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IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 

• Tomorrow - Ward 5 Day!
• September 20 - DC Bike Fest in Eckington
• September 22 - DHCD Workshop on TOPA and RENTAL Act
• September 24 - DPR Meeting for Harry Thomas Rec Modernization
• September 26 - Rescheduled Queens Chapel Community Day
• September 26 - DCPS Back-to-School Block Party
• September 29 (rescheduled) - DPR Ward 5 Capital Projects Meeting
• ...and more!

Tomorrow is the biggest party of the year celebrating all things Ward 5! I hope to see you there. We'll have food from more than a dozen Ward 5 restaurants (oxtail pizza, anyone?), live go-go from Sirius Company, a soccer clinic with DC United, go-karts and moon bounces, line dancing, community resources, and so much more. Bring the block and let's celebrate Ward 5!

The celebration will also include a moment of recognition and remembrance for Ms. Romaine B. Thomas, a pillar of the Ward 5 community who passed earlier this year. Ms. Thomas was a remarkable education and civic leader, the wife of former Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Sr. and the mother of former Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. Ward 5 Day was originally started by Harry Thomas, Sr., and when I came into office, Ms. Thomas asked that I honor his legacy by reviving the annual celebration. I am proud to have done so and this will be an extra special Ward 5 Day as we celebrate her legacy. Ward 5 Day as we know it wouldn't be possible without her!

I also want to wish neighbors a very Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! With all that has happened in our city and among our Latino and Hispanic communities over the last few years, it is more important than ever that we celebrate the rich culture, history, and heritage of Latino and Hispanic residents. We are stronger together and woven together into the fabric that makes healthy communities. Let's all continue to push back on the federal overreach and interference that threatens to separate family members and uproot lives from our beautiful city. 

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

public safety updates; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; a DHCD workshop on TOPA and the RENTAL Act on September 22; a meeting with DPR about the Harry Thomas Rec Center Modernization on September 24; DPR's next Ward-by-Ward capital projects updates meeting for Ward 5 on September 29; the next Burroughs Elementary School Modernization Community Meeting on September 29; programs to benefit from featuring the Block-by-Block Walks with Age-Friendly DC; and community events including DC Bike Fest in Eckington on Sunday and  Hispanic Heritage Month events across the city! Keep scrolling for more.

Last Sunday, my team and I kicked off Ward 5 Week with dozens of neighbors at the Langston Golf Course for the Official Tailgate + Watch Party of the Commanders' season-opening game. Thanks to everyone who came to enjoy the beautiful setting, delicious food, and an exciting game!

On Monday, Ward 5 Week continued with Yoga in the Park in the U.S. National Arboretum. We could not have asked for more beautiful weather or a more peaceful backdrop for this energizing yoga class. I learned that Ward 5 is full of yogis!

On Tuesday, I linked arms with the DC KinCare Alliance for a rally in front of the Wilson building in honor of Kinship Care Month. This month celebrates all the grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other family members who have stepped up to take care of children when their parents cannot. Through legislation and oversight, we've been able to make significant strides in increasing support for kinship caregivers. I will continue to fight for the resources and recognition these amazing residents deserve. 

Tuesday afternoon, I joined a press conference led by EmpowerDC and DC Jobs With Justice as tenants continued to draw attention to deplorable conditions at properties owned and managed by Buwa Benitie and Faria Management. Ahead of a committee markup on Wednesday that threatened to deliver more development opportunities to Buwa, I stood with neighbors to demand an end to business as usual and called on my colleagues to not support moving the bill through committee. 

Tuesday evening, hundreds of neighbors joined me and my team at Nationals Park for Ward 5 night. We brought the winning energy to Nats Park as the Nationals delivered an exciting 6-3 win over the Phillies! Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the ballpark with us!

On Wednesday, I participated in two committee markups following the Council's return from recess.

First, I joined the Committee on Transportation and the Environment's markup that included Eric's ID Law, a bill I was proud to co-introduce. This legislation, championed by Eric and Linda Carpenter-Grantham, advances equity and public safety priorities for residents with nonapparent disabilities. It does so by allowing applicants for a license, permit, or identification card to choose to indicate on that identification card any nonapparent disability. It also provides for training of first responders to recognize the nonapparent disability symbol (a butterfly) so they can engage safely. The bill passed the markup unanimously and I'm thrilled to see it move forward! You can read more in the Neferteria's Nook section of the newsletter below. The state of Maryland already has 30,000 residents taking advantage of this option for their forms of identification, and I look forward to bringing it to the District. 

