This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Today was amazing! Huge thank you to all the seniors who joined for our Black History Month event with Iona Senior Services, sharing in joy and community celebration together. This week, I have updates on trash and recycling collection, Petworth Library renovations, new legislation supporting affordable housing, and much more.
Community News
Updates on Sewage Spill in Potomac River
On Tuesday, the Council received a briefing from DC Water on last month’s collapse of the Potomac Interceptor, which released millions of gallons of sewage into the Potomac River. Although this collapse fortunately did not affect our drinking water, it has been heartbreaking to see one of the District’s greatest natural treasures impacted in this way.
DC Water has mobilized emergency repairs and environmental remediation efforts, and we appreciate the urgency of this work. At the same time, residents deserve clear, consistent communication. I have requested updates on the status of emergency repairs and on the status of aging pipes and infrastructure at risk of rupture.
This incident is a stark reminder of how essential and how vulnerable our infrastructure can be. While the District has made meaningful investments to safeguard the systems that protect public health and our environment, the federal government must also provide the capital needed to make upgrades. Protecting the health of residents and our environment must be a top priority.
Supporting Residents with Trash & Recycling Collection
This week, I’ve continued hearing from Ward 4 neighbors about missed or inconsistent trash and recycling collection. If your trash or recycling has not been picked up, please submit a 311 request and let my office know so we can help escalate the issue and track patterns across the ward. Reliable trash collection is a basic city service, and your reports help my office push for quicker resolution and better coordination. As oversight hearings continue, I will press for accountability, better preparedness, and stronger coordination. I encourage you to continue submitting 311 requests, share your experiences for the hearing record, and contact my office directly — your reports strengthen our advocacy.
DCPL Shares Updates on Petworth Library Renovations
As the Petworth Library undergoes renovations, DC Public Library has shared its latest update on construction progress. Since the library closed in December, DCPL has made meaningful progress toward needed improvements—including a new teen center and upgraded windows and flooring—while safeguarding the historic interior. Currently, construction is expected to be complete by this summer. Check out the full presentation here.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Updates on Congressional Interference
Last week, the Senate passed a disapproval resolution to overturn a local DC law—a law already democratically passed by the DC Council to meet the real needs of families struggling to afford the cost of living across the District. In last week’s newsletter, I shared with neighbors about how these changes could create uncertainty and confusion for residents who have already filed their taxes, and I have already heard from neighbors who have shared these concerns. Right now, the Council is considering our options on how to respond to protect DC families while awaiting further guidance from the CFO on how this will affect residents’ tax filings. I will update you with more information as soon as it is available.
Next Week: DCHA, DHS, PSC, & More Oversight Hearings
Throughout the week, I joined several performance oversight hearings to get answers from agencies about issues impacting Ward 4. On Wednesday, I joined the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) hearing, where we discussed progress on the Georgia Ave Bus Priority Project and efforts to improve traffic safety across Ward 4. Then on Thursday, I asked questions of DCPS leadership about ensuring our schools are safe and accessible, and about protecting international teachers under DCPS’s Permanent Residency Sponsorship Program. Next week, we’ll continue performance oversight with hearings for the DC Housing Authority on Wednesday, followed by the Department of Human Services and a joint hearing for the Office of Disability Rights and Department on Disability Services, which I will be chairing, on Thursday. I also encourage neighbors to testify at the Public Service Commission’s hearing on Friday, February 27th as we continue advocating against rising utility costs.
Community Resources
Complete The Parks at Walter Reed’s Community Survey
Last year, The Parks at Walter Reed hosted many events for community members and is now seeking feedback on neighbors’ favorite ones as they prepare for the 2026 season. You can complete the survey here and stay tuned for more details by subscribing to The Parks’ newsletter.
Georgia Ave Construction Updates
Starting Wednesday, March 4th, DDOT will be conducting resurfacing work on Georgia Ave NW from Peabody St to Quackenbos St NW. The work is expected to be complete by Friday, April 3rd, weather permitting. Work will take place Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 3:30pm and Saturday from 7am to 7pm. Curbside parking may be restricted during repair work. Emergency no parking signs will be posted at least 72 hours in advance. For questions about this work, you can reach out to Mohamend.Mirghani@dc.gov.
