This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Happy first week of November! This was a consequential week on the Council, as we took significant action to strengthen the Earned Income and Child Tax Credit that will deliver real benefits for Ward 4 families. In the community, I also have important updates to share on upgrades to the Petworth Library starting next month, details on Roosevelt Pool’s scheduled reopening, and our final agency pop-up next week.
Council News/Legislative Updates
A Big Step Forward to Support Working Families
On Wednesday, the Council took a huge step toward combatting poverty across the District by passing legislation expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), delivering real cash relief to thousands of DC families. The amendment restores the EITC to 100% of the federal credit three years earlier than planned and funds a $1,000 CTC for all children under 18, targeted to low-income families who need it most.
Last year, child poverty spiked by 11%, with nearly 1 in 2 Black children living in poverty. This is an existential threat to the wellbeing of our community, and we must take action to address it. Research shows getting cash to these families can make a lasting difference in children’s lives, resulting in higher test scores, higher earnings, and many more benefits into adulthood.
I’m grateful to Councilmembers Parker and Frumin for advancing this amendment and to all my colleagues who voted to put money in the pockets of vulnerable DC residents. I’m looking forward to these measures going into effect!
Updates on November SNAP Assistance
Last week, DC government announced local funds will be used to cover the cost of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. On Friday, a federal judge also ordered the release of emergency funds set aside for food assistance after the Trump administration refused to continue assistance during the shutdown.
Thousands of families across our community depend on SNAP to put food on the table, and I hope to see the entirety of federal emergency funds released as quickly as possible. In the meantime, help is available for those who need it. You can find a list of food, health care, and housing resources on my website, or by visiting linkudmv.org.
Community News
Petworth Library Upgrades Begin Next Month
Starting on Friday, December 12th, DC Public Library will begin its renovations of the Petworth Library! This project is part of the $1.5 million we secured in the DC budget to bring a new teen center, upgraded windows and flooring, and better meet the needs of our community. To make way for construction, the last full day of library service will be Thursday, December 11th, with an expected reopening date next summer.
As construction begins, I recognize the inconvenience neighbors who regularly use the library will face while it is closed. During the closure, DCPL is encouraging neighbors to use the Mt. Pleasant Library (3160 16th St. NW) as an interim space where all library services will be available. Eligible residents can also make use of DCPL’s Library by Mail service to check out books, DVDs, and magazines through the USPS.
Next Wednesday, November 12th, DCPL will host an open house at Petworth Library to preview the upcoming changes and answer questions from neighbors. This will be the best opportunity to meet directly with the design and build team and ask questions about the renovation process. You can RSVP for the open house here and learn more about the upgrades here. I’m excited for this work to get started to help make the Petworth Library the best it can be for our community!
Roosevelt Pool Expected to Reopen Within the Month
Last week, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced that Roosevelt Pool is expected to reopen within the month, as will Dunbar and Ballou pools in Wards 5 and 8. These facilities have been closed since June, and I know how much this closure has impacted our community.
Since their closure this summer, I have been in direct contact with DPR about their status and sent a letter to agency leadership asking for an explanation and concrete timeline. I want to thank everyone who reached out to our office and helped advocate for reopening these pools as soon as possible. We all deserve and pay for reliable access to DPR facilities, and I’ll continue to work with DPR to ensure this timeline is followed.
While I’m glad to hear DPR announce pools will reopen soon, staffing issues at DPR pools—including Roosevelt, Takoma, and others across the city—have been a persistent problem affecting our neighborhoods. In the coming weeks, I will chair a hearing on staffing at DPR pools to hear directly from neighbors and agency leadership about these challenges. If you’ve experienced late openings, early closures, or unannounced schedule changes in your neighborhood, I want to hear from you to help shape this conversation and push for sustainable solutions. I will share more about this roundtable over the next few weeks.
Final Agency Pop-Ups Tonight and Next Thursday
Over the last month, I’ve been grateful to see so many neighbors from across our community join us for our fall agency pop-ups, sharing ideas and accessing support from DC government. We’ll be hosting our second-to-last event tonight from 4 to 6pm on 4th St NW between Van Buren and Underwood, and our final event from 4 to 6pm on Thursday, November 13th at Riggs LaSalle Rec Center. Hope to see you there!
Community Resources
ERAP Applications Open November 20th
On Thursday, November 20th at 9am, the Department of Human Services will reopen applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program(ERAP). Due to high demand, we expect the portal to reach its limit and close to new applications within just a few hours. That means any applicants should make sure you’re ready to submit your full application at 9am on November 20th. Learn more about what you will need to apply on the ERAP website.
Leaf Collection Continues in Section 4A
Leaf collection is underway in Section A, which includes parts of Brightwood, Shepherd Park, The Parks at Walter Reed, Colonial Village, North Portal Estates, Chevy Chase, Barnaby Woods, and Hawthorne. 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.
