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IN THIS NEWSLETTER:  

• Tomorrow - Eckington Day
• Tomorrow - North Michigan Park Clean-up
• Tomorrow - Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild Fall Festival
• October 20 - LIHEAP Applications Reopen
• October 20 - Reducing Poverty in the District Listening Session
• October 24 - Fort Totten Blanket Trick-or-Treat
• 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!

The District is facing numerous, serious financial challenges. Our revenue estimates across the four-year financial plan show a revision downward by more than $600 million. We are trailing national performance in GDP, employment, population, and income growth. Employment is down 5.1% with losses across both major private sectors and federal downsizing. And the housing market is weakening even further with significant drops in home sales and high interest rates. 

The gap between the District's revenue and our spending continues to widen. This past budget cycle, the Council approved $660 million in one-time spending to cover that gap and maintain critical programs for District residents like housing support, food access, healthcare, and more. But this raises the question—what do we do when we are confronted with an even bigger budget gap next year?

There are, of course, two options: increase revenue or reduce spending. I'm of the mind that we can do both. Anytime we propose increasing taxes, we should take it very seriously and be careful to mindfully cut unnecessary spending at the same time. Today, the Council held a public hearing on one of these topics, with testimony from dozens of witnesses on revenue proposals for the FY28 budget. Those proposals include: 

• B26-0749 - Wealth Proceeds Tax Amendment Act of 2026
  • Would impose a surcharge of 3% on the “wealth proceeds” of District filers with taxable incomes of $250,000 (single or filing separately as domestic partners), $400,000 (all other circumstances) or $500,000 (married or domestic partners filing separately on combined return or jointly). 
• B26-0777 - Revenue Stabilization and Land Value Assessment Amendment Act of 2026
  • A shift in real property tax that would set a rate that applies solely to the land or one weight that applies to land and one to improvements.  
• Business Activity Tax: a tax on a company's economic activity rather than their traditional net income
  • Proposal discussed today: a new, 1.4% business activity tax (BAT) that is a value-added tax on all for-profit businesses conducting business in the District, which could be accompanied by cuts to existing business taxes.
• Pied-à-Terre Tax: a surcharge on high-value properties that do not serve as an owner's primary residence
  • Proposal discussed today: a new property tax rate for residential real property with no more than two dwelling units where a homestead deduction is not claimed. The rates would be $0.85 per $100 for first $2.558 million; $2.00 for any amount above $2.558 million. Notably excludes members of Congress. 
• Sales Tax: taxes on goods and services (like retail sales, food, hotel rooms, etc.)
  • Proposal discussed today: increase in rate from 6 to 7%. Already scheduled to occur in 2027 unless Council makes changes.
• Real Property Tax: a tax on the estimated value of land and buildings
  • Proposal discussed today: one cent and ten cent increases to residential property tax rates. No changes to commercial ones. 
• Individual Income Tax: a tax on the wages, salaries, investments, and other forms of income earned by a person or household
  • Two proposals considered today, both of which would focus on income tax rate increases for higher income brackets.
    • The first draft proposal is a simple 0.5% increase in the marginal tax rates for individuals and households with a taxable income of over $250,000. All other tax rates would remain the same as they are today. This could also be combined with the Child Tax Credit to deliver relief to working families.
    • The second draft proposal creates a new bracket for individuals and households with a taxable income of over $60,000 but not over $125,000. This new bracket would have a marginal rate of 7.5%, a percentage lower than what these taxpayers currently pay. Individuals and households with a taxable income of over $125,000 but not over $250,000 would be subject to the same marginal tax rate that they are today. Then there would be a 0.5% increase in the marginal tax rates for individuals and households making over $250,000 from the first proposal.

Some of these proposals are non-starters for me, like the sales tax proposal which is regressive and would require lower income individuals to pay a higher share of their income. While we heard from witnesses on the merits and drawbacks of each of the above proposals, I shared that I am most inclined to support taxes on wealth-generated income. Taking both federal and local tax regimes into account, wealth-generated income enjoys lower effective tax rates than wage-based income. This means that some of the District's wealthiest residents are enjoying lower effective tax rates than residents struggling to make ends meet. Here's what that looks like:

I think it is clear that households earning $55,900 - $148,000/year should not have a higher effective tax rate than households in the top 20% of all earners in the District. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) separately estimates that wealth-generated income is subject to effective tax rates 40% lower than wage-based income. 

