Hey neighbor! Get the full reading experience in your browser here.

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:  

• Today - DPR Facilities Closed for Professional Development
• Tomorrow - Ivy City Community Day
• October 12 - Indigenous Peoples' Day (Modified Gov't Services)
• October 16 - Public Hearing on Revenue Proposals for FY28
• October 17 - Eckington Day
• October 17 - Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild Fall Festival
• October 25 - MBT Trail or Treat with Ward 5 Family Biking
• October 25 - Brookland Halloween Parade + Party
• October 28 - Ward 5 Public Safety Call
• ...and more!

There is no substitute for safety, and every resident deserves to feel safe in their home and in our community. Sadly, that has not been the case for every Ward 5 neighbor in recent months. As I shared last week, a rash of break-ins—across the ward and acutely in the Brookland and Michigan Park neighborhoods—have left many residents understandably on edge. 

When these kinds of issues arise, it becomes a coordinated effort to ensure a resolution is reached. My team had spent months escalating concerns with public safety agencies, coordinating with community partners, and hosting public safety walks to ensure MPD was hearing directly from impacted neighbors to identify key hotspots. As issues escalated in recent weeks, I advocated for MPD to relocate a temporary CCTV camera and allocate increased patrols. 

Finally, MPD announced this week the arrest of four juveniles—ages 13 to 14—in connection to the break-ins both in Ward 5 and in several other cases including Ward 7 in Kingman Park and Rosedale. I am grateful for MPD's work to apprehend these suspects and have reached out to the Office of the Attorney General (responsible for the prosecution of juvenile crimes in the District) to ensure steps are taken to hold these young people accountable. 

As Chair of the Committee on Youth Affairs, I am unequivocal about the District's responsibility to rehabilitate youth who get caught up in our juvenile justice system. This means far more than simply detaining juvenile offenders. But I am also clear than anyone—juvenile or not—who terrorizes our community must be held accountable. 

My team and I will continue to monitor the areas most impacted by these recent events, and we look forward to sharing more and providing updates from all three of Ward 5's police districts (3D, 4D, and 5D) at our next Ward 5 Public Safety Call on October 28. These recurring calls provide neighbors an opportunity to engage directly with leadership from public safety agencies and ask questions about steps being taken to keep residents safe. Register here to join us. 

The Ward 5 Wave Podcast

This week on the Ward 5 Wave, I'm sharing the "voices of Ward 5," clips of neighbors detailing what they love about our community. At Ward 5 Day, my team's tent had a pop-up podcast studio and lots of folks stopped by to say hello. If you were one of them, maybe you'll hear yourself on this week's episode! Also on the podcast, I dig into recent legislative updates including the Council's passage of the FILTER Act, the recent hearing on DYRS in the Committee on Youth Affairs, and public safety updates following incidents in and around the Turkey Thicket area. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts or click here!

As a reminder, the District will observe Indigenous Peoples' Day this coming Monday, October 12. I encourage you to take time to honor the peoples and cultures that first called the land we now live on home—the Nacotchtank, Piscataway, Mattaponi, Chickahominy, Monacan, Powhatan, and Pamunkey peoples. In taking time to remember, we also recommit to reparative action for the harms inflicted through centuries of colonization and imperialism.

You can read a full list of modified government services at this link, but here's a quick run-down:

• DPW will not collect household trash and recycling on Monday, October 12. Collections will "slide" one day for the rest of the week into Saturday.
• The Fort Totten Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, October 12, and re-open to the public on Tuesday, October 13 for bulk trash and recycling. 
• DDOT will suspend construction and work zones for non-emergency work in roadways, alleys, and sidewalks within the District’s right of way.
• All parking enforcement will be suspended.
• DC Public Library neighborhood locations and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library will have modified hours on Monday, October 12. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library will be open from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Anacostia Library, Benning/Dorothy I. Height Library, Mt. Pleasant Library, Petworth Library, Southwest Library, Tenley-Friendship Library, and Woodridge Library (Ward 5) will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Remember, the library is always available online at dclibrary.org.
• DPR recreation centers, community centers, and indoor aquatic centers will be closed on Monday, October 12. Outdoor playgrounds, parks, fields, and athletic courts will remain open.
• DC Public Schools will be closed on Monday, October 12.

