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*February 2025*
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* A Message from the Director [ #link_1 ]
* Empowering Anacostia’s Entrepreneurs | Celebrating Black Business Success [ #link_5 ]
* Regulatory Advisory | Adoption of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Amendment Notice of Final Rulemaking [ #link_3 ]
* Upcoming Pre-Proposal Conference | Vending Zone Manager Request for Proposal (RFP) [ #link_8 ]
* Promoting Fairness and Accuracy | March Observances at DLCP [ #link_7 ]
* Mark Your Calendars | 2025 DC Small Business Summit and Expo [ #link_4 ]
* Legislative Updates | In Case You Missed It [ #link_9 ]
* DLCP Participates in New Year New Career Hiring Event [ #link_6 ]
* Contact Us [ #link_2 ]

A Message from the Director

tiffany [ [link removed] ]

Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,

February 2025 was a Black History Month for the history books. This month was a time to honor the contributions Black people have made to the world, including indelible contributions to American communities, culture, and society.

At the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), we celebrate this rich legacy by featuring two exceptional African American business owners. One is a local restaurant owner who has expanded their business, and the other is dedicated to preserving sound and history in the District. Learn more about their journey and the impact of their businesses in our feature below.

This month, DLCP also finalized amendments that modernize CPA licensure requirements and examination policies, aligning them with national standards to improve the licensure process. We anticipate that these changes will increase the number of licensed accountants in our region – which is sorely needed. Key amendments are featured below.

In March, we celebrate National Weights and Measures Week and National Consumer Protection Week—both important celebrations of the work we do.

Best regards,


signature

Tiffany Crowe
Director

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Empowering Anacostia’s Entrepreneurs | Celebrating Black Business Success

DLCP BHM

This month, DLCP is spotlighting two entrepreneurs in Anacostia who are enriching their community through their businesses. Their work highlights culture, creativity, and economic growth in the area. DLCP proudly supports their vision by helping them get licensed and operate successfully, fostering opportunities for long-term success in DC.

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Samantha

Sapodilla's Restaurant Owner-Samatha Abrams

Sapodilla’s started as a family initiative driven by a shared passion for food. The restaurant came to life when Samantha Abrams and her family combined their resources to purchase a dining space, transforming their love for cooking into a business. Having immigrated to the U.S. in the early ’90s, Samantha watched her parents leave behind a successful manufacturing business in their home country to pursue greater opportunities. To make ends meet, they turned to what they knew best—baking and catering from their home kitchen in Maryland, selling homemade pastries and bread to church members. These early experiences laid the foundation for what would eventually grow into Sapodilla’s.

For over a decade, Samantha has refined her craft through extensive travels across 39 states and nearly 40 countries, drawing inspiration from global flavors and techniques. Her restaurant features a carefully crafted menu that includes customer favorites such as flavorful chickpeas, tender half-jerk chicken, a two-pound whole red snapper, and rich, slow-cooked oxtails. With an established fast-casual location in Fort Washington, Maryland, she recently expanded Sapodilla’s with a second location in Anacostia, opening its doors on January 24.

As she moves forward with this new chapter, Samantha reflects on the deep connection between Black culture and food, particularly during Black History Month. “When we cook, there’s so much passion and love that is distinct in our food,” she shares. Her expansion into DC not only allows her to introduce more people to her cuisine, but also strengthens her ties to the community. With aspirations for future growth, Samantha continues to infuse her love for food, culture, and hospitality into every dish she serves.

For more information about her restaurant, click here [ [link removed] ].

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Go Go Museum and Cafe

Go-Go Museum & Cafe' Founder- Ronald Moten

On Wednesday, February 19, the Go-Go Museum & Café celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone in preserving and honoring the legacy of Go-Go music. Mayor Muriel Bowser and museum leadership led a press conference to commemorate the occasion, highlighting the museum's vital role in safeguarding the culture and history of DC's official music. 

