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IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 

• Today - Ward 5 Day at The National Building Museum
• Tomorrow - Bates & Hanover Family Fun Festival
• Tomorrow - Greater Brookland Community Reunion
• August 4 - Bloomingdale Multi-Agency Blitz
• August 6 - Jazz in the Park @ North Michigan Park Rec
• August 6 - Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) Public Safety Walk
• Now until August 14 - Submit Feedback on RFK Draft Master Plan
• Now until September 15 - Council Recess
• September 19 - Ward 5 Day!
• ...and more!

The District's waterways, forests, and native gardens are precious commodities that drive our well-being. They are nature's air conditioning, filters, and ecosystem regulators that set the tone for how our communities feel and function. 

So when entities profiting off of District residents and business directly harm those natural resources, they are harming us. Today, Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced a significant resolution in a lawsuit against Fort Myer—one of the city's most prominent construction companies—for polluting DC waterways via their storage and maintenance facility in Ward 5 at 2237 33rd St NE. I am deeply grateful for Attorney General Schwalb's partnership in securing environmental justice for Ward 5 neighbors. Under the terms of a consent order, Fort Myer will:

• Pay $450,000 to the District. This includes $225,000 that will go directly to DOEE’s Water Quality Enforcement Fund.

  
  
• Make extensive improvements at its property to prevent future pollution. Pursuant to a negotiated Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Fort Myer must install new runoff control structures, drains, and filters, upgrade existing drainage infrastructure, remove decommissioned equipment and vehicles from its property, and make other changes to prevent future water pollution events. The company must also perform maintenance on its existing infrastructure.
  
  
• Submit data showing its progress to the District for three years. Fort Myer must conduct weekly compliance inspections, conduct laboratory tests of water quality from stormwater outfalls on the property, and submit monitoring photos taken during one rain event a month to DOEE. The company must submit monthly reports to the District describing actions taken the previous month, including, when applicable, lab test results, monitoring photos, and inspections.
  
  
• Face monetary penalties for any violations of the agreement. If Fort Myer fails to conduct required compliance inspections, water testing, photo monitoring, and specified equipment and facility improvements, it could face additional penalties for non-compliance with the settlement.

While I am clear-eyed that the work of environmental justice is a long and difficult road following generations of harm, resolutions like this one are a meaningful step in the right direction. Healthy communities for Ward 5 neighbors means clean air, thriving waterways, and lush forests. 

Expanded Recreation Center Hours

One of the concerns I hear about most often from neighbors is the lack of regular access to our recreation centers. Shorter hours, programming limitations, and staffing issues all contribute to the problem. For years, my Council colleagues and I have worked with DPR and the Mayor's office to express the need for more access to rec centers, including through the introduction of legislation. 

We are making a small step in the right direction this summer with new expanded weekend hours at four DPR locations, including Turkey Thicket in Ward 5. These four locations will now be open until 11:00 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, and from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. There's more work to do to keep expanding hours and investing in reliable facilities that are accessible to all residents, so stay tuned for updates in the fall legislative season. 

This week, my team's community events focused on directing District agencies toward long-standing constituent concerns continued with a multi-agency blitz in Fort Lincoln. Thank you to all the neighbors who joined us to point out problem areas and to agency representatives from MPD and DPW for addressing many issues in real-time. 

These efforts continue next week with a multi-agency blitz in Bloomingdale on Tuesday, August 4. Join my office with ANC 5E commissioners from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. starting in the 2400 block of 1st St NW. We'll tackle issues around illegal dumping, rat abatement, and vacant and blighted buildings. We hope to see you there!

My team will also host a public safety walk along the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) on Thursday, August 6 to address numerous recent safety incidents, especially on the stretch from 8th St/Dew Drop Inn down to Alethia Tanner Park. You can find more details about the walk in the Ward 5 Updates section of the newsletter below.

Finally, one of the ways I am taking advantage of Council Recess is by conducting a Ward 5 Housing Conditions Tour. My team and I kicked off the tour last week with our first stop: the Hecht Warehouse in Ivy City. The visit brought together residents, management, and District agencies like the Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) and Department of Buildings (DOB) to implement solutions for recurring issues. We also walked the neighborhood to document and escalate issues with illegal dumping, conduct outreach to homeless encampments, and flag concerns for DPW and DDOT around parking enforcement and traffic safety. Stay tuned for our next stop!

