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IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 

• Tomorrow - Rhode Island Avenue PorchFest
• Tomorrow - Ward 5 Family Biking Family Ride
• June 16 - DC Primary Election Day
• June 19 - Modified Government Services for Juneteenth
• June 19 - Summer Youth Meals Program Starts
• June 20 - Capital Pride Parade
• June 23 - Council's Second Vote on the FY27 Budget
• June 30 - DDOT North Capitol Street Virtual Meeting
• ...and more!

Residents practice using Ranked Choice Voting at a demonstration conducted by the Board of Elections in April.

The Council took its first vote on the FY27 budget this past Tuesday. We made significant progress considering where we started when we first received the Mayor's proposal in April. Complete cuts to essential lifelines like Family Success Centers, the Credible Messengers Program, Access to Justice, Alliance, and housing vouchers would have meant displacement, deepening poverty, and unnecessary hardship for thousands of District families. 

In addition to restoring funding for those critical citywide programs, I am also proud of the targeted investments we secured for Ward 5. While I am sharing an overview of our budget wins below, you can also check out this video for a more fun review of all the Council's efforts at Tuesday's vote.

• Highlights of wins from the Committee on Youth Affairs:
  • Restored funding for 5 of the 9 Family Success Centers (Bellevue, Carver-Langston, Brightwood, Congress Heights, Deanwood)
  • Restored $1.35 million for Safe Shores, DC's only children's advocacy center and a legally required participant in the Multidisciplinary Team on Child Abuse Investigations
  • Restored $2 million for the Credible Messengers program, a proven model of mentorship and reentry support for youth involved in our juvenile justice system
  • $385K to fully fund the SOUL Act, creating new permanency pathways for older foster youth
    
    
• Highlights of Ward 5 Wins:
  
  • Recreation and Schools
    • $15 million added to the Langdon Park Recreation Center modernization to ensure it can meet the needs and expectations of the community
    • Legislative language to bring DPR back to the table for both the Langdon and Harry Thomas Recreation Center projects to ensure design concepts match community feedback
    • $1 million for the New York Ave Recreation Center to put it on the map for modernization in future years
    • $7 million for a new HVAC system at Wheatley Education Campus
  • Traffic Safety and Transit
    • $6 million for WMATA to make Metrobus improvements across the District, especially in Ward 5 to bring the C63 back to Bladensburg Rd for seniors in Fort Lincoln, the D36 back to Edgewood St for seniors in Edgewood, and 24/7 bus access on the D32 along Rhode Island Ave NE
    • $150K to improve traffic safety on no-truck routes by installing new truck enforcement cameras
  • Business and Development
    • $350K in new small business grants along retail corridors on Rhode Island Ave NE and 12th St NE to stimulate economic development and bring amenities closer to where neighbors live
    • Legislative language compelling the Office of Planning to bring reforms that will address the concentration of industrial land-use in Wards 5, 7, and 8
      
      
• Highlights of Citywide Wins:
  • Restored $39 million to the Childcare Subsidy, bringing total for FY27 to $153.2 million 
  • Restored $60 million to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, bringing the total for FY27 to $72 million
  • Restored $37.4 million to the Alliance program to remove the age moratorium and keep neighbors on their health insurance
  • Restored 569 housing vouchers
  • Restored $31.8 million for Access to Justice, which helps provide free legal aid to residents in need
  • Restored $14.5 million for TANF recipients
  • Restored the workforce investment fund and paid family leave
  • Narrowed the charter school funding gap by 70%
  • Funded a youth financial literacy pilot program through an amendment I introduced on Tuesday that will study the impact of giving $50 a week to a small group of DC high school students
  • Created a dedicated LGBTQ+ Fund through an amendment I introduced on Tuesday to increase transparency in the funding of LGBTQ+ priorities and protect funding for community needs

In all the budget talk, school graduations and end of school year busyness, don't forget that it's time to vote! Early voting for the DC Primary Election began this past Monday, June 8. Early voting continues through this weekend on Saturday and Sunday at early vote centers (in Ward 5 - the Woodridge Neighborhood Library and Turkey Thicket Recreation Center) from 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. No polls will be open on Monday. Your last chance to vote will be on Tuesday, June 16 from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at election day vote centers. You can also mail your mail-in ballot (postmarked by June 16, 2026) or drop off your mail-in ballot at any drop box across the city. However you choose to weigh in, make sure your voice is heard and VOTE!