Although the museum held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in November and initially opened for private and group tours, it is now fully operational, offering an immersive experience that educates visitors on the evolution of Go-Go and its impact on the city's cultural landscape. The event also coincided with the five-year anniversary of Mayor Bowser signing the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019, which officially declared Go-Go as the city’s signature sound. 

Founder Ronald Moten highlighted the museum’s broader mission, which extends beyond historical preservation. Partnering with Anacostia High School, the museum provides students with hands-on opportunities to serve as tour guides and curators while gaining experience in sound engineering, commercial production, and live recording. "Students who come into this building don’t want to leave," Moten said. "We’re teaching them how to do sound, record on stage, and create remixes—helping local artists get on the radio and get paid."

A highlight of the museum is its cutting-edge AI hologram exhibits, bringing Go-Go’s history to life in an interactive way. Guests, including selected students from Anacostia High School, expressed their appreciation for the opportunities the museum provides.

As visitors explore the museum, they are reminded of the genre’s deep roots, dating back to Chuck Brown’s 1978 hit "Bustin’ Loose," which laid the foundation for the Go-Go sound that continues to resonate today. Missed the event? Check out the pictures below and click here [ [link removed] ] to learn more.

Go-Go Museum & Cafe' Grand Opening [ [link removed] ]

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Regulatory Advisory | Adoption of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Amendment Notice of Final Rulemaking

On February 4, 2025, DLCP adopted the CPA Licensure Amendment Notice of Final Rulemaking, updating regulations for CPA licensure in the District of Columbia.

*Key Amendments in the Final Rulemaking*


* Updated Experience Requirement: CPA applicants must now earn the required experience within ten years prior to applying for licensure. This ensures that applicants have recent and relevant industry experience.
* Extended CPA Examination Timeline: The time limit to pass all sections of the Uniform CPA Examination has been extended from 18 months to 30 months following the first passing score. This change aligns with National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)’s 2023 revisions and responds to industry challenges, including pandemic disruptions and declining CPA candidates.
* Updated CPA Exam Structure References: References to four exam sections have been removed to reflect the new exam format, which now requires candidates to complete three core sections and one discipline section.
* Clarification of Reciprocity Standards: The requirements for licensure by endorsement remain unchanged. Out-of-state CPAs with a valid, NASBA-approved license from a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent standards remain eligible for licensure in the District.
* Technical and Terminology Updates: The amendments include standardizing terminology, replacing outdated references to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) with DLCP, and clarifying the Board’s authority to extend the CPA exam timeframe if necessary.

*Implementation and Impact*

With this rulemaking, the District of Columbia aligns national CPA standards, improving flexibility for candidates while maintaining rigorous licensing requirements. These changes support mobility, modernize licensure processes, and ensure the profession remains accessible and competitive.

The final rule was approved on December 20, 2024, adopted on February 4, 2025, and takes effect upon publication in the D.C. Register.

For more information on the CPA Licensure Amendment Notice of Final Rulemaking, visit the DC Register [ [link removed] ].

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Upcoming Pre-Proposal Conference | Vending Zone Manager Request for Proposal (RFP)

vending

DLCP and the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) invite interested participants to a Pre-Proposal Conference for the Vending Zone Manager RFP covering Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant.

?? *Date:* Tuesday, March 4, 2025
?? *Time:* 10:00 AM
?? *Location:* Virtual - Click here to join the conference [ [link removed] ]
*Meeting ID:* 255 143 704 063
*Passcode:* Wd6hj62u

This conference offers an opportunity to learn more about the RFP, including key details and requirements. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions and receive clarification on the proposal process.

We look forward to your participation!

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Promoting Fairness and Accuracy | March Observances at DLCP

WAMW

This March, DLCP highlights the importance of accurate measurements and consumer rights. From March 1–7, we’ll showcase how these protections support fair trade across the District.

