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WARD 1 UPDATE
Hello Neighbors:
Over the past several weeks, I’ve questioned DPW about illegal dumping, D.C.’s Chief Technology Officer about data privacy, and the Office of Human Rights about equitable access to translation services.
These questions are all part of performance oversight. Think of it as the agency’s progress report, where we dig in on where the agency is making the grade, and where they are falling short.
And as you’ve heard me say, it’s also a time when members of the public can make their voice heard. Residents had a lot to say at our hearing on DPW, on everything from trash pickup and rodent issues to areas where snow removal is not happening the way that it should, to grass mowing and more. Workers and residents raised concerns about DPW buildings in disrepair and employees resorting to fixing issues the Department of General Services should fix and doesn’t, as well as noise and trash pileup that detracts from the neighborhood.
Their input informed my questions to the DPW team. We made sure to cover the topic on everyone's mind – inadequate snow response. We spent time troubleshooting what went wrong: cold enough temperatures that rock salt lost effectiveness, plus a full schedule of events in the city that caused road closures and contingencies. DPW came prepared to answer to critiques I raised and shared administrative improvements in the works. These behind-the-scenes updates don't always grab our attention, but they matter. Holding agencies accountable is an
important part of oversight but providing them with the support they need to build on successes is just as important.
Aside from my work as chair of the Committee on Public Works & Operations, I also attend hearings in other committees when key issues are on the agenda. At an oversight hearing of the Committee of the Whole on D.C. Public Schools, I asked Chancellor Ferebee for an update on implementation of flexible scheduling in schools that have received funding. Flexible scheduling can improve educator wellness and increase retention rates, which in turn can help us achieve the stable, secure, and productive school environment all D.C. students deserve. Separately, we discussed various options for moving forward with a Bancroft annex.
At an oversight hearing for the Department of General Services, I asked for updates on a number of important projects, including Amigos Park and the public restroom at Walter Pierce Park, which is tentatively set to open in mid-April. We discussed HVAC repairs at Bruce Monroe and Cleveland elementary schools, where work remains ongoing, and completion dates are pending purchase and delivery of new units. Finally, we talked about trash collection at parks, and I look forward to leading an interagency discussion with DPW, DPR, and DGS to make sure this is happening efficiently. I believe my bottle bill, which I introduced alongside 11 of my colleagues, will cut recycling costs by reducing the need to haul beverage containers.
We recently learned the Department of Health Care Finance will not submit the State Plan Amendment for Medicaid reimbursement of home visiting programs as required in my Home Visiting Reimbursement Act, which Council passed in 2024 and funded in the FY25 budget after significant work from my office and the Health Committee.
This exasperating and irresponsible decision will exclude new parents from home visitation services such as postpartum care for new mothers, nutrition education, alcohol and substance abuse screening shown to be critical to their health and the health and development of their children. At an oversight hearing of the Health Committee, of which I have been a member for the past 10 years, I questioned the DHCF director on the decision, and I am exploring avenues to require the executive to implement the law.
Performance oversight isn’t all bad news. At a hearing of the Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety, we were encouraged to hear about the hiring of new trainees to help fill the significant understaffing at the 911 call center. I remain concerned about transparency at the center, but this is a step in the right direction to making sure residents can trust that when they call for help, help will arrive. 911 center front line workers do amazing work in difficult conditions, and I’d be remiss if I did not express my appreciation for
them. We need the Office of Unified Communications to do everything it can to support them, including addressing understaffing issues.
Interested in learning more as this process unfolds? Join us on BlueSky for daily updates from the Wilson Building.
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