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Friend —

I normally start each newsletter with some light updates, but I know for many people – myself included – the outcome of this week's national election weighs heavy. While the District is the nation's capital, and we will always work to host a peaceful, safe, and smooth Inauguration and transfer of power regardless of who the individual may be or what political party they belong to, we also will not ignore our responsibility as leaders of this great city to protect and defend our DC values and neighbors.

Over these past few days, I've talked with students reaching out scared that their friends and classmates may be deported under a harsher administration. I've heard from girls questioning whether they'll have access to reproductive healthcare as they get older. I've heard from parents deeply concerned about their child's future education, health, and rights. I've heard from friends suddenly anxious about DC hosting World Pride next year and ensuring a safe space for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. I've heard from neighbors concerned about their livelihood as Project 2025 designs to slash federal agencies and jobs focused on the health and safety of our country.

I believe we need to take the threats to the District seriously, and we cannot dismiss potential ways some national figures will want to use the District's lack of statehood and full autonomy for their own political gains. We should not underestimate anyone, especially those who have already said what they want out loud (and even have gone as far as creating a blueprint). I will be ready to fight to protect DC. During the first Trump administration, we worked to protect DC residents and even advanced many smart, progressive initiatives. As we enter another Trump administration, my job (and all our leaders' job) is to work together as a strong and unified government to protect the most vulnerable among us and continue to build strong and resilient communities. We have done that before, and we will do it again. I want you to know I will do everything I can to defend and expand your rights, to ensure our city is a safe and healthy home for all, and to keep Ward 6 moving forward.

Quick Links: Public Safety <#safety> | Local Elections <#election> | Better Bus Network <#betterbus> | New Bill for Solar Shade <#solar> | Better Access to Fields <#fields> | Vacant Properties <#vacant> | Supreme Court Street Closures <#streetclosures> | DC Taxes Explained <#taxes> | Watkins Playground & Rec <#watkins> | Save Water <#water> | Nominate Neighbors for Awards <#brickies> | Tree Planting Season <#trees> | ERAP Applications <#erap> | DC Health Link <#openenrollment> | Pumpkin Composting <#pumpkins> | Sustainability Awards <#sustainability> | Leaf Collection <#leaves> | Veterans Day <#veterans> | Free Events <#events>

<>Public Safety Updates

- Safeway Garage Carjacking in Hill East: You may have already seen the images online – a little over a week ago, a woman was carjacked at gunpoint in a below-ground parking lot under the Safeway by an adult and what appeared to be a child. This was an awful incident, and I'm glad the victim was not physically harmed seriously. But it certainly left several neighbors and regulars to the grocery store shocked and unnerved, particularly as photos of the child holding a gun circulated on social media and in the news. Big picture: While carjackings are down 50% in Ward 6 since last year's huge spike, there's still a long way to go. We have to keep working because the baseline expectation must be that people can be safe in a grocery store parking garage, just as they should be everywhere else. As I get updates on this case, I'll be sure to share them here since I've heard from so many neighbors about this incident. 


- This week, my team joined a public safety walk with neighbors near 7th and H Streets NE. As I wrote in the last newsletter <[link removed]>, MPD has made a number of arrests related to ongoing, illegal activity in the area, and officers remain very active here. 


- Safe House Cannabis Shop Shutdown: I was glad to see another illegal cannabis shop shut down this week on H Street NE, this one on the 300 block. ABCA continues to ramp up its enforcement of these shops, which is critical to ensuring a safer environment for everyone and a safer marketplace for customers who want to purchase cannabis. This had been an especially bad actor, and I also want to thank neighbors for keeping up the pressure to make sure they either complied with the law or were padlocked.


- Public Safety Data at a Glance: Citywide, the drop in crime in every category continues. That includes a 27% reduction in homicides, 39% in robberies, and 34% in all violent crimes. Property crimes, including burglary and car thefts, are down 12% this year. As I've said many times, these are welcome drops, but we're still far off from where we need to be or want to be to ensure everyone feels safe in their neighborhood. That work continues. See the data here <[link removed]>. 

