Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter
May 3, 2024
Power Concedes Nothing Without a Demand
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Quick Links
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Frederick Douglass once famously said, "Power concedes nothing without a demand; it never did and it never will." In a city with a $20 billion budget, it is unacceptable that disparities persist—from our educators, to our seniors, to the LGBTQ+ community, to folks just wanting a good paying job. I'm preparing for the Council's upcoming budget votes with the demands that so many of you have advocated for in mind.
I stood with hundreds of District neighbors this morning on the steps of the Wilson building—many of them early childhood educators, parents, and education leaders—as they advocated for reversing all cuts to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund. When they invited me to share a few words, I reiterated the refrain many of you have already heard from me this budget season: the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund is a non-negotiable in the FY2025 budget. We must reverse these cuts to ensure our early childhood educators are paid fairly, and access to early childhood education in the District is safeguarded for the countless families who rely on it.
This week, my colleagues and I wrapped up our work on budget oversight. Now it is time for decisions. During next week's committee mark-ups, we will make choices about where and how to allocate funds and what changes to make from the Mayor's original FY2025 budget proposal.
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In anticipation of the upcoming budget votes and through countless conversation with advocates about the District's needs, I sent a letter to my colleagues earlier this week calling for significant changes to the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and for new investments in DC's LGBTQ+ community. As we prepare to host World Pride in 2025, it is vital we affirm the great work of this office by increasing its transparency and accountability to the public, and that we invest new resources in the LGBTQ+ community through a dedicated community center and housing vouchers. You can read the letter here, and this week's episode of The Ward 5 Wave features a conversation with Vincent Slatt, Chair of the ANC Rainbow Caucus, and Heidi Ellis, Coordinator of the DC LGBTQ Budget Coalition, about the importance of these changes and investments. Tune in!
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In this edition of the Ward 5 Weekly newsletter, you'll also find lots of important public safety updates, several important updates from WMATA on Red Line closures this summer, new bus shelters at Ward 5 metro stations, and the forthcoming revised Better Bus Network Redesign, information about a meeting with DPR on the Fort Lincoln Park Project on May 16, Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5, the Ward 5 Family Biking Family Ride (Star Wars theme!) on Sunday, and Embassy Day tomorrow! Keep reading for more.
(Links not working for you? Click here!)
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Saturday was an active day in Ward 5, and my team stopped by a number of events to connect with neighbors. In Bloomingdale, the Bloomingdale Civic Association held a beautification day and plant giveaway for neighbors during a spring clean-up. In Edgewood, Three Part Harmony Farm hosted an Open House and spring clean-up for neighbors to learn more about their work.
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Later on Saturday, my team participated in the Trinidad Crime Prevention and Community Restoration Townhall hosted by the Trinidad branch of the Cure The Streets violence interruption program and ANC 5D05 Commissioner Salvador. Each panelist discussed our collaborative efforts to prevent crime, drug addiction, and support services in the Trinidad area. Neighbors had the opportunity to participate in the discussion and have their concerns addressed by local officials.
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On Monday morning, I spoke with advocates from the Coalition from Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development about the FY2025 budget. We discussed the need for affordable housing and meeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.
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Monday afternoon, I participated in the Committee on Transportation and the Environment's budget oversight hearing for the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE), Green Finance Authority (Green Bank), and DC Water. You can catch my questions from the hearing in this recording.
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Tuesday morning, my team led a coalition of community partners dubbed the North Capitol Trust Builders in outreach to residents along the North Capitol St corridor to share information and connect people to services. This is truly a coalition of the willing, from ANCs to local businesses to our BID to District agencies. Yes, the District has a plethora of profgrams and services; yet, coordination and implementation often fall short. By working together, we aim to accelerate help for neighbors and address this corridor's long-standing issues.
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Tuesday was busy with budget oversight hearings. I also had a meeting with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women to discuss their legislative priorities which include maternal health, economic empowerment, and education.