Similarly, I am very concerned that we do not tax some businesses fairly under current law. The business activity tax presents an intriguing way to close a unique loophole that allows out-of-state partners in very lucrative industries to avoid District taxes. It would also secure sufficient revenue to provide tax relief to mom-and-pop businesses that have been subject to higher payroll taxes in recent years, and I am very interested in how we can use the business activity tax to even the playing field in the District. 

Some valid questions arise in all of this: why isn't the Council focusing on budget cuts instead of revenue? Why doesn't the Council hold a hearing on ways to reduce spending?  

I agree that we need to focus on reducing waste in government spending as much as we need to discuss ways to correct our downward turn in revenue. And the truth is that we've made difficult spending cuts every year for the past few years, with devastating impacts on rental assistance, utility assistance, food access, delayed capital projects, and more. Cuts are an inherent part of our budget process every year. Unfortunately, when the discussion has been broached about revenue in recent budget cycles, it dead-ends with an acknowledgment that it deserves a better, more prepared approach. Today's hearing provided that opportunity. 

And why doesn't the Council hold a hearing on ways to reduce spending? I am in favor of it, and have long called for our body to create mechanisms that allow for a regular assessment of our expenditures. Some of my previous amendments during budget cycles have included the creation of an expenditure commission that would be tasked with helping reduce waste and overspending in District government. Sadly, these have not garnered enough support to pass. In my opening statement at today's hearing, I ended by saying that I do hope we will also have a hearing on ways we can cut spending and reduce our bloated budget. It is a critical component of addressing the looming financial crises we are facing. 

Today's hearing felt exceptional, but it shouldn't. It is my hope that we will make tax policy, revenue, and efficiency in spending regular topics of Committee of the Whole roundtables and hearings so that we are fully equipped to weather financial storms and ensure every District resident can thrive.

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 and in Bloomingdale tomorrow; a North Michigan Park clean-up tomorrow; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; a DHCD workshop on TOPA and the RENTAL Act and a DHS listening session on poverty, both on October 20; the reopening of LIHEAP applications on October 20; an opportunity to weigh in on DC's 2030 Historic Preservation Plan (until November 6); legislative updates in Neferteria's Nook; programs to benefit from featuring the free vaccines for pets on October 24; and community events including Eckington Day tomorrow (my team will be there)! Keep scrolling for more.

Last Saturday, my team stopped by Ivy City Community Day and a block party on Randolph St NE to connect with neighbors and celebrate progress in Ward 5. In Ivy City, we are especially excited for the construction that is underway on the future Crummell Community Center!

On Monday, my office was closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. The story of our country and of the peoples who first called this land home is a story of broken promises. In taking time to remember and honor those peoples—the Nacotchtank, Piscataway, Mattaponi, Chickahominy, Monacan, Powhatan, and Pamunkey peoples—we also recommit to reparative action.

On Tuesday, I had a number of meetings with area leaders, businesses, and colleagues about legislation before the Council. My team and I also welcomed a visit to our office by DC Action coalitions to discuss the impending revenue hearing in the Committee of the Whole. While the Council is considering numerous revenue proposals ahead of the FY28 budget process, one thing is for sure: tax policy is people policy!

Wednesday, I participated in a markup in the Committee on Health before holding my own markup in the Committee on Youth Affairs. I also participated in the Committee on Human Services' public hearing on two land disposition bills that will set the stage for future development in the District. You can read more about these markups and the hearing in the Neferteria's Nook section of the newsletter below. 

Yesterday was another meetingful day, featuring conversations with colleagues and community leaders on a range of topics including how to support small businesses and steps needed to address the District's housing crisis. 

Today, I've spent hours in the Committee of the Whole's hearing on revenue proposals for the FY28 budget. This important conversation is key as we face concerning revenue estimates and increasing costs. There's still time to weigh in if you would like to share your thoughts with the Council by clicking the "Submit Testimony" button on the hearing page here. You can also watch my opening statement from the hearing by clicking the video below:

Edgewood Shooting

Last weekend on Saturday, there was a shooting outside the Edgewood Recreation Center that sent a 14-year-old girl to an area trauma center with a gunshot wound to the hip. Fortunately, she is stable and healing. MPD is investigating, and my team is coordinating with MPD, DPR, and area neighbors to conduct a public safety walk and follow-up meeting to address a number of concerns around the rec center. 

