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IN THIS NEWSLETTER:  

• Tomorrow - Halloween!
• Sunday - Daylight Savings Time Ends (clocks go back one hour)
• Sunday - Last Day to VOTE Early!
• November 2 - Leaf Collection Begins in Section A
• November 3 - General Election Day (Last Day to VOTE!)
• November 5 - Public Hearing on Federal Presence
• November 6 - Union Wesley Way Street Designation Ceremony
• November 7 - Office of Planning Walking Tour in Ward 5
• ...and more!

It's hard to think of anything spookier this Halloween than not exercising your right to vote! 👻 There are only two days left of Early Voting (which ends Sunday at 7:00 p.m.). After that, your last chance is Election Day, November 3, from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Get out and vote, Ward 5!

This week, I sat down with two Ward 5 neighbors to talk about how culture and the arts make the District a more welcoming and safe city for all. Tune in to the Ward 5 Wave for my conversations with Ward 5 neighbors Rayceen Pendarvis and Rania Hassan who represent the very best of culture and art in Ward 5 and the District. 

On Tuesday, DC hosted the 39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race—a tradition that centers and celebrates our LGBTQ community. Just recently, the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs celebrated its 20th Anniversary. To chat about the significance of these events—and DC as the birthplace of Black Pride—Rayceen puts on the professor hat and breaks things all the way down. As you can tell by the photo below from the very first Black Pride event in DC in 1991, bringing together the LGBTQIA+ community, Rayceen has been at the center of the broader movement for a long time.  

Also on Tuesday, I joined colleagues and neighbors for the unveiling of a new, beautiful art installation in Ward 5 at the former "Dave Thomas Circle" (Florida Ave & New York Ave NE). Inspired by the remarkable legacy of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, for whom the new park and plaza at the intersection is named, Ward 5 neighbor Rania Hassan created a sculpture, "Curve." The sculpture weaves together Mamie's story as the first and only female pitcher in the Negro Leagues with her time as a nurse for 30 years at Sibley Hospital. On the podcast, Rania gives a behind-the-scenes perspective on the creation of the sculpture. Beyond the intersection's redesign and beautiful new park are important traffic safety statistics: travel times through the intersection have improved by 14%, red light camera violations have decreased 34%, and Capital Bikeshare rides through the area are up 16%! Tune in to this week's episode wherever you get your podcasts or visit ward5.us/podcast. 

There's lots more below from this past week that I hope you'll check out, especially the recap of Wednesday's Ward 5 Public Safety Call where we covered a lot of ground on recent incidents and action steps being taken to address neighborhood concerns. In the Ward 5 Updates section of the newsletter, be sure to also check out details about the Union Wesley Way Street Designation Ceremony on November 6, and the Office of Planning's Walking Tour in Ward 5 on November 7. 

I hope you have a safe and fun Halloween tomorrow! There are block parties and trick-or-treating routes all across the city, so be extra cautious if driving and take a moment to enjoy time with your neighbors. 

In today's edition of the Ward 5 Weekly, you'll also find: 

public safety updates; the start of leaf collection on November 2; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; Office of Planning Neighborhood Tours and Office Hours as part of DC2050 through December; an opportunity to weigh in on DC's 2030 Historic Preservation Plan (until November 6); a Roll-Off Day in Ward 5 on November 7; a community meeting about the food forest at the Trinidad Rec Center on November 12; legislative updates in Neferteria's Nook; programs to benefit from featuring the launch of Open Enrollment for health insurance on November 1; and community events including Woodridge Warriors Community Day tomorrow! Keep scrolling for more.

Last Saturday my team loved cheering on Ward 5 students and alumni at the Dunbar Senior High School Homecoming Parade. Congratulations to the Homecoming King and Queen, and to all the students and staff for a successful event!

On Sunday, my team stopped by the joyful Brookland Halloween Parade and Party in Noyes Park. There were so many creative costumes!

Monday and Tuesday were full of meetings, but Tuesday was especially fun as we took time to unveil Curve, a beautiful new sculpture by Ward 5 neighbor Rania Hassan, at the Mamie "Peanut" Johnson Plaza (Florida Ave and New York Ave NE). Beyond the gorgeous weather, it was helpful to witness the improvements to the Florida Ave & New York Ave NE intersection in person. 

Also on Tuesday, I joined the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety's public hearing on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in the District. There's still time to submit written testimony here, and you can watch the hearing back here. 

On Wednesday, my office hosted the Ward 5 Public Safety Call where we provided updates on recent incidents, efforts underway to improve public safety, and answered questions from neighbors. If you weren't able to join us, you can access the slides here and watch the recording here. 