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Tuesday afternoon, I spoke at the NoMa Business Improvement District (NoMa BID) annual meeting. I reflected on the success of many businesses in this area, and the thriving Alethia Tanner Park which is often bustling with activity. I also shared about my goals of tackling challenges with liquor stores and cannabis shops along North Capitol St, as well as addressing crime. I look forward to continued partnership with the NoMa BID to build healthy communities in Ward 5.
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On Wednesday, I participated in the budget oversight hearing for the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), asking about investments for the Rhode Island Ave corridor, and leaning into the important decisions we must make about our Capital One Arena investment. You can find a more thorough overview of my participation in this week's budget oversight hearings in Kendra's Corner below, and hear some of my questions from the DMPED hearing by clicking the video below.
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Councilmember Parker asks questions at the Committee on Business and Economic Development's budget oversight hearing for the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED).
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Wednesday evening, I commemorated May Day with Unite Here Local 25, thousands of local hospitality workers, and some of my Council colleagues in McPherson Square Park. Hospitality workers are at the center of a thriving industry, and I am proud to stand with them as they fight for better wages, reverses to staff cuts, and protecting guest services. The message is clear: respect their work.
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Also on Wednesday, I introduced the Mathematics Education Improvement Amendment Act of 2024. With only 22% of students meeting expectations on the SY22-23 PARCC scores, we need a more systematic study of and focus on math instruction. You can explore the legislation here.
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Yesterday, the Council continued budget oversight with the Committee on Housing's hearing for the Rental Housing Commission (RHC), Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA), and DC Housing Authority (DCHA), and the Committee on Transportation and the Environment's hearing for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
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Today, I stood on the steps of the Wilson building with hundreds of early childhood educators and advocates as we rallied to reverse all cuts to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund.
Shortly afterward, my office learned of a disturbing public safety incident at Dunbar High School. I headed there to connect with school leaders, coordinate with public safety officials, and the Mayor. You can learn more in the Public Safety Updates section below.
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This afternoon, I participated in the Committee of the Whole's hearing on FY25 budget legislation, where we heard from more than 300 witnesses. Many called for us to reverse cuts to the Pay Equity Fund and implement a child tax credit. I'm proud to have introduced legislation with 9 co-sponsors to create a District Child Tax Credit, and I'm fighting to get it done in the FY25 budget.
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In case you missed it, be sure to review last week's public safety updates, which included links and resources from the last Ward 5 Monthly Public Safety Call, and an important update on Russell Dunkley (the assailant of a Petit Scholars daycare group last fall).
This week, MPD Commander Sylvan Altieri updated my office on robberies in the Fifth District. In April 2023, there were 46 robberies. However, in April 2024, there have been 13 robberies. This is the lowest number of robberies for any month in the Fifth District since 2019. I am grateful to see these numbers and will continue partnering with all our public safety partners to drive down crime.
Additionally, an arrest was made this week of a suspect wanted for a shooting that occurred in February in the 2000 block of Benning Rd NE.
On Wednesday, a 2 Alarm Fire engulfed a home in the 3700 block of 24th St NE. While the home where the fire began was vacant, it extended to two other homes, causing displacement for 4 adults and 3 children. My office was on the scene and coordinating with DC FEMS and The Red Cross to provide support to neighbors.
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This past Sunday, there was a homicide in the Gateway community along Bladensburg Rd. There was also a homicide on Tuesday in the Truxton Circle neighborhood along North Capitol St. I send my deepest condolences to the families of Larry Kiser and Daquan Garner, and my office is working closely as they investigate these shooting deaths. Anyone who has knowledge of these incidents should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department's anonymous text tip line at 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia.
Today, I headed over to Dunbar High School after we received reports that a shootout a few blocks from the school resulted in a stray bullet striking a window in the second floor of the school and grazing the head of a student. She was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. This incident is terrifying and unacceptable. The DCPS Crisis Team responded to provide support to the school, and I personally connected with Principal Smith and ANC 5E01 Commissioner Joyce Robinson-Paul to see how we can best support in this time. I also spoke with U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves to get a better understanding of how his office is prosecuting gun charges and to understand trends. I will continue to follow up to ensure students, faculty, and staff receive the care they need in the aftermath of this traumatic incident. I'll also be coordinating with MPD as they investigate. Our communities are sick of the senseless gun violence, and students deserve to be safe in their schools.
