Click here if this email is hard to read.
If you'd like to unsubscribe from all future emails, click here.

Friend –

Happy Pride, DC! If you're going to the parade today, I hope you enjoy every minute of celebrating. There are so many ways to celebrate in Ward 6 and across DC. For a bit of local LGBTQIA+ history, Congressional Cemetery in Hill East is believed to be one of the only cemeteries in the world to have an LGBT section, first established in – believe it or not – 1807. Learn more from DC's Greatest Undertaking. 

With June also comes Juneteenth, which commemorates the ending of slavery in the US: last marked in Texas on June 19, 1865. It's a federal holiday that prompts us to confront our past and celebrate hard-fought gains. My office will be closed that day, and I hope you are given the space and time to celebrate the holiday.

I was also happy to cut the ribbon at H Street's newest grocery store, Aldi – despite the rainbow balloons, the photo above is from the ribbon cutting for our newest grocery store. Make sure to catch some more businesses that have made Ward 6 home below.

QUICK LINKS: The FY26 Budget | Budget Hearings & Town Hall | Protect the Fields at RFK | Public Safety | A Pause, Not a Repeal | DC's "Sanctuary" Status | Get Ready for New Bus Routes | New Businesses Come to Ward 6 | Happy Pride! | SUN Bucks Are Back for Families | Free Events

Miss the last newsletter? Read it here.

Some Initial Thoughts on the Mayor's Proposed Budget

Since I last wrote, the Mayor's proposed budget has finally been released. Our District budget is more than $21 billion, with close to $12 billion coming from local funds, and the rest comes in the form of state payments such as Medicaid and Medicare, federal funding for schools, and federal funding for transportation as the top three sources. The work of the Council begins now, focused on how to allocate that $12 billion in local spending across our schools, infrastructure, health care, human services, public safety, and much, much more. The Council is already well into our budget oversight hearings, but here are a few quick takeaways from me as we get started (note: this isn't a comprehensive list!). 

We are unquestionably in challenging times, and DC's budget is projected to grow more slowly than it has in recent years. There are tough decisions ahead, but I don't agree with how the proposed budget is balanced almost exclusively on more vulnerable households. A few examples:

• People will be losing access to DC Medicaid and DC Healthcare Alliance, two programs that provide affordable health insurance to tens of thousands. These are programs that community-based health centers rely on to provide health care to lower-income residents, often heading off much more expensive health interventions later on. This is estimated to push 25,000 people off DC Medicaid.
  
  
• The Mayor has proposed cutting in half the amount of paid family leave new parents receive through our Universal Paid Family Leave program, which has been enormously popular and helpful for residents to have time off work with their child or to care for a loved one. This is all funded by a dedicated tax and had been very stable.
  
  
• While the Pay Equity Fund – which helps raise wages for early childhood educators and expand childcare options for working parents – is funded in FY26, it is zeroed out in FY27 and beyond. That's a huge impact on DC's childcare industry, which means they can't promise long-term jobs and wages, and it will drive up the cost of childcare for families.
  
  
• The regular cost-of-living increase for TANF benefits has been cut, which helps tens of thousands of DC residents afford groceries. When we talk about inflation and tariffs increasing the cost of goods, it hits these families magnitudes harder than other households.
  
  
• First responders aren't getting their full pay. The men and women of DC's fire department have always gotten back pay for the work they've already performed when new contracts are approved. That negates the hard-won rights the union secured for our firefighters.
  
  

• The Housing Production Trust Fund is back up to $100 million, which is great. This fund enables a good deal of new construction with affordable homes included. Given how expensive it is to build, I really like this investment.
  
  
• The Department of Energy and Environment, where we do most of our work on cleaner air, cleaner water, lower utility costs, cleaning up our rivers, and meeting climate commitments, is facing a shocking 24% cut to its budget. That includes taking $78 million meant for helping modernize the homes of low-income residents with new and efficient appliances, electricity, and insulation – all lowering monthly bills – and swiping the funds away to instead pay the DC government buildings' power bills. 
  
  
• The Mayor has proposed eliminating the DC Streetcar in two years. This cut will be extremely difficult to undo, and the timing is frustrating given the Mayor also wants to fast-track development at RFK, where the Streetcar would be well-positioned to connect Union Station and the Red Line with the future development. I'll be working on what the future of public transit should look like along H Street to the RFK Campus and connecting to our neighborhoods east of the river.

Budget Oversight Hearings Underway

Given the delayed start for the budget, we are on a shorter schedule for the Council to do its work. That means even though I've just shared some initial reactions, the Council's public hearing schedule is underway. You can find hearings by Committee, and sign up for hearings scheduled next week and later. If you can't make it to the hearing, you can submit written testimony using the same calendar. 

For folks who want to watch the hearings, you can find all daily live broadcasts here. 

When you look at the hearing details, you'll see the deadline to register to testify is two days before the hearing, and written testimony can be submitted two weeks after the hearing. Learn more about how to testify (you don't need to be an expert!) in my recent post.

Additionally, you can share your budget priorities directly with me by filling out the form on my website.