Also on Wednesday, my team stopped by the Turkey Thicket Trunk-or-Treat for more costumes and Halloween-week fun.

Yesterday brought more meetings and two important oversight hearings—one in the Committee of the Whole on Budget Formulation, Execution, and Agency Overspending, and a joint hearing in the Committee on Health and Committee on Human Services on The DC Access System and Implementing SNAP and Medicaid Work Requirements. Both of these hearings brought eye-opening moments as we discussed the District's financial outlook and needs, alongside the propsect of thousands of neighbors losing their SNAP and Medicaid benefits. I will be digging more into these topics with agency leaders following these hearings. 

Yesterday evening, my team stopped by the 19th and Bennett Pl NE Halloween Carnival and Parade and the Carver Terrace Harvest Festival for more fall fun and spooky treats. 

Today, my team and I joined District agencies and community stakeholders in Ivy City for a public safety meeting and walk to address a number of outstanding concerns including recent assaults, encampments, and area cleanliness. We'll be following up with each agency to ensure follow-through on action steps to improve safety and neighborhood quality-of-life concerns. 

Recap of Ward 5 Public Safety Call - October 28

My office hosted the October Ward 5 Public Safety Call this past Wednesday, where we provided updates on major recent incidents—including along Sigsbee Pl NE near Turkey Thicket, at the Edgewood Recreation Center in Edgewood, and around restaurants and homes in Ivy City. Neighbors also had the opportunity to ask questions of MPD leadership from all three police districts that touch Ward 5 (3D, 4D, and 5D) as well as Beacon House, a non-profit serving youth through educational and recreational programming at the Edgewood Recreation Center. My team and I will be following up with each of the leaders who shared on the call to ensure action steps are taken on the key takeaways for each police district. If you weren't able to join the call, check out the recording here and the slides here. 

MPD Reports

• MPD announced the arrest of suspects in a series of armed robberies that occurred on October 20, 2026 between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m. in Northeast.
• MPD announced the arrest of a suspect in a homicide that occurred in January 2025 in the 600 block of Rhode Island Ave NE.

Crime Trends

You can find the latest crime statistics using MPD's Crime Cards here. Toggle the variables at the top of the page to zoom in on your own neighborhood. Public safety remains my top priority and if you ever have any concerns or questions, please reach out to my office directly at ward5contact@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8028. 

It's that time of year! The Department of Public Works (DPW) began leaf collection on November 2 for neighbors residing in Section A. If you are in Section A, be sure to have your leaves raked out by Sunday evening, November 1. Neighbors in Section B are up next and should have their leaves raked out by Sunday, November 15. Click here to learn more, look up your section, and track leaf collection live.

Join the DC Office of Planning (OP) for a tour and explore different neighborhoods through the lens of a planner or urban designer. This is an opportunity to hear OP thinks about guiding residential development, ask questions about projects in your area, and envision how your neighborhood could grow and change.

• October 24, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Northeast Library (330 7th St. NE) – RSVP
• November 7, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Turkey Thicket Rec Center (1100 Michigan Ave. NE) - RSVP
• November 14, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Marshall Heights Community Development Org. (3939 Benning Rd. NE) - RSVP
• December 5, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW) - RSVP

Have any comments or questions about DC 2050? Stop by the Office of Planning's virtual office hours. These office hours aim to connect you directly with OP planners, ask questions, and share what matters most to you. Whether you’re curious about what's going on with DC 2050, have ideas for your neighborhood, or simply want to learn more about planning in the District, the Office of Planning would love to hear from you. 

• October 28, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.: RSVP
• November 19, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.: RSVP
• December 2, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.: RSVP

The Department of Energy and Environment is excited to launch the Kingman and Heritage Islands Structures and Trails Design Project. They invite neighbors to provide feedback as they design new amenities, increase trail access, and support more learning and interaction with nature on Kingman and Heritage Islands. Learn more here, and consider joining one of the upcoming public engagement meetings: 

• October 26 @ 6:00 p.m.
  • Virtual Charrette on Place and Connection
• October 28 @ 10:00 a.m. - Southeast Neighborhood Library
  • Charrette on Place and Connection
• November 2 @ 6:00 p.m.
  • Virtual Charrette on Defining Characteristics
• November 10 @ 10:00 a.m. - Southeast Neighborhood Library
  • Charrette on Defining Characteristics
• November 14 @ 10:30 a.m. - Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library
  • Charrette on Defining Characteristics

Since 2023, I've introduced a series of street designation bills in honor of prominent Black figures and institutions with ties to Ward 5. I'm excited for the next street designation ceremony coming up on November 6, 2026 for Union Wesley Way in the Queens Chapel neighborhood. Join us from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at 1860 Michigan Ave NE as we celebrate the legacy of Union Wesley AME Zion Church. 

