This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re as excited as I am for Petworth Porchfest tomorrow! Before you head out to listen to some of DC’s most talented bands and artists, make sure to check out the map and schedule of performances. In this week’s update, I’m also sharing important news on the FY26 DC budget, upcoming school lottery deadlines, progress made on public safety, and much more. It’s been a busy week!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Wins for PKEEP and Pay Equity Fund
Even though the Council has yet to receive the budget, the Mayor has begun to share publicly some early hints of what is included in her budget. Although nothing is official until the CFO declares the budget balanced and the Mayor has met pencils down, the Mayor has previewed that she has met some of my key budget asks, including preserving DC’s Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP), and the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, two vital programs that support our educators and our children in their most formative years. Affordable childcare is a necessity for families’ wellbeing, children’s long-term success, and the future of the District, and it is in difficult economic circumstances like the ones we are facing now that good childcare becomes even more essential. I am grateful to the Mayor for listening to the needs of our community and to all the advocates, families, and early childhood educators who spoke out and advocated for these programs. This win would not have been possible without your advocacy.
FY25 Budget Status and Other Council Updates
As we continue to wait on Congress to take up the DC Local Funds Act, last week, the Mayor announced “extraordinary measures” to prepare for loss of locally generated taxpayer funds as a result of the congressional continuing resolution. Additionally, this week, we learned that Moody’s ratings downgraded DC’s bond rating, citing cuts to the federal workforce and other costs imposed on the District by harmful actions taken by the federal government. Despite the Council and the Mayor collaborating to pass 28 consecutive balanced budgets over the last three decades, this means the cost of local projects, including schools, libraries, and rec centers will be impacted. Until DC wins statehood and the full representation in Congress we deserve, we will continue to deal with these unwarranted threats to our ability to govern and run our city the way we see fit. In these challenging times, I’m incredibly grateful for the advocacy of groups like FREE DC and others who are fighting for DC’s local autonomy, and I encourage everyone who can to continue to join in this advocacy work.
Meanwhile, our regular legislative work is moving full steam ahead, and on Thursday, I joined a hearing of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety on Councilmember Pinto’s Peace DC plan, which draws provisions from ten new bills. During the hearing, I weighed in on my support for certain elements of the plan, including strengthening Safe Passage and expanding support for our students, but cautioned against other proposals like taking away prosecutorial discretion, merging our violence interruption programs, and moving forward with comprehensive legislation prior to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s data report being released to the Council next month. Over the next few weeks, the bill will be marked up before going to the full Council for consideration, and I’m looking forward to diving into the details to ensure the final plan is one that makes strong and sound investments in the District’s approach to public safety.
Roundtable on Environmental Hazards on DPR Properties
On Monday, May 5th at 12pm, the Council committee I chair, the Committee on Facilities, will hold an oversight roundtable on Environmental and Safety Hazards on Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) properties, including lead, PFAS, and other contaminants at District parks, rec centers, and playgrounds. I am encouraging community members to RSVP on the Council’s website once the sign-up page is live early next week.
Community News
Petworth Porchfest Returns Tomorrow!
This is one of my favorite weekends in the ward, as we celebrate Petworth Porchfest! This effort was born out of the pandemic as a way to celebrate and support our local artists and bring our community together. Porchfest will take place tomorrow from 2 to 8pm, with over 300 bands performing on more than 100 porches across the greater Petworth area. Check out the map and full schedule of performances here. Because neighbors will be coming from around DC and the DMV area to attend, keep in mind that streets may be crowded and it may be harder to get around the neighborhood. Let’s all be respectful and kind to each other as we make sure everyone can enjoy the day. I also want to give a special shoutout to the hard-working Steering Committee, our Ward 4 Main Street associations, and all our sponsors, volunteers, and bands who are working hard to make Saturday such a fun day for Ward 4!
Kennedy Street Drug and Gun Sentencing
Earlier this month, a judge sentenced the last of 17 members of the Kennedy Street Crew on gun and drug trafficking charges, marking a significant public safety win for our community. Since taking office, I have fought alongside members of our community to tackle the issues of gun violence that have impacted our neighborhoods, particularly for neighbors along Kennedy Street. I am grateful to MPD and the federal agencies who worked diligently to hold these individuals accountable, which has resulted in a strong decrease in crime over the last few years: since the start of the pandemic, crime rates in PSA 406, which includes the stretch of Kennedy Street east of Kansas Ave has gone down by 13%, while in PSA 403, which includes the stretch of Kennedy Street west of Kansas Ave has decreased by 21%.
