works by Katharine Owens. The exhibit is open until November 29th, with an artist talk on Saturday, October 25th from 2 to 6pm at the gallery, 1429 Iris St NW and meet the artist receptions on Friday, October 24th from 4 to 8pm and Saturday, October 25th from 2 to 6pm.
Friends of Bus Transit Travel Training
On Saturday, October 25th from 2 to 4pm, the Friends of Bus Transit will host a Travel Training in conjunction with GoDCGo at the Chevy Chase Library meeting room (second floor). Neighbors will have the opportunity to learn how to navigate public transportation, how to use trip planning tools/apps, about commute necessities and cost, and more. Plus, receive a travel training bag, a pre-loaded SmarTrip Card, and more. Reminder that Friends of Bus Transit is also seeking feedback from neighbors on the new routes to share with WMATA.
Jefferson St NW Annual Block Party
On Saturday, November 1st, neighbors on the 400 block of Jefferson St NW will host their annual block party from noon onward. Events will feature a bounce house, potluck, kids’ arts and crafts, face painting, live music, and more. Have ideas for the party? Text (512) 751-1772!
Free Brake Light Clinic
Broken brake or tail light? Metro DC DSA will replace it for free at their Brake Light Repair Clinic — Saturday November 8th from 11am to 4pm outside the Autozone at 955 Longfellow St NW. Request a repair here.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Important Reminders
Receive Ward 4 Updates by Text!
Now is a great time to sign up for our Ward 4 text list! By signing up to receive updates on news, resources, and upcoming Ward 4 events by text, you’ll be the first to know about all the important updates for members of our community. If you’d like to be added to our Ward 4 text list, simply reply to this newsletter or email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov with the best phone number to reach you at.
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
Petworth News: Get spooky with the Sherman Circle Spooktacular on Sunday, Oct 26th!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Resources for Federal Workers Impacted by Government Shutdown
The 51st: Your weekly roundup of ways to get involved in D.C.
Ward 4 Dispatch: Celebrate Halloween in Ward 4!
Ward 4 Dispatch: Fall Pop-Ups, Petra Settlement, and Rev. A. Knighton Stanley Way
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.
I’m always grateful to have neighbors from Ward 4 visit the Wilson Building, and on Wednesday, I had the chance to meet with families from Briya School and Mary’s Center to discuss restoring cuts to DC Healthcare Alliance coverage. This coverage is essential for thousands of DC residents’ access to affordable prescriptions and medical care — especially immigrant residents — and I’ll be fighting to protect its funding.
Wishing you a nice weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
