This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
This week brought a mix of neighborhood wins, agency accountability, and continued advocacy for Ward 4. From the reopening of Roosevelt Pool to preparation for the upcoming budget, to ongoing conversations about how federal actions may impact District residents, there is a lot happening that directly affects our daily lives. As performance oversight hearings come to a close, I also remain focused on improving the programs, services, and resources Ward 4 depends on.
Community News
Roosevelt Pool is Back Open!
On Monday, I was grateful to see DPR reopen Roosevelt Pool to the community after it being closed for repairs since last summer. For so many Ward 4 families, Roosevelt Pool isn’t just a place to swim, it’s where our kids learn water safety, where seniors stay active, and where neighbors gather year-round. The pool’s closure was felt deeply across Ward 4, and its reopening is worth celebrating.
As Chair of the Committee on Facilities, I have been in close coordination with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of General Services (DGS) and am glad both agencies continued to work to get Roosevelt—as well as Dunbar Pool in Ward 5—back on track. Ward 4 residents made it clear that access to safe, reliable recreation spaces matters, and our community made it clear this pool is essential. When we organize and stay engaged, we protect the resources that keep our neighborhoods healthy and connected.
Updates on Potomac Sewage Spill
This week, DC Water provided briefings to both community members and lawmakers regarding last month’s collapse of the Potomac Interceptor, which released millions of gallons of sewage into the Potomac River. Over the last few weeks, DC Water has been working to divert wastewater, clear debris, and sample water contamination levels. Below, you can find a timeline of the work that has been taking place since the end of January:
Ward 4 Small Business Spotlight!
Ward 4 has two new members of our small business community! Three Whistles at 5832 Georgia Ave NW (across the street from Emery Heights) is Brightwood’s newest coffeehouse, offering a warm, welcoming spot for neighbors to meet, connect, and enjoy a cup of coffee. Tomorrow is also the grand opening of Sabina’s Cafe in Takoma (6902 4th St NW), which is offering authentic Ethiopian coffee and plenty of signature beverages and menu items.
Small businesses are the heart of our communities, and every new storefront represents jobs, local investment, and a new space for neighbors to gather and connect. Be sure to stop by both locations to grab a cup of coffee and continue supporting the local businesses that make our community strong.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Updates on Congressional Interference
Last week, I wrote to neighbors about the Senate’s vote to pass a disapproval resolution aimed at overturning a DC law the Council had already passed to help families manage the rising cost of living. This was a law drafted and approved by locally elected DC representatives to respond directly to the concerns we are hearing from residents across the District.
As we move into a new week, the biggest question I’m hearing from neighbors is what this means for tax filing. Many residents have already filed their taxes based on the law as it was passed by the Council. Congressional interference at this stage creates real uncertainty, especially for families who filed their taxes in good faith under District law. No one should be left wondering whether they’ll need to refile or delay important financial plans because Congress chose to interfere after the fact.
This week, the Attorney General released an opinion regarding the scope and impact of the Senate’s actions, and the Council is actively reviewing our options to protect DC residents and minimize disruptions to tax filing. We are also awaiting further guidance from the Chief Financial Officer about how this action may affect tax filings and any potential next steps for taxpayers. As soon as there is clarity about what this means for your household, I will share it with the community. DC residents deserve stability and predictability in our tax system, and I will continue keeping you informed every step of the way.
Final Week of Performance Oversight Hearings
This was the second-to-last week of performance oversight hearings on the Council. On Wednesday, I asked questions of MPD leadership about ongoing concerns of collaboration between local police and federal immigration enforcement. Yesterday, I chaired the hearing on the Department on Disability Services and the Office of Disability Rights, asking questions about improving accessibility and resources for residents with disabilities.
Next week, neighbors will have the opportunity to testify in the final set of hearings, including the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants and DC Water on Monday, the Office of the State Superintendent for Education on Wednesday, and the Department of Housing and Community Development and the DC Housing Finance Agency on Thursday. We will also hear from agency leadership of the Department of Public Works on Wednesday, where I will ask questions about DPW’s response to the recent snowstorm and how agency responsiveness can improve moving forward.
