This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Over the past week, DPW has resumed regular trash and recycling collections, while continuing to clear roads following the recent snowstorm. However, many streets are still in need of service, and my office continues to escalate these areas to DPW and press for urgent resolution. As we head into budget season, I also want to make sure neighbors join my Ward 4 Budget Forums next Tuesday, where we’ll be hearing neighbors’ priorities for the upcoming DC budget.
Community News
Updates on DC’s Snow Response
As the District continues to recover from the recent winter storm, I want to share an update on where things stand and how my office is responding. DPW reports that crews are still working through more than 5,000 service requests logged through 311. Snowplows remain active, and SWEEP inspectors are engaging residents and businesses to ensure sidewalks and crosswalk lead-ins are cleared so pedestrians can move safely. Alley sanitation collections are also ongoing, with crews collecting trash by hand where necessary and working to clear safe access routes for trash and recycling trucks. To speed up this work, Bobcats are operating around the clock to service alleys. This is a 24-hour operation, so DPW has shared that overnight work may create noise.
Over the last week, I have been in active communication with DPW leadership, pushing for faster response times, clear communication, and focused attention on areas that have been hardest hit. My staff has also been out in the community shoveling alongside residents, while reporting ongoing issues directly to DPW. DPW continues to share updates on social media and via their website, and my office will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates as we receive them. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, submitted service requests, and shown patience during this challenging period. Please know we hear you and share your frustrations—we will continue pressing executive agencies to respond to the needs of our community. If you would like to testify in DPW’s upcoming performance oversight hearings to share your experiences, you can sign up to testify on the Council’s website.
Ward 4 Budget Forums on Tuesday!
Budget season is almost here, and on Tuesday, February 10th, I’m hosting two community budget forums on Zoom—one at 2pm and one at 7pm. These forums are your opportunity to share your priorities, ask questions, and help shape how local dollars are invested in our community. Neighbors’ voices are an essential part of the budget process, and your input helps guide the decisions I make on the Council. You can visit janeeseward4.com/budgetforum to RSVP and submit questions ahead of time. I hope to see you there!
Ward 4 Shines at Standing Ovation for DCPS!
Last week, DC held its annual Standing Ovation for DC Public Schools, dedicated to honoring the outstanding educators, staff, and school leaders who make a transformative impact in the lives of our students every day. While I was sad to miss the awards this year due to our ongoing snow response, I was thrilled to see our Ward 4 educators be recognized for their outstanding work. I want to extend a special congratulations to Barnard ES Principal Dr. Grace Reid for winning Outstanding School Leader of the Year, and MacFarland MS Principal Lucas Cooke for winning the School Leader Excellence Award. Our community is lucky to have so many smart, caring and dedicated teachers who help our students succeed inside the classroom and out. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
TranspoBINGO Begins!
This week marked the beginning of one of my favorite annual traditions, TranspoBINGO! TranspoBINGO is a week-long game that invites neighbors to use and support public and active transportation while enjoying DC’s public spaces. Here’s how it works:
- Download your board at transpobingo.com
- Use non-car travel throughout the week—transit, walking, biking, or rolling— with sponsor-hosted events throughout the week to help you play
- Join fellow players at the Active Transit Social on February 12 to celebrate with prizes!
Over the next week, you can find events happening across the District at transpobingo.com. As always, safety and care for one another comes first, so make sure to travel safely and look out for your neighbors. Huge shoutout to Ward 4 residents Rachel Maisler and Erin Palmer for organizing, and all the sponsors who are making it possible. Whether you’re walking, riding, or rolling, every trip counts toward a more connected, healthier Ward 4 and DC. See you out there!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Student Loan Authority Establishment Act
Higher education should be in reach for every DC student, but right now, too many neighbors cannot afford the cost or are burdened by high-interest private loans. This week, I was proud to introduce the DC Student Loan Authority Establishment Act, creating a public, affordable option for students and a way to refinance existing education debt. As federal changes make it harder to pay for college, DC must step up for our residents and their futures. Thank you to my colleagues, Councilmembers Brooke Pinto, Robert White, and Brianne Nadeau for co-introducing this bill!
Oversight Hearings on DPW, DPR, OAG, DOB, and More Next Week!
Next week will be another packed week of performance oversight hearings! On Monday, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety will hold a hearing for the Office of the Attorney General. Then, on Thursday, the committee I chair, the Committee on Facilities, will hear from public witnesses on the Department of Parks and Recreation. Also on Thursday, there will be hearings on the Office of Zoning, Office of Planning, Department of Buildings, Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Public Works. If you have experiences to share or would like to share feedback to inform the Council’s agency oversight work, sign up to testify at a hearing on the Council’s website.
