This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This week, I’ve continued hearing from residents facing rising costs, from unsustainable Pepco bills to growing uncertainty around affordable childcare. In this newsletter, I’m sharing updates on our work to support neighbors, including through legislative oversight and the DC budget. In the midst of these challenges, I’m also sharing exciting updates on community projects and important resources for neighbors.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Fighting for Affordable Childcare in DC
As we approach the FY27 budget, I’m deeply concerned about looming cuts to the childcare programs Ward 4 children, families, and educators rely on. Last week, the Mayor announced a waitlist for DC’s Childcare Subsidy Program, which will have significant impacts on Ward 4 families. At the same time, the future of the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund is at risk. This program has been transformative, helping stabilize our childcare workforce, support educators who have long been underpaid, and expand access to high-quality care across the District. Rolling these programs back would not only harm educators, but also the families who depend on a strong childcare system to go to work and support their households. On Wednesday, I was proud to stand with DC Action, advocates, and educators at their rally on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building, calling for the District to fully fund these essential programs in the FY27 budget. I will continue fighting to make sure our budget reflects our values and secures the investments families, children, and educators deserve.
Addressing Rising Pepco Bills
Every day over the last several months, I have heard from Ward 4 neighbors—families and small businesses facing energy bills that are simply unsustainable. This issue has worsened since Pepco implemented its new multi-year rate plan, which dramatically raised costs for District residents. While this new plan has been rejected by the DC Court of Appeals, meaning the current rates being charged no longer meet that standard, DC residents are still feeling the strain. This week, I sent a letter to the Public Service Commission calling on leadership to act immediately to restore the last lawful rates and credit residents for what they’ve been overcharged. At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, we must use every tool available to protect District families from financial burden. I’ll continue working with my colleagues, advocates, and regulatory agencies to push for real relief for Ward 4 residents.
Holding Dangerous Drivers Accountable Through STEER Act
This week, I was encouraged to see that over the past six months, the DC Attorney General’s Office secured more than $500,000 from dangerous drivers through STEER Act enforcements. These cases include drivers with hundreds of tickets for speeding, running red lights, and other reckless behavior, putting our neighbors at risk every day. This is exactly why I was proud to co-introduce the STEER Act—to close long-standing loopholes preventing DC from holding dangerous out-of-state drivers accountable—and the results are showing. The Attorney General’s Office has now secured multiple court judgements and settlements against the worst offenders, sending a clear message that our traffic safety laws will be enforced.
Community News
Brand-New Playground Opens at Sela PCS!
On Monday, it was wonderful to join students, families, and educators at Sela Public Charter School to celebrate the ribbon cutting of their brand-new playground! The new playground builds on the school’s recent campus renovation—including new classrooms and learning spaces—and ensures students have an outdoor space that matches the excellence happening inside the classroom. Thank you to all the staff, families, and the entire Sela community for working to bring this project across the finish line. I’m looking forward to seeing the joy, friendships, and memories the new space brings!
Share Your Feedback to Help Shape the Future of DC
As we plan for the future of housing, jobs, and land use in the District, it’s critical that residents help shape what comes next. This Saturday, March 21st from 11am to 1pm, the Office of Planning is hosting a DC 2050 workshop at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G Street, NW). Join to share your feedback on DC’s comprehensive plan and shape the blueprint for how DC will grow and change over the coming years. Learn more on the DC 2050 website.
Community Resources
Healthy Homes Fair at Catholic University
Energy bills through the roof? Are you looking for ways to improve the health, safety and cost to heat and cool your home? The Healthy Homes Fair, hosted by Electrify DC, returns this March 21st, to Catholic University. This free, family-friendly expo helps DC-area residents learn how to make their homes healthier, more resilient, and more affordable for power. The fair features over 70 exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art technology, a mini EV auto show, and test drives, hands-on workshops, family-friendly activities like e-bike rides and a bouncy castle, solar-powered food trucks and giveaways worth thousands. Register for free today!
Plymouth Congregational and New Hope Baptist UCC Food Pantry
On Saturday, March 28th from 10am to noon, Plymouth Congregational and New Hope Baptist United Church of Christ are joining to host a free food pantry for neighbors in need, taking place at 5301 North Capitol Street, NE.