Looking ahead, the District will observe the Juneteenth holiday next Friday, June 19, and the Annual Capital Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 20. Be prepared for modified government services (sliding trash schedules, modified parking enforcement, and road closures) as the District observes the holiday and hosts multiple events and parades.  

public safety updates including the next Ward 5 Public Safety Call on June 24; a Roll Off Day near Ward 5 tomorrow; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; the start of the Summer Youth Meals Program on June 19; a DDOT meeting about Phase II of the North Capitol St Project on June 30; a recap of DPR's Ward 5 Capital Projects Update Meeting from June 4; ANC and civic association meeting recaps; legislative updates in Neferteria's Nook; updates from the Committee on Youth Affairs; programs to benefit from featuring a Homeownership Fair at the MLK Library tomorrow; and community events including the Ward 5 Family Biking Family Ride and Rhode Island Ave PorchFest, both tomorrow! Keep scrolling for more.

Last Saturday was a beautiful day of community at multiple events including the Carver-Langston Health & Resource Fair at Starburst Plaza, hosted by ANC 5D Commissioners McCray and Sauceda-Guzman, and the SonWray Community Care Day on Bladensburg Rd, offering free wash and dry services and hygiene kits for neighbors. Thank you to the many community leaders, District agencies, and local businesses who consistently make it a priority to support neighbors. 

On Monday, my team and I prepared for Tuesday's budget vote on the Council. In the afternoon, I headed over to Noyes Education Campus to connect with parents and teachers about their concerns with DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the Department of General Services (DGS) following several weeks of a raccoon infestation. While DGS reports the raccoons have all been removed, I am now asking DCPS and DGS to conduct thorough disinfecting and final walkthroughs to ensure the building is ready for summer school.

Monday evening, I attended Food & Friends' 33rd Anniversary 'Chef's Best' event. I am grateful for Food & Friends' incredible work in Ward 5 and across the District improving the lives of neighbors with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses by preparing and home-delivering medically tailored meals and groceries, providing nutrition counseling, and reducing social isolation. 

On Tuesday, the Council held its first vote on the FY27 budget. It was a long meeting with several important discussions and amendments. In addition to the wins shared in the introduction of this newsletter, you can also check out Neferteria's Nook below for a more in-depth look at the votes, amendments, and other items voted on at the Legislative Meeting. 

On Wednesday morning, I attended a meeting at Model Cities Senior Wellness Center with DDOT, ANC 5C commissioners, and residents to discuss proposed changes along Evarts St NE and Queens Chapel Rd NE. DDOT is preparing to make signage changes and add a raised crosswalk at Langdon Elementary School to improve safety for students and families coming to and from the school, and has also issued a new Notice of Intent for Queens Chapel Rd NE to restore parking spaces near Model Cities. 

Wednesday afternoon, I chaired a hearing in the Committee on Youth Affairs on two bills impacting child custody and grants for youth programs. Click the image below to watch a replay of the hearing on YouTube. You can also find a recap in the Committee on Youth Affairs section of the newsletter below.

Also on Wednesday, my team conducted a Public Safety Walk on the 1800 block of Providence St NE with MPD, the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Public Works (DPW), Department of Health (DOH), and Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) to address neighbors' concerns around crime, safety, trash, rodents, and nuisance properties.

Yesterday, my team attended two walks with DDOT along South Dakota Ave—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—to explore the two segments DDOT is preparing to bring improvements to as part of the South Dakota Ave Corridor Safety Project. Thanks to the ANC commissioners and neighbors who came out, and to DDOT for taking the time to answer questions and walk through the proposals. 