MPD Reports

• MPD is seeking the community's assistance in identifying a suspect in a robbery that occurred on September 13, 2026 at approximately 9:35 a.m. in the 900 block of Brentwood Rd NE. 
• MPD is seeking the community's assistance in identifying the suspects in a burglary that occurred on September 24, 2026 at approximately 5:26 p.m. in the 1100 block of 21st St 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 and Edgewood 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. 

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 17, my team will join the North Michigan Park Civic Association for their community clean-up from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., starting at the North Michigan Park Rec Center (1333 Emerson St NE). Pickers and trash bags will be provided. Come keep our community beautiful and clean!

• 2nd Street from Bryant Street to Rhode Island Avenue, NW
• Bryant Street from 2nd Street to First Street, NW
• Adams Street from 2nd Street to First Street, NW
• W Street from 2nd Street to First Street, NW
• V Street from 5th Street to First Street, NW
• U Street from 2nd Street to First Street, NW
• T Street from 2nd Street to Rhode Island Avenue, NW

The full traffic advisory for Howard University's Homecoming is available here. 

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 Department of Energy and Environment will open applications for the FY27 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on October 20, 2026. Learn more here to prepare for the reopening of applications. 

Join the Department of Human Services for a public listening session on reducing poverty in the District. The gathering will also include SNAP and Medicaid updates, and homelessness prevention and diversion. The session will be held on Tuesday, October 20 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the RISE Demonstration Center (2730 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave SE). Learn more and register here. 

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 District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has extended the period for comments on the proposals for sidewalk expansion on North Capitol Street until October 25. You can see the presentation from DDOT here, and leave your feedback here.

The Department of Energy and Environment is excited to launch the Kingman and Heritage Islands Structures and Trails Design Project. They invite neighbors to provide feedback as they design new amenities, increase trail access, and support more learning and interaction with nature on Kingman and Heritage Islands. Learn more here, and consider joining one of the upcoming public engagement meetings: 

• October 26 @ 6:00 p.m.
  • Virtual Charrette on Place and Connection
• October 28 @ 10:00 a.m. - Southeast Neighborhood Library
  • Charrette on Place and Connection
• November 2 @ 6:00 p.m.
  • Virtual Charrette on Defining Characteristics
• November 10 @ 10:00 a.m. - Southeast Neighborhood Library
  • Charrette on Defining Characteristics
• November 14 @ 10:30 a.m. - Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library
  • Charrette on Defining Characteristics

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 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)

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 week, my team attended the ANC 5D and Arboretum Neighborhood Association meetings. Here are some quick recaps:

• ANC 5D (October 13 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team shared updates on two important hearings: the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety’s public hearing on Heightened Federal Law Enforcement and National Guard Activities in the District on November 5, and the Committee of the Whole hearing on Revenue Proposals for FY28 on October 16. Additionally, we informed neighbors about our Ward 5 Public Safety Call on October 28. The Department of Human Services (DHS) gave an update on the men’s shelter on New York Avenue, now called Heritage at 1201 New York Ave. The shelter will have a reduced number of beds (357) and a reduced number of hypothermia beds (60) following redevelopment. The smaller footprint is due to budgeting constraints to keep key programming elements available. Julius Martin gave a presentation on Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School. Damian Crosby gave a presentation about the public space available at the new DC Infrastructure Academ campus at the historic Spingarn High School. Lincoln Smith gave a presentation about the Trinidad Rec Food Forest. Lastly, the Carvest Terrace Harvest Festival is October 29 at 5:00 p.m. with games, candy, and fun for everyone.\
     
    
• Arboretum Neighborhood Association (October 13 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • DC Water has started lead pipe replacement on Rand Pl NE.  Earlier reporting of alley drainage issues has been resolved for those alleys that were recently completed and most of the remaining alleys are scheduled for next year. Residents shared concerns about rats near the Parkway Apartments. My office can help assist with reaching out to Property Management regarding rat abatement efforts. My office was also asked to assist with elevating missing curb and dangerous holes in the parking lane on Rand Pl NE and with the vehicles parked on R St NE near Bladensburg Rd NE from the nearby car business as well as litter cleanup along Bladensburg Rd NE. Folks raised concerns that neighborhood youth have complained that the Arboretum Rec Center gym is not accessible to them because it is regularly booked for groups. My office will facilitate a discussion with DPR about how we can resolve this particularly given the need to focus our youth on positive activities. Residents were encouraged to put their hat in the ring to join the board of association and can reach out to Randall Chandler directly.  
    
