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IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 

• Tomorrow - DPR Movie Night in Trinidad
• Sunday - DPR Movie Night at Turkey Thicket
• August 8, 10, & 12 - Kingman & Heritage Islands Project Meetings
• August 13 - Jazz in the Park at North Michigan Park
• Now until August 14 - Submit Feedback on RFK Draft Master Plan
• August 22 - Ward 5 EEC Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway
• Now until September 15 - Council Recess
• September 19 - Ward 5 Day!
• ...and more!

Oversight is year-round. While the early months of the year are loaded with performance oversight hearings, giving way to budget oversight hearings in spring, there is also the real, behind-the-scenes work of visits to agency facilities, neighborhood walks, and many meetings. All of this is oversight as we hold District government accountable and ensure agencies are delivering the services residents expect and deserve. 

Many of you already know this first-hand. You have been on phone calls, long email threads, meetings, or community walks with members of my team as we've worked to coordinate between agencies and address issues both on the neighborhood-level and across government. 

This summer, one way I'm proactively continuing my office's work of oversight is through a Ward 5 Housing Conditions Tour. As I shared last week, we kicked this tour off with a visit to the Hecht Warehouse in Ivy City. This looked like bringing together numerous agencies (the Office of the Tenant Advocate, the Department of Buildings, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, the Department of Health, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Transportation, and Office of the Attorney General) with property management, area businesses, and impacted residents to address numerous outstanding concerns both inside and outside the building. Agencies tackled some issues in real-time, and documented action steps for long-term needs. All of this is in service of Ward 5 neighbors who call the Hecht Warehouse home. 

And our work is not done. Every Ward 5 neighbor deserves stable, clean, safe housing. As we continue our Ward 5 Housing Conditions Tour this summer, it is a reminder that oversight does not just happen from the dais—it also happens from the alleyways, sidewalks, and doorsteps we call home. 

Ward 5 Wave Podcast

This week on The Ward 5 Wave, I dig into the topic of oversight with newly sworn-in At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman. Councilmember Silverman is no stranger to the Wilson Building, having previously served from 2015-2023. In that time, she became well-known as an oversight powerhouse. We talk about her oversight secret sauce, have some fun and chat about her favorite spots to get pizza in Ward 5. Take a listen wherever you get your podcasts, or click here!

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

public safety updates; the Department of Buildings next listening session on residential building codes on August 19; a reminder to submit feedback on the draft RFK Campus Master Plan by August 14; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; programs to benefit from featuring youth farm-to-table workshops on August 14; and community events including DPR Movie Nights in Trinidad (tomorrow) and Turkey Thicket (Sunday), and a save-the-date for the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild's 3rd Annual Fall Festival on October 17! Keep scrolling for more.

Monday in the Ward 5 Council Office was full of back-to-back meetings as my team works through legislative priorities for the fall, constituent services requests, and event planning.

Tuesday morning, my team hosted a multi-agency blitz in Bloomingdale alongside ANC 5E05 Commissioner Thompson to address neighborhood concerns. The Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Public Works (DPW), and Department of Health (DOH) Rat Abatement team were all present as neighbors pointed out issues. DOB identified vacant buildings and properties with maintenance violations, DPW SWEEP inspectors issued Notices of Infraction (NOIs) for sanitation code violations, and DOH Rat Abatement identified properties contributing to rodent activity. We will continue working with the agencies to monitor compliance and follow up on outstanding issues.

Also on Tuesday morning, I had a great time visiting the Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program. These young people are gaining skills in research and communications, and I was excited to see their work in action. We also talked about their goals, the work of the Council, the recent DoorDash blunders and why DC Statehood is so important.

Tuesday evening, my team and I stopped by the National Night Out citywide kick-off event in Alethia Tanner Park. This annual event brings together public safety agencies and community members to strengthen our efforts in keeping our neighborhoods safe. Thanks to everyone who came out and said hello!

Wednesday, I briefly stopped by the all-new Ivy City Pet Adoption Center run by Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) in between a number of other meetings. This facility is a huge improvement from the former New York Ave facility, and it provides a safe, clean, well-appointed environment for dogs and cats to live while they wait for their "furever" homes. 