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

public safety updates including the next Ward 5 Public Safety Call on October 28; traffic disruptions in the Edgewood/Brookland area this month; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; an opportunity to weigh in on DC's 2030 Historic Preservation Plan; a DHCD workshop on TOPA and the RENTAL Act on October 20; legislative updates in Neferteria's Nook including details about a public hearing on revenue raisers on October 16; programs to benefit from featuring the free vaccines for pets tomorrow and October 24; and community events including Ivy City Community Day tomorrow (my team will be there)! Keep scrolling for more.

Last Saturday, my team joined neighbors for the Annual Stronghold Block Party. Lots of residents came out to connect, play, and celebrate their community. There were also several resource tables and government representatives. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

Monday was full of back-to-back meetings in preparation for Tuesday's Council meetings. 

On Tuesday, the Council held a pre-meeting breakfast followed by a Legislative Meeting. We voted on several important topics, including giving the final unanimous "yes" to Eric's ID Law, debating the FILTER Act, and giving a greenlight to WMATA's plans for transit improvements around the RFK Campus. You can read a more thorough recap in Neferteria's Nook below.

Wednesday, I chaired a hearing in the Committee on Youth Affairs on the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services' (DYRS') Fifth Rulemaking on Community Placements for Juvenile Offenders. The fifth rulemaking proposes sweeping changes to DYRS' process for deciding to revoke a juvenile offender's community placement. I have serious concerns about several of the proposed changes, and we dug deep into those issues at Wednesday's hearing. You can find a recap of the hearing in the Committee on Youth Affairs section of the newsletter below.

Wednesday evening, I was pleased to join community members for Unity Healthcare's Night of Unity gala. Lucky for me, I got to sit at a table with friends from the Capital Area Food Bank! 

Also on Wednesday evening, my team attended DDOT's ANC 5D Safety and Mobility Study kick-off meeting at the Trinidad Recreation Center. DDOT gave an overview of their plans for the study, and neighbors had the opportunity to explore maps, share feedback, and ask questions about traffic safety issues. If you weren't able to make it, you can explore the presentation here. 

Yesterday was another meeting-ful day and the Council held several hearings. As a reminder, you can always catch replays of hearings here, and details on each hearing (including links to sign up to testify or submit written testimony) here. 

Yesterday evening, I joined neighbors at the Michigan Park townhomes for their community event. It was a beautiful evening of community. 

Today, I participated in the Committee of the Whole's public hearing on Technology in Schools. Hundreds of witnesses testified (and as of the sending of this newsletter, are still testifying!) about the impacts of computers, iPads, and other technology being used in DC classrooms. There's still time to submit written testimony if you have an experience or perspective to share.

MPD Updates

• MPD announced the arrest of a suspect in a traffic fatality involving a pedestrian that occurred on July 27, 2026 at approximately 12:45 a.m. at the intersection of Bladensburg Rd and South Dakota Ave NE.

Ward 5 Public Safety Call - October 28

The next Ward 5 Public Safety Call will be on October 28 at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom and livestream. Register to join us here! These recurring calls are a unique opportunity for residents to hear directly from public safety agencies and partners, get updates on recent incidents, and ask questions. This month's call will highlight the recent incidents in and around the Turkey Thicket area, along with situational updates from all three police districts that touch Ward 5 (3D, 4D, and 5D).

Sometimes neighbors inquire about the 3:00 p.m. time given its inconvenience for the typical working hours. Unfortunately, when we are coordinating with several MPD commanders and assistant chiefs, along with leading representatives from other District agencies, we have to pick a daytime slot that works for everyone. If you're unable to join us live, you can catch the recording afterward on my YouTube channel here, and as always, we'll share the recording and slides in the subsequent Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. 

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. 

Please note that all DPR facilities will be closed on Friday, October 9, 2026 for DPR's Annual Professional Development Day. Regular operations will resume on Saturday, October 10, but remember that facilities will close again in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday, October 12.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) advises neighbors to expect delays due to sidewalk and lane closures for work related to the DC Power Line Undergrounding (DC PLUG) initiative. There are no full roadway closures; however, sidewalks and lanes will be restricted during work hours.

