This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Last night’s powerful storm hit communities across Ward 4 hard, bringing down trees and branches, damaging property, and leaving some of our neighbors without power. I know how stressful it can be to wake up to a fallen tree, a blocked street, or a home without electricity. Our team is keeping a close eye on conditions across the ward and working to connect neighbors with the help they need. Below, we’ve included information on how to report outages, storm damage, downed trees, and other issues.
As we head into Labor Day weekend, I hope the calmer weather ahead gives us all a chance to recover and enjoy these final days of summer. Ward 4’s outdoor pools and splash parks are still open for one last weekend before they close for the season, and our office is continuing to keep watch over the projects and improvements happening across our communities, from renovations at 9th & Illinois Triangle Park to proposed new sidewalks.
Read below for storm recovery resources, along with more news and ways to get involved, including neighborhood cleanups and gatherings, opportunities to weigh in on District services, and several days celebrating DC’s creative community with DC Art Now and Art All Night.
Community News
Storm Recovery Resources
Last night’s powerful storm brought down trees and power lines, caused outages, and left damage across Ward 4. Our office is continuing to monitor recovery efforts and help neighbors get connected to the right District agencies and utility providers. DPW crews are responding across the District addressing storm-related impacts while also continuing today’s scheduled collection routes. If you are dealing with storm-related issues, here’s who to contact:
Power outages: Call Pepco at 877-737-2662 or text OUT to 48710.
Downed trees: Call 311 or visit 311.dc.gov to report downed trees or debris blocking streets and sidewalks.
Downed power lines: Call 911 first, then notify Pepco at 877-737-2662. Stay away from downed lines.
Gas leak: Call 911 first, then contact Washington Gas at 844-927-4427.
Verizon outage: Call 800-837-4966 to report a residential service outage.
DC alerts: Sign up to receive emergency alerts at alert.dc.gov. You can also follow @dchsema on Instagram and @alertDC on X for updates.
DON’T FORGET: Never bring a power generator inside your home.
Statement on Temporary Protected Status
With September 9 approaching, Salvadoran families in Washington, D.C. are facing uncertainty about the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Many have lived, worked, raised families, and built their lives in our city for decades. Salvadoran immigrants are an essential part of Ward 4 and the fabric of DC. They deserve stability, dignity, and the opportunity to continue building their futures here. As Ward 4 Councilmember, I will continue standing with our Salvadoran neighbors and immigrant communities across the District. Washington, D.C. is stronger because of our immigrant communities, and we must do everything we can at the local level to support our neighbors as they navigate these federal threats.
To our Salvadoran neighbors: You belong here. You have built your lives here. And you are an important part of the District we call home. You are not alone.
DPR Outdoor Pools and Splash Parks Close on Labor Day
All spray parks close for the 2026 season at 6pm on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Outdoor pools that remain open will close for the season at the end of Labor Day. Check out DPR’s website for more information about outdoor pool hours and splash park schedules.
Nominate a Ward 4 Neighbor!
Part of what makes Ward 4 amazing is the people who live here. Do you know of a Ward 4 resident who is making our ward a great place to live through their work, their volunteer service, their art, or by fostering community? Fill out the nomination form, and we could feature the Ward 4 neighbor in a future newsletter!
9th & Illinois Triangle Park to Close for Renovations
The 9th & Illinois Triangle Park (at the intersection of 9th St NW, Illinois Ave NW, and Ingraham St NW) will close for park renovations. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late fall/early winter 2026. More information about the 9th and Illinois project is available here.
Council Recess Runs Through September 15
Per Council Period 26 rules, the Council has gone into recess until September 15. During this time, no new legislation may be introduced or hearings held. My Council office will be operating on recess hours during this time: 10am – 4pm, Monday through Thursday.
My office will continue to hold office hours in the community on Wednesday afternoons 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. This is a great opportunity to 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.
Community Notices
DDOT Notice for Sidewalks in Ward 4
District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has issued two public notices regarding proposed designs for a new sidewalk along the north side of Kennedy Street, NE and east side of 4th Street, NE, and for a new sidewalk along the north side of Shepherd Street, NW and east side of 17th Street, NW.
The deadline for submitting comments on the proposed designs for these sidewalks is September 11, 2026. For more information, visit DDOT’s Sidewalk Gap Program Dashboard.
