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Neighbors,

It’s been an exciting and meaningful week filled with great conversations and opportunities to connect. I had the pleasure of welcoming Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to the John A. Wilson Building, where we enjoyed an informal discussion with my colleagues on the Council. Moments like these reinforce the importance of collaboration and dialogue.

Additionally, it was an honor to speak at a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating historic investments in Ward 8’s Bridge District. This event was a testament to our continued dedication to fostering economic growth and community development east of the river.

I also stopped by the Federal City Council and had a thoughtful conversation with former Mayor Tony Williams about the future of our city. Our discussion provided valuable insights into how we can continue to move the District forward together.

Each of these interactions reminded me just how committed we all are to building a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone feels at home.

I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

In service,
Kenyan
Legislative Updates
Tuesday's Legislative Meeting

🏠 Emergency Rental Assistance Reform Passes Final Reading

This week, the Council approved the Emergency Rental Assistance Program Reform Amendment Act of 2025 () on final reading—making targeted updates to improve how ERAP functions for tenants and housing providers.

When the bill first came up, I voted present out of concern for the message it might send to the market. As Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, I’ve heard directly from affordable housing developers that eviction delays and court backlogs can discourage investment in the District.

Over the past month, my team and I met with tenant advocates, nonprofit leaders, and both nonprofit and for-profit housing developers. I’m encouraged that the final version of the bill reflects input from all sides and strikes a fair balance.

Key provisions of the bill include:
* Clarifies required landlord documentation for ERAP applications—including a rent ledger, W-9, business license or management agreement, and for private landlords, proof of ID and Social Security number;
* Limits eviction rescheduling to tenants with approved ERAP applications, creating more predictability;
* Makes the rent waiver defense discretionary, allowing certain cases to be resolved more efficiently outside of trial.

These updates strike a balance between protecting vulnerable tenants and providing housing providers clearer guidance and due process, ensuring ERAP continues to offer timely assistance while minimizing disruptions and delays.
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📑 Certified Business Enterprise Compliance Bill Advances

The Council passed the first reading of the . This follows the adoption of the corresponding emergency declaration, recognizing the urgent need to safeguard the integrity of the District’s Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program.

The CBE program is essential for advancing equity in government contracting by expanding opportunities for local, small, and disadvantaged businesses. This legislation enhances oversight, enforcement, and transparency.

Key provisions of the bill include:
* Stronger eligibility standards, ensuring certified businesses are genuinely local and community-based;
* Clearer rules for joint ventures, mandating partners perform work proportionate to their ownership stake;
* Streamlined enforcement tools, including a Notice of Determination process and clear appeal pathways through the Office of Administrative Hearings;
* Updated definitions aligning with federal standards to better reflect equity-focused business classifications;
* New reapplication restrictions to prevent bad actors from immediately re-entering the program after certification revocation.

These reforms aim to ensure public dollars benefit truly local and diverse businesses. The bill now awaits a second and final vote in the coming weeks.

📌 Also of note: The Council approved PR 26-165, the “State Superintendent of Education Dr. Antoinette Mitchell Confirmation Resolution of 2025.” Dr. Mitchell’s confirmation signals a strong step forward for educational leadership in the District and reflects a commitment to academic excellence and equitable opportunity for all D.C. students. Read more here. ([link removed])

These actions reflect our ongoing work to strengthen D.C.’s economic landscape and public institutions while ensuring transparency, accountability, and equity remain at the forefront.


** Team McDuffie In The Community
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🏈Connecting with the NFL & Washington Commanders Leadership

On Monday, May 5, I along with my colleagues on the Council had the opportunity to welcome Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to the John A. Wilson Building for an informal visit with members of the Council staff.

It was a valuable chance to engage directly with Mr. Harris and Commissioner Goodell about their vision for the Commanders’ future, potential plans for the RFK Stadium site, and how we can work together to strengthen D.C.’s sports landscape and the communities that support it.

As Chair of the Council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development, I’m committed to making sure that as we look ahead, the District’s sports partnerships drive inclusive growth, community pride, and opportunity for all our residents.
Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Historic Investment in Ward 8's Bridge District

On Wednesday, May 7, I had the pleasure of joining community leaders, developers, and residents to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for Stratos, Poplar House, and Alula—three major residential projects within the new Bridge District at 630 Howard Road SE in Ward 8.