Yesterday, my office hosted a public safety walk along the Metropolitan Branch Trail alongside ANC 5F commissioners and the Eckington Civic Association to point out long-standing safety concerns to MPD. Thank you to all the neighbors who attended to share their thoughts and questions as we seek to ensure the trail is a safe, vibrant asset to our Ward 5 communities. You can read a more detailed recap of the walk and outcomes in the Ward 5 Updates section below.

Recap: Public Safety Walk on Metropolitan Branch Trail

On Thursday evening, my team joined ANC 5F Commissioners, the Eckington Civic Association, MPD, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) Trail Ranger, and neighbors for a public safety walk along the Metropolitan Branch Trail to identify safety concerns and discuss potential improvements. Neighbors pointed out areas where additional lighting and tree trimming are needed to improve visibility, raised concerns about excessive speeds on the trail, and discussed potential safety enhancements, including security cameras and emergency blue light phones. MPD shared that the MBT is currently an area of focused visibility and that they will continue bicycle patrols to maintain a visible presence along the trail.

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. 

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is kicking off a two-year project to design a future for Kingman and Heritage Islands that ensures visitors can reach, see, understand, and meaningfully participate in the Islands' natural resources. In support of this project, they're hosting a series of kick-off events. Check out the details below!

Access and Safety Series 

• Site Walk on the Islands - Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Education and Ecology Series 

• Virtual Design Charrette - Monday, August 10, 2026, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

• Site Walk on the Islands - Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

• In-Person Design Charrette - Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Learn more about the project and get involved here. 

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

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

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is required to give written notice of their intent to modify traffic and/or parking requirements to the Council and affected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs) to allow for a public comment period on the modifications. The following Notices of Intent (NOIs) for Ward 5 are open for comment: 

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

There were no ANC or civic association meetings this week. Many ANCs and civic associations take a break from monthly meetings in August. 

Next week:

• Tuesday, August 11
  • 6:30 p.m.
    • ANC 5A Special Meeting

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

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

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

DPR Communal Farms Weekly Veggie Giveaways have started back up at locations across the city. From now until November 25, 2026, stop by the below locations on select days each week to get free, locally grown fruits, veggies, and herbs. For more information, including how to volunteer, email joshua.singer@dc.gov.

• Ward 5: Edgewood Rooftop Farm (301 Franklin St NE)
  • Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Ward 7: Lederer Garden (4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE)
  • Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• Ward 1: Powell Communal Farm (3149 16th St NW)
  • Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Arboretum:
Summer Evening Hours

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

Two Ward 5 Locations:
DPR Movie Night

• August 8 in Trinidad at 7:00 p.m. (@ Jabbo's Market - 1613 Montello Ave NE). 
  • Bob Marley One Love
• August 9 at Turkey Thicket at 1:00 p.m. (1100 Michigan Ave NE)
  • Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow

Join DPR Movie Nights! Bring a blanket, chair, and some friends and enjoy a free movie and snacks.

Michigan Park:
Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway

August 22 - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

@ Bunker Hill ES (1401 Michigan Ave NE)

Join my team alongside the Ward 5 Education Equity Committee and SBOE Representative Robert Henderson for the annual back-to-school supplies giveaway! 

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!

LeDroit Park:
Fun in the Park

August 15 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
@ LeDroit Park (286 V St NW)
Join my team and the LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale Civic Associations at the North Capitol St & Rhode Island Ave Ecumenical Council's Fun in the Park event. Food, music, backpack giveaway, activities, and more!

Anacostia:
Jazzy Sundays

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

• Budget Battle Erupts in DC Over Opioid Settlement Money (WAMU)
  
  
• Trump's National Guard Deployment in DC Set to Cost Additional $1.4 Billion (WaPo - free to read with this gift link for 14 days) 
  
  
• DC's First IndyCar Street Race Will Bring Extensive Road Closures (City Cast)
  
  
• Union Station Overhaul Takes New Direction (WTOP)
  
  
• Inaugural 'Rat Walk' Tour in DC (ABC 7)

The highlight of my week was connecting with neighbors at Tuesday evening's National Night Out. While there are complex challenges facing our community with the combination of federal overreach, leadership transitions, and summertime public safety trends, I appreciated the chance to pause and hear the priorities of each neighbor who took time to say hello. 

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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