I also  joined the Committee on Human Services' markup of several bills. Originally, this markup was going to include a bill that would give development rights for Parcel 13 on St. Elizabeth's campus to Buwa Binitie—the same Buwa Binitie that is currently being sued by the District for deplorable conditions at other properties. I had been calling for this item to be removed from consideration—it is simply common sense that Buwa should not be given more land to develop when there is a laundry list of outstanding concerns, violations, fines, and litigation for other properties. I am glad to report that the bill was taken off the agenda, and I will continue to keep neighbors updated about any new developments. 

Earlier on Wednesday, the Ward 5 Week festivities continued with Senior Bingo at the North Michigan Park Recreation Center. I had a great time connecting with neighbors and even won a few rounds of bingo! 

Thursday, my team hosted a meet-up at Rita's on Rhode Island Ave to keep the Ward 5 Week celebrations going strong! Thanks to Rita's, Zeke's Coffee, and Manny & Olga's pizza for donating food and rinks for residents. And thanks to everyone who stopped by and enjoyed an afternoon of connection and community, and to RIA Main Street and DC Squared for participating, too! 

Today, my team and I will host the Ward 5 Week Bike Ride. There's still time to make plans to join us at 4:45 p.m.! It will be a beautiful ride from Carver-Langston over to Eckington for the NoMa Mural Festival and the Ward 5 Week Happy Hour (5:30 p.m.) at Lost Generation Brewing. 

Flock Cameras

I have heard concerns from many neighbors about the deployment of Flock Cameras around the city. This week, Councilmember Brooke Pinto, Chair of the Council's Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, wrote a letter to MPD inquiring about their use and MPD's policies. You can read her letter here. Yesterday, MPD responded. You can read their response here. I will be following up on this issue and hope to have more to share with residents soon on how we can protect neighbors' privacy and security. 

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. 

Join the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for several workshops providing guidance and highlight changes to TOPA and the RENTAL Act. Dates, times and info below: 

• September 22, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Virtual
• October 6, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • In-person @ 1909 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
• October 20, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Virtual

Learn more here.

On Thursday, September 24 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Harry Thomas Recreation Center (1743 Lincoln Rd NE), join the Department of Parks and Recreation(DPR) and the Department of General Services (DGS) for a meeting about the center's planned modernization. You may remember I fought in this year's budget process to include legislative language that will require DPR to come back to the community to be sure their proposals reflect neighbors' feedback. We are eager to hear DPR and DGS' updates at this meeting. Learn more and register here. 

Join the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for their next Ward-by-Ward Meeting for Ward 5, where they will share the latest on capital projects at parks and recreation centers across the ward. The meeting will be held on Zoom on September 29 (new date, again!) at 6:00 p.m. Register here. 

DC Public Schools will hold the next community meeting to give updates on the Burroughs Elementary School Modernization Project on September 29 at 6:00 p.m. Join the meeting at this link to hear the latest construction updates and ask questions about the modernization's impact on the surrounding community. Questions? Email the project specialist, Melissa Pegram, at melissa.pegram@k12.dc.gov.

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 October 9: Installation of Residential Permit Parking Sings in ANC 5D (1100-1199 block of Morse Street NE) - Read and comment here (NOI-26-242-TPA)
• Closes for comment on October 15: Establishing a No Parking Zone at 1933 Montana Avenue NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-229-TPA)
  
  
• Closes for comment on October 15: Signing for Thru Truck Restrictions in Eckington (at Summit Place and Rhode Island Avenue NE) - Read and comment here (NOI-26-230-TPA)
  
  
• Closes for comment on October 19: Establishing a No Parking Zone at 57 Hanover Place NW - Read and comment here (NOI-26-234-TPA)
  
  
• Closes for comment on October 28: Installation of Residential Permit Parking Sings in ANC 5B (3500-3599 block of 20th Street NE) - Read and comment here (NOI-26-175-TPA)

ANC and civic associations meetings are back in full swing. This week, my team attended the Eckington Civic Association, Stronghold Civic Association, ANC 5E, ANC 5B, and Hanover Civic Association meetings. Here's a brief recap:

• Eckington Civic Association (September 14 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team reminded neighbors about Ward 5 Week events including Friday’s bike ride that is ending at Lost Generation. My team also shared that we have followed up with MRP about the bike lobby and reiterated that the zoning order requires the lobby to be open between 6:00 a.m. and midnight. We also connected ownership and property management with contacts at MPD and DC’s Safe Passage Program to ensure that they can get appropriate assistance to keep the space safe. My team further shared that I visited the Gale apartment buildings on Friday, September 11 to walk the building with tenants, property management, and ownership. We will be following up on the issues observed and continuing to work with all parties to ensure residents have safe, clean, and affordable housing. 
    