<>Local Election Results for Ward 6



I shared some of my thoughts on the national election results and challenges above, but I also want to share more details on our local results and some good news for Ward 6. On Tuesday, I visited every Vote Center in the Ward to check on how things were going at the polls, and at least in our local election returns, there were several bright spots for Ward 6. Besides a few locations with a bit of a wait, the centers were running smoothly. And with almost all ballots counted, Ward 6 leads all wards in our city in both the total number of ballots cast and ballots returned through drop boxes. I'm proud to see our Ward be the top voting ward city-wide, and it shows how critical Ward 6 voters are! In addition, an outstanding group of ANC Commissioners was elected to serve our neighborhoods, and we'll know the final outcomes for some ANC seats determined through write-ins in a few weeks. All of our new Commissioners will be sworn into office on Jan. 2 to begin their terms, and I'm excited to get to work with each of them!

<>WMATA Releases Better Bus Plans



WMATA has taken initial steps to approve an improved Better Bus plan <[link removed]> to enhance service, reliability, and frequency. With the loss of the DC Circulator, getting these new routes right has taken on even more importance. Beginning last year with the first proposal, and again this year with the second proposal, I’ve hosted town halls and engaged hundreds of Ward 6 residents to ensure WMATA listens to your needs. Here’s the letter <[link removed]> I sent earlier this summer following that work with you. After all this advocacy, here’s a quick look at the improvements now included:

- Circulator Replacements: The Mayor announced the end of the Circulator after WMATA had proposed its updated routes this spring. I asked WMATA to make this a top priority to have Metrobus create connections to make up for the lost service. In the new routes released this week, that’s largely been accomplished. Metrobus will run routes that mostly mirror the three Circulator routes serving Ward 6 riders: the L’Enfant – Eastern Market line, the Congress Heights – Union Station line, and the Georgetown – Union Station line. These revised bus routes won’t begin until the summer of 2025, leaving a six-month gap without bus connections after the Circulator service ends this December. Another reason the lack of planning and coordination is hurting riders and the small businesses that depend on these routes for employees and customers.


- Southwest/Buzzard Point: The proposed 74 and P6 lines shared this spring could best be described as a meandering loop-de-loop route with long headway schedules. Bottom line, it wasn’t going to serve the Southwest community well; and as the only Metrobus line for all of Buzzard Point and the thousands of residents who live there, WMATA had to do better. I pressed, and I think it largely delivered on a much-improved route. I am going to continue pushing for more frequent service on this line and better coordination with DDOT on some roadway and intersection improvements needed to make sure this route works for residents and businesses.


- Hill East/Lincoln Park: The plans this spring left a glaring hole in bus service for all neighbors and businesses around Lincoln Park and sections of Capitol Hill. It was a jarring gap that would have eliminated the 96 route and service on Massachusetts Avenue. Reversing this cut was a top priority, and WMATA has now reversed course and ensured a connection that I think will serve residents and potentially create an even stronger link to the Potomac Ave Metro station.

These are just three highlights of the revised Better Bus network that will be moving forward to a WMATA Board vote soon. I’ll send a more detailed update to a targeted list as WMATA’s Board vote approaches. If you’d like to receive these periodic Better Bus updates, just reply to this email, and I'll add you to the list.

<>New Bill to Bring Shade to Playgrounds, Parks, Sidewalks & Streets Using Solar Panels

<[link removed]>No shade, but the District's playgrounds are unusable on a lot of hot days (see what I did there?). On Friday, I introduced legislation <[link removed]> to build more shade using solar panels, aiming to solve two problems at once as we need to give people more protection from the sun on a hot day, and we need to generate more renewable, clean electricity. Win-win! 

Here's how it would work. The Solar Shade Expansion Amendment Act of 2024 would require the District government to identify 20 sites, ranging from playgrounds and parks to sidewalks, bike lanes, and roads, that could benefit from solar canopies – that is, structures that support solar panels while providing shade. The goal is to provide shade, reduce heat exposure, and provide clean energy to our power grid all at once. The bill then requires funding in the District’s Capital Improvements Plan for five capital projects to include solar shade as soon as the FY27 budget and all 20 projects beginning in FY28. It also permits the Department of Energy and Environment to issue grants to private entities in pursuit of solar shade projects.