Also yesterday, I was honored to bring remarks at the Phelps ACE High School graduation. I reminded the Class of 2026 to never quit before the final buzzer, to be ready when their moment comes, and that nobody wins alone. You can watch a video of my remarks by clicking below. Congratulations again to all of our graduates this year! 

Today, my team attended the grand opening of the new Ivy City Pet Adoption Center (1516 Okie St NE). Run by Brandywine Valley SPCA, this new center expands their adoption operations and provides a newly renovated facility with rooftop play yards, free-roaming cat rooms, and on-site assistance for matching residents with adoptable pets. 

Ward 5 Public Safety Call

The next Ward 5 Public Safety Call will be on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Register to attend here. These recurring calls are a chance for neighbors to get the latest updates on crime incidents in the Ward, hear from District public safety agencies, and ask questions. More details about this month's guests coming 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. 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).

Tomorrow, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., the Department of Public Works and Zero Waste DC are hosting a Roll Off Day at The Park at LeDroit (286 V St NW), located just one block from Ward 5. DC residents are encouraged to bring their large, non-hazardous materials for disposal. Roll Off Days are free to attend. While pre-registration is not required, it is appreciated. Items accepted at Roll Off Days include: 

• household furniture
• old clothing (that cannot be donated)
• toys that cannot be donated (e.g., broken kiddie pools, playhouses, disassembled swing sets)
• mattresses and box springs (MUST be wrapped in plastic)
• bed frames
• old rugs and carpets

Learn more here.

From June 19 - August 23, 2026, youth ages 18 and younger have access to no-cost meals at over 100 sites across the city. Click here to learn more. Site information will be available soon. 

DC SUN Bucks provides $120 of grocery benefits to eligible students over the summer when kids aren't getting the meals they usually eat at school. Most students are automatically enrolled, but others need to apply. Check your enrollment and apply here. 

On Thursday, June 25 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., join the Office of Planning for a virtual webinar to review of the draft RFK Campus Master Plan. They will also share how neighbors can provide feedback during the public comment period (which will last for 45 days once opened). Click here to join the webinar. The meeting will be recorded and published here afterward. 

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 June 29: All-Way Stop at Hamilton Street and Rock Creek Church Road NE/Fort Totten Drive NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-158-PSD)
  
  
• Closes for comment on July 6: Revision to the Safety Treatment on Queens Chapel Road NE between Evarts Street and Douglas Street NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-159-MSED)
  
  
• Closes for comment on July 22: Curbside Change to Implement Metrobus Stop Rebalancing - Read and comment here (NOI-26-174-CPD)

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host a virtual public meeting for Phase II of the North Capitol Street Corridor Study, a multimodal transportation study for North Capitol Street NW between Massachusetts Avenue NW and Michigan Avenue NW. Click here to join on Tuesday, June 30 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The purpose of the workshop is for DDOT to re-engage with the community about the project and share concepts for widening sidewalks on North Capitol Street NW. The virtual meeting is an opportunity for community members to share their feedback on the project and their priorities for the corridor. DDOT staff will be available to answer questions and gather comments. For more information, please contact Ted Van Houten, DDOT Project Manager at theodore.vanhouten@dc.gov or (202) 716 - 5302. The project website is https://northcapitolstudy.ddot.dc.gov/.

On June 4 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom, DPR hosted a Ward 5 Capital Projects update meeting. This meeting gave the latest updates on projects at:

• Brentwood Recreation Center
• Carver Langston Park
• Crummell Community Center
• Fort Lincoln Recreation Center
• Harry Thomas Recreation Center
• Langdon Community Center Redevelopment
• Riggs and South Dakota Park 
• Taft Park & Field Improvements
• Turkey Thicket Recreation Center

If you missed the meeting, you can watch a replay here. You can also access the slides from the meeting here. 

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

• Eckington Civic Association (June 8 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • The association gathered for an ice cream and popsicle social followed by its regular June meeting. My team recapped last week’s hearing on the air permitting and enforcement legislation that I introduced as well as the tax abatement legislation that I have introduced to help improve housing conditions at the Gale Apartment Buildings. The association had a busy agenda that included planning for Eckington Day, an update about the installation of a little free library at Tanner Park, and shade structures at Tanner Park.  
    