    
• Stronghold Civic Association (September 14 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team participated in the Stronghold Civic Association meeting on Monday evening where sadly we learned that long-time resident Wanda Murphy has passed (details to come). Residents reported storm damage from the Labor Day weekend storm and delays with street sweeping. They also informed us of some improvements with rat abatement activity and said some blocks report seeing progress while others still not seeing much of a difference. Two properties—2701 North Capitol St NE and 2811 North Capitol St NE—were identified as concerns for overgrowth and vacancy. Traffic concerns were raised regarding blocking the box along North Capitol at Evarts St and Douglas St as well as another accident in the southbound lanes of North Capitol at Channing St often due to red light running. My team will work with residents and District agencies to help get traction on these concerns.   
    
    
• ANC 5E (September 15 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team encouraged neighbors to participate in the remaining events for Ward 5 Week, as well as Ward 5 Day on September 19. The Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) gave a presentation and shared information about their upcoming annual Tenant Summit scheduled for this Saturday. Additionally, the Department of Health presented on the residential rodent abatement program. The ANC also voted in favor of supporting a request for minor flexibility regarding BZA Case 21313 at 30 W St NW. 
    
    
• ANC 5B (September 16 at 7:00 p.m.):
  
  • The meeting included an update that Noyes Elementary School has been reporting issues with their HVAC system and uncomfortable temperatures inside the building. Residents raised concerns with public safety on the 1000 block Kearny St NE regarding an ongoing dispute. Residents also raised concerns about the uptick in activity (loitering, drinking) and decrease in police presence at the Brentwood Triangle Park at 14th and Rhode Island Ave NE. DDOT presented on the proposed water drainage solution for the Monroe Street alley and residents brought up concerns with the safety of driving in the alley with 2-way traffic. They requested an onsite visit with the DDOT Traffic Safety team to identify a solution. The Office of Planning shared the Rhode Island Ave Planning Study which has mixed feedback particularly around zoning proposals. Residents asked OP to coordinate better with the community and agencies to address concerns. 
    
    
• Hanover Civic Association (September 16 at 6:30 p.m.):
  • During the association's meeting, my team heard from community members about exciting new programming at New York Avenue Recreation Center, a new rat abatement strategy for the HACA neighborhood, and ongoing rulemakings about local parking at Chapman Stables. In addition, attendees heard from a representative from So Others May Eat (SOME) to check in about SOME’s local activities. Finally, HACA is looking forward to Dunbar High School’s first football game this Saturday, September 19, and its annual HACA Halloween street celebration planned for next month. My team invited everyone to join us for Ward 5 Week events and Ward 5 Day on Saturday!
    
    

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

• Monday, September 21
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • Bloomingdale Civic Association
    • Gateway Civic Association
      
      
• Wednesday, September 23
  • 6:45 p.m.
    • ANC 5A

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 Council's summer recess period ended on September 15, and we saw the first hearings and meetings of September being held this week.

Councilmember Parker attended two committee markups this week. During a committee markup meeting, councilmembers who are members of that committee vote on any proposed changes and decide whether to move the bill forward for consideration before the full Council.

Committee on Transportation and the Environment

On Wednesday, Councilmember Parker attended the Committee on Transportation and the Environment's markup of B26-0619: Eric's ID Amendment Act of 2026. This bill, which was jointly introduced by Councilmember Parker and Councilmember Lewis George, would allow applicants for a license, permit, or identification card, to indicate a hidden disability with the use of a butterfly symbol on their card. The Councilmember spoke to the importance of the bill and the impact that it will have on residents' lives, and also asked a few questions surrounding language in the bill and implementation of a similar policy within the DC Public School system. The Councilmembers unanimously voted to move this bill forward for consideration before the full Council. 

Committee on Human Services

Also on Wednesday, Councilmember Parker attended the Committee on Human Services' Mark-Up of a few appointment confirmation resolutions and a Committee Staff appointment:

• PR26-0671 - Board of Library Trustees Denise Rolark Barnes Confirmation Resolution of 2026
• PR26-0672 - Board of Library Trustees Mary Early Confirmation Resolution of 2026

All of these measures were unanimously approved to move forward for consideration before the full Council.