House Passes Measure Targeting DC’s Tax Code
This week, I was disappointed and angered to see the House of Representatives pass legislation overturning a measure DC recently passed to implement a local Child Tax Credit and expanded Earned Income Tax Credit for working families across the District. We fought hard to deliver these credits and overturning them will prevent support from reaching thousands of families struggling with the cost of living in DC. The House’s vote is also a direct affront to DC’s autonomy—undermining our tax code and reversing a law that was democratically enacted by District government. DC families deserve better, and we won’t stop fighting to keep money in their pockets.
Community Resources
Lafayette-Pointer Erosion Project Community Walkthrough
On Monday, February 9th at 4pm, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the DC Department of General Services (DGS) and other DC government agencies will hold a walk-through of the Lafayette-Pointer Park. Meet in front of the Lafayette-Pointer Recreation Center, 5900 33rd Street, NW. For additional information about the project including scope and budget, please visit DGS’ website.
Wards 3 and 4 DPR Construction Update
On Thursday, February 12th at 6pm, DPR is hosting a virtual community meeting regarding the upcoming capital construction projects coming to the Wards 3 and 4 communities. For more information and to RSVP, visit DPR’s website.
Brightwood Family Success Center Food Distribution
The Brightwood Family Success Center is hosting its February food distribution on Friday, February 20th from 2 to 4pm. Each household will receive one standard food bag containing non-perishable and perishable food items, as available. Prepared food bags will also be available for households without kitchen access. Registration is strongly encouraged. Please ensure you complete the registration form by Friday, February 13th.
Support Ward 4’s Open Book Foundation!
This year, Ward 4-based organization An Open Book Foundation is nominated for Project for Awesome, an annual event raising awareness and funding for charities around the world. An Open Book Foundation is dedicated to promoting literacy and educational equity by connecting students in the DC area with authors, illustrators, and books. To vote for An Open Book Foundation, visit projectforawesome.com and vote for their video from February 10th to 18th!
Updates on Chevy Chase Civic Core
Last month, the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) released its development plans for the Chevy Chase Civic Core. As we work to make sure this project meets the needs of our community, I encourage neighbors to submit feedback on the current plan. All comments can be submitting in writing via email to Daniel.lyons@dc.gov.
Neighborhood Events
Takoma Park Farmers Market Back Open!
The Takoma Park Farmers Market is back on Sundays from 9am to 1pm on the border of Takoma and Takoma Park, 6931 Laurel Ave! Come out and support your local farmers and stock up for the week ahead. Vendors offering seasonal and greenhouse produce, cheese, milk, meat, eggs, breads, baked goods, prepared foods, whole grains, flour and more will all be in attendance.
Petworth Peanuts Book Exchange and Winter Carnival
Petworth Peanuts’ Book Exchange and Winter Carnival will take place on Sunday, February 15th from 2 to 6pm at Hook Hall. This fun event will include over a thousand donated kids’ books available for free, plus, tons of free kids’ entertainment, giveaways, and more. Check out the full map of porch locations where book donations can be dropped off, and the event page for more details for attendees.
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.
Petworth Porchfest Set for May 30th!
It’s official: 2026 Petworth Porchfest is scheduled for Saturday, May 30th! 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
Greater Greater Washington: How a simple bingo game gets people moving through the city
Next Stop…Riggs Park: February 10: Councilmember Lewis George FY2027 Ward 4 Budget Forum (Virtual) – Register in Advance
Petworth News: Petworth PorchFest returns in May 2026! Register to host or perform!
PoPville: “Metro Honors Rosa Parks on her birthday today with reserved seats across bus and rail system”
Petworth News: A fun Book Exchange & Carnevale at Hook Hall, hosted by Petworth Peanuts
Next Stop…Riggs Park: DC 2026 Summer Youth Employment Applications Now Open – Apply by March 6, 2026
Eater Washington DC: Restaurants and Bars Across D.C. Donate to Nonprofits Defending Immigrants’ Rights
Ward 4 Dispatch: Supporting Our Neighbors Through the Winter Storm
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, The Washington Post announced sweeping layoffs, affecting dozens of local journalists here in DC. Local reporters tell the stories of our neighborhoods, hold the powerful accountable, and keep us informed. DC needs strong local journalism now more than ever, and I will continue fighting for our local news ecosystem—including through crucial policies like my Local News Funding Act.
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of visiting Riggs Crossing Residences to share hot chocolate with our seniors and hear about the issues that matter to them. Riggs Crossing is a testament to what it means to center our seniors — providing stable, affordable housing that allows them to age in place with dignity right here in Ward 4. Thank you to the staff who made the event possible and to the seniors who welcomed us so warmly.
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible Black history in our community, our city, and our nation while grounding ourselves in concrete action to effectuate change. Over the rest of the month, I encourage you to take part in some of the incredible events honoring Black History Month across our community. Black history is American history, and Black history is DC history.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
