This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
It was great to have so many neighbors join our first pop-up on Georgia Ave yesterday! As our pop-ups continue over the next few weeks, make sure to check out the full schedule to join us in your neighborhood, meet with agencies, and get help with constituent services. This week, I’m also sharing the latest updates on new legislation, budget progress, and important community resources.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Hearing from DPR and DGS Leadership
On Thursday, I held a budget oversight hearing on two agencies that foster supportive spaces for DC youth and intersects with nearly every resident, employee, and visitor in the District: the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services, which manages DCPS facilities and modernization.
The Mayor’s proposed FY27 budget reduces resources for both agencies at the same time that their portfolios are growing and costs are rising. During the hearing, I asked questions about what would be the impact of these cuts on our residents, and where is the District leaving money on the table in terms of federal matching grants.
Here’s what’s clear to me after this hearing — these agencies need more funding to address the needs of DC residents, especially our youth.
If we want youth to succeed, we must invest in programming and safe spaces that nurture academic success, build self-confidence, and create vital “third spaces” where young people can learn healthy ways to navigate an increasingly complex world.
With these concerning cuts, I will be working closely with both agencies and using oversight and legislation to support DGS and DPR in providing safe and dynamic programs, facilities, and investments our youth deserve.
Community News
Piney Branch Tunnel Road Closures
DC Water is preparing for construction of the Piney Branch Tunnel in Ward 4, which will require a portion of Piney Branch Parkway to be closed temporarily. On or about May 12th, Piney Branch Parkway will be closed between Arkansas Avenue NW and Beach Drive. Detour signs will be in place to notify and direct vehicles to alternate routes. The closure is anticipated to last 27 days, weather permitting. The roadway will be returned to the original alignment at the end of the project. Below, you can find the list of detours that will be implemented for the duration of closures:
- To Beach Drive south from Arkansas Avenue NW motorists will be detoured to 16th Street NW south, to Park Road NW to Klingle Road NW and onto Beach Drive. (Yellow)
- To Beach Drive north from Arkansas Avenue NW motorists will be detoured to 16th Street NW south, to Park Road NW to Beach Drive. (Orange)
- To Arkansas Ave. NW from Beach Drive south motorists will be detoured onto Park Road NW to Walbridge Pl. NW to Adams Mill Road NW to Irving St. and onto 16th Street north to Arkansas Ave. (Purple)
- To Arkansas Ave. NW from Beach Drive north motorists will be detoured onto Porter Street NW to Klingle Road NW to Adams Road NW to Irving Street NW and onto 16th Street north. (Blue)
- 17th Street NW between Newton St. and Piney Branch Parkway NW will only be open to local traffic and residents.
Pop-Up Next Week on New Hampshire Ave and Farragut St
Ward 4 constituent services pop-ups started strong yesterday on Georgia Ave! Next Thursday from 3pm-5pm, join us at New Hampshire Ave and Farragut St NW to meet with agency representatives and get help with constituent services. For the next five Thursdays, we’ll be in Ward 4 neighborhoods supporting residents and troubleshooting community concerns. Check out the full schedule here.
Leadership Changes at MPD’s Fourth District
Commander David Hong has been named the commander of the Fourth District. Commander Hong most recently served as Commander of the Police Academy and previously worked in MPD’s special liaison branch, working closely with African, Asian, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, interfaith, LGBTQ+, and Latino communities. I look forward to working with him to address the public safety needs of Ward 4.
Best wishes to Assistant Chief Nikki Lavenhouse, who has been promoted to lead Patrol Services South. I am grateful for her service as 4th District Commander over the last three years and her work to strengthen community partnerships and public safety in Ward 4.
Community Resources
Ranked Choice Voting Info Sessions in Ward 4
DCBOE Ranked Choice Voting Town Hall
On Saturday, May 16th from 10:30am to 2pm, join the DC Board of Elections (DCBOE) for a community town hall at the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library in the large meeting room to learn about ranked choice voting (RCV) and prepare for the upcoming elections. The townhall will feature a presentation by DCBOE, Q&A, and hands-on practice. You can submit questions in advance to rcv@dcboe.org. To learn more, visit dcboe.org/RCV for interactive tools, practice ballots, and additional information about RCV, or drop by the library any time.
Test Out the Ranked Choice Voting Sample Ballot
ANC 4D’s May 20th public meeting agenda will include an informational session by DCBOE on how RCV works, and live demonstrations with the machines that will be used on Election Day. Doors open at 5pm; the ANC 4D meeting begins at 6:30 pm. Join in person to try out the sample ballot (Truesdell Elementary, 800 Ingraham St. NW) or virtually at ANC4D.org.
Share Feedback on DC2050 by May 17th
In several of my past newsletters, I’ve talked about DC’s Future Land Use Map—a long-term framework that will help guide how and where the District grows in the coming decades. This plan will fundamentally shape decisions about use, density, and height of what can be built in each area of the city, impacting how the District expands access to housing and economic opportunity. The Office of Planning has opened an online workshop for residents to view and comment on proposed land use changes for the comprehensive plan. I’m encouraging neighbors to check out the plan and share their feedback by May 17th so we can ensure this plan is one that meets the needs of all Ward 4 residents.
Neighborhood Events
Mother’s Day Free Market
On Saturday, May 9th from 12 to 4pm, Ward 4 Mutual Aid and Petworth Peanuts are joining to host a Mother’s Day Free Market at Emory United Methodist Church (6100 Georgia Ave NW). Gently used maternity, baby and kids’ clothes, strollers, toys, and more are available. All are welcome!
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. 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!
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: Petworth Jazz is back, baby! Dates in May, July, Sept and December
The 51st: How to testify on the 2027 DC budget
Next Stop…Riggs Park: May 2026 Events at Lamond-Riggs Library
Ward 4 Dispatch: Budget Oversight, Housing With Integrity, and Georgia Ave Pop-Up
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.
This week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every District educator for showing up every day for our young people with care, dedication, and commitment. Especially in budget season, our appreciation needs to take the form of concrete action.
This year, I’m pushing for real investments that make teaching more sustainable and equitable for educators in DC, including expanding community schools, advocating school-based behavioral health, and fully funding the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, among other important priorities. Our schools and our students are strongest when educators are supported, respected, and empowered, and I’m committed to building a budget where that’s the standard, not the exception.
As we close out the week, I also want to express my gratitude for the mothers and grandmothers of Ward 4. My office had the opportunity to honor some of these phenomenal women at Mother’s Day Tea Parties held at Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center and Fort Stevens Recreation Center.
Enjoy the weekend and check back next week for more!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
Celebrating Mothers and Grandmothers at the Mother’s Day Tea Party at Fort Stevens Recreation Center.