With performance oversight season nearly complete, we will soon be entering budget oversight, with more opportunities for neighbors to share their experiences. Next week, I will share my budget letter with Mayor Bowser, outlining Ward 4 priorities for the budget ahead, including feedback we received from neighbors at our recent community budget forums. Stay tuned for more!
Community Resources
Free Tax Preparation Services for Eligible DC Residents
Catholic Charities is organizing a free tax preparation clinic now through April 15th at 924 G Street NW. If your income is under $70,000, come have IRS-certified volunteers prepare and review your tax return for free. Click here or email fsn@cc-dc.org to request an appointment.
Free Professional Mentoring for DC Adults
StreetWise Partners is a nonprofit that runs a free 13-week mentoring program for underserved, unemployed, or underemployed DC adults seeking career growth, skill development, and professional guidance. Participants must be 18 years or older and have proper work authorization. StreetWise especially welcomes adults pursuing opportunities in its five core job functional areas: accounting/finance, technology, project management, human resources, and office administration. Interested residents must attend a virtual information session to receive an application link to join the program. Recruitment for Spring 2026 closes Friday, March 20th. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested residents should register now to attend an information session.
Resume Writing Workshop at Shepherd Park Library
On March 10th and 24th from 2 to 3pm, join the Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library for a hands-on workshop designed to help you create a professional resume that stands out. Learn expert tips for formatting, tailoring your resume to job applications, and avoiding common mistakes. Perfect for adults looking to advance their careers or re-enter the workforce. Make sure to bring your current resume and register in advance to attend.
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.
Neighborhood Events
Chevy Chase Civic Site Community Meeting
On Saturday, February 28th from 12 to 1:30pm, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) will hold a meeting to present its proposal for redeveloping the Chevy Chase Civic Core. The proposal includes a new library, community center, housing, and retail space. The meeting will be held at the Chevy Chase Community Center. For more information on the proposal, click here.
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.
History of Tap Dance at Shepherd Park Library
On Sunday, March 8th, Knock on Wood Tap Studio is hosting a History of Tap Dance event from 2:30 to 4pm at Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library (7420 Georgia Ave NW). Discover the rich heritage of this iconic Black American dance genre, which has evolved over the centuries. Join for an enlightened journey featuring dynamic demonstrations by esteemed local experts, with audience participation.
Crafting a Better Future at with Free DC
On Tuesday, March 10th from 6:30 to 8:30pm, join Free DC at Merry Pin (7350 Georgia Ave NW) from an evening of art and writing as we attempt to put into pictures and words the kind of city, and kind of world, we want to live in. This two-hour workshop, led by Free DC artists and authors, will provide prompts, materials, and reference examples for participants to work with as they express their hopes for the future. Register here.
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
Washington.org: Gallerist Adrian Ferguson’s Petworth is a Main Street Meets Metro Melting Pot
PoPville: Three Whistles, Coffeehouse and much more, Grand Opening Today, Check Out All The Action
Washingtonian: A Cafe With Office Amenities and Live Music Nights Opens in DC
Sports Illustrated: Top 10 Washington D.C. Girls Basketball Rankings – Feb. 23, 2026
Next Stop…Riggs Park: March 2: Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting; Open Board Positions
The 51st: Building The 51st: Two years since DCist was shut down
Ward 4 Dispatch: Petworth Library Renovations, Celebrating Black History Month, and Remembering Rev. Graylan Hagler
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.
As we head into the weekend, I want to lift up a moment of pride for our Ward 4 community. A huge congratulations to the boys’ basketball team at Roosevelt High School for winning the DCIAA championship, and to the girls’ team at Coolidge High School for not only claiming the DCIAA title but doing so to cap off an undefeated season and securing back-to-back championships.
To the scholar athletes, coaches, families, and school communities who stood behind our players every step of the way, thank you. You’ve made our community proud, and we’ll be cheering you on for whatever comes next!
Have an amazing weekend and check back next week for more updates!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