The draft of the 2030 Historic Preservation Plan is available for feedback and comments through November 6, 2026. You can provide comments by emailing historic.preservation@dc.gov. 

The Historic Preservation Plan helps to implement the Historic Features elements of the DC Comprehensive Plan. This includes both District Elements and Federal Elements addressing historic features. Other chapters, including the area elements and citywide topical elements also include some provisions related to historic preservation concerns.

The Department of Public Works is hosting the next Ward 5 Roll Off Day on November 7, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Arboretum Community Center (2412 Rand Pl NE). Bring your bulk/large, non-hazardous items to the community center for disposal. Learn more here. 

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 November 20: Removal of No Parking Entrance Zone in Unit Block of Q St NW - Read and comment here (NOI-26-280-TPA)

This week, my team attended the Edgewood Civic Association and ANC 5A meetings. Here are some quick recaps:

• Edgewood Civic Association (October 26 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team attended Edgewood Civic Association’s monthly meeting and shared information about the Ward 5 Public Safety Meeting. We also shared an update from the public safety roundtable held last week at Edgewood Rec Center after the recent shooting and next steps to help improve public safety in the neighborhood. We were also proud to let neighbors know that we secured the necessary funding for WMATA to restore the D36 bus service to Edgewood Street and WMATA plans to implement the change in December. Residents asked questions related to B26-0058, Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act of 2025 (aka Bottle Bill). The Committee on Transportation & the Environment is currently revising the legislation, and we look forward to sharing more details once available.
    
    
• ANC 5A (October 28 at 6:45 p.m.):
  • The commission invited Urban Atlantic, planned developer for the former Boys Town site, back to this month’s meeting to explain the request for zoning change related to subdivision of the lots. Community members requested more time to review the documentation to fully understand the request and implications and are coordinating with Commissioner Tim Thomas (5A02) to reconvene the discussion at his Single Member District meeting next week. The commission will then be briefed on that SMD discussion and decide whether or not to issue a Letter of Support at this time or defer to future pending negotiations. Catholic University presented their plans for campus changes in 2027, reconfirming their desire to be part of the community, preserve historic character, and ensure changes made do not have a negative impact on the community. The DC Office of Planning (OP) also presented on the 2050 Comprehensive Plan and shared about their event on November 7 at Turkey Thicket. Holland & Knight, representing the Cafritz Foundation, presented on upcoming plans for Art Place including new retail businesses such as Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, Menomale and some art spaces. Grid Alternatives shared their program for no cost solar. Finally, DC Water presented on their Lead Free program and next steps. 
    
    

Here are the ANC and civic association meetings my team will attend next week:

• Monday, November 2
  • 6:00 p.m.
    • Lamond-Riggs Citizens' Association
      
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • Bates Area Civic Association
    • Stronghold Civic Association
      
      
• Tuesday, November 3
  • 6:30 p.m.
    • Woodridge Civic Association
  • 7:30 p.m.
    • Fort Lincoln Civic Association
      
      
• Wednesday, November 4
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • North Michigan Park Civic Association

You can always view the schedule of upcoming ANC and civic association meetings that my team will attend on my website here. 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 team members:

• 5A & 5B: Kelley Cislo, kcislo@dccouncil.gov
• 5C & 5D: Andrianna Lovelace, alovelace@dccouncil.gov
• 5E & 5F: Oliver Stoute, ostoute@dccouncil.gov

The next Additional Committee of the Whole Meeting and Legislative Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

When a permanent bill is introduced by a Councilmember, a public hearing must be held. This gives the public a chance to weigh in on the bill, and the public gets to hear from government agencies who have some level of involvement with the bill. Once the hearing is held, the assigned Committee then looks at all of the testimony and can make changes to the bill as it goes through the mark-up process with that Committee.

Next week, the following hearings/meetings of note are scheduled:

• Wednesday, November 4
  • 9:30 a.m.
    • Committee of the Whole (Public Roundtable)
      • OSSE Division of Student Transportation
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to submit testimony, please click here. 
  • 2:30 p.m.
    • Committee of the Whole (Public Oversight Hearing)
      • Special Education
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.
  • 3:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Housing (Mark-Up)
      • B26-0495 - Condominium Insurance Amendment Act of 2025
      • B26-0597 - Housing Production Omnibus Amendment Act of 2026
      • If you would like to watch the Mark-up, please click here.
        
