Neighbors,

I’m excited to share that on Tuesday, December 3rd, bill B25-1058 the Streatery Program Endorsement Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, passed final reading. This legislation extends the Streatery Program through July 31, 2025, helping businesses across industries like restaurants, bars, and other food establishments continue offering outdoor dining with alcohol sales. This extension will provide much-needed support to local businesses, enabling them to serve the community well into next year.

Continue reading this newsletter to learn more about this important bill, its impact on our city, and a glimpse into the work my team and I have done this week in the community.

In service,
Kenyan

B25-1058 - Streatery Program Endorsement Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2024

The Streatery Program Endorsement Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 (extends the Streatery Program endorsements through July 31, 2025. This allows licensed establishments that participate in the program to continue offering outdoor dining with alcohol sales in expanded spaces until that date. The amendment also clarifies the deadlines for certain licensees to pay their endorsement fees for 2025, with most required to pay by April 1, 2025, but certain types of licensees having until September 30, 2025, to pay.

Additionally, the act amends the 1999 Marijuana Legalization for Medical Treatment Initiative to clarify where marijuana retailers can be located, specifically addressing distance requirements from schools and recreation centers for certain licensees.

Team McDuffie In The Community

Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking at the highly anticipated grand opening of ALDI at Art Place at Fort Totten. This event has been six years in the making, and I couldn't be more thrilled to see this much-needed grocery store finally come to our community.

Alongside me, Jane Cafritz, Councilmember Parker, ALDI District Manager Andrew Heisig delivered remarks to the line of eager customers. The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

ALDI’s new location at Art Place is the second in Washington, D.C., and is part of The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s expansive two-million-square-foot mixed-use development in the Fort Totten neighborhood. This opening brings an affordable, high-quality grocery option to an area that has long been without one.

As one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, ALDI serves millions of customers across the country each month, and its arrival in Northeast D.C. is a game-changer for our community. I’m proud to see such a reputable and customer-focused retailer open its doors here, meeting a long-standing need for accessible and affordable groceries.

Supporting UDC Athletics: A Strong Commitment to Our Student-Athletes

On December 5th, I had the privilege of touring the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Athletics facilities, and I was thoroughly impressed by the remarkable progress made under the leadership of Patricia Thomas, UDC's first female Director of Athletics. Patricia has been at the helm since December 2008, and her dedication to advancing UDC Athletics has truly transformed the department. She is part of the 9% of women of color serving as Athletic Directors at NCAA member institutions, and her leadership is a testament to her commitment to our student-athletes and the UDC community. 

Under her leadership, UDC Athletics has seen significant facility upgrades, ensuring our student-athletes have access to state-of-the-art facilities. These improvements include:

• A $1.2 million gymnasium renovation, completed in 2019
• A $2 million rebuild of the university’s tennis courts, completed in spring 2021
• A $4 million turf field project, recently inaugurated, providing a top-tier field for the Firebirds to compete on

These significant investments highlight the commitment to excellence at UDC and ensure that the university remains a competitive and supportive environment for student-athletes to thrive.

As I continue my work supporting UDC, as well as other sports initiatives in the city, I remain dedicated to advocating for the growth and development of UDC Athletics.

I look forward to the continued success of the Firebirds and the lasting impact these improvements will have on both their students and the community as a whole.

Supporting Our Small Business Community

I was honored to attend the Department of General Services' Small Business Networking Reception yesterday, where leaders from the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) community, local business owners, and agency partners came together to strengthen connections and promote small business growth in our city.

During the event, I spoke with participants, listened to their concerns, and encouraged them to reach out to my office for further support. In my remarks, I highlighted my commitment to supporting the work of the CBE community and emphasized the importance of collaboration with Director Hunter, Director Suggs-Evans, Director Crowe, and other agencies.

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and I believe in prioritizing three key areas: contracts, capital, and capacity. When CBEs succeed, the entire city benefits—investing in local businesses strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and keeps resources circulating within the community.

I look forward to continuing our work together to support small business success in the District of Columbia.

Small Business Spotlight

Introducing 'Her Diner' – A New LGBTQ-Inclusive Spot in Adams Morgan

We are excited to welcome Her Diner to the vibrant Admo neighborhood! Founded by Kelly Laczko, who spent 10 years as the general manager of the previous business at this location, Duplex Diner, Her Diner is a queer and inclusive bar and diner for everyone. Kelly, along with her wife and co-owner Thida, has brought this new space to life at 2004 18th Street NW, Washington DC, with a grand opening on November 20th, 2024.

Since its opening, Her Diner has hit the ground running, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a delicious array of food and drinks. Their creative menu features items inspired by the fall season, including themed items such as the Pumpkintini, Pumpkin Milkshake, Autumn Kale Salad, and more. They also offer comforting options like wings, chicken tenders, burgers and nachos, as well as healthier choices like salads and sandwiches. Their versatile dinner menu is complemented by a brunch menu featuring brunch cocktails and group pitchers.

At Her Diner, representation is everything, and we applaud Kelley and Thida for creating a space where everyone, regardless of identity, can enjoy great food and feel at home. Be sure to stop by and support this exciting new LGBTQ-friendly destination in the heart of our community!

For more information, visit their website: herdiner.com

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