DC Bar Pro Bono Center Resources
The DC Bar Pro Bono Center has extensive resources for tenants, nonprofits, small businesses, probate support, immigration support and more, making it easier for District residents to access free or low-cost civil legal help. Built in collaboration with a wide network of legal service providers, the DC Resource Bridge is designed to make access to justice simpler, fairer, and more effective. To get started, call 202-933-HELP (4357).
Roosevelt HS Seeking Host Families
This spring, Roosevelt High School is welcoming seventeen students and three chaperones from Christian von Mannlich Gymnasium in Homburg, Germany. During their visit to Washington, DC, from Friday, May 29, through Tuesday, June 9, these students will have the wonderful opportunity to experience life in our community by staying with local host families. Host families play a meaningful role in this exchange by providing dinner during the week and meals on weekends, spending time together during weekend activities (either organized by the host family or the exchange program chaperone), and sharing insights about Washington, DC, and life in the United States. If you are interested in opening your home and being part of this rewarding cultural exchange, please complete this form.
New Date & Location: Riggs Road & South Dakota Ave Park Community Meeting
On Thursday, February 26th from 6:30 to 7:30pm, join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) for a community meeting to discuss the initial designs for improvements to the park at the intersection of Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE. The meeting will take place at Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library. To RSVP and find more information on the project, visit DPR’s website.
Neighborhood Events
Shepherd Park Weed Warriors Invasive Plant Removal
On Sunday, February 22nd from 2 to 4pm, the Shepherd Park Weed Warriors are organizing a volunteer day at Shepherd Field, focused on removing invasive plans on the slope. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots, warm layers, and waterproof gloves if you have them. If you’re planning on attending, email shepherdparkweedwarriors@gmail.com to RSVP.
Black History Month Exhibit at Zenith Gallery
From now until February 28th, Zenith Gallery is hosting a Black History Month exhibit, featuring works from more than a dozen artists. Artist talks will take place every Saturday at 2pm at Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris Stret NW.
Elevation Legacy Counseling Launch Event
On Saturday, February 28th from 1pm to 3pm, Zion Baptist Church (4850 Blagden Ave NW) is hosting a launch event for Elevation Legacy Counseling. Elevation is a new community-based initiative designed to help seniors protect their homes, preserve generational wealth, and make informed legacy decisions with dignity and clarity. Elevation Legacy Counseling provides a trusted space for difficult conversations around property, family, and legacy, counseling sessions and workshops for seniors and families, focused support that reduces crisis intervention, and a bridge between faith institutions and vetted housing, legal, and aging-service partners. Please join on February 28th and share with a neighbor.
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
The Washington Informer: Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, D.C. Pastor, Activist and Prophetic Voice for Justice, Dies
FOX 5: Police ID man killed in trash‑truck crash
Next Stop…Riggs Park: February 26: Riggs & South Dakota Park Community Meeting
The 51st: How these D.C. natives are fighting to preserve the city’s Black culture
The Infatuation: The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In DC
Ward 4 Dispatch: Fighting Congressional Interference, DPW Updates, and Housing Accountability
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.
Tuesday night marked the beginning of Ramadan for Muslim neighbors across the District. Sharing wishes for a hopeful and joyful Ramadan and a meaningful fast to everyone in our community celebrating Islam’s holiest month of the year. This week also marked the beginning of the Lenten season, a season of spiritual reflection for many in our community. To all observing, I’m wishing you a meaningful time of prayer and renewal.
This week, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. From the Civil Rights Movement to championing economic justice, Rev. Jackson never stopped pushing for Black liberation and dignity. His voice lifted up DC’s fight for statehood and opportunity for families across our country. May we honor his legacy by continuing his work of organizing and demanding justice.
Recently, we also lost a pillar of our Ward 4 community, Rev. Graylan Hagler. For years serving at the helm of Plymouth Congregational UCC in Fort Totten, Rev. Hagler organized, mobilized, and spoke truth to power. He believed, as we do in Ward 4, that our neighborhoods are worthy of dignity, investment, and love, and fought to make that vision real. We mourn his loss and pray for all those who loved him. Ward 4 and the District are stronger because he chose to call them home.
Wishing you a good weekend, neighbors.
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