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

public safety updates including a Public Safety Walk on the Metropolitan Branch Trail on August 6; the Department of Buildings listening session on residential building codes on August 6; a reminder to submit feedback on the draft RFK Campus Master Plan by August 14; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; Committee on Youth Affairs updates; programs to benefit from featuring free breakfast in Bloomingdale tomorrow and open registration for the DC Senior Games; and community events including the Bates & Hanover Family Fun Fest and the Greater Brookland Community Reunion, both tomorrow! Keep scrolling for more.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, my Deputy Chief of Staff, Conor Shaw, and my Committee Director for the Committee on Youth Affairs, Thomas Franco, joined me at the National Conference of State Legislatures 2026 Legislative Summit in Chicago, IL. It was an inspiring time of learning about legislative initiatives across the country, and Thomas and I even ran into a Ward 5 neighbor, Sharlene Bagga-Taves (pictured below)!

Also on Wednesday, my team hosted a multi-agency blitz alongside ANC commissioners and neighbors in Fort Lincoln to identify and address neighborhood concerns. Neighbors pointed out hotspots where illegal activity and abandoned vehicles regularly pop up. The walk also focused on illegal dumping issues and how neighbors can escalate them to the Environmental Crimes Unit within MPD and DPW. My team documented illegal dumping in wooded/wetland areas and escalated concerns about improperly parked scooters and bikes. Additionally, DPW Parking Enforcement conducted a sweep focused on illegally parked vehicles and registration/tag violations. We are also following up to determine agency and/or business responsibility for maintaining areas of land throughout Fort Lincoln that are having issues trash and overgrowth issues.

Later on Wednesday, I took time to chat with WUSA 9's Lorenzo Hall about opioid overdose rates in the District, areas of concern in Ward 5, and what we can do to improve outreach and support services for neighbors impacted by the opioid crisis. I am proud of the progress we've made so far, including targeted investments for outreach programs in specific Ward 5 neighborhoods in FY24 ($400K), FY25 ($800K), and FY26 ($796K). We're seeing those investments pay off with steep declines in the number of overdose deaths (a nearly 40% drop), but there's more work to do to ensure neighbors are safe and have the resources they need to break free from addiction. 

Yesterday, I spoke with WUSA 9's Rafael Sanchez-Cruz about DoorDash doubling down on their affront to Home Rule as they continue to lobby Congress on a bill that would cripple our right to self-governance. I will say it again: I refuse to support any business that doesn't support the District. I'm calling on DoorDash to apologize, retract their previous statements and lobbying undermining DC, and demonstrate a meaningful commitment to DC Statehood. 

Today, Ward 5 residents get free admission to the National Building Museum and their fun new exhibit, THE PLAYGROUND. Head there between 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. to beat the heat, connect with my team, and have fun!

Recent Incidents

MPD is investigating a pedestrian fatality that occurred in the park area at the intersection of South Dakota Ave NE, Bladensburg Rd NE, and Franklin St NE on Monday, July 27, 2026 at approximately 12:45 a.m. Anyone with knowledge of this incident should call the police at 202-727-9099 or text your tip to 50-411. I am sending my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Shana Battle during this difficult time. This is a horrific tragedy that highlights the urgent need for traffic calming measures along this segment of South Dakota Ave. My team recently joined DDOT and community members for a walk to learn more about their plans for new traffic safety measures on South Dakota Ave from Bladensburg Rd NE to Hamlin St NE, and we are eager to see those implemented. 

MPD is also investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at approximately 10:38 p.m. in the unit block of New York Ave NW. Anyone with knowledge of this incident should call the police at 202-727-9099 or text your tip to 50-411. 

Public Safety Walk on Metropolitan Branch Trail

Following several recent concerns raised by residents regarding safety along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, my office will be hosting a Public Safety Walk with the Eckington Civic Association, ANC 5F commissioners, and MPD on August 6 from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details soon!

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. 

Enjoy one of DPR's beloved traditions, Jazz in the Park, all summer long with several performances in Ward 5 at North Michigan Park (1330 Emerson St NE) on August 6, August 13, and August 27. All performances take place from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Learn more here. 

The District recently released a draft master plan for the future RFK campus that includes new housing, parks, improved access to the Anacostia River, retail, and the proposed Commanders stadium, with at least 30% of new homes designated as affordable. The plan reflects community input gathered so far, but additional feedback is sought before the proposal is finalized this fall. Neighbors are encouraged to review the draft plan and share their thoughts during the public comment period to help shape the future of the RFK campus. Residents can submit feedback online here through August 14. The city will also host community meetings and an in-person public hearing on August 1 before finalizing the master plan. 

