Links not working for you? View this email in your browser →

World Bonsai Day at the U.S. National Arboretum last weekend (May 9-10, 2026).

Welcome to the new and improved Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter! We are trying out a new email platform to improve deliverability and ensure neighbors are connected to all the latest Ward 5 updates from my office. If you happen to be viewing this newsletter from your browser or had it forwarded to you, take a moment to subscribe here. While we work to get the full newsletter archive up on zacharyparkerward5.com, you can still check out past editions of the newsletter here.

I am excited to share that clean-up locations and times are now available for our Healthy Communities Spring Cleaning on May 30! Pick a clean-up site near you, and register to participate at ward5.us/springclean. We're joining neighbors all across Ward 5, from Arboretum to Stronghold, to keep our communities clean and beautiful. We also look forward to connecting with neighbors at Riggs Park Day later that afternoon. Come say hello!

Budget season continues with many hearings on the Council. Next week, committees will hold markups to make decisions about the budgets for agencies under their purview. It is no secret that the Mayor's FY27 proposal presents numerous challenges. My colleagues and I will be working to address issues including funding for permanent supportive housing (PSH) vouchers, ERAP, healthcare, childcare workers and the childcare subsidy, family success centers, capital projects, and the large gap in funding for charter schools just to name a few. Stay tuned: next week's newsletter will have more details after markups about how the Council is working to fund vital programs and pass a balanced budget.

public safety updates; a Safe Routes to School survey; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; a reminder to provide feedback on the draft Future Land Use Map until May 17; a constituent services event with my office on May 21; the Bladensburg Bus Garage Reconstruction Project spring community meeting on May 21; ANC and civic association meeting recaps; legislative updates in Neferteria's Nook; updates from the Committee on Youth Affairs including the budget oversight schedule; programs to benefit from featuring youth internship and employment opportunities; and community events including the Wangari Gardens Spring Festival tomorrow, May 16.

Last weekend, my team stopped by the Bates Area Civic Association's annual Flower Power: Neighborhood Beautification and Tree Box Planting Day! It was beautiful weather for bringing some color and greenery to the community. 

Also on Saturday, I was honored to give opening remarks at the U.S. National Arboretum's celebration of World Bonsai Day. This event celebrated the art of bonsai and the beauty of international friendship. We recognized the 50th anniversary of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum, and I enjoyed spending time with Japan's Ambassador to the U.S., Shigeo Yamada. Japan gave the first bonsai trees to the museum 50 years ago, and this year they gave the U.S. an additional 250 cherry blossom trees in honor of the country's 250th anniversary. Japan also gifted the U.S. National Arboretum a bonsai that is more than 400 years old and survived the Hiroshima atomic bomb. It is on display at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. 

On Monday, budget oversight hearings continued in the Committees on Health and Transportation and the Environment. I also had the opportunity to chat with advocates from the DC LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition to discuss priorities including funding for housing vouchers and supports for LGBTQ+ youth.  

On Tuesday, the Council met as a group for an informal budget conversation ahead of markups next week. In the afternoon, I chaired the Committee on Youth Affairs budget oversight hearing for the Ombudsperson for Children (OFC) and Child and Family Services agency (CFSA), which stretched well into the evening. 

You can read more about Tuesday's budget oversight hearing in the Committee on Youth Affairs section of the newsletter below. A key area of concern we heard about from public witnesses was on proposed cuts to CFSA's funding for family support collaboratives.

Wednesday, the Committee of the Whole held a budget oversight hearing on the entire FY27 proposal from the Mayor. If interested, you can still submit written testimony here.

Yesterday was full of meetings with colleagues, advocates, neighbors, and various budget coalitions on the many challenges we are facing in the FY27 budget. Committees are hard at work coordinating on closing gaps and making funding adjustments before next week's markups. 

Today, my constituent services team was out in North Michigan Park connecting with neighbors about upcoming events and ways to stay in the loop on my office's work. Check out the Ward 5 Updates section below for details on our next Constituent Services Office Hours event coming up on Thursday, May 21. We hope to see you there!

The team also stopped by the Older Americans Month Celebration at the North Michigan Park Recreation Center. 