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Last night, I had a meeting with MPD's Fourth District leadership and the Queens Chapel Civic Association to discuss responsiveness and addressing the community's needs. Ward 5 neighbors in MPD's Fourth District (neighborhoods north of Michigan Ave) have expressed concerns to my office about a lack of attention from public safety agencies. Fortunately, we received concrete deliverables including a commitment to attend the civic association's May 13 meeting and future meetings.
Don't see a public safety incident covered here that you have questions about? It may have been covered in a previous edition (scroll down to see past editions) of my newsletter. If not, please feel free to reach out to my office: 202-724-8028, ward5contact@dccouncil.gov.
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Metro Updates:
Board Approves Budget Avoiding Major Service Cuts
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Last week, Metro announced that their board approved a $4.8 billion budget that maintains service and avoids drastic cuts thanks to additional investments from DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Learn more about the approved budget here.
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New Bus Shelters at Ward 5 Metro Stations
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Great news: new bus shelters are coming to all Ward 5 metro stations! This means over the coming months you will see bus shelter replacements occurring at Fort Totten, Brookland-CUA, and Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood. Construction of the new bus shelters at Fort Totten began last week. Select bus bays will be temporarily closed during these vital bus shelter installations, and customer outreach teams will be available to help neighbors find temporary bus stop locations. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!
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Coming Soon! The Revised Better Bus Network Redesign
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Great news: Metro will unveil their proposed 2025 Better Bus Network Redesign this month! You may remember I convened the Ward 5 Bus Network Task Force to develop and provide feedback to WMATA on their proposed network redesign during Phase 2 of the project. Now almost a year later, I look forward to seeing the latest proposal and continuing to engage with WMATA to ensure Ward 5 has frequent, reliable access to Metrobus. WMATA also produced a helpful video on their proposed new bus route names. Subscribe to the Better Bus Dispatch here to get the latest updates on the project and to view the network redesign when it's announced.
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Travel Alternatives for Summer Red Line Closures
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The above graphic displays stations that will be impacted during WMATA's capital improvements this summer (2024). To stay up-to-date on this summer's Red Line closures, sign up for Metro's Summer 2024 Red Line Construction Newsletter. Metro will close the Red Line at Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, Silver Spring, and Takoma stations for three months starting Saturday, June 1, 2024. Metro is closing the stations to make safety and customer experience upgrades during planned work to connect Silver Spring Station with the future Maryland Transit Administration Purple Line. Free shuttle buses will be available from Saturday, June 1, through Saturday, August 31, 2024.
- Important Dates and Service Information
- June 1 – Aug. 31, 2024:
- Free shuttle buses replace Red Line trains between Glenmont and Takoma
- Station closures: Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, and Silver Spring
- Red and Green line available at Fort Totten
- Note: The closure will extend to Fort Totten from June 1 – 29 only.
Metro recommends customers plan ahead and add extra time for their commute. You can learn more about free shuttle bus options and other travel alternatives at wmata.com/majorconstruction.
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DMVMoves - Regional Planning Initiative
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Lastly, during a joint Boards of Directors meetingheld this week and hosted by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro), officials from the two organizations announced a historic regional planning initiative called DMVMoves, Moving our region forward, together, which will set the vision for comprehensive regional transit planning in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. DMVMoves will be guided by a 20-person task force. The task force, which will hold its inaugural meeting in June, will focus on securing consensus on and commitment to implementing the following:
- Transit plans and service standards for regional and local systems;
- Opportunities for enhanced efficiency through coordination and sharing of resources;
- Sources of revenue for dedicated capital and operations funding for regional and local transit; and enhanced governance of the entire transit network
Learn more here.