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 August 20: Installation of Government-Only Parking Zone along the 1500 block of Eckington Place NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-203-TPA)
  
  
• Closes for comment on August 26: Installation of Crosswalk and Daylighting at Jefferson Street and Jamaica Street NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-208-PSD)
  • This NOI is in conjunction with a DDOT Sidewalk Gap Project, installing a new sidewalk along Jamaica St NE. Impacted property owners were mailed notices by DDOT in March. Learn more about Sidewalk Gap Projects here. 

There were no ANC or civic association meetings this week, and there are not any scheduled next week. Many ANCs and civic associations take a break from monthly meetings in August. 

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, & 5F: Oliver Stoute, ostoute@dccouncil.gov
• 5A, 5C, & 5D: Andrianna Lovelace, alovelace@dccouncil.gov

One of the Committee on Youth Affairs' priorities is improving services and programs for youth impacted by our juvenile justice system. This week, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) announced a partnership with the Twinning Project and D.C. United soccer team as they launch a new program at the Youth Services Center (YSC). On July 27, 2026, experienced coaches from D.C. United and the D.C. United Academy began working alongside DYRS staff to deliver soccer‑based courses designed to enhance participants’ physical and mental well-being and promote prosocial behavior. The initiative uses the power of sport to help youth build confidence, strengthen decision‑making abilities, and discover new avenues for personal growth. Through this partnership, D.C. United coaches will deliver a dynamic blend of classroom-based learning and on‑the‑field soccer instruction to DYRS youth. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, teamwork, and lifelong learning, providing DYRS youth with practical skills they can carry far beyond the program.

Tomorrow, Saturday, August 1 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., St. George's Episcopal Church (160 U St NW) will serve a hot, nutritious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and turkey bacon to anyone in need. Dine-in service and carry out bags are available. 

Registration for the DC Senior Games is open now! The games will take place across several venues from August to November. Participants may qualify for the next National Senior Games in July 2027 in Tulsa, OK. Learn more and register here.

Join the UDC-CARES program youth farm-to-table workshops at the Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market on Fridays. Learn more about times, topics, and how to participate on August 14 here. 

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.

Arboretum:
Summer Evening Hours

Weekdays thru August 28 - open 'til 8:00 p.m.
@ U.S. National Arboretum
Enjoy the arboretum during longer summer days with special evening hours. On weekdays, the Arboretum will be open until 8:00 p.m. On Fridays, enjoy a variety of food trucks!

Bates & Hanover Area:
Family Fun Festival

August 1 - 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
@ Dunbar Auxiliary Field (1417 3rd St NW)
Join the Bates and Hanover Civic Associations for a fun summer event with a little something for everyone: food, music, games, face painting, vendors, giveaways, and more. The weather looks like it will be good for Saturday, but if things change, the rain date for the event is August 8.

Brookland:
The Greater Brookland Community Reunion Summer Event

August 1 - 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
@ Turkey Thicket (1100 Michigan Ave NE)
Join the Greater Brookland Community Group for a reunion honoring community centenarians and community activists. The event will feature food, music, a moon bounce, vendors, and more. 

Brentwood:
Community Day and Backpack Giveaway

August 1 - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
@ 1251 Saratoga Ave NE
Join Israel Baptist Church and Isle of Patmos Baptist Church for a back-to-school bash, complete with free school supplies and backpacks, music, games, and more. 

Deanwood:
19th Annual Community Day

August 1 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
@ Deanwood Community Center (1350 49th St NE)
Join the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Federal City Public Service Foundation for their 19th Annual Community Day, complete with free school supplies, live performances, family activities, and more. 

Anacostia:
Jazzy Sundays

July 12 - August 30 - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
@ 1234 Morion Barry Ave SE
Join District agencies, the Anacostia BID, and DCity Smokehouse on Sundays through the summer for live jazz and good vibes. Learn more and register for free tickets here.

• DoorDash Claims Supporting Home Rule, Backing Congressional Oversight Bill Are 'Not Mutually Exclusive' (WUSA 9)
  
  
• DoorDash Supported a Bill That City Leaders Say Increases Congress Oversight in DC Taxation. Now, a Local Lawmaker is Boycotting the Service (People)
  
  
• DoorDash Spurs Boycott Calls for Backing a GOP Effort to Block DC Tax Changes (WTOP)
  
  
• New Report Details 'Prolonged, Systemic Breakdown' in DC Crime Reporting (WaPo - free to read with this gift link for 14 days) 
  
  
• Why 600,000 Mosquitoes Are Being Released in DC This Summer (Washingtonian)

The highlight of my week was attending the National Conference of State Legislatures 2026 Legislative Summit. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity to dig into the latest policy research and learn from other state-level legislators from across the country. I left feeling inspired and grateful to serve Ward 5 and the District as a policy-maker and representative. 

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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