DDOT Notice of Intent for Intersection of 16th St & Van Buren St NW
This week, DDOT issued a notice of intent to install No Turn on Red signs and restrict parking at 16th St and Southbound Van Buren St NW. DDOT, in coordination with WMATA, is also proposing to relocate the bus stop (Stop #1002896) to enhance intersection sight lines. Comments on this NOI can be submitted in writing to DDOT Traffic Safety Administration at 250 M Street, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.
ANC 4B06 Food Drive
In support of neighbors facing food insecurity, ANC 4B06 Commissioner Tiffani Nichole Johnson is hosting a community canned food drive to support furloughed federal workers and SNAP beneficiaries impacted by recent disruptions. From November 1st to 15th, neighbors can donate shelf-stable items to help ensure nobody in our community goes without. Food can be dropped off at 5806 3rd Pl NW. Questions or want to volunteer? Email Commissioner Johnson at 4B06@anc.dc.gov.
Hurricane Melissa Relief Activities in the DMV
Over a week ago, Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica and left hundreds of thousands of families without the basic necessities. Our Jamaican community and friends of Jamaica in Ward 4 and across the DMV are planning several events to raise funds and supplies to ship to the affected communities:
- On Saturday, November 15th from 6pm to midnight, CDRRA is holding a Hurricane Relief Concert for Jamaica at Bar V 2.0, at 2424 Distillery St, Suite 2123, Baltimore, MD.
- On Saturday, November 8th from 6 to 10pm, Caribbean Disaster Relief and Recovery, Inc (CDRRA) is hosting a Hurricane Relief Concert for Jamaica at Caribe, 338 Main St in Laurel, MD.
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.
Powell Elementary School Fundraiser
The Powell Elementary School PTA is organizing a fundraiser to support families facing financial hardship to support with essentials like groceries and toiletries. Neighbors who would like to support Powell families can visit the fundraising page here.
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.
OAG Mediation Resources
As the weather turns colder, the DC Attorney General’s Mediation Program is an important resource for neighbors who are having heating issues. If you are a District renter and your landlord is being unresponsive, OAG’s Mediation Program will prioritize these complaints and contact the responsible party the same day. Complaints can be submitted through the OAG Consumer Complaint Portal. OAG Mediation also staffs a hotline open from Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm to respond to requests for help and provide accurate information to callers. You can reach this hotline by calling 202-442-9828.
Compost Your Pumpkins!
The Halloween season brings pumpkins to doorsteps across the District. When it comes time to dispose of them, please remember that some pumpkins are too large to drop off whole at a Food Waste Smart Bin. To drop off pumpkins for composting, remove all paint, glitter, and stickers, cut them into 3-inch chunks, and bring them to one of DPW’s 12 Weekend Food Waste Drop-off Events or a smart bin. Or visit the Mount Pleasant or Monroe Street Farmers Markets on Saturday, November 8th, 15th, or 22nd from 10am to 1pm for a Pumpkin Toss!
Neighborhood Events
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.
Free Screening of “American Agitators” Documentary
On Sunday, November 9th from 5:30 to 8:30pm, the MLK Library will host the DC premiere of documentary film “American Agitators” about the power of grassroots organizing told through the story of legendary organizer Fred Ross. The screening is free and open to all. There will be a panel discussion afterwards with the filmmaker and local organizers. Tickets are free but should be reserved in advance here.
Ward 4 Strategic Bikeways Plan Workshop
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites neighbors to attend the upcoming Ward 4 public workshop for the Strategic Bikeways Plan on Thursday, November 13th, from 6 to 8pm at Raymond Rec Center. This citywide planning initiative aims to support the development of a safe, connected, and comfortable bicycle network that meets the needs of all users. Your participation and interactive discussions at this workshop will be invaluable as DDOT continues shaping the future of safer, more connected transportation options across the District. Register to attend and learn more here.
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!
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!
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
PoPville: “Petworth Library to Close for Renovation in December”
Next Stop…Riggs Park: November 22: Ward 4 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Chevy Chase News & Notes: November 2025 Edition
Shepherd Park News: October/November 2025 Edition
The 51st: Clothing swap and punk rock: Your weekly Civics Roundup
Ward 4 Dispatch: Protecting SNAP Funding, Leaf Collection Begins, and Halloween Weekend
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.
Ward 4 finished out the Halloween season strong, with a weekend of amazing community events. Thank you to every neighbor and organization who helped make Halloween a success!
Friday was an inspiring day at Capital City PCS, as the entire school came together to cheer on our seniors as they marched out to send off their college applications. I was proud to see every senior taking this huge step toward their future and be a part of an amazing moment for our scholars.
On Monday, 21 of our young leaders representing all eight wards took the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute oath of office, stepping up to serve the District and lead our community into the future. Congratulations to all our young leaders on this incredible accomplishment, and special shoutout to Sam Koch, representing our community as Youth Ward 4 Councilmember!
Enjoy the weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