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Near Ward 5: LeDroit Dog Park
Community Meeting - May 8
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The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Department of General Services (DGS) will hold an in-person meeting to discuss the upcoming renovation of the dog park at the Park at LeDroit. Head to the park (286 V St NW) on May 8 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on May 8. Contact Christopher Dyer at christopher.dyer@dc.gov or 202-702-9453 with questions or for more information.
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Fort Lincoln Recreation Center and Park Project
Update Meeting with DPR - May 16
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The Fort Lincoln Civic Association is holding a meeting with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to get an update on the Fort Lincoln Recreation Center and Park Project. Join on May 16 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Wesley House Senior Apartment Community Room (3400 Commodore Joshua Barney Dr NE). Register here.
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Bike to Work Day - May 17
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Friday, May 17 is Bike to Work Day! Join neighbors at over 100 pit stops across the DC region for this free event and a fun and healthy way to start your day. The first 15,000 people to register and visit a pit stop get a free t-shirt. There will be three pit-stops in Ward 5: Ivy City @ BicycleSPACE, Edgewood @ metrobar, and Brookland @ Turkey Thicket. Register here and look forward to visiting pit stops for free giveaways, food, and beverages at participating locations while supplies last.
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2023 Food System Assessment
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Last week, the Food Policy Council and Office of Planning submitted their 2023 Food System Assessment to the Council. This report gives us a look into the local food economy and food access data. Notably, it draws out vast disparities in affordable quality food access—52% of Hispanic District residents and 47% of Black District residents were food insecure in 2023, compared to 14% among white District residents. Access to quality food and grocers is a key component of healthy communities, and I'm committed to doing everything I can to turn these numbers around. You can read the full report here.
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ICYMI:
After-Action Report: District Dogs August Flooding
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This week, after months of requests and oversight, the Council finally received the After-Action Report on the August 2023 Rhode Island Avenue Flooding, tragically impacting District Dogs. The difficulty of obtaining this report underscores why I introduced the Transparency Is Accountability Amendment Act of 2024. The report reveals critical issues in 911's response to the August incident, and it is difficult to grapple with. The report's key findings and corrective actions include that the Office of Unified Communications facilitated training for call takers and dispatchers on flooding incidents, and a promise to install flood warning beacons in the Rhode Island Ave train tracks underpass. I will continue to follow up with agencies on critical corrective actions and working with my colleagues to ensure we perform robust and effective oversight to prevent tragedy.
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Notices of Intent - Modifying Traffic/Parking Requirements
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The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is required to give written notice of their intent to modify traffic and/or parking requirements to the Council and affected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs) to allow for a public comment period on the modifications. The following Notices of Intent (NOIs) for Ward 5 are open for comment:
- Closes for comment on May 23: Installation of a HAWK Signal at Michigan Ave and Quincy St NE - Read and comment here
- Closes for comment on May 23: Installation of a HAWK Signal at Intersection of Rhode Island Ave and Thayer St NE - Read and comment here
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ICYMI:
New DC Public Library in Eckington/Edgewood
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DC Public Library is moving forward with plans for a new library in the Eckington/Edgewood area. This past week, they presented at the ANC 5F meeting on the five potential sites for the proposed library, the timeline, and next steps. You can access the presentation here, and a recording of the meeting here. I strongly support this project, and am glad to see it included in the current proposed capital budget.
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ANC and Civic Association Meetings
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This week, my team attended the North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting. Here's a brief recap:
- North Michigan Park Civic Association (May 1 at 7:00 p.m.):
- My team shared about the free e-waste collection event available to neighbors on May 2 at Catholic University's O'Boyle Hall. My office also shared that this week is the last week of budget oversight hearings, along with information on how residents can submit testimony for the final hearings. DOEE Environmental Protection Specialist, Elaine Vidal, joined and shared about the upcoming Stormwater Retrofit Project at the North Michigan Park Rec Center. This project will work to improve DC's water run off and provide an educational space to learn about stormwater and the environment. Lastly, Phil Thomas shared information from the Mayor's Office of the Clean City and how neighbors can organize a community clean up and participate in the Adopt-a-Block Program. He also shared that the Ward 5 location for Clean City's Roll-Off Day will be the North Michigan Park Recreation Center on July 27.