*Join us at the following locations from 10 AM to 3 PM* to learn more about our services during *National Weights and Measures Week and National Consumer Protection Week*.

new dates

DLCP’s Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) will also *host an information table in the DLCP lobby (1100 4th St. SW) on Friday, March 7, from 11 AM to 3 PM.*

Additionally, CPU will attend Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) meetings across the District to share insights on DLCP’s mission, consumer complaint investigations, and how residents can report concerns.

*Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings:*

March 3 | 6:30 PM – ANC 8E
March 4 | 7:00 PM – ANC 4A
March 5 | 7:00 PM – ANC 3D
March 6 | 6:30 PM – ANC 1B
March 11 | 6:30 PM – ANC 7D
March 25 | 6:30 PM – ANC 6E
April 2 | 7:00 PM – ANC 2F
April 8 | 7:00 PM – ANC 5D

At each meeting, CPU will present an overview of DLCP, its mission, the complaint process, and how residents can seek assistance.

Join us in promoting fairness and consumer protection across DC!

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Mark Your Calendars | 2025 DC Small Business Summit and Expo

Small Business Summit

The DC Chamber of Commerce 2025 Small Business Summit is bringing together leaders from local and federal governments, as well as key industry stakeholders, to explore the state of small businesses in the District. This annual event will provide insights into the future vision, policies, and programs shaping the small business landscape.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in breakout sessions, panel discussions, and business-to-business (B2B) networking, building meaningful connections and conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses. 

Stay tuned for more details, including information on how to secure your ticket and participate in this event!

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Legislative Updates | In Case You Missed It

*Look below for DLCP-related Council happenings and new laws in March*


*

*B26-0048, *Review of Agency Action Clarification Amendment Act of 2025 [ [link removed] ] - Introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson, the bill would codify agency deference in the District and clarify that a reviewing court is to defer to a District agency’s reasonable interpretation of a statute or regulation it administers, so long as the interpretation is not plainly wrong or inconsistent with the statutory or regulatory language or legislature’s intent. This would reduce confusion and uncertainty as to what standard of review applies when reviewing District agency action, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Chevron doctrine of agency deference in June 2024. 


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*B26-0109*, Farmers Market Support Amendment Act of 2025 [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] - Introduced by Councilmember Christina Henderson, the bill would establish a farmers market support program within Department of Health. The program would streamline permitting processes and coordinate with District agencies involved in permitting and supporting farmers markets, including DLCP. It would also create a grant program to incentivize farmers markets to open in low food access areas.


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*B26-0045*, The Consumer Protection Clarification Amendment Act of 2025 [ [link removed] ] - Introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson, this bill would clarify that the District government is not a merchant under the District Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA) and thus is not liable for unfair and deceptive trade practices under the CPPA when it acts as a merchant, except where the District of Columbia Housing Authority acts as a landlord. This would ensure that the District is not liable for activities that are routine provisions of services and funds that the Council did not intend to be subject to the CPPA.

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DLCP Participates in New Year New Career Hiring Event

Hiring Fair

On Tuesday, February 11, DLCP participated in the "New Year New Career Hiring Event" held at the Department of Human Resources (DCHR). This winter hiring event attracted a large crowd, with many job seekers stopping by the DLCP table to gather information about the agency's work and available job positions.



Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about DLCP’s mission, services, and the various career opportunities within the agency. DLCP staff also distributed swag souvenirs, allowing attendees to take home a small token from the event. DLCP is proud to have been a part of this event and looks forward to supporting future career development opportunities for the community.

Hiring Fair 2

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Contact Us

Contact DLCP via email <[email protected]>, or our online inquiry form [ [link removed] ] at any time. We’re also available through the live chat on dlcp.dc.gov [ [link removed] ] or by phone at 202-671-4500 during normal business hours. 

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Government of the District of Columbia - Muriel Bowser, Mayor

*Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection*

1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 ǀ 202.671.4500 ǀ dlcp.dc.gov [ [link removed] ]

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