This is a problem I know well as a parent of two kids who have been to every single playground in Ward 6 and beyond! And even if our days weren’t getting hotter, parents across the city would love to have more shade at all of our playgrounds and public spaces. The District government just isn’t creative enough in how we plan our public spaces for a warmer climate. There are examples all over the world of solar panels providing shade over parking lots, bike lanes, and more. As our planet gets hotter every year, this is the small, easy stuff we should be baking into every single project anyway.

<>Wednesday's Council Hearing on Improving Resident Access to Playing Fields

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, my Ward 3 colleague Councilmember Matt Frumin is hosting a roundtable on challenges around the high demand for access to playing fields and how to book a permit. I plan to attend as much as I can because this is a quality-of-life issue that impacts many Ward 6 families and their young athletes. On any given evening, every single playing field in Ward 6 is jam-packed with teams – youth sports early in the evening and adult leagues until they shut the lights off. But for our youth leagues, we often are forced to have two or three teams share just one soccer or football field. That's leading to a poor experience. So I'm also going to be introducing legislation next week that seeks to give priority to field permitting for our youth sports leagues, especially for those that welcome all kids, regardless of how skilled they may be (aka, no cuts). This hearing is a great chance to understand the many different interests that our Department of Parks and Rec manages with limited field space as we look for solutions. You can find out more about the hearing here <[link removed]>. A roundtable is a public hearing about a topic, rather than a bill, so it's open-ended. If you'd like to submit testimony, use that link to get in touch with the subcommitttee's staff or click the "Submit Testimony" button.

<>Council Hearing on Overhauling How the City Handles Vacant Property 

Another big issue for Ward 6 has a public hearing coming up soon: overhauling how the city deals with vacant properties. When we say vacant properties, we mean any building – residential or commercial – that sits empty and meets a set of criteria. This is a major issue because empty buildings are a drag on a neighborhood or a commercial corridor, as well as to the city's growth. But handling the issue has proven challenging. Earlier this year, Chairman Mendelson introduced legislation meant to overhaul the vacant property process entirely based on the recommendations of a working group my team participated in. I was eager to co-introduce it and ensure we make some progress on this tough issue. It's one of the top constituent issues my team works on, in fact, and often, there aren't any great solutions. This hearing is a chance for members of the public to speak up on the bill itself and suggest changes, or express support or opposition. You can sign up here <[link removed]>, and you can read Chairman Mendelson's bill here <[link removed]>.  

<>Street Closures Planned Near the Supreme Court

<[link removed]>

The Supreme Court’s Marshal has (abruptly) announced <[link removed]> monthly street closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., impacting 2nd Street NE (between Constitution Avenue and East Capitol Street) and A Street NE (west section) on Court session and conference days through June. These streets will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists. You can check the Supreme Court’s session calendar here <[link removed]>. This is an inconvenient change for neighbors with little notice, but I wanted to make sure you had this information as quickly as I did.

<>DC Taxes, Visualized

Some might say tax data is a bit boring, but I’m certain that doesn’t apply to the loyal readers of this newsletter! And I think it can be helpful to make sure everyone understands how our tax structure works and how we fund many of the District’s services and programs – particularly when budget season rolls around and we have to start making some informed decisions. Our CFO's Office of Revenue Analysis put out some easy-to-digest and really interesting graphics <[link removed]> on all things local taxes. It's worth a scroll if you'd like to deepen your understanding in just a few minutes. Of special note, check out how the District's sales tax collections have rebounded to strong levels pre-pandemic. 

<>Update on the Watkins Playground & Rec Improvements

<[link removed]>

At an Oct. 29 community meeting <[link removed]>, DPR and DGS shared updates on upcoming improvements to the Watkins playground and rec center, a project I funded and further supported with an additional $500k this fiscal year. Current plans include:

- Replacement of playground equipment and surfacing
- Resurfacing and leveling of basketball courts
- New site amenities (trash/recycling and benches)
- Potential additions: a shade structure for the splash pad and replacement of synthetic turf

Construction is set for summer 2025, with additional community meetings planned for design input this winter and spring. I'll be very involved in this project to make sure all our Watkins stakeholders see what they want reflected. This is an exciting and much-needed DPR modernization coming soon for Ward 6, along with improvements at Rumsey Aquatic Center, Randall Rec, Garfield Park, Sherwood Rec, Southwest Town Center Parks, and the Jefferson MS Field.