    
• Queens Chapel Civic Association (June 8 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • The association awarded two Queens Chapel high school seniors with scholarships to help them with their future studies. They also elected members to serve on the Board, starting this fall. Current President Charlotte Lewis retains her seat and will continue to lead the association in the fall. My team provided brief updates on the Council’s budget process, the Avondale Shopping Center walkthrough, and additional federal funding secured for the new Riggs and South Dakota Triangle Park. 
    
    
• ANC 5D (June 9 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team gave updates our site visit with DPR, Commissioner Rhodes, and other community members at the Crummell Community Center site. DPR has started construction and shared the plans for the site with us. My team also shared updates on other community events we recently attended in ANC 5D including the Parent Resource Fair at Wheatley Elementary School and the Carver Langston Health and Wellness Fair. We also provided information about our Providence Street Public Safety Walk with MPD, DOB, DOH, DPW, and CSOSA to address some concerns neighbors had. Lastly, we thanked Commissioner Sauceda-Guzman and Commissioner McCray for hosting sites for our Healthy Communities Spring Cleaning on May 30. The commission didn’t meet quorum and couldn’t move any agenda items. 
    
    
• ANC 5C (June 11 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team updated neighbors about my attendance at the community meeting at Model Cities with DDOT and ANC commissioners regarding proposed traffic changes on Evarts St NE. We also thanked neighbors for attending the two walks with DDOT for traffic safety improvements as part of South Dakota Ave Corridor Safety Project. Lastly, my team let neighbors know that we are aware of the splash pad temporarily being offline at Langdon Pool this past Sunday and actions taken by DGS to get it back online quickly. The commission held an open comment session about the noise complaints with DC Brau. The commission voted in favor of grant applications for the Fort Lincoln Civic Association to obtain pool umbrellas and the DC Squared grant request for Rhode Island Ave Porchfest. Lastly, the commission held an open comment session about the resolution regarding DDOT projects near Model Cities Senior Wellness Center and Langdon Elementary School.  

Meetings my team will attend next week: 

• Monday, June 15
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • Bloomingdale Civic Association
    • Gateway Civic Association
      
      
• Tuesday, June 16
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • ANC 5E
    • Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association
      
      
• Wednesday, June 17
  • 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.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the Council held Committee of the Whole and Legislative Meetings and marked its first vote on the Budget. At the Committee of the Whole Meeting, the Council reviewed and thoughtfully considered the Committee of the Whole's packets, which can be accessed here under "Other Documents."

Councilmember Parker moved a number of amendments and spoke to the changes made by Chairman Mendelson in the packets, highlighting some of the wins for the Committee on Youth Affairs, including the SOUL Act and partially restored funding for Family Success Centers and Credible Messengers. The Councilmember praised inclusion of the Langdon Recreation Center and Harry Thomas Recreation Center modernizations, funding for the New York Avenue Recreation Center, new DMPED grants for Ward 5 business corridors, and WMATA Metrobus improvements for Ward 5. Councilmember Parker noted with concern that there was a significant amount of one-time funding, and "even if this budget does not see material changes between now and second reading, the Council is going to need to work on revenue…or…more seriously address cutting back our spending across government."

The Committee of the Whole's packets contained changes to the following bills:

• Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026
  • The Local Budget Act establishes the operating expenditures and capital budget authority for the District for Fiscal Year 2027. 
  • Councilmember Parker moved two amendments: 
    • The first amendment preserved LGBTQIA+ funding for fiscal year 2027, to be added to the LGBTQ Community Grant, which is described in the next section. 
      • This amendment was accepted without objection.
    • The second amendment funds the youth financial literacy pilot, which is also described in the next section.
      • The amendment passed with a vote of 9-4.
        