Next Legislative Meeting

The first and only Legislative Meeting currently scheduled for this month will be held this coming Tuesday, September 22, 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 are scheduled:

• Wednesday, September 23
  • 9:00 a.m.
    • Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety (Public Hearing) 
      • B26-0757 - Illegal Occupancy Enforcement Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0038 - Clemency Board Waiver Authority Amendment Act of 2025
      • B26-0093 - Smoke Detector Safety Amendment Act of 2025
      • B26-0441 - Let Our Vows Endure Amendment Act of 2025
      • B26-0651 - Arena Safety Conformity Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0655 - Protecting Judicial Privacy Act of 2026
      • B26-0702 - First Responders Facilities Modernization Act of 2026
      • 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 of the Whole (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0771 - Tax Sale Equity Amendment Act of 2026
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.
        
        

• Thursday, September 24
  • 9:00 a.m.
    • Committee on Housing (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0758 - Housing Investment Protection Act of 2026
      • 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 of the Whole (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0012 - Dolores Tucker Middle School Designation Act of 2025
      • B26-0624 - Elizabeth M. Goodman Health School Redesignation Act of 2026
      • B26-0698 - Malcolm X Elementary School Designation Act of 2026
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.
    • Committee on Health (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0606 - Vaccine Administration Protection Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0688 - Student Health Care Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0725 - School Health Certificate Modernization Amendment Act of 2026
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.
    • Committee on Transportation and the Environment (Public Hearing) 
      • B26-0090 - Neighborhood Management Authority Act of 2025
      • B26-0424 - Porchfest Permitting Amendment Act of 2025
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.
  • 2:30 p.m.
    • Committee on Health (Public Oversight Roundtable)
      • A Public Oversight Roundtable on Department of Behavioral Health’s Financial Challenges and DC Health and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Ongoing Challenges with Training and Testing Certified Nurse Aides
      • 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.

This September and October, Age-Friendly DC invites you to join them for Block-by-Block Walks. These walks will provide the opportunity to hear issues, record the need for repairs, and make DC's streets and sidewalks more useable and inclusive. Interested in leading or participating? Learn more and sign up 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.

Stronghold to Eckington:

Bike to DC Bike Fest

September 20 - 10:00 a.m.

Meet @ Reservoir Park (11 Lower Service Ct NW)

Join my team as they participate in Ward 5 Family Biking's family bike ride down to Alethia Tanner Park in Eckington for DC Family Bike Fest, featuring food trucks, free tune-ups, free snow cones, a kids bike parade, and more.  

Eckington:

Little Free Library Ribbon Cutting

September 20 - 2:00 p.m.

Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way NE)

After DC Bike Fest, join my team for the ribbon cutting on a new little free library in Alethia Tanner Park! The Eckington Civic Association and Cub Scout Pack I will also be there, followed by a post-installation celebration at Lost Generation Brewing.

Queens Chapel:

QCCA Community Day (RAIN DATE)

September 26 - 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

@ 1600 Webster St NE

Originally scheduled for September 12, but moved to September 26 due to rain, join my team at the annual Queens Chapel Community Day. There will be music, food, moon bounce, games, and fellowship. 

Truxton Circle:

DCPS Back-to-School Block Party

September 26 - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with DC Government agencies and community organizations and receive services related to health and wellness, food access, college and career readiness, and more. There will also be free food and fun activities onsite for all ages—from interactive games and face painting to student performances! Learn more here.

Brookland:

FMGG 3rd Annual Fall Festival

October 17 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

@ 3700 16th St NE

Mark your calendar to join my team at the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild's 3rd Annual Fall Festival! This fun event features pumpkin patches, lamb mowers, a photo booth, and more!

Multiple Locations:

Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs' 50th Anniversary

September 26, 27, & 30

Celebrate 50 years of the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs! Join events across the city, including the annual Fiesta DC Parade on Sunday, September 27. Learn more here. 

• Food Insecurity in the DC Area Hits a New High (The 51st)
  
  
• Former DC Attorney General Crashes Protest to Defend Landlord (Washington Sun)
  
  
• Karl Racine Crashed Tenant Rally, Defends Developer Accused of "Extreme Neglect" (City Cast DC)
  
  
• DC Jail Guards Did Nothing as Inmate Started Fires, Lawsuit Says (WaPo - free to read with this gift link for 14 days)
  
  
• Ceremonies Across the Region Mark 25 years Since 9/11 (WTOP)
  
  
• Trump Threatens to Tear Down Kennedy Center as Legal Battle Continues (WAMU)

Besides all of the fun connecting with neighbors for Ward 5 Week, one of the highlights of my week was joining my Council colleagues for the Council and Mayor's Congressional Black Caucus Reception. It is always a joy to connect with lawmakers from across the country in our efforts to advance priorities for healthy communities. 

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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