Traffic controls, including signage, will be in place to guide motorists safely through the work zones. All roadway users are advised to remain alert and observe signage and work zones while traveling in these areas.

Sidewalks, roads, and lane closures are listed below and will take place from October 1 to 31, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Temporary northbound and southbound sidewalk, lane, and road closures for the installation of conduits, PCC restoration, and milling/paving from the 2700 to 3200 blocks of 13th Street NE from Kearney Street NE to Franklin Street NE
  
  
• Temporary eastbound and westbound sidewalk, lane, and road closure for installation of conduits, PCC restoration, and milling/paving from the 1200 - 1300 blocks of Jackson Street NE from 12th Street NE to 14th Street NE
  
  
• Temporary eastbound and westbound sidewalk, lane, and road closure for installation of conduits, PCC restoration, and milling/paving from the 1200 block of Irving Street NE from 12th Street NE to 13th Street NE
  
  
• Temporary southbound and westbound sidewalk, lane, and road closure for installation of conduits, PCC restoration, and milling/paving from the 1200 - 1300 blocks of Hamlin Street NE from 12th Street NE to 13th Street NE
  
  
• Temporary northbound and southbound sidewalk, lane, and road closure for installation of conduits, PCC restoration, and milling/paving from the 3000 block of 12th Street NE from Irving Street NE to Hamlin Street NE 
  
  
• Temporary eastbound and westbound sidewalk, lane, and road closure for installation of conduits, PCC restoration, and milling/paving from the 1200 - 1300 blocks of Girard Street NE from 12th Street NE to 14th Street NE 
  
  
• Temporary eastbound and westbound sidewalk, lane, and road closure for installation of conduits, PCC restoration, and milling/paving from the 1200 - 1300 blocks of Franklin Street NE from 12th Street NE to 14th Street NE

This work is necessary to complete the DC PLUG initiative’s Feeder 14093 project, which involves undergrounding power lines for a more resilient DC.

For more information about the DC PLUG Initiative and to stay up to date on traffic-related impacts and construction progress, please visit www.DCPLUGinfo.com, call the DC PLUGteam at 1-844-758-4146, or email DC PLUG at questions@DCPLUGinfo.com, or Ann Walters, awalters@dpconsultants.net, 202-549-9072, or 202-725-1365.

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 TODAY (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 Signs in ANC 5B (3500-3599 block of 20th Street NE) - Read and comment here (NOI-26-175-TPA)
  
  
• Closes for comment on November 20: Removal of No Parking Entrance Zone in Unit Block of Q St NW - Read and comment here (NOI-26-280-TPA)

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.

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

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

This past Tuesday, September 29, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) held a Ward-by-Ward Meeting for Ward 5, where they shared the latest on capital projects at parks and recreation centers across the ward. If you weren't able to join the virtual meeting, you can watch a replay here. Here's a quick overview of the latest updates on eight capital projects in Ward 5: 

• Brentwood Recreation Center
  • What: interior renovation
  • Status: design phase
  • Estimated completion: 2027
• Carver Langston Park
  • What: new park construction
  • Status: construction phase
  • Estimated completion: Late 2026
• Crummell Community Center
  • What: new construction/redevelopment
  • Status: construction phase
  • Estimated completion: 2028
• Fort Lincoln Recreation Center
  • What: campus redevelopment
  • Status: construction phase
  • Estimated completion: Summer 2027
• Harry Thomas Recreation Center
  • What: modernization
  • Status: design phase
  • Estimated completion: TBD
• Langdon Park Recreation Center
  • What: redevelopment
  • Status: design phase
  • Estimated completion: Early 2029
• Riggs and South Dakota Park
  • What: new park construction
  • Status: construction phase
  • Estimated completion: Late 2026
• Turkey Thicket Site Improvements
  • What: splash pad resurfacing (done), playground resurfacing (done), ADA upgrades (done), roof replacement (forthcoming)
  • Status: construction phase
  • Estimated completion: Winter 2026/2027

Additionally, DPR has now launched a live capital projects tracker! You can use this link to follow along with all of DPR's capital projects as they progress. 