Today, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that she will now prosecute parents of juveniles who are cited for violating the youth curfew. She also announced that parents will be held accountable with a fine, parental classes, and/or up to six months in jail—even if the juvenile is not charged with anything. I disagree with U.S. Attorney Pirro's approach and reject this proposal outright for two reasons. First, I reject all federal intervention in local affairs. Our local government entities—from the Mayor to the Council to our public safety agencies including MPD—are fully capable of handling local issues without federal overreach. Yes, there is a role for parents to play in keeping youth off our streets and engaged in productive activities, but carceral approaches are wrong and promise to fall flat. Secondly, I have said repeatedly over the past year in response to disturbing juvenile activity, I am solutions-oriented. In the Council's current budget process, I am working with my colleagues to: 1) expand hours at DPR facilities as we heard repeated requests for this at my April 30 Youth Roundtable, 2) empower BIDs and Main Streets to create pop-up activations for young people to stay productively engaged, and 3) strengthen job opportunities and pathways for youth. Again, I reiterate the need for a comprehensive youth agenda. Our only way out of this is addressing the root causes. 

Fire in Bloomingdale

On Saturday, May 9, DC Fire and EMS responded to reports of a fire in the 1700 block of 1st St NW in Bloomingdale. This was a two alarm fire, beginning on a rear porch and extending to the interior of two row houses. My team was on the scene to ensure that the 11 residents who were displaced got connected to services and resources through the Red Cross. 

MPD 4D Commander Promoted

The Commander for MPD's Fourth District, Nikki Lavenhouse, was recently promoted to Assistant Chief, Patrol Services South. I want to thank Assistant Chief Lavenhouse for her service to Ward 5 during her tenure as the 4D Commander (covering Fort Totten, Riggs Park, Queens Chapel, and North Michigan Park) and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. The new Fourth District Commander is David Hong. My office looks forward to working with Commander Hong to promote safety for Ward 5 residents. We have invited Commander Hong to participate in the next Ward 5 Public Safety Call; stay tuned.

Crime Stats

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. Don't see a public safety incident covered in this newsletter that you have questions about? Please always feel free to reach out to my office directly anytime by phone (202-724-8028) or email (ward5contact@dccouncil.gov).

Check out the Office of Planning's draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM) here. This draft map is part of OP's work in fully rewriting the District's Comprehensive Plan for the first time in nearly 20 years. Neighbors are invited to weigh in with their thoughts about the draft FLUM. While I am glad to see some positive proposals for the Rhode Island Ave corridor, the map leaves Ward 5's industrial land completely untouched. This perpetuates existing inequities and maintains the status quo of environmental injustice. Share your feedback here by May 17!

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 18: Installation of New High intensity Activated CrossWalk (HAWK) Signal at the Intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and 17th Street NE — Read and comment here (NOI-26-100-MSED)
   
• Closes for comment on May 20: Removal of Residential Permit Parking Signs on 3300 block of 12th Street NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-113-TPA)
   
• Closes for comment on May 26: Centerline Hardening at Bladensburg Road NE between Benning Road and Neal Street NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-69-MSED)
   
• Closes for comment on May 28: Bicycle Facility Treatments, Pedestrian Facility Treatments, School Zone Treatments, Vehicular Routing Changes, Parking Changes at 4th Street NE, Edgewood Street NE, and Douglas Street NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-68-MSED)
   
• Closes for comment on June 8: Installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB), Installation of New Crosswalk and ADA Ramps at 1st Place NE and Galloway Street NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-125-MSED)

Join the Department of Buildings (DOB) for a hybrid workshop on Tuesday, May 19 from 12:00 - 3:30 p.m. designed to help homeowners and tenants better understand how proper permits and inspections help keep their property safe and compliant with the law. Learn more and register to attend here. 