        
• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026
  • The Budget Support Act amends or enacts various provisions of law that support the implementation of a balanced Fiscal Year 2027 budget and financial plan. 
  • Councilmember Parker moved three amendments here: 
    • The first amendment establishes an LGBTQ Community Grant, which moves funds that were previously consolidated into a grant dedicated to LGBTQ+ priorities. This grant would go to a third-party community fund that would distribute the funds to individual providers. It would also allow the Mayor's Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs to more easily accept and leverage private donations.
      • This amendment was accepted unanimously.
    • The second amendment establishes a youth financial literacy pilot program that will provide a $50 weekly direct cash stipend for a period of 40 weeks to eligible students in participating schools in the District. This program would be evaluated for the impact of direct cash transfers on student wellbeing, attendance, and financial literacy.
      • This amendment passed with a vote of 11-2.
    • The third amendment requires the Office of Planning to submit a comprehensive plan that contains policies, maps, and elements intended to address the District's inequitable industrial land use policies. Historically, there has been a large concentration of industrial land in Ward 5—and to a lesser but nonetheless significant extent—in Wards 7 and 8.
      • Councilmember Parker made an oral amendment to remove the specific reference to Wards 5, 7, and 8, and insert the word District before "communities," which was accepted without objection.  
      • This amendment as changed passed with a vote of 12-1.

The Legislative Meeting was less eventful. Councilmember Parker introduced the LGBTQIA+ Pride Recognition Resolution of 2026, which was approved unanimously by all Councilmembers. The Council voted on the following bills which had been considered at the Committee of the Whole Meeting:

• Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026
• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026
  • Both of these measures, as amended at the Committee of the Whole Meeting, passed first reading unanimously.

Councilmember Henderson also introduced the following measure:

• Proposed Contract No. GAGA-2026-C-0049 with Curriculum Associates, LLC Disapproval Resolution of 2026
  • This measure would effectively cancel the contract that DC Public Schools (DCPS) has with Curriculum Associates, LLC—the providers of the i-Ready Online English Language Arts and Math Diagnostic Assessment Platform—for this coming school year. 
    • There was much discussion over the merits of the i-Ready platform, and Councilmember Henderson ultimately withdrew this measure, deferring to DCPS to make informed decisions about assessment programming for upcoming school years and holding them on their promise to provide needed technology guidance to schools. 

On Tuesday, June 23, the Council will have its second vote on the budget, specifically the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026, the Fiscal Year 2027 Federal Portion Budget Request Act of 2026, and the Fiscal Year 2026 Revised Local Budget Emergency Act of 2026. The third and final budget vote will be held on either June 30 or July 14.

A notable hearing coming up:

• Monday, June 15
  • 1:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Health
      • B26-0181 - Short-Term Disability Insurance Benefit Protection Clarification Amendment Act of 2025
      • B26-0427 - Cybersecurity and Accountability Act of 2025
      • B26-0588 - Captive Insurance Company Amendment Act of 2026
      • PR26-0689 - Board of Pharmacy Dr. Jewell Reddick Confirmation Resolution of 2026
      • PR26-0690 - Board of Pharmacy Dr. Stephanie Johnican Confirmation Resolution of 2026
      • PR26-0691 - Health Benefit Exchange Authority Executive Board John Auerbach Confirmation Resolution of 2026
      • 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.

Join DCHFA's and DHCD's Homeownership Fair on Saturday, June 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St NW)! Connect with local lenders, real estate agents, and community members while learning more about DC homebuying programs, credit repair options, and much more. This day will be filled with valuable information and helpful resources on buying a home. Learn more and register here.

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities will be hosting a Creative Community Meet and Greet on Thursday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in their gallery and front offices at 200 Eye St SE. This event is open for all creatives who wish to learn more about the agency, connect with other creatives and ask specifc application related questions for those that are in the middle of applying for Fellowship, Field Trip, and Arts Education grants. Learn more here.

Join the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB), the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and the DC Financial Literacy Council on Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus (5171 South Dakota Ave NE) for free financial empowerment information that helps District residents of all ages build generational wealth. Workshop topics include:

• Housing progams and resources
• Financial foundations
• Wealth building through investments
• Business programs and resources

Learn more and register 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.

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 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.