View upcoming ANC and Civic Association meetings on my website here. Here are next week's meetings:
- Monday, May 6
- 6:00 p.m.
- Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association
- 7:00 p.m.
- Bates Area Civic Association
- Stronghold Civic Association
- Tuesday, May 7
- 7:00 p.m.
- Woodridge Civic Association
- Wednesday, May 8
- 6:00 p.m.
- North Woodridge Citizens Association
Not sure which ANC is yours? Use this tool to look it up. We're here to help, so email us anytime with questions - ward5contact@dccouncil.gov.
Have a need, or want to share important information for ANC and Civic Association Meetings? Get in touch with one of our Constituent Services Coordinators:
- 5A & 5C: Carlos McKnight, cmcknight@dccouncil.gov
- 5B & 5D: Oliver Stoute, ostoute@dccouncil.gov
- 5E & 5F: Sam Bonar, sbonar@dccouncil.gov
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Kendra Wiley is our office's Legislative Director. In this section of the newsletter, she provides updates on the Councilmember's legislative activities and educational pieces about the legislative process.
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Budget Oversight Hearings
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This was the last week of budget oversight hearings on the Council for the Mayor’s proposed FY2025 budget. Over the past five days, Councilmember Parker attended budget oversight hearings including the following agencies (the below list includes links to the FY25 proposed budget agency chapters):
Department Energy and Environment, Green Bank, DC Water
Councilmember Parker expressed concerns about the proposed budget that cuts funding to the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF), and redirects funds from the Renewable Energy Development Fund. The impact is that funding the Mayor redirected from the SETF would have been used for low-income residents to improve indoor health and electrify their homes and Solar for All credits to low- and middle-income households which would lower energy bills. This undermines the District's commitment to our climate goals and low-income residents.
Councilmember Parker also asked about the proposed $68,000 cut to the Urban Agriculture program. The Urban Agriculture Infrastructure and Operations Grants support urban farms across the District to increase food crop production and improve distribution and access to fresh foods. Several grants awarded in the past few years (including in Ward 5) have been key in decreasing hurdles for small, new, and historically underserved entities to access government grants. DOEE stated they will work to find the money to restore these vital grants, although it is not clear when or how they will do this.
Councilmember Parker inquired about the proposed enhancement of $900,000 for the FloodSmart program, which would serve 59 homes with assessments and upgrades in flood prone areas in Wards 7 and 8. He also asked about expanding FloodSmart to interior flooding zones in Ward 5. DOEE is working on mapping those areas in the upcoming updated flood model.
He also asked about the cuts to the Retrofit Accelerator Program designed by DOEE and funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for affordable housing Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) compliance. Currently $6.6 million is budgeted for the program which is not nearly enough to cover the projects in the pipeline for affordable housing units including DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) units. The Accelerator has provided 60 energy audits for affordable housing units, and funds in FY24 and FY25 were supposed to assist these buildings with funds to make energy retrofits in public housing. Public housing in the District and across the country has gone decades without proper maintenance and upgrades. Budget cuts will result in 10,000 affordable housing units not getting energy efficiency upgrades that would result in better living conditions and lower energy bills for public housing tenants.
Related to Councilmember Parker’s introduced Environmental Justice Amendment Act of 2023, in his FY25 budget letter to the Mayor he advocated for a senior level environmental justice position at DOEE. DOEE responded that right now DOEE has an internal environmental justice committee and a couple positions that do community outreach. In addition, in the past few years DOEE created an agency-wide racial equity impact assessment tool, and piloted it through several projects and programs throughout the agency. DOEE submitted it to the Mayor’s Office of Racial Equity as a model for other agencies.
Finally, Councilmember Parker asked DC Water about its “payment in lieu of taxes” (PILOTs) which are fees charged to DC Water customers based on usage that are then paid to the District. Currently, DC Water residential customers are charged $3.31 per month for this fee.
