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IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 

• Today- Last Day to Submit Feedback on RFK Draft Master Plan
• August 15 - WMATA Back-to-School Event at Fort Totten Metro
• August 16 - Back-to-School Event at Woodridge Library
• August 19 - Northeast Summer Nights
• August 22 - Ward 5 EEC Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway
• August 22 - Chuck Brown Day
• August 24 - First Day of School for SY26-27 @ DC Public Schools
• Now until September 15 - Council Recess
• September 19 - Ward 5 Day!
• ...and more!

There are times in my work representing Ward 5 neighbors when I see or hear something that truly stops me in my tracks. I had one of those experiences this week when my team and I continued our Ward 5 Housing Conditions Tour with a visit to 1400 Florida Ave NE in Trinidad. 

My team had been working for several months to escalate numerous complaints received from residents to various District agencies. Even with the awareness of these complaints, I was not fully prepared for what I saw. Trash piled in hallways, rodents running throughout the building, human waste in stairwells, mold, fire damage, and graffiti all remain completely unaddressed by property management: Faria Management and Buwa Binitie buildings. It goes without saying that these conditions and this level of negligence is completely unacceptable. I refuse to be silent about any entity that allows residents to live in these kinds of conditions. 

Since the tour, I've been in touch with a partner who is working to take over the maintenance contract for the property. I have also spoken with the head of the DC Housing Authority multiple times, and she is working to get a team out to conduct an emergency investigation on Monday and relocate voucher holders. I also touched based with the City Administrator and Department of Buildings (DOB) to get their respective teams on the case. I stopped by the building again today and was glad to see there is already movement: teams were out mowing the overgrown grass and removing trash, and DOB made a stop to investigate several of the issues flagged during Wednesday's walk-through.

Ward 5 has thousands of residents living in apartment buildings. Housing policy isn't just about how many units we build, it's about the conditions people are living in right now. Safe, clean, dignified housing is the standard. We're going building by building to make sure that standard is met. 

While there is more to come for this property—and this is just one stop on our tour—I want to convey that I will never stop fighting for healthy, clean, stable, and safe housing for every Ward 5 neighbor. This is why I won't be silent. 

I also won't be silent about the continued National Guard occupation in the District. This week marked the one-year anniversary of the surge of federal forces in our city. I have been outspoken and clear since the surge began: this occupation must end, and it is a violation of District residents' rights. This isn't abstract. The occupation is having real consequences on our budget and services, is bringing ICE to our streets, and has resulted in countless neighbors being snatched out of their own cars, homes, churches, and neighborhoods. Worst of all, some District neighbors have been killed as a result of encounters with federal authorities. Since last year, I've taken to the halls of Congress, protested in the streets, co-introduced and helped pass legislation, sent letters to governors around the country, and continued to speak up all in resistance to federal overreach and its impact on our communities. 

Some might argue that the city is safer because of this operation, but the truth is that talking point simply doesn't align with the facts of this deployment. National Guard troops are neither trained nor equipped to help with local crime fighting and policing. Violent crime—which had reached historic lows prior to their deployment—is ticking up since last year, coinciding with studies showing deployments to statistically have little effect on violent crime. Our National Guardsmen and women are heroes who should be able to return to their home states and families to do the work they were trained to do: responding to natural disasters and domestic emergencies. I continue to call on governors of states who have sent their troops here to bring them home. 

I won't be silent because until we have a truly free DC, the message is unchanged: send the National Guard home and respect DC Home Rule.

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

public safety updates; a reminder to submit feedback on the draft RFK Campus Master Plan by today; the start of construction on the new Riggs & South Dakota Park on August 17; the Department of Buildings next listening session on fuel gas codes, mechanical and plumbing on August 19; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5 (including one that closes for comment on August 20); programs to benefit from; and, lots of community events including backpack giveaways in Fort Totten tomorrow, Woodridge/Langdon on Sunday, and Michigan Park on August 22! Keep scrolling for more.

Monday was full of meetings, allowing my team and I to connect on outstanding constituent issues and plan for the week ahead. 

On Tuesday, I headed to Black Lives Matter Plaza alongside hundreds of neighbors as Free DC and other community organizations marked the one-year anniversary of the National Guard occupation in DC. I have been outspoken about this unnecessary and harmful federal overreach since the surge first began, opposing this occupation that violates the District's right to self-governance and is not making us safer. 

Wednesday, my team and I continued our Ward 5 Housing Conditions Tour with a walk-through at the Delta Pearl in Trinidad. We were joined by Rep. Oye Owolewa, representatives from Empower DC and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and District agencies as we witnessed first-hand the horrific conditions residents of the property are living in. Documenting these conditions allows us to continue our fight for the property management company to do right by neighbors. 

Yesterday brought more meetings as I connected with leadership across the District's child welfare system in my role as Chair of the Committee on Youth Affairs. I also made a visit to Deaf-REACH in Brookland to learn more about their work and connect with deaf and hard-of-hearing neighbors. Deaf-REACH has been in our community serving deaf and hard-of-hearing neighbors in need of special services for five decades, and I am so grateful for their work.