    

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

• Monday, October 19
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • Bloomingdale Civic Association
      
    • Gateway Civic Association
    • Queens Chapel Civic Association
      
      
• Tuesday, October 20
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • ANC 5E
    • ANC 5F
    • Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association
      
      
• Wednesday, October 21
  • 6:30 p.m.
    • Hanover Civic Association
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • ANC 5B

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

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

Here's a brief recap of some of the hearings and markups Councilmember Parker participated in this week.

On Wednesday, Councilmember Parker attended the Committee on Health's Mark-Up on the following bills:  

• B26-0523 - Streamlining Medicaid Credentialing Amendment Act of 2025
  • This bill, which Councilmember Parker co-introduced, requires the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) to develop a single, centralized application process for providers seeking to be credentialed or recredentialed with a managed care organization (MCO).
    
    
• B26-0588 - Captive Insurance Company Amendment Act of 2026
  • This bill strengthens the District’s competitive position within the captives industry by clarifying rules and regulations for captive participants, and makes it easier for insurance companies to resume business should they become inactive.
    
    
• B26-0707 - Rodent Education and Management Yields ("REMY") Results Amendment Act of 2026
  • This bill makes a number of changes to increase rodent abatement, including:
    • Requiring DC Health to create a rodent abatement dashboard with specific updated information, and to implement a public education campaign on rodent prevention and control and rodenticide health risks.
    • Requiring the Department of Public Works to provide notice to Advisory Neighborhood Commissions with a 30-day comment period before the removal of a public litter container, and giving the ANC’s input great weight.
    • Creating a pilot program to provide grants to Business Improvement Districts and Main Streets to subsidize or purchase rodent proof trash receptacles.
    • Prohibiting the sale of anticoagulant rodenticide, and limits the distribution and use of anticoagulant rodenticides by persons not trained or licensed as pesticide applicators. 

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. The Councilmembers unanimously voted to move these bills forward for consideration before the full Council.  

Also on Wednesday, Councilmember Parker attended the Committee on Human Services' Public Hearing on the following bills:

• Fletcher-Johnson Surplus Declaration and Disposition Approval Act of 2026
  • This bill would declare as surplus land and authorize the disposition by the Mayor of District-owned real property located at 4650 Benning Road, SE. Adoption of the bill will allow for the development of the property as a mixed-use community with office, retail, a health care facility, and additional homeownership opportunities along the Benning Road corridor. The proposed development program will off er approximately 800 units of rental and for-sale housing consisting of condominiums, townhomes, multifamily rental apartments, and affordable senior assisted living units or an affordable memory care facility. The proposed development also envisions green space for outside recreational and community activities, retail-commercial space for neighborhood serving retail, a Freestanding Emergency Department facility and other health care uses, and parking.
    
    
• Georgetown Boathouse Surplus Declaration and Disposition Approval Act of 2026
  • This bill would declare District-owned and administered real property along the Potomac River as no longer required for public purposes and authorize its disposition by the Mayor. The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) negotiated a tri-party agreement for the transfer and sale of parcels along the Potomac River between Georgetown University, the National Park Service, and the District to complete a decade long effort to realize expanded non- motorized boating activities along the Potomac River in Georgetown, as well as the construction of a scholastic boathouse facility, subject to certain public use and public access by Georgetown University.

Councilmember Parker asked questions regarding the Fletcher--Johnson bill around the need for urgent care, and additional amenities needed for the neighborhood like grocery stores. The Councilmember also inquired about affordable housing and the availability of larger housing units on the site. If you would like to submit testimony, please click here.

The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026. An Additional Legislative Meeting has now also been added for that day. Learn more about both meetings, including how to tune in, here.  

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:

• 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.
    • Committee on Executive Administration and Labor (Public Roundtable)
      • The Board of Elections and the Office of Campaign Finance: Updates on the 2026 Election Cycle
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to submit testimony, please click here.
        
        
• Wednesday, October 21
  • 2:30 p.m.
    • Committee of the Whole (Public Hearing)
      • Career and Technical Education
      • Advance Technical Centers
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.