Join my Constituent Services Team on May 21 at Taft Dwight Mosley Field (1800 Perry St NE) for walking around the track and getting help with any constituent services related issues. Come and go anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Registration is now open for the Bladensburg Bus Garage Reconstruction Project community engagement meeting on Thursday, May 21, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Join Metro virtually or in-person at the Woodridge Neighborhood Library (1801 Hamlin St NE) for their spring community meeting to discuss recent project updates and engage with Metro's project leaders. Visit wmata.com/BladensburgBusGarage to register.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host two public forums for DC residents to learn more about the development of the fiscal years 2026-2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and to comment on the project listings. The DC STIP is a federally required multi-year listing of all upcoming projects that will be funded with federal dollars. The most recent update to the DC STIP was completed in March 2023 and includes programming for fiscal years 2023-2026. It is continuously revised to reflect the District’s evolving needs. DDOT will release the draft 2026 – 2029 STIP for formal public review on May 15. The below meetings will be an opportunity to learn more about the development of the program and ask questions. The public comment period will close on Monday, June 22. To learn more about the project, please click here.

• May 28 - In-person forum
  • 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • DDOT Headquarters (250 M St SE)
• June 4 - Virtual forum
  • 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Click here

Phelps Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) High School has limited seats available in 9th and 10th grade for the 2026-2027 school year. Take advantage of this access to a great education with opportunities in electrical, carpentry, nursing, JROTC, and more. Apply now at myschooldc.org, or call 202-729-4360, email mia.langshaw@k12.dc.gov.

This week, my team attended the Eckington Civic Association, Queens Chapel Civic Association, ANC 5D, Arboretum Neighborhood Association, and ANC 5C meetings. Here's a brief recap:

• Eckington Civic Association (May 11 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team shared updates about the Council’s budget profits. I was happy to see several important Eckington investments in the Mayor’s proposed budget, including supplemental funding for the planned Eckington/Edgewood library, funding for a second entrance to the NoMA MetroRail station, and maintained funding for the modernization of Harry Thomas Recreation Center. My team shared that I am exploring ways to add guardrails to the Harry Thomas Recreation Center funding to ensure community priorities are advanced through the project. My team also shared that I recently introduced legislation proposing a renewed tax abatement for the Gale apartment building that would preserve affordable units at the building and that would require the building’s ownership to address housing maintenance code violations at the building.  
    
    
• Queens Chapel Civic Association (May 11 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team shared updates about our upcoming Healthy Communities Spring Cleaning, the ongoing budget process, the draft Future Land-Use Map (FLUM), and the passage of the Union Wesley Way Designation Act of 2025. Members at the meeting heard from a candidate for the DC At-Large Councilmember seat, and voted on changes to the bylaws. Members also expressed concerns about recent car break-ins, adding speed bumps to Queens Chapel Terrace, and a proposed one-way on Evarts St NE, where the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center is located.   
    
    
• ANC 5D (May 12 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team shared updates on budget oversight hearings and the draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM) feedback closing on May 17. They also shared with neighbors about our Healthy Communities Spring Cleaning on May 30. Both Commissioner McCray (5D06) and Commissioner Sauceda-Guzman (5D05) signed up to host clean-up sites in ANC 5D. Commissioner Sauceda-Guzman, chair of the commission's business committee, gave updates about the businesses in 5D: Northeast Market is up for sale and the site formerly known as Z Burger is close to signing a lease. Neighbors heard a presentation from William Spence with BreadCoin. Neighbors also heard a presentation from Alex Posorske with Veo Bike Rentals.  
    
    
• Arboretum Neighborhood Association (May 12 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team shared updates about the Ward 5 Healthy Communities Spring Cleaning event scheduled for May 30. Residents were encouraged to host or participate in cleanup sites throughout the ward, and neighbors discussed ongoing litter concerns along Bladensburg Rd NE and surrounding corridors, especially with trash blowing into the neighborhood from heavily trafficked roadways. Neighbors also discussed the draft Future Land Use Map and broader concerns related to industrial land use, transportation access, affordability, and development in the community. Additional conversation focused on the planned Safeway closure near Hechinger Mall, access to grocery stores and amenities, traffic congestion along New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road, and the importance of ensuring future development supports long term neighborhood needs and quality of life for existing residents.
    
    
• ANC 5C (May 14 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team shared updates on budget oversight hearings and the draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM) feedback closing on May 17. We also shared with neighbors about our Healthy Communities Spring Cleaning on May 30. The Arboretum Neighborhood Association signed up to host a site in ANC 5C. Due to feedback from neighbors, the commission spent the meeting reviewing a resolution in addressing concerns about DDOT proposals for Evarts St NE and Queens Chapel Rd NE. Meeting attendees voiced their concerns, and the commission did not vote on this resolution. 