14th Annual Toiletries Drive at Shepherd ES
From now until the end of March, the Shepherd Elementary School community is organizing its annual toiletries drive to help women and children in need during Women’s History Month. Items can be dropped off at the toiletry drive bin at the main entrance of Shepherd ES (7800 14th St NW). The following items are most needed: Body soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, band-aids, deodorant, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, hair combs & brushes, cotton balls, baby powder, baby oil, and travel size mouthwash.
Neighborhood Events
Sidewalk Palooza Begins This Weekend!
As we welcome the start of spring, neighbors across the District are getting outside and working together to improve our sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure through Sidewalk Palooza, returning March 21st through 29th. Sidewalk Palooza invites residents to walk or roll through their neighborhoods to identify things like broken or uneven sidewalks, missing curb ramps, faded crosswalks, and other accessibility barriers. Together, neighbors submit 311 requests through DC 311 so agencies know what needs attention. Community events like this are also a great way to learn how to request city services while advocating for safer, more accessible streets for all. Shoutout to Sidewalk Palooza creators Erin Palmer and Nick Sementelli, and the amazing volunteers making these events possible. We already have two Ward 4 events on the calendar, with more to come:
- Meet at Blair Road and Piney Branch Road, NW to learn about ongoing safety efforts along Blair Road and help identify additional accessibility and pedestrian infrastructure needs to report through 311.
- Monday, March 23rd at 4pm, East Rock Creek Village Sidewalk Palooza Walk
- Meet at Whole Foods at The Parks at Walter Reed (7130 12th Street, NW)
- Join ERCV neighbors for a walk to identify and report sidewalk and accessibility issues. RSVP here.
- Friday, March 27th at 10am, Safer Blair Road + Takoma Sidewalk Palooza
Upper 14th Street Neighborhood Clean-Up
On Saturday, March 21st, join ANC 4C for the start of a monthly cleanup focused on the blocks surrounding 14th Street between Spring and Taylor. Neighbors will meet at 10am on Saturday at Rue Cafe (14th and Randolph). Supplies will be provided, plus free coffee for volunteers!
48th Anniversary Exhibit at Zenith Gallery
On Saturday, March 21st at 2pm, Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park (1429 Iris St, NW) is hosting three artist talks as part of its 48th Anniversary Exhibit, featuring artists Joanathan Bessaci, Ram Brisueno, and Carol Newmyer.
Wednesday Jazz on Kennedy Street
Wednesday Jazz is back on the 700 block of Kennedy Street, brought to you by Uptown Main Street, DSLBD, Realtor Eddie Suarez, and Home Rule Records. On Wednesday, March 25th from 6 to 8pm, support our local businesses by visiting the 700 block for music from Lady Love Trio. Free and open to all!
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. The rain date will May 31st. As neighbors gear up to take part in the festivities and enjoy all our local artists and businesses have to offer, I encourage you to read this article from Petworth News highlighting how neighbors can volunteer and take part in Porchfest. The article also highlights my Porchfest Permitting Act, which the Council recently enacted to make sure neighbors can host Porchfest events without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. 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
Next Stop…Riggs Park: March 23: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Virtual)
Next Stop…Riggs Park: March 18 & 21: DC 2050 Workshops
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Ward 4 & Ward 5 Councilmember FY2027 Budget Request Letters
Ward 4 Dispatch: Budget Priorities, Sidewalk Palooza, and Elizabeth M. Goodman Health School
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.
Cherry blossom trees are beginning to flower across the District, and you don’t need to leave your neighborhood to see the spring blooms! If you’re searching for the nearest flowering trees, look no further than Casey Trees’ Cherry Blossom Map to locate trees across Ward 4 and DC.
Over the weekend, we joined Shepherd Park Weed Warriors and DPR to celebrate Liz Crafford and her incredible legacy of environmental stewardship in Ward 4. From building a powerful volunteer movement to remove invasive plants, to advocating for stronger protections for our natural spaces, Liz has helped shape a greener, more resilient Ward 4 and DC. As Liz enters retirement, I’m thankful for her years of leadership and lasting impact in Shepherd Park and beyond. Ward 4 is grateful for your service!
Have a fantastic weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