• Thursday, October 22
  • 10:00 a.m.
    • Committee on Housing (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0819 - Ownership and Wealth-building for our Neighbors (OWN) Omnibus Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0822 - Understanding the Cost of Housing Regulations 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 Human Services (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0753 - Health and Human Service Programs and Benefits Eligibility and Delivery Data-Sharing Clarifications Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0808 - Green Workforce Pilot 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.
  • 4:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Human Services (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0816 - Board of Library Trustees 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.
        
        
• Friday, October 23
  • 10:00 a.m.
    • Committee of the Whole (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0769 - Soccer Stadium Redevelopment and Maintenance Act of 2026
      • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.
        
        
• Monday, October 26
  • 9:30 a.m.
    • Committee on Housing (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0829 - Shared Housing Agreements and Resolution Effort Pilot Program Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0831 - Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Functions Modernization Amendment Act of 2026
      • B26-0832 - Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Payment Modernization Act of 2026
      • B26-0820 - Affordable Housing Tax Assessment Alignment 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, Subcommittee on Local Business Development (Public Hearing) 
      • B26-0102 - Expanding Access to Public Restrooms Act of 2025
      • B26-0841 - Business Improvement District 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. 

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

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

On Wednesday, October 14, the Committee on Youth Affairs held a markup on Bill 26-0071, the Uniform Unregulated Transfer of Child Custody Act, which passed the Committee unanimously with support from Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto and At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman. This bill will protect against transfers of children for the purposes of custodial abandonment, and joins Utah, Colorado, Washington state, Oklahoma and North Carolina in doing so.

Next, the committee will markup Bill 26-0026, the Theatrical Wrestling Amendment Act of 2026, which creates a new category of combat sports events to be regulated differently from traditional professional wrestling. We held a public hearing on this bill in March and will incorporate feedback from the theatrical wrestling community, the Combat Sports Commission, and other advocates as we draft a final Committee Print to be considered by the Council. Stay tuned for a markup vote to be scheduled in mid-November.

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). 

The Solar For All (SFA) Community Solar Program currently has open subscriptions available. Residents who enroll can save up to $500 each year on their electricity bills. The Community Solar model does not require any equipment installation. Subscribers receive solar credits directly on their Pepco bill, making this option accessible to renters, residents of multi-family buildings, and homeowners. To qualify, applicants must live in DC, pay a Pepco bill and meet the income guidelines. Community solar applications can be completed online.  

The Department of Energy and Environment and Catalyst Mobility are now accepting applications for the Multifamily EV Charging Assistance Program. This program offers free technical assistance and rebates covering up to 80% of project costs, including planning, equipment, installation, and maintenance for Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging located at or within a short walk of multifamily properties. Applications are now open, with project selection expected by December 2026.

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 Manor:

Annual Health Fair

October 17 - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

@ 1400 block of Saratoga Ave NE

Meet my team at Brookland Manor's annual health fair, featuring free health screenings and services, live music, food, giveaways, and more. 

Fort Totten:

Blanket Trick or Treat

October 24 - 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

@ Fort Circle Park Pavilion (11th and Galloway St NE)

Join my team at the annual Fort Totten Blanket Trick-or-Treat. Everyone (kids and adults alike) invited to wear a costume. Bring a blanket to sit and treats to share.

Brookland:

Halloween Parade & Party

October 25 - 2:00 - 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.

• It's 2026. Do You Know Who Your Landlord Is? (Washington Sun)
  
  
• Ticket Policy Forum Has Sued DC to Block RESALE Act (City Paper)
  
  
• With Budget Gap Looming, DC Council Starts Talking About Tax Increases (Washington Sun)
  
  
• DC Sues Defunct Childcare Center Over Unpaid Wages After Abrupt Closure (WTOP)
  
  
• Amtrak is Making Some Big Changes. Here's What Passengers Can Expect. (WaPo - free to read with this gift link for 14 days)
  
  
• DC is Spending Billions on Sports Venues. Experts Say the Financial Return Isn't Guaranteed. (WAMU)
  
  
• How DC's Investment in Community Anti-Violence Programs Unraveled (Washington Sun)
  
  
• DC is Required to Provide Shelter For Anyone Who Needs it Each Winter. But, Some Will Still Sleep in the Streets (WAMU)

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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