Meetings my team will attend next week: 

• Sunday, May 17
  • 4:00 p.m.
    • Special Meeting: ANC 5A/5B Joint Committee on
      Taylor St Bike Lanes
      
      
• Monday, May 18
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • Bloomingdale Civic Association
    • Gateway Civic Association
      
      
• Tuesday, May 19
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • ANC 5E
    • ANC 5F
    • Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association
      
      
• Wednesday, May 20
  • 6:30 p.m.
    • Hanover Civic Association
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • ANC 5B
      
      

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:

• 5B & 5E: Oliver Stoute, ostoute@dccouncil.gov
• 5A, 5C, & 5D: Andrianna Lovelace, alovelace@dccouncil.gov
• 5F: Anniyah Brown, abrown@dccouncil.gov

Neferteria Brown is Councilmember Parker's Legislative Director. In this section of the newsletter, she gives updates on the Council's legislative meetings, committee hearings, and information about the legislative process. Have questions? You can reach Neferteria at nbrown@dccouncil.gov.

Committee of the Whole - Budget Legislation

On Wednesday, Councilmember Parker chaired a portion of the Committee of the Whole's Public Hearing for the following budget legislation:

• B26-0658 - Fiscal Year 2027 Federal Portion Budget Request Act of 2026
• B26-0660 - Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Emergency Act of 2026
• B26-0659 - Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026
• B26-0661 - Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026
• B26-0662 - Fiscal Year 2026 Revised Local Budget Emergency Act of 2026
• B26-0663 - Fiscal Year 2026 Revised Local Budget Temporary Act of 2026

The Councilmember asked public witnesses questions around several issues, including correction facility staffing, current leave and telework policies in the District, the supermarket tax incentive, and domestic violence funding through the Department of Human Services. The record will close 14 calendar days after the hearing date, but you may submit testimony as it relates to this legislation until then by clicking here.

This week, the legislative team continues the work of reviewing the budget, collaborating with other committees, and identifying funding priorities. We are now entering the budget markup phase, where committees will present their Report and Recommendations for their portions of the budget. Next week will be full of markups. Please click the links below to access more information and to watch markup meetings.

• Monday, May 18
  • 11:00 a.m.
    • Committee of the Whole, Subcommittee on Local Business Development
      • Report and Recommendations of the Sub-Committee on Local Business Development on the FY2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the FY2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Department of Small and Local Business Development
  • 1:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Facilities
      • Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Facilities on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Agencies Under Its Purview
        
        
• Tuesday, May 19
  • 9:00 a.m.
    • Committee of the Whole 
      • Budget Discussion
        
        
• Wednesday, May 20
  • 11:00 a.m.
    • Committee on Housing
      • Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Housing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Agencies Under Its Purview
  • 1:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Youth Affairs
      • Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Youth Affairs on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Agencies Under Its Purview
  • 3:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Health
      • Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Health on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Agencies Under Its Purview
        
        
• Thursday, May 21
  • 11:00 a.m.
    • Committee on Human Services
      • Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Human Services on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Agencies Under Its Purview
  • 3:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Executive Administration and Labor
      • Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Agencies Under Its Purview
        
        
• Friday, May 22
  • 11:00 a.m.
    • Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety
      • Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Agencies Under Its Purview
  • 1:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Transportation and the Environment
      • Report and Recommendations of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Agencies Under Its Purview
  • 3:00 p.m.
    • Committee of the Whole
      • Report and Recommendations of the Committee of the Whole on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 for the Agencies Under Its Purview

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

This week, the committee hosted more than 80 witnesses at its Child and Family Services (CFSA) and the Ombudsperson for Children (OFC) budget oversight hearing on Tuesday, May 12. The hearing gave us an excellent opportunity to understand the budget landscapes for both agencies, and Chairman Parker had the chance to speak with Director Jones-Jesz (OFC) and Director Torres-Trice (CFSA) about the budget pressures they are facing and expect to face over the next fiscal year. We heard from many witnesses about concerns with cuts to funding for family success centers. Overall, this important public forum gave the community the chance to voice what they need in 2027 and learn where the relevant agencies are on their ability to serve these needs and their agency mission.