This marks the largest private investment in the area’s history, a transformative moment for economic development and neighborhood revitalization in Southeast D.C.

The Bridge District is the city’s newest mixed-use waterfront destination, located just steps from Nationals Park and The Yards and adjacent to a national park. Offering sweeping river views, access to bike trails and green space, and proximity to neighborhood restaurants and amenities, the Bridge District is designed to serve residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Key highlights of the development include:
* 2.5 million square feet of planned residential, short-term rental, innovation, retail, and cultural space
* A total investment of $1.5 billion
* More than 2,000 new residences
* A 250,000 square foot innovation hub
* 90,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space
* Onsite below-grade parking
* Several acres of new parks and open space, including 100 new trees and bioretention landscaping to manage stormwater sustainably

This is a major step forward for Ward 8—one that reflects the possibilities of smart, sustainable development that centers community and equity.
Discussing D.C.'s Future with Former Mayor Tony Williams

On Thursday, May 8, I had the opportunity to sit down with former Mayor Tony Williams at the Federal City Council office for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about the future of our city.

We covered a number of pressing issues that are shaping the District’s path forward, including the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, redevelopment opportunities at the RFK Stadium site, strategies to support and strengthen MPD, and the need for bold, data-informed approaches to housing reform.

I’m grateful to Mayor Williams and the Federal City Council for the exchange, and I remain committed to advancing policies that deliver long-term, equitable progress for all D.C. residents.
🚶‍♂️Team McDuffie Joins Public Safety Walk in NoMa

On Tuesday, May 6, Team McDuffie participated in a public safety walk in the NoMa neighborhood alongside community members, District agencies, and public safety officials to address ongoing quality-of-life concerns in Ward 6.

We were joined by Commissioner Ra Amin (5B04), who also serves with MPD’s 5th District, as well as Lt. John Sprague, Dan Elsasser from 2M, and other key partners. The walk focused on issues raised by residents, including loitering, suspected drug activity, and concerns related to nuisance tenants.

These types of on-the-ground engagements are vital for building trust, identifying practical solutions, and ensuring accountability across agencies. We’re committed to staying responsive to community concerns and working collaboratively to keep our neighborhoods safe and thriving.


** Small Business Spotlight
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THE STRAND DC (WARD 7)


** 🏙️ Small Business Spotlight: The Strand DC – A Historic Gem Reimagined
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In the heart of Ward 7’s Deanwood neighborhood stands a powerful symbol of revitalization and resilience: The Strand DC. Once a 1920s-era movie theater that served as a cultural hub for Black Washingtonians, The Strand has been reborn as a dynamic restaurant and gathering space—thanks to the vision of Chef Craig Currie and the Fish & Fire Food Group.

From the start, this project was about more than just food. It was about community. Chef Currie, a D.C. native and seasoned restaurateur, saw the potential in The Strand not just as a building, but as a beacon. Today, The Strand DC offers soulful, elevated comfort food with a nod to Southern and Afro-Caribbean traditions—and it's quickly becoming a must-visit destination east of the river.

But The Strand is doing more than serving great meals. It’s creating jobs, bringing in foot traffic, and breathing new life into Deanwood. Whether you're stopping by for their lively Sunday brunch or attending one of their community events, you'll feel the energy of a space that's proudly rooted in D.C. history while boldly shaping its future.

📍 Located at 5131 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE, The Strand DC is more than a restaurant—it’s a cultural landmark, a neighborhood anchor, and a celebration of Black excellence in business.

Learn more or plan your visit at dcstrand.com ([link removed])


Upcoming Events in the Community
Healthy Homes Fair - Hosted by Electrify DC

Register today ([link removed]) for the biggest, consumer-facing home electrification event in the United States on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1–5 PM at Catholic University! Visit the Healthy Homes Fair ([link removed]) to explore the products, services, and incentives available to use our homes to combat climate change while increasing health and comfort. With more than 100 exhibitors, an appliance “petting zoo,” an e-bike tasting party, a bouncy castle for the kids, food trucks, and much more, the Fair is bound to have something for everyone!

The jam-packed program will include induction cooking demonstrations, caulking workshops, and incentives calculator demos, equipping both renters and homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to decarbonize their homes! Attendees can also participate in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, such as state-of-the-art induction cooktops, portable plug-in versions, and more!
Free Golf Lessons - National Links Trust
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