This week on Tuesday, September 29, DC Public Schools held a community meeting to give updates on the Burroughs Elementary School Modernization Project. Construction is progressing at the site, with recent milestones on the new addition. If you weren't able to join, you can find the presentation here, meeting recording here, and transcript here. Questions? Email the project specialist, Melissa Pegram, at melissa.pegram@k12.dc.gov.

This week, my team attended the Lamond-Riggs Citizens' Association, Stronghold Civic Association, Woodridge Civic Association, Fort Lincoln Civic Association, North Michigan Park Civic Association, and ANC 5C meetings. Here are some quick recaps:

• Lamond-Riggs Citizens' Association (October 5 at 6:00 p.m.):
  • My team gave neighbors updates on DPR closing on October 9 for professional development and October 12 for the holiday, and DDOT resurfacing along the MBT from Brookland Metro Station up to the Fort Totten Transfer Station. LaSalle-Backus Elementary School's principal, Dr. Simone Wilkinson, attended the meeting and spoke about the school moving into a swing space until renovations are over in Spring 2029. There has been a change in leadership within the association. Dr. Shawaan Robinson stepped down as President, and former Vice President, Laverne Johnson, has stepped up. On October 22, Lamond-Riggs Library will host an open house from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Lastly, on Election Day (November 3, 2026), the Lamond-Riggs Library will be a polling site.
    
    
• Stronghold Civic Association (October 5 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • This month’s Stronghold Civic Association meeting started out with a tribute to long-time resident and Franklin Street Block Captain, Wanda Murphy, whose funeral was held September 26, 2026. Neighbors said what a beautiful service it was and shared fond memories of Wanda. Stronghold held their annual block party last Saturday and my team was happy to participate. Good food and a good time were had by all despite the rain. My team is working with DDOT on new TSIs for North Capitol Street regarding recurring crash locations and drivers blocking the box at Evarts Street NE. Residents also asked my team to help elevate vegetation overgrowth for a long-time vacant property that continually requires Deptartment of Buildings' (DOB's) intervention so we will assist there as well. 
    
    
• Woodridge Civic Association (October 6 at 6:00 p.m.):
  • My team joined the association’s meeting to share updates on modified District government services in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, along with an invitation to join the next Ward 5 Public Safety call on October 28. My team also highlighted an open NOI from DDOT in the Woodridge area (3500 block of 20th St NE) and the most recent Burroughs ES Modernization meeting. Several community organizations attended the meeting to share information about their work, including Legal Counsel for the Elderly, GARD Lab from the University of Maryland, the Office of the Inspector General, and 25 Years of New America. Association President Jeremiah Montague also gave updates on history walks, area projects, and association promotion ideas.  
    
    
• Fort Lincoln Civic Association (October 6 at 7:30 p.m.):
  • My team gave neighbors updates on DPR closing on October 9 for professional development and October 12 for the holiday. Neighbors gave updates on the tennis court finally being open again. The construction for the recreation center is on track to be finished Spring 2027.
    
    
• North Michigan Park Civic Association (October 7 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team joined North Michigan Park Civic Association’s meeting on Wednesday evening at Faith United Church. Robert Oliver from Friends of the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library shared all they are doing to help engage residents of all ages including youth and seniors and they are planning a coat drive for Dec 21 (email LamondRiggsLibrary@dc.gov or call 202-541-6255 for more info). The rat abatment brigade is ongoing and residents are encouraged to sign up for either replacements or repair of containers if their cans have holes from rats. A clean-up day will be held Saturday October 17 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. starting out at the North Michigan Park Rec Center and fanning out to different locations. My team will be there, and we are working with NMPCA and DPW on strategy for bulk pickup that day to help reduce the places rats can hide. Deirdre Brown from DC LEAP presented and shared their mission working with the Office of the ANC to bring greater transparency and accountability of ANC activities to ensure broader community input specifically around zoning, liquor licenses, development, public space changes, and public safety (to learn more visit DCLEAP.com). Urban Land Development (also of The Parks at Walter Reed) presented their plans for the Boys Town property along Sargent Road which is a 12-acre parcel set to become 156 new homes (duplexes and some triplexes) including 17 affordable homes.
    