If you would like to submit testimony for the budget hearings for CFSA or OFC, please do so here. If you would like to submit testimony for the budget hearing for DYRS, please do so here. Looking to next week, the Committee on Youth Affairs will hold its Budget Markup on Wednesday May 20. More information and ways to tune in are available here.

Join the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB) for an educational session with award-winning attorney Rebecca Geller designed to help DC residents understand how to organize and transfer their assets during their lifetime and after death. This event will take place on May 19 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library (5401 South Dakota Ave NE) and provide practical guidance on wills, trusts and estate planning essentials to protect your loved ones and secure your legacy. RSVP at DISBEstatePlanning.eventbrite.com.

Registration for DPR Summer Programs opened this week! Browse programs and register here!

DPR is now hiring for hundreds of positions to support summer programming in a wide array of roles, and the team is looking for talented, community-minded applicants to help make 2026 the best summer yet. Residents are encouraged to visit EarnWithDPR.com to search for jobs and view job descriptions and pay rates. Summer job opportunities with DPR include working at DPR pools, summer camps, support services, human services, park rangers, and more. 

The DC Office of Human Rights invites all DC high school students to apply for the Youth Human Rights Ambassador Program to learn about the laws and rights shaping the lives of youth. Applications are due by June 1, 2026. Learn more about the program and apply here.

The High School Internship Program provides work-readiness skills, project-based learning, life skills, leadership development training, and work opportunities for District high school students (grades 9-12), ages 14—21. The goal of the program is to help prepare District youth to successfully transition from high school into postsecondary education, advanced training, unsubsidized employment, or a career in the military. 

• For the youth application for the 2026 - 2027 HSIP Program click here.
• For the host application for the 2026 - 2027 HSIP Program click here.

Learn more about the program and apply by August 1, 2026 here.

Reservoir/Hospital:
Wangari Gardens Spring Festival
May 16 - 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
@ Corner of Kenyon and Park Pl NW
Join my team at Wangari Gardens' Spring Festival, featuring live music, workshops, yard games, and a community potluck!

Langdon:
Forest Patch Invasive Removals
May 16 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
@ Langdon Park Forest Patch (2901 20th St NE)
Join DOEE, Casey Trees, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and the Langdon Park Forest Stewards for several weekends of invasive removals to keep the forest patch healthy and thriving.

Eckington:
Ward 5 Family Biking Family Ride
May 17 - 10:30 a.m.
@ Meet at Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way NE), end at Right Proper Kitchen (716 Monroe St NE)
Join my team at this month's Ward 5 Family Biking Family Ride. Start at Alethia Tanner Park in Eckington and ride to the newly opened Right Proper Kitchen in Eckington. 

Lamond-Riggs:
Main Street Jazz Series
May 21 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
@ Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library (5401 South Dakota Ave NE)
Join District agencies and The Parks Main Street for a jazz series presented by the Greater Washington Urban League at the library! Free and open to the public.

Lamond-Riggs:
Riggs Park Day
May 30 - 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
@ Riggs-LaSalle Community Center (501 Riggs Rd NE)
Join neighbors for a Riggs Park celebration featuring food, music, activities, community resources, and more!

• Mayor Bowser's Budget Proposes Sweeping Changes to Mental Health Services in DC Schools, Raising Concerns (WAMU)
  
  
• Metro Wants to Expand Stadium-Armory Station to Handle Commanders Crowds (Axios DC)
  
  
• Consumer Group Says Regulators Should Roll Back Pepco Rates, Issue Refunds (WTOP)
  
  
• DC Students' Recovery from Learning Loss During the Pandemic Leads the Nation (WTOP)
  
  
• DC's Public Golf Courses Will Remain Open Under New Deal (NBC 4)
  
  
• Trump's Attempted Golf Course Takeover Threatens Years of Wildlife Conservation (The 51st)
  
  
• DC Howard Graduate Walks Across Stage After DC Community Helps Clear $7.5K Debt (WUSA9)

The highlight of my week was connecting with Brycen Dildy, a rising sophomore at Howard University, about how we can bring to life many of the ideas proposed by youth at my recent Youth Roundtable in the Committee on Youth Affairs. It is important to me that my door is always open to our young people, and I'm excited for what's to come.

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, 

Unsubscribe from future updates