We have also made positive strides in our work to address the root causes of this gun violence. At the beginning of my term, I was proud to fight alongside our community to make Kennedy Street a part of the Mayor’s Building Blocks Program, DC’s major gun violence prevention initiative, and have worked with key agencies like the Department of Buildings to clean up vacant and blighted properties through regular enforcement walks. We have seen time and time again that the safest communities are those with the most resources, and over the last few years, we have been blessed to welcome new businesses to Kennedy Street and support new and legacy small businesses through our Main Street programs, host constituent services pop-ups and job fairs in the neighborhood, and invest in critical infrastructure projects to support our commercial corridors. Keeping our community safe takes all of us, and we must maintain a relentless focus on bringing down crime and continuing to make the investments that we know work.
Safe Routes to Schools Prioritizations
Last week, I was grateful to hear that DDOT prioritized three of our Ward 4 schools, MacFarland Middle School, Raymond Elementary School, and Roots PCS for its 2025 Safe Routes Action Plan. Each year, DDOT selects a set of schools for traffic safety prioritization, analyzing the environment around schools and observing trends during drop-off and pick-up time to assess potential improvements. Over the last few years, I have heard concerns from neighbors about reckless driving and dangerous traffic conditions around MacFarland, Raymond, and Roots PCS, and during performance oversight hearings, I asked DDOT about concrete actions being taken to address areas that have seen a high volume of traffic violations.
Under the Safe Routes to Schools Act, legislation I was proud to introduce in 2021, DDOT is required to assess traffic safety conditions at every DC school, ensuring that basic traffic safety measures are in place around schools, like traffic signals or all-way stops, raised crosswalks and curb extensions, and reduced speed limits. However, there is still more work to be done to ensure every Ward 4 school receives the necessary attention as quickly as possible. Our young people deserve to be safe before, during, and after school, and our families deserve streets where they can walk, run, bike, or drive safely. I look forward to continuing to work with DDOT to continue prioritizing school areas that need additional attention and ensure every Ward 4 school is safe for students, families, and staff.
DC School Lottery Deadlines
If you were matched to a school in the MySchoolDC Lottery for next school year, you have until Thursday, May 1st to enroll your child at their matched school. If you do not enroll your child at their matched school by May 1st, they may lose their space at the school. Enrolling your child at their matched school will not remove them from waitlists. Also, Saturday, April 26th is Enrollment Saturday, when many of our schools will be open to provide enrollment support to new and returning families (in addition to their regular hours). Check out the full schedule!
Community Resources
Register for the Ward 4 Small Business Summit!
Next month, I’m excited to host a unique and exciting opportunity for small business leaders, entrepreneurs, and neighbors: Our first ever Ward 4 Small Business Summit! In partnership with our Ward 4 Main Streets, we will bring together key stakeholders to support our local businesses by providing essential resources and guidance to help them maintain and grow. The summit will focus on equipping Ward 4 business owners with the tools they need to thrive, as well as offering valuable information for residents interested in starting their own entrepreneurial journeys. We’ll be joined by several DC agencies, hold professional-led panels, and share services & trainings available to both current and aspiring business owners. RSVP here!
DC Bar Pro Bono Center Advice and Referral Clinic
On Saturday, April 26th from 10am to 2pm, the DC Bar Pro Bono Center is hosting an in-person Advice and Referral Clinic at its new Southeast DC location at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School (2427 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE). Clients will be paired with attorneys for consultations the same day. The attorneys will provide free advice and brief legal services to individuals regarding the civil matters including consumer law, employment law, personal injury, healthcare access, tax law, and more. The DC Bar Pro Bono Center strives to serve marginalized communities. Be sure to spread the word with a neighbor!
Celebrating Ward 4 Small Businesses
This week, I was grateful to visit two of our small businesses in Takoma: The Big Bad Woof, which is celebrating its 20th year in business, and the Peach Cobbler Factory, which recently opened its newest location in Ward 4. If you haven’t been yet, make sure to pay them a visit!
Second Chance Hiring Alliance Event
On Tuesday, April 29th from 2 to 6pm, the Council for Court Excellence’s Second Chance Hiring Alliance is partnering with the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce and the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice to host a “Talent Beyond Barriers” event to empower DC-area business owners and employers to hire justice-impacted job seekers by providing them with real resources, networks, and support. The event will take place at the historic True Reformer Building (1200 U St NW). Register here.
Washington Gas Rate Hearings
The DC Public Service Commission will host its final rate hearing on Tuesday, April 29th at Public Service Commission Hearing Room (1325 G St NW, Suite 800) from 6 to 8pm. The hearing will provide consumers with a chance to comment on the gas company’s plan to hike the average monthly bill by about $15. This is your opportunity to make your concerns heard and let the PSC know the impact on Ward 4 households!
DC Water Updates
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Keep in mind that construction activities are highly dependent upon favorable weather conditions. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Manor Park and Chevy Chase neighbors:
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform new water main installation and roadway restoration work on 8th Street and Quintana Place NW.