Neighborhood Events
ANC 4B Neighborhood Potluck on September 6
ANC 4B is hosting a neighborhood potluck on Sunday, September 6, from 5-8pm, at Takoma Field Grass 1, just north of the playground at 301 Van Buren Street. Participants will have the chance to connect with their ANC, meet their neighbors, join in a neighborhood bake-off, and play yard games! Participants are encouraged to sign up to bring a dish to share! For more information or to register for the bake-off, please contact ANC 4B Chair Christian at 4b02@anc.dc.gov.
DC Art Now Reception on September 10
Celebrate DC’s creative community at the DC Art Now 2026 Opening Reception and Art All Night Kickoff on Thursday, September 10, from 6-8pm at the Eye Street Gallery, 200 I Street SE. This year’s exhibition marks the 40th anniversary of the DC Art Bank Program and features FY27 finalists, including five artists from Ward 4: Alanna Fields, Claudia Aziza Gibson-Hunter, Jacqueline Bryant Campbell, Margery Goldberg, and Werllayne Nunes. The reception is free and open to the public. You can RSVP here.
Art All Night on September 11 & 12
Art All Night returns September 11 and 12 with performances, visual art, food, and events across neighborhoods throughout DC. Ward 4 residents can use the new Art All Night mobile app or visit DCArtAllNight.org to find participating neighborhoods, explore nearby events, build a schedule, and check out Dine All Night restaurant specials. The festival is free and celebrates DC artists, small businesses, and creative communities across the city. Learn more and find events in your neighborhood here.
Broken Household Items? Fix-It DC comes to Shepherd Park Library on September 12
The Fix-It DC program is hosting a free community repair event at Shepherd Park/Juanita E. Thornton Library, 7420 Georgia Ave NW, on Saturday, September 12 from 1:30-3:30pm. Residents can bring their broken household items like small appliances, textiles, and bicycles to learn how to repair them. Participants are encouraged to register here.
DC Board of Elections Voting Accessibility and Language Access Summit on September 19
In recognition of Disability Voting Rights Week, the DC Board of Elections is hosting the Voting Accessibility and Language Access Summit at the DC Board of Elections office at 1015 Half Street SE, 7th floor on Saturday, September 19 from 12-3pm. Participants will learn about voting rights, explore language access services, register to vote, and connect with staff to learn about accessibility resources. For accommodations, please contact kflores@dcboe.org.
Wednesday Jazz on Kennedy Street on September 23
Head on over to Kennedy St. NW on Wednesday, September 23 for a delightful evening of jazz brought to you by Uptown Main Street. It all happens on the 700 Block of Kennedy St from 6–8 PM.
ANC 4C Community Cleanups
Mark your calendars for these upcoming community cleanups led by ANC 4C:
- September: Sunday, September 20th at 11am, at Raymond Rec Center (led by Commissioner Warburton)
- October: Sunday October 4th at 2pm, meet at 5th + Shepherd (led by Commissioner Heller)
- November: Sunday November 15th at 11am, meet in front of Yes! Organic (led by Commissioner Kirby)
Community Resources
DC’s Rehabilitation Services Administration Wants Feedback to Improve Services for Residents with Disabilities
DC’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (DCRSA) invites community stakeholders, advocates, or business networks who serve residents with disabilities to share their experiences in the 2026 Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment. Your feedback will help identify service gaps and strengthen supports for residents with disabilities. Take the survey here, or if you need an alternative, accessible format, send a request to rsa.vrcsneedsassessment@dc.gov.
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.
As we head into Labor Day weekend, I’m reflecting on what this holiday means for working people across Ward 4 and our city.
Labor Day is a time to honor the workers who organized and fought for fair wages, safer working conditions, weekends, a dignified retirement, and respect on the job. Their courage reminds us that progress is possible when working people stand together and look out for one another.
Ward 4 workers care for our neighbors, educate our children, keep our communities running, and make our entire city stronger. Your hard work, determination, and commitment to our community inspire me every day to keep fighting for better conditions for working people and families across our ward.
Whether you have the holiday off or are among the many Ward 4 workers keeping our community running this weekend, I hope you find time to rest, recharge, and celebrate. Thank you for all that you do for our community.
Yours in Community,
Janeese