    
• ANC 5C (October 8 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team gave neighbors updates on our Ward 5 Public Safety Call, DPR closings on October 9 and 12, and DPR Capital Project Updates. The commission voted to give a grant of $600 to Second New Saint Paul Baptist Church for their community day. Many community organizations shared updates including Dallas Thompson and Ann Chisholm from WMATA, and updates on DC PLUG Feeder projects in 5C. 
    

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

• Tuesday, October 13
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • ANC 5D
      
    • Arboretum Neighborhood Association
      
      
• Wednesday, October 14
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • North Woodridge Citizens' Association

You can always view the schedule of upcoming ANC and civic association meetings that my team will attend on my website here. Not sure which ANC is yours? Use this tool to look it up. We're here to help, so email us anytime with questions - ward5contact@dccouncil.gov. Have a need, or want to share important information for ANC and civic association meetings? Get in touch with one of our Constituent Services team members:

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

On Tuesday morning, after a lengthy breakfast meeting where proposed bills were discussed in depth by the Councilmembers, the Legislative Meeting was held. The Councilmembers considered several measures, including many measures introduced by Councilmember Parker:

• Eric's ID Amendment Act of 2026
  • This bill was jointly introduced by Councilmembers Parker and Lewis George and designates the butterfly as the hidden disability marker on driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, and identification cards, and establishes training on the marker within the Metropolitan Police Department. 
  • Councilmember Allen asked for the bill to be removed from the consent agenda, to allow Councilmembers to speak to it in the presence of advocates Eric and Linda Carpenter-Grantham.
    • Councilmember Parker spoke to the intent of the bill and thanked Eric and Linda for daring to care about others. 
  • The bill passed its second reading unanimously.
    
    
• Strategic Parking Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2026
  • Councilmember Nadeau introduced an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS), which does the following: 
    • Eliminates authorization for special police to conduct parking enforcement.
    • Clarifies that the bill only authorizes campus police to ticket vehicles that would already be subject to ticketing by Department of Public Works (DPW) Parking Enforcement Management Administration (PEMA) parking enforcement officers.
    • Make campus police officer training mandatory.
    • Require campus police organizations to opt in before they may conduct parking enforcement under the bill.
    • Expressly add universities to the list of entities that may participate in reimbursable detail (RD) arrangements.
    • The amendment passed.
  • Councilmember R. White introduced an amendment to the ANS, which would cut all parking violation fees citywide by 50%.
    • Councilmember Parker spoke to this amendment, citing concerns about the accuracy of the Fiscal Impact Statement, and the possible effect it has on funding the underlying bill. 
    • The amendment failed.
  • Councilmember Silverman moved an amendment to the ANS, which will require the Council Committee overseeing the District of Columbia Department of Public Works to hold a public hearing on the program after 1 year of implementation to understand its effectiveness and the impact on racial equity. 
    • The amendment failed.
  • The bill, as amended, passed with Councilmember Parker voting present.
    
    
• Fair Initiatives Lend Transparency to Every Resident Amendment Act of 2026
  • This bill requires the Board of Elections to refuse to accept a measure that addresses more than one subject and adds additional requirements for initiative measures. The bill also requires the Board to prepare a fiscal impact summary, based on a fiscal impact statement prepared by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
    • Councilmember Bonds introduced an amendment, which refers to referendum measures and separates the discussion of initiatives, saying the Board of Elections shall accept an initiative measure if no grounds for refusal exist.
      • Councilmember Parker expressed his concern, saying that the Board of Elections must provide clarity to District residents by voting yes or no on initiatives. 
      • The amendment passed, with Councilmember Parker voting no.
    • Due to the passage of Councilmember Bonds' amendment, Councilmember Parker's amendment was not considered, which would have required the Board of Elections to make a decision up or down on initiatives.
    • Councilmember Parker, speaking to the impending vote, noted with concern that we should be clear eyed about the intent of this legislation, and we need to safeguard the protections for our voters. 
  • The bill, as amended, passed with Councilmember Parker voting no.
    
    
• Alternative Breakfast Service Model Emergency Amendment Act of 2026
  • Councilmember Parker introduced this bill, which would provide Title I elementary schools and education campuses with more flexible service options to enhance breakfast participation rates. This would permit elementary schools with breakfast participation rates under 75% to serve breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go breakfast, a combination of both of these models, or breakfast in the classroom for on-time students and grab-and-go breakfast for late arriving students.
    • The Councilmember spoke to the need for this legislation, citing concerns at schools in Ward 5 and the current impact on 70% of DCPS's 61 Title I elementary schools and education campuses. 
  • This bill passed unanimously.
    