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)
Councilmember Parker asked about Rhode Island Avenue investments. He will push for funding for the Office of Planning to kick off a small area study of the corridor in the FY25 budget, with the vision the DMPED will later invest and develop along Rhode Island Ave based on what the Office of Planning finds. In the meantime, our survey on reimagining Rhode Island Avenue is still open for feedback from neighbors.
For the District’s Capital One Arena investments, the District is still working on the due diligence/technical evaluation on what will be built and the term sheet, along with figuring out services we'll provide for events. The District is also working on the development finance agreement and ground lease for the next 25 years. Councilmember Parker advocated for the new sports practice facility to be located in Ward 5. There was a proposal for Gallery Place to serve as the new site for the practice facility, however, Deputy Mayor Albert shared that it has been deemed unaffordable. According to the term sheet, the District has 18 months to explore alternative locations.
Lastly, Councilmember Parker asked if Project Labor Agreements will apply to the arena renovation. Deputy Mayor Albert stated that it does not appear a PLA applies under current law because the District plans to issue bonds and transfer the funds to a private party to do the construction. Currently, District law does not require a private party to enter into a PLA; the law only requires PLAs for government construction projects.
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Solar Switch is a program offered by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and non-profit Solar United Neighbors that makes it more affordable for homeowners to install solar panels. Optional add-ons such as battery storage and electric vehicle chargers are also available through the program. Solar Switch conducts a rigorous review of installer qualifications, ensuring participants receive a high-quality installation from a trusted installer. Registration is open until July 24 at SolarSwitch.com/WashingtonDC but residents are encouraged to sign up before the installer auction takes place on May 8.
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DPR Summer Programs Registration
Coming Soon!
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Get ready for Summer Programs at the Department of Parks and Recreation! Summer aquatics programs registration will open at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, and all non-aquatic summer programs registration will open at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15. Learn more and get ready to register here.
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Fix-It DC Community Repair Event - May 18
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Fix-It DC events are community repair events dedicated to changing the “throw-it-away” mentality. Visitors bring their broken items to the Fix-It DC event where volunteer Fix-It coaches provide guidance in troubleshooting how to repair each item. The next event is Saturday, May 18, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St NW). Register to attend here.
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Job & Resource Fair - May 21
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Join Central Union Mission at the Comprehensive Family Resource Center (3194 Bladensburg Rd NE) for a Job & Resource Fair on May 21, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There will be free groceries, dozens of employers, a resume workshop, haircuts, a free raffle, and more. Register now here or by calling 202-745-7118 ext. 281.
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Girls in Gear is a non-profit that teaches those who identify as girls ages 5 through13 life skills through biking. Girls do not have to be able to ride a bike to take part. They offer financial aid to all who request it and can provide bikes and helmets if needed. They are also still accepting volunteer applications from all genders ages 14+ for those who want to help get more girls building their social and emotional skills through biking. Learn more here about their eight-week season, where weekly 90-minute sessions are designed through age-appropriate lessons for riders focusing on a mix of emotional development and riding skills.
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McMillan/Parkview:
Wangari Gardens Spring Festival
May 4 - 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
@ Wangari Gardens (Park Pl NW between Irving St and Kenyon St NW)
Mark your calendar for the Wangari Gardens Spring Festival coming in May. Learn more here.
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Across Ward 5:
Ward 5 Family Biking: Star Wars Family Ride
May 5 - 10:30 a.m.
@ Ride begins at Trinidad Rec Center (1310 Childress St NE)
Mark your calendar for the next Ward 5 Family Biking family ride! The ride will begin at the Trinidad Recreation Center (1310 Childress St NE), and this police escorted ride will have some light hills. The rides go slow and take breaks. Kids of all ages and abilities are welcome on their own bikes, on cargo bikes, bike seats, bike trailers, or whatever works for your family. Costumes encouraged! The ride will end with a child-friendly festive time at Lost Generation Brewing. Food trucks La Michocana (Mexican) and Bun'd Up (Korean/Taiwanese) will be on site. Beer specials will be available for bikers that can show evidence of a W5FB sticker on their helmet, water bottle, or bike. As always, VEO, the mobility company, will be on site with giveaways! A few lucky adults will also receive Ward 5 Family Bike t-shirts. Learn more here.