- As part of the ongoing Chevy Chase Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer cleaning and lining activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: 3300 block of Military Rd NW, 3300 block of Legation Rd NW, 3500 block of Legation Rd NW, 3900 block of Legation Rd NW, 4100 block of Legation Rd NW, 3800 – 3900 blocks of Jocelyn St NW, 3800 – 3900 blocks of Jennifer St NW, 5500 block of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW, 5400 block of 41st St NW.
Neighborhood Events
LCAG Community Clean-Up
On Saturday, April 26th from 9 to 11am, the Lamond Community Action Group will be hosting a Spring Clean Up and Earth Day event at Milligan’s Point on the corner lot of Rittenhouse and Sligo Mill Rd, NE. Stop by to connect with neighbors and help beautify the neighborhood. Thanks to LCAG for organizing!
Shepherd Park Weed Warriors Spring Planting Day
On Sunday, April 27th from 2 to 4pm, the Shepherd Park Weed Warriors have scheduled a Spring Planting Day at Shepherd Field, adjacent to Shepherd Elementary School. Volunteer hours are accepted. Email shepherdparkweedwarriors@gmail.com with questions.
Vintage and Vinyl Festival at The Parks at Walter Reed
On Sunday, April 27th, the Mezzanine Vintage and Vinyl Festival will return to the Marketplace Plaza at The Parks at Walter Reed. Listen to local record aficionados spinning tunes, purchase vinyl, browse vintage wares and clothing, and enjoy this delightful public plaza. Stop into Whole Foods Market for a bite, grab some fresh ice cream at The Charmery or coffee at Starbucks, or enjoy this month’s Cherry Blossom drink special from JINYA Ramen Bar. RSVP here and see the full list of vendors here.
Free DC Team Meeting
On Tuesday, April 29th at 6pm, Free DC invites Ward 4 neighbors to join its regular team meeting. If you are looking for ways to stand with your neighbors for the rights of all DC residents, whether making congressional office visits, sharing information with neighbors on community listservs, or making snacks for the next meeting, all contributions are valuable. The meeting will take place at Christ Lutheran Church (5101 16th St NW) and include orientation for new members, community building committee work, and other local actions.
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing two new exhibits. “Mapping the Soul,” by Joanathan Bessaci, is a “poetic exploration of identity and memory, where sculptures, maps, fabrics, and photographs weave together fragments of a personal and universal story,” and it open from April 25th to May 31st, with an opening reception tomorrow, April 26th from 2 to 6pm. And “The Wonder of DC Trees” is now open at the MLK Library downtown until May 29th, with an opening reception on April 29th from 11am to 5pm.
Truck Touch 2025
On Saturday, May 3rd from 8am to 2pm, visit RFK Stadium’s Lot 8 for DC’s annual “Truck Touch” celebration — a high-energy, hands-on experience for all ages! Kids will get the opportunity to explore nearly 30 types of impressive vehicles from DC government agencies — from street sweepers and snowplows to dump trucks, police cruisers, fire engines, and even mobile medical units. This is your chance to hop inside, honk the horn, and learn about the tools that keep our city moving. Thanks to the Department of Public Works for hosting!
SSNA & ANC 4A Community Clean-Up
On Saturday, May 3rd from 9:30 to 10:30am, join the Sixteenth Street Heights Neighborhood Association and ANC 4E for a community clean up! Meet in front of Zeke’s at 9:30am with your gloves and trash bag to help make the neighborhood shine!
Takoma Foundation Beerfest Fundraiser
On Saturday, May 3rd from 3 to 7pm, join the Takoma Foundation for its annual Beerfest Fundraiser, featuring suds from local craft breweries and tasty bites to go with. Proceeds from ticket sales go towards grants to community organizations serving the greater Takoma Park area. Learn more and get your tickets here!
Donate to Ward 4 Mother’s Day Free Market
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and on Saturday, May 10th, from 12 to 4pm, Petworth Peanuts and Ward 4 Mutual Aid are hosting a Free Mother’s Day Market at Emory United Methodist Church (6100 Georgia Ave). The organizers are currently seeking donations of clothing, books, toys, car seats, strollers, and more, until Thursday, May 8th. Click here to see the map of drop-off spots.
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.
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
Petworth News: Map & schedule live for PorchFest — bigger than ever on Saturday, April 26
Next Stop…Riggs Park: April 26-27: Free Young Archaeologists’ Club Program at Lamond-Riggs Library (Registration Required)
DC News Now: Petworth PorchFest returns to DC with funk, jazz, R&B!
The Washington Post: The 32 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week
WUSA 9: Kennedy Street Crew leader, money launderer sentenced to 13 years in prison
Ward 4 Dispatch: Budget Delays, Senior Bingo, and Ward 4 Construction Updates
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.
On Monday, we learned of Pope Francis’ passing at the age of 88. Throughout his life, Pope Francis exemplified humility, stood up for the most vulnerable, and set a shining example of what it means to live a life in service to others. My heart goes out to everyone in DC and around the world who is mourning his loss.
Wishing you a good weekend, Ward 4.
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