<>Drought Watch Extended: Save Water!

Our region remains under a Drought Watch <[link removed]> due to ongoing dry conditions, marking the first time since 2010. Every effort to conserve water helps. Here are some quick ways to save:

- Limit watering of lawns and plants
- Sweep rather than hose down driveways
- Wash full loads of laundry and dishes
- Fix any plumbing leaks, especially toilets and faucets

Learn more from COG’s Wise Water Use Campaign here <[link removed]>.

<>Nominate Your Neighbors for the Brickie Awards!

<[link removed]>Our 18th annual Ward 6 Brickie Awards <[link removed]> are coming up! This is Ward 6's annual party and get-together and a wonderful way to celebrate some of the very best of our neighbors, businesses, and organizations. Already, we've received a lot of great nominations across all of our categories, but I'd love to hear from you on who you think we should consider giving an award to (yes, it's an actual brick!). Categories include:

- Neighbor Award
- Community Organization Award
- Business Award
- Public Service Award
- Civic Pride Award

Nominate <[link removed]> those you think deserve recognition, and feel free to share with others!

<>DDOT Tree Planting Season Begins

<[link removed]>The District Department of Transportation's (DDOT) 2024-2025 tree planting season has started, aiming to plant more than 8,000 trees across the District, replacing those dead or diseased and increasing the District’s tree canopy.

DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division’s annual planting program begins every October and runs through May when arborists work to fill public tree space with a new tree that's chosen based on arboriculture best practices, existing diversity of trees in the neighborhood, and the climate vulnerability of each tree species. This year's goal is to increase DC’s tree canopy to 40% by 2032, up from the current 37%. Here's how to get involved:

- Request a new tree on your street, city park, or recreation center by texting 311, calling 311, or using the online portal <[link removed]>. 
- Explore the RiverSmart Homes Program <[link removed]> for yard tree options and rebates.
- Check out DDOT’s tree watering app <[link removed]> to find newly planted trees on your street. Urban Forestry also has a new website <[link removed]> where you can find maps, apps, and activities to learn about trees in your neighborhood and across all eight wards.

<>ERAP Portal Reopens Nov. 20

The DC Department of Human Services (DHS) Emergency Rental Assistance Program <[link removed]> will open for fiscal year 2025 applications at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 20. DHS is transitioning from quarterly to continuous availability, which means the portal will remain open until funding is expected to be exhausted. As last year, the ERAP portal has a “waiting room” where users can see a wait time to apply. DHS also introduced another portal to allow housing providers to upload their documentation needed to complete the eligibility review.

New eligibility requirements include proof of residency, income, and documentation of an emergency. DHS will host an in-person application on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from noon to 4:15 p.m. at the UDC-CC Lamond-Riggs Campus, 5171 South Dakota Ave. NE.

<>DC Health Link Enrollment Now Open

DC Health Link Open Enrollment <[link removed]> for 2025 coverage is open through Jan. 31. You can compare plans and find the right fit for you through the District’s health insurance marketplace.

<>Don’t Throw That Pumpkin in the Garbage 

Through November, Food Waste Collection program <[link removed]> participants may place one large pumpkin on top of their food waste bins each week for compost pickup. The Department of Public Works will collect it at the same time as your bin is usually collected. After the end of November, all compostable materials must again fit inside the food waste bins.

Have a lot of pumpkins or not in the program? You can always take them to a compost drop-off site <[link removed]>, with two in Ward 6 every Saturday!

<>Sustainability Awards Applications Open Dec. 1

The application period for the Department of Energy and Environment's 2025 District Sustainability Awards will open Dec. 1. These highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations that are working toward a more sustainable DC. Awardees’ projects and programs support the Sustainable DC 2.0 Plan, which aims to make the District the nation’s greenest, healthiest, and most sustainable city. Learn more <[link removed]> about the awards and past winners.