I ended the day yesterday with a visit to Dr. Cheryl Lee's dental clinic in Brookland. Dr. Lee is retiring after 43 years of service to the community at 1010 Quincy St NE. She specializes in service to individuals with special needs, and her work has shaped Ward 5 for the better. Well done, Dr. Lee!

Today, I headed back to the Delta Pearl (1400 Florida Ave NE) to check in and was glad to see crews already out addressing many of the issues we raised during Wednesday's walk-through. Click here for a quick recap. 

MPD Updates

• Last week, MPD announced the arrest of a suspect in a shooting that occurred on May 11, 2026 at approximately 2:26 p.m. in the 600 block of Edgewood St NE. 
  
  

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 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 DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Department of General Services (DGS) announced that construction will begin on the new South Dakota & Riggs Park on Monday, August 17, 2026. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late fall/early winter 2026. I was proud to advance the creation of this new park and secure its funding through several budget cycles, so it is exciting to reach the construction phase. I can't wait to cut the ribbon on this new park with community members who have long advocated for it. 

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. 

On Saturday, August 22, 2026 and Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC will take place in the District of Columbia. In conjunction with the buildout and the security requirements for this event, there will be parking restrictions and street closures that motorists should take into consideration from July 22, 2026 through September 3, 2026. Learn more here and view a full map of impacts here. 

Students head back to school at DC Public Schools on August 24! Make sure you are ready for a great school year by using this helpful checklist. Scroll down in this newsletter to the Team Zachary in the Community section for lots of upcoming back-to-school events and backpack giveaways, too!

Join DC Water’s Lead Free DC program for their next virtual meeting - Losing the Lead: Your Timeline, Your Yard, Your Questions. They will take an in-depth look at what residents can expect during lead service line replacement—from scheduling and early construction activity to what happens on replacement day and how your yard is restored. Save this information to join DC Water on August 26 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.: 

• Join via Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/LFDCAug2026  
• Or call in: (202) 753-6714, 18173584#    

Can’t make it? No worries - the session will be recorded and available on DC Water’s YouTube channel. 

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. 

A tradition dating back to the days of Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Sr., I was proud to revive Ward 5 Day in 2023. Since then, we've had an annual celebration of everything Ward 5 at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center. Mark you calendar for this year's celebration, scheduled for September 19! As always, there will be food including our Taste of Ward 5 walk, activities for all ages, giveaways, live music, and just a good time connecting with neighbors. More details coming soon!

Many ANCs and civic associations take a break from monthly meetings in August. 

Next week:

• Wednesday, August 19
  • 6:30 p.m.
    • ANC 5A Special Meeting
      • Agenda includes a review of grant applications including for the Riggs Michigan Park Community Cookout, New Generations Training and Learning Center Community Day, and UDC 9/11 Memorial upkeep

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!

Fort Totten:
MTPD Back-to-School Event

August 15 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
@ Fort Totten Metro (550 Galloway St NE)
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!

Woodridge/Langdon:
DCPL Back-to-School Event

August 16 - 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
@ Woodridge Library (1801 Hamlin St NE)
Join DC Public Library (DCPL) for a back-to-school event, featuring free bookbags, supplies, performances, activities, and community resources. The Ward 5 event will be at Woodridge Library on August 16.

Woodridge/Langdon:
Northeast Summer Nights

August 19 - 6:00 p.m.
@ The Spice Suite (2201 Channing St NE)
Join DC Squared and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for Northeast Summer Nights. This family-friendly summer series explores art through interactive activities, live performances, local vendors, and outdoor movies. 

North Michigan Park:
Village Launch + Mobile Market

August 20 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
@ Faith United Church of Christ (4900 10th St NE)
Join the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) alongside the DC Village Collaborative and Faith United Church of Christ for the launch of the new Faith North Michigan Park Village and a mobile market, featuring fresh produce and more.

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 - 12:00 - 2:00 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!

Fort Dupont:
Chuck Brown Day

August 22 - 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
@ Fort Dupont Park (Minnesota Ave SE)
Join the District's annual celebration of the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown! Gates will open at 11:00 a.m. Learn more and RSVP 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.

• DoorDash Pushes to End DC's Self-Governance Over a 20-Cent Tax (Truthout)
  
  
• Councilmembers Push Back on Plan to Keep National Guard Troops in DC Into 2029 (WTOP)
  
  
• What DC Residents Will Remember From a Year of National Guard Occupation (The 51st)
  
  
• DC's Youth Entrepreneurship Program Gives Startup Boost to DC-Area Students (Washington Informer) 
  
  
• GOP Lawmakers Move to Scrap DC's Motorcycle Helmet Law as Road Deaths Rise (WaPo - free to read with this gift link for 14 days)
  
  
• The U.S. is Experiencing the Largest Measles Outbreak in 35 Years. Here's What You Need to Know in the DC Region. (WAMU)

The highlight of my week was joining Free DC and hundreds of neighbors in Black Lives Matter Plaza on the one-year anniversary of the National Guard occupation in the District. Together, we are organizing, pushing back, and fighting for a truly free DC.

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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