        
• Thursday, November 5
  • 9:00 a.m.
    • Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety (Public Hearing) 
      • B26-0549 - Safe Community Places and Policing Amendment Act of 2025 (co-introduced) 
      • B26-0603 - Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0618 - Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Amendment Act of 2026 (co-introduced)
      • Heightened Federal Law Enforcement and National Guard Activities in the District
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here. 
  • 10:00 a.m.
    • Committee on Health (Public Hearing)
    • B26-0854 - Saint Elizabeths Hospital Independence and Governance Amendment Act of 2026 (co-introduced)
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.

You can always access the full Council calendar by clicking here.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is inviting professional artists and artist-led teams nationwide to submit qualifications for a site-specific, three-dimensional public artwork at the future reconstructed Bladensburg Bus Garage. The artwork will serve as a welcoming landmark, located by the Bus Entrance along Bladensburg Road NE near 28th Street NE.

The commission is part of WMATA's Art in Transit Program, which brings high-quality public art to transit spaces across the region. Learn more and apply here by November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

This winter, every ward in DC is getting its own named snow plow, and DPW wants neighbors to pick those names. Submit your ideas here!

Coming up soon: the My School DC EdFest! Check out different schools, pick up some great giveaways, and find the best fit for your student. Save the date! Grades 9-12 will be on Saturday, December 5, and PK3-Grade 8 will be on Saturday, December 12. Both days will be 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. More details coming soon!

The Solar For All (SFA) Community Solar Program currently has open subscriptions available. Residents who enroll can save up to $500 each year on their electricity bills. The Community Solar model does not require any equipment installation. Subscribers receive solar credits directly on their Pepco bill, making this option accessible to renters, residents of multi-family buildings, and homeowners. To qualify, applicants must live in DC, pay a Pepco bill and meet the income guidelines. Community solar applications can be completed online.  

The Department of Energy and Environment and Catalyst Mobility are now accepting applications for the Multifamily EV Charging Assistance Program. This program offers free technical assistance and rebates covering up to 80% of project costs, including planning, equipment, installation, and maintenance for Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging located at or within a short walk of multifamily properties. Applications are now open, with project selection expected by December 2026.

DPR Communal Farms Weekly Veggie Giveaways have started back up at locations across the city. From now until November 25, 2026, stop by the below locations on select days each week to get free, locally grown fruits, veggies, and herbs. For more information, including how to volunteer, email joshua.singer@dc.gov.

• Ward 5: Edgewood Rooftop Farm (301 Franklin St NE)
  • Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Ward 7: Lederer Garden (4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE)
  • Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• Ward 1: Powell Communal Farm (3149 16th St NW)
  • Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Langdon:

Roving Leaders Drive-in Movie

'Beetlejuice'

October 30 - 6:00 p.m. activities, 7:00 p.m. movie

@ Langdon Park (2901 20th St NE)

Join DPR for a fun drive-in movie! Grab your blankets, load up the car, and join neighbors under the stars for a spooky movie during Halloween weekend. 

Woodridge:

Woodridge Warriors Community Day

October 31 - 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

@ Taft Field (1917 Otis St NE)

Join my team at the Woodridge Warriors Community Day, with a tribute honoring the legacies of Mason L. Clark and Jim "Beanie" Howell. 

Stronghold/Bloomingdale:

Wheels Up, Hay Down!

October 31 - 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

@ Reservoir Park (10 Lower Service Ct)

Join DPR for a fun-filled fall festival with treats, games, and family fun. Learn more here. 

Langdon/Woodridge:

Fall Festival

October 31 - 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

@ Woodridge Library (1801 Hamlin St NE)

Join DC Public Library for a day of fun, food, and festivities in the park behind the library, featuring a pumkin patch, bumper cars, and a children's costume parade. 

• As Affordability Concerns Persist, Could DC Reduce Parking and Traffic Fines? (Washington Sun)
  
  
• DDOT to Fine E-bike, E-scooter Companies for Failing to Move Improperly Left Devices (WUSA 9)
  
  
• Facing Staffing Crisis, DC Pours Nearly $500K into Public Safety Recruitment Campaign (City Cast)
  
  
• Nearly 89,000 Housing Violations Expose Gaps in DC Rental Oversight as Council Weighs Eviction Reform (Washington Informer)
  
  
• DC Region Slashes Ozone Pollution, Meets Federal Air Quality Standard (Capital Weather)
  
  
• What's Gone Up Even Faster Than Gas or Rent? The Cost of Caregiving (WAMU)

The highlight of my week was enjoying the flawless weather at Mamie "Peanut" Johnson Plaza while we celebrated Ward 5 neighbor and artist Rania Hassan for the unveiling of Curve. Check out the sculpture next time you're around Florida Ave & New York Ave NE!

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, 

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