<>Leaf Collection Continues

Leaf collection is underway in Section A and will move to Section B next week. If you’re in Section B, have your leaves curbside by Nov. 10. Keep up with all the leaf pick-up news on DPW’s site <[link removed]>.

<>Veterans Day Celebration & Modified City Services

On Monday, Nov. 11, I'll join the annual Veterans Day event hosted by Ward 6's American Legion Nash Post 8. It's a wonderful annual event to honor those who have served, and it's open to the public. Feel free to join me if you're around on Monday morning at 11am.

The District government will observe Veterans Day as a holiday. While some services will be affected, many District employees will continue serving to maintain essential District operations.    

- The Department of Public Works will not collect household trash and recycling. Collections will “slide” for the remainder of the week into Saturday. For example, households that normally receive trash and recycling collections on Monday will be serviced on Tuesday. 
- DC Public Library has one location per ward open: the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW) will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- DDOT will suspend construction and work zones for non-emergency work, and the Department of Buildings will not allow construction without an issued after-hours permit.
- The Department of Parks and Recreation's offices, aquatic centers, recreation centers, and community centers will be closed. Outdoor DPR spaces will be open.
- All low-barrier shelters for neighbors experiencing homelessness will remain open. Individuals and families seeking access to services may call the DC Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311.

Learn more <[link removed]> about what's open and closed for the day.   

<>Upcoming Events

- DC Parks & Rec Ward 6 Capital Projects: Wednesday, Nov. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom
Curious about a parks project in your neighborhood? Ask the team from DC Department of Parks and Recreation to learn about upcoming construction projects in Ward 6. Register <[link removed]>.


- Legends Game Night: Thursday, Nov. 14 | 5 to 8 p.m. | Greenleaf Senior Center, 1200 Delaware Ave. SW
Events DC is hosting game nights across DC for seniors, featuring dancing, board and card games, digital games, crafts, food, and prizes. Register <[link removed]>.


- <[link removed]>Jefferson School Athletic Field Meeting: Thursday, Nov. 14 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Zoom
DPR and DGS will discuss the upcoming renovations for the Jefferson School Athletic Field, including the project scope and timeline. This is the first project meeting. Register <[link removed]>.


- DC Community Public Safety Forum on Gun Violence Reduction Strategies: Thursday, Nov. 14 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Online
Hosted by ANC6B's public safety committee, this forum will feature local and national experts discussing effective gun violence reduction strategies. Register <[link removed]>.


- Hazardous Waste Dropoff: Saturday, Nov. 16 | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | RFK Parking Lot 3, 2400 East Capitol St. NE
The safe disposal of hazardous household waste and unwanted electronic equipment helps to prevent the release of dangerous, toxic substances into the environment and prevents harm and injury to DPW workers. You can drop off these items safely each month <[link removed]> and register <[link removed]> ahead.


- Climate Ready 2.0 Open House: Monday, Nov. 18 | 7 to 9 p.m. | The Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 Sixth Ave. SW
Hosted in partnership with the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly, DOEE is holding this event <[link removed]> to share how your local climate is changing and what the District government is doing to protect residents from catastrophes like extreme heat and flooding. Drop in at any time, no reservations required.


- Littles Ride: Saturday, Nov. 23 | 10:30 a.m. | Starting at Lincoln Park, 11th and East Capitol Streets NE
Hill Family Biking hosts its first-ever ride for kids ages 2 through 6 with a one-mile, on-street adventure for young riders on balance bikes, trikes, training wheels, and pedal bikes. Register <[link removed]>.

A Good Reason to Wear Your Caps Sweater

Well, you made it through the week and the latest Ward 6 newsletter. Now, how about some hockey? Just reply to this email for a chance to score tickets to see the Caps take on the Colorado Avalanche at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Capital One Arena.

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen <[link removed]>

<[link removed]>



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Councilmember Charles Allen - 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 110, Washington, DC 20004, United States
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