    
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Stadium-Armory Station Improvements Fiscal Year 2026 to Fiscal Year 2030 Reimbursable Agreement Emergency Act of 2026
  • This bill would approve a multiyear Reimbursable Agreement between the District and WMATA “to perform station improvements at the street, mezzanine, and platform levels of the station,” in an amount not to exceed $300 million.
  • This bill passed unanimously.
    
    
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Phase 1 Fiscal Year 2027 and 2028 Reimbursable Agreement Emergency Act of 2026
  • This bill would approve another multiyear Reimbursable Agreement between the District and WMATA to develop a bus rapid transit system on H Street and Benning Road between Union Station and RFK Stadium named the “Gold Line,” in an amount not to exceed $5 million. The funding would allow WMATA “to perform planning, environmental, and outreach, through preliminary (30%) design of Phase 1 of the Gold Line which will support the development of the H and Benning Street corridors, Union Station and the area surrounding the existing RFK Stadium.”
  • This bill, as amended with minor changes, passed unanimously.

This week's recaps feature some legislative work that Councilmember Parker participated in last week:

Committee on Human Services

Last Wednesday, Councilmember Parker attended the Committee on Human Services' Public Oversight Roundtable on theFuture of the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH). The Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005 (HSRA) established the ICH for planning, policymaking, program development, provider monitoring, and budgeting for the Continuum of Care for homeless services. The ICH’s July 28, 2026 adoption of the next strategic plan (Homeward D.C. 3.0), the recent elimination of funding for all but two ICH staff, and an incoming Mayoral administration raise questions about the ICH’s future. Councilmember Parker asked Director Theresa Silla questions around the priorities of ICH, access to federal Continuum of Care funding for homeless youth, and strategies to address youth homelessness. If you would like to submit written testimony before the record closes on Wednesday, October 14, at 5:00 p.m., you may do so here. 

Subcommittee on Local Business Development

Also last Wednesday, Councilmember Parker attended the Committee of the Whole and the Subcommittee on Local Business Development's joint Public Hearing on the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Master Plan Small Area Plan and the Mayor’s Proposed Amendment to the Future Land Use Map of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan. The Office of Planning provided an overview of the plan, which you can view here under "Other Documents." Councilmember Parker asked questions about the plan for metro transit expansion with the coming stadium, the status on the parking garages, and the timeline for the development of housing on the campus. If you would like to submit written testimony before the record closes onWednesday, October 14, at 5:00 p.m., you may do so here. 

Committee on Housing

Last Thursday, Councilmember Parker attended the Committee on Housing's Public Oversight Roundtable on Improving Housing Conditions and Strengthening Landlord Accountability in the District. The Roundtable looked at ways to improve enforcement and potential solutions to the housing conditions issues in the city. A number of agencies appeared to testify, including the Department of Buildings, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. Councilmember Parker asked questions about the current amount of unpaid housing code violation fines (over $40 million!), use of the nuisance abatement fund, the BOSS platform that will allow searches for beneficial owners, and how applicants are screened for financing from DHCD. If you would like to submit written testimony before the record closes onThursday, October 15, at 5:00 p.m., you may do so here.

The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026. There is likely to be an Additional Legislative Meeting at that time.  

The next Legislative Meeting is currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026. 

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

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

• Tuesday, October 13
  • 12:00 p.m.
    • Committee of the Whole (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0770 - Restoration of Covenanted Roads and Alleys by the District Government Clarification 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.
        