If you've received mail from the DC Health Link or Healthy DC Plan, it's important that you read the message and confirm required information. Visit Healthy DC Plan to learn more and ensure you keep your health insurance coverage!

If you are behind on your DC property taxes, your home may be included in DC's annual tax sale in July. Free legal help is available! If you're under 60 years old, call Legal Aid DC at 202-628-1161 (ext. 7). If you're 60 years old or older, call Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202-434-2120. Call by June 10!

Brookland:
Ward 5 Family Biking Family Ride

June 13 - 11:30 a.m.
@ Gather at Turkey Thicket (1100 Michigan Ave NE)
Join my team at Ward 5 Family Biking's June Family Ride. The ride will start at Turkey Thicket at 11:30 a.m. and the group will ride to Rhode Island Ave NE PorchFest. 

Rhode Island Ave NE:
Porchfest by DC Squared

June 13 - 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
@ Along Rhode Island Ave NE
DC Squared is bringing back their annual porchfest on June 13! Check out a variety of venues and enjoy food trucks, drinks, vendors, and more. Location details available here.

• 3104 South Dakota Ave NE
  
• 2318 Rhode Island Ave NE
• 2129 Rhode Island Ave NE
• 2015 Rhode Island Ave NE
• 1801 Hamlin St NE
• 1819 Hamlin St NE

Ivy City:
Bethesda Baptist Community Day

June 13 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
@ 1808 Capitol Ave NE
Join my team at this community event featuring food, games, music, face painting, giveaways, and more. 

Trinidad:
ANC 5D Historian Project

June 18 - 12:00 p.m.
@ Trinidad Rec Center (1310 Childress St NE)
Join ANC 5D commissioners as neighbors celebrate the rich history, people, and stores that shaped the neighborhoods of ANC 5D.

Langdon:
Forest Patch Invasive Removals
June 20 - 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.

Lamond-Riggs:
Main Street Jazz Series

June 25 - 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.

Edgewood:
Lacrosse Jamboree

June 27 - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
@ Edgewood Recreation Center (301 Franklin St NE)
Join DPR for a high-energy lacrosse event packed with scrimmages, msuic, and fun for all-ages. 

Fort Dupont:
Juneteenth Parade

June 19 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
@ Start at 2220 Branch Ave SE
Join District agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and neighbors for the Ward 7 Juneteenth Parade and Opal's Walk for Freedom. Learn more here.

Downtown:
Capital Pride Parade

June 20 - 3:00 - 7:30 p.m.
@ Starts at 14th & T St NW
Join District agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and neighbors for this year's Capital Pride Parade!

L'Enfant Plaza:
Metro Community Appreciation Block Party 

June 26 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
@ Metro HQ (300 7th St SW)
Join Metro as they celebrate the employees, retirees, and community partners who keep the region moving. Featuring food, music, and shuttles to viewing 1000- and 8000-series railcars at the Great American State Fair. Learn more here.

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.

• The Collins DC Council Report: In First Reading, Council's FY27 Budget Partially Restores Key Programs (Washington Informer)
  
  
• DC Council Votes to Restore Social Services, Defying Bowser Cuts (NOTUS) 
  
  
• Noyes Elementary School Community Demands Action on Month-Long Raccoon Infestation (WUSA 9)
  
  
• A New Effort to Curb DC's Rat Population (WTOP)
  
  
• DC Water Rushes to Repair Another Damaged Section of the Potomac Interceptor (WUSA 9)
  
  
• DC's Tick Season Could Be Worse This Year. Here's How to Stay Safe. (WAMU)

The highlight of my week was being with Class of 2026 graduates again as I brought remarks at the Phelps ACE High School graduation! One of the lessons I reminded students of was that nobody wins alone. Graduations are a symbol of the many committed individuals—from administrators, teachers, counselors, and more, to family members, neighbors, and friends—who all work together to help our young people succeed. Thank you to everyone who helped get our students across the finish line this year. To the Class of 2026: you did it!

Councilmember Parker with Glenn Starnes from DCPS Central Office

before the Phelps ACE High School Graduation.

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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