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Brookland:
The Great Brookland Yard Sale
May 11 - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
@ All over Brookland (Map here)
The Great Brookland Yard Sale is a day for Brookland residents to host concurrent yard sales. It's a great way to sell, shop, and meet your neighbors. The Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association organizes this event annually. Learn more here.
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Bloomingdale:
Bloomingdale Community Day
May 18
@ Crispus Attucks Park
This is a beautiful day of community, food, music, sun, fun, and the Bloomingdale community's annual dog show! Mark your calendar. Do you want to help make the event a success? There are a variety of volunteer roles open and you can sign up here.
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Truxton Circle:
52 O ST Artist Studios - Spring Open Studios
May 18 - 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
@ 52 O St NW
Join 52 O St for their annual Spring Open Studios. Visit artists in their studios, shop local, and support DC art.
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Dupont Circle:
Around the World Embassy Tour
May 4 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
@ Embassies (many near Dupont Circle Metro Station and Van Ness/UDC Metro Station)
Travel the world as you experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of different countries during Embassy Day! Learn about all the participating embassies and make plans to attend here. Can't make it tomorrow? Enjoy embassy events and activities all month long during Passport DC.
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Anacostia:
Anacostia River Festival
May 4 - 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
@ Anacostia Park (Marion Barry Ave & Anacostia Dr SE)
2024 marks the tenth anniversary of the Anacostia River Festival presented by the 11th Street Bridge Park, the National Park Service, and National Cherry Blossom Festival. On May 4, visitors can experience Southeast DC’s vibrant arts scene and shop locally from talented entrepreneurs east of the river. Guests can explore the beautiful Anacostia watershed with activities and fishing at the Anacostia River Festival. Enjoy sounds from the Navy Band, Adamare Music, & Junkyard Band. It's free & family friendly! Learn more here.
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Congress Heights:
Black Mamas Wellness Community Day
May 11 - 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
@ Sycamore & Oak (1110 Oak Dr SE)
The Arika Trim Foundation and Councilmember Christina Henderson are happy to invite you to their annual Black Mamas Wellness Community Day! This is a FREE event and open to women at every stage of motherhood (and their families)! During this event you will be able to connect with:
✔️doulas and lactation services,
✔️birth and newborn education,
✔️safe sleeping workshops,
✔️mental and physical health information,
✔️and car seat vouchers!
You won’t want to miss this event! You can learn more at: arikatrimfoundation.org.
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Most clicked links from last week's newsletter (not just news!):
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A highlight of my week was attending A Night With Labor to celebrate local labor leaders and welcome the incoming President of the Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO, Samuel Epps, IV. Sam is a longtime leader and powerful voice in the District's vibrant labor movement, and I am proud to see him take on this new role. Workers are at the center of our economy and leaders like Sam—who are constantly making righteous demands of DC goverment on behalf of labor—are a force for ensuring they stay at the center of our policy-making, too.
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As always, I invite you to use this form to provide feedback on how we're doing. We'd love to hear from you anytime.
Yours in service and community,
Zachary
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Want to reach one of my staff members?
Save this directory to stay in touch with us.
Chief of Staff, Rachelle Roberts -
rroberts@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8918
Deputy Chief of Staff, Conor Shaw -
cshaw@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8172
Legislative Director, Kendra Wiley -
kwiley@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8192
Communications Director, Melissa Littlepage -
mlittlepage@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8028
Constituent Services Coordinator, Carlos McKnight -
cmcknight@dccouncil.gov, 202-478-2456
Constituent Services Coordinator, Oliver Stoute -
ostoute@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8107
Constituent Services Coordinator, Sam Bonar -
sbonar@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-1344
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