        
• Wednesday, October 14 
  • 10:00 a.m.
    • Committee on Health (Mark-Up)
      • B26-0523 - Streamlining Medicaid Credentialing Amendment Act of 2025
      • B26-0588 - Captive Insurance Company Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0707 - Rodent Education and Management Yields ("REMY") Results Amendment Act of 2026
      • If you would like to watch the mark-up, please click here.
    • Committee on Human Services (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0720 - Fletcher-Johnson Surplus Declaration and Disposition Approval Act of 2026
      • B26-0740 - Georgetown Boathouse Surplus Declaration and Disposition Approval Act of 2026
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.
  • 11:00 a.m.
    • Committee on Health (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0799 - HealthCare Facilities Regulation Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0809 - Health Benefit Exchange Authority Technical 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, October 15
  • 1:30 p.m.
    • Committee on Health (Public Roundtable)
      • Long-Term Care for District Residents with Complex Needs
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.
  • 3:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Housing (Mark-Up)
      • B26-0556 - Fair Share Housing Targets Act of 2025
      • If you would like to watch the mark-up, please click here.
        
        
• Friday, October 16
  • 10:00 a.m.
    • Committee of the Whole (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0749 - Wealth Proceeds Tax Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0777 - Revenue Stabilization and Land Value Assessment Amendment Act of 2026
      • Business Activity Tax
      • Pied-a-Terre Tax
      • Sales Tax
      • Real Property Tax
      • Individual Income Tax
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to submit testimony, please click here.
        
        
• Monday, October 19
  • 9:30 a.m.
    • Committee on Public Works and Operations (Public Hearing) 
      • B26-0667 - Surveillance Pricing Prohibition Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0818 - For-Hire Passenger Service Reform Act of 2026
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to submit testimony, please click here. 
  • 10:00 a.m.
    • Committee on Housing (Public Roundtable)
      • B26-0597 - Housing Production Omnibus Amendment Act of 2026
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to submit testimony, please click here.

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

Join Brandywine Valley SPCA for free pet vaccines including Rabies, FVRCP, and RA2PPV, plus free microchips. Events will take place on Saturday, October 10 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Anacostia Park (1900 Anacostia Dr SE) and October 24 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at King Greenleaf Park (201 N St SW). 

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.

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!

Brookland:

Halloween Parade & Party

October 25 - 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

@ Parade Start: St. Anthony's (3400 12th St NE) // Party Location: Noyes Park (1000 Franklin St NE

Join my team at the Eighth Annual Brookland Halloween Parade and Party, coming Sunday, October 25, to bring together neighbors, children, and their families for an afternoon of spooky and silly fun! Children of all ages are encouraged to show up in costumes for a parade leaving at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on 12th Street, led by the Catholic University Pep Band down the sidewalk and into Noyes Park for a family-friendly party. Friends of Noyes Park will provide music, food, face painting, glitter tattoos, bounce houses, science experiments, and other activities for children through 4:30 p.m.

Eckington to Brookland:

Trail or Treat

October 25 - 1:45 p.m. (wheels up at 2:00 p.m.)

@ REI DC (201 M St NE), and bike to Noyes Park (1000 Franklin St NE)

Join my team for this fun Trail-or-Treat ride along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, collecting candy and other goodies as riders make their way to the Brookland Halloween Party at Noyes Park. 

Kingman Island:

Kingman Island Friends & Family Day

October 17 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join the Department of Energy and Environment for their 6th Annual Kingman Island Friends & Family Day! Explore the beautiful Kingman and Heritage Islands and enjoy lots of fun activities like paddling, boat tours, nature walks, sustainable arts and crafts, a clothing swap, and more. Learn more and register here.

• DC Council Approves $305M for Metro, Bus Upgrades, Near RFK Stadium Site (WaPo - free to read for 14 days with this gift link)
  
  
• Teens as Young as 13 Charged in String of Burglaries, Stolen Cars (City Cast)
  
  
• The Collins DC Council Report: Eric's ID Law, Parking Tickets, and Ballot Initiative Approval Process Changes (Washington Informer)
  
  
• DC Council Overhauls Ballot Initiative Process Amid Worries From Advocates (City Cast)
  
  
• Additional Testing Shows Potomac River 'Returned to Normal' After Sewage Spill (WTOP)
  
  
• DC Elections Board Asks National Guard to Stay Away from Ballot Drop Boxes (Washington Sun)

The highlight of my week was joining friends and colleagues at Unity Healthcare's Night of Unity on Tuesday. Accessible, quality healthcare is central to building a thriving community, and I am grateful for Unity Healthcare's work in Ward 5 and beyond. 

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, 

Want to reach one of my staff members?
Save this directory to stay in touch with us.

Unsubscribe from future updates