Come to the Ward 6 Budget Town Hall

However, an easy way to learn and get involved is to attend to my annual Budget Town Hall on Tuesday, June 17 at the Hill Center. We've already got a large group of neighbors RSVP'd and want you to join in! I'll lead a discussion on what's been proposed and priorities I've advocated for, and then I'll turn the mic over to you because I want to hear what's important to you. We'll talk funding for critical areas like social services, public safety, schools, housing, parks and recreation, transportation, street safety, the environment, and capital projects.

We'll meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). Please RSVP, and we'll see you there.

Sign the Petition: No Stadium Deal without Protections for The Fields at RFK

No matter what happens at RFK, we've got to protect The Fields. There are no guarantees in the term sheet that it will remain open and accessible during construction or during stadium games and events. I need you sign the petition and take action to protect The Fields.

The Fields at RFK was a huge lift to get created, and it has provided badly needed fields for sports and recreation at all ages and skill levels. Sign on to the petition to make sure any final deal (whether you support a stadium or not) protects access to The Fields during construction and on game days. Here's the text of the petition:  

The Fields at RFK are a beloved community asset and anchor to the campus, providing highly-used, well-lit playing fields for youth and adult sports and one of the few sites that can host tournaments that draw regionally. While Mayor Bowser initially implied The Fields at RFK were intended to be temporary, the tone has shifted as the Mayor's team and the Commanders have recognized the value The Fields at RFK provide for residents. That makes sense. The fields are packed after school and late into the evening on weekdays and all day on weekends. 

Public Safety Updates

Gun Violence in Southwest: In the past two weeks, there have been at least three serious incidents of gun violence in Southwest, two of which at the same spot near the Safeway and entrance to the Metro. We don't know at this moment if the two incidents that happened within days of each other are related. For the shooting that took place Monday afternoon, MPD has made an arrest.

I've asked MPD to ensure a stronger visibility and presence at the intersection, Waterfront Metro entrance, and outside that Safeway. MPD First District Commander Colin Hall and his team are making this a priority area for their patrols in Southwest. In recent weeks, they have also made a series of arrests with a focus on illegal drug sales and distribution in the immediate area between the Safeway and Metro entrance, which is a good focus for their efforts, as we want them to break up any illegal actions.

But this has long been a troubling spot, and it impacts almost every Southwest neighbor who wants to access their local grocery store or the Metro. Getting this area safer can't be just left to MPD. This is where the city struggles, frankly, with a whole-of-government approach to public safety – much like at Eastern Market Metro Park, where we need a law enforcement intervention coupled with dedicated, ongoing outreach from other city services. I'll be working with those agencies to bring a similar focus here.

Public Safety Walk on 15th Street NE: Earlier this week, I led a public safety walk with DC government agencies, including representatives from the Mayor's office, MPD, DDOT, and around 50 neighbors to address a number of ongoing issues along 15th Street NE along the Ward 6 and Ward 7 border. Challenges that need solving, and the problems we identified on the walk, don't stick to ward or ANC boundaries. I was joined by my colleague Councilmember Felder to ensure we're both on the same page and working together with the community. 

Ward 6 Public Safety Updates:

• MPD arrested two suspects in an armed carjacking that happened on May 27 around 6:30 p.m. on the 1300 block of E Street NE.
  
  
• MPD apprehended two juveniles for robbery in Southwest around midnight on Monday, June 2, on the 200 block of N St. SW.
  
  
• MPD has made an arrest in a Gales Place Shooting. On April 29, Fifth District officers responded to the 1700 block of Gales Place NE, neighboring Ward 6, for the report of a shooting in midday. An arrest was made on May 30.

The Council's Vote Regarding I-82

When it comes to the ballot initiative that voters passed to raise tipped wages (twice), I do not and will not support a repeal.

The voters have expressed, by substantial margins, their desire to phase out the separate tipped minimum wage model. I was in the minority that voted against the Council's vote to overturn Initiative 77 several years ago. But I’ve also said consistently from the first initiative that I believe it is the job of the Council to be able to evaluate and shape its implementation. It’s our job as policymakers to listen to a variety of stakeholders and to take data and information into account, and be willing to adjust or make changes if needed.

I’ve talked with restaurant owners both in support of and in opposition to I-82. I’ve talked with workers both in support of and in opposition to I-82. There’s no shortage of strong opinions on the matter.

We’ve also seen some outstanding work done by our own budget office that uses the latest information to show the current market within the restaurant industry, and that work gives me confidence that a repeal isn’t necessary. But that analysis also says that evaluation does not include or factor in the next round of the tipped minimum phase-out.

Listening to several restaurant owners and operators, and many workers who take shifts both in DC and Virginia and Maryland, I think this short three-month pause is the best course of action right now. It not only aligns the next phase-out with the start of the city’s fiscal year so other supports or interventions to assist restaurants can be timed to coincide with payroll increases, it also allows the Council additional time to craft how the phasing out of the tipped minimum can continue to move forward and whether other changes are needed. 

I can't ignore the impact of inflation, tariffs, a Trump recession, 40,000 jobs lost, and the reality that people are dining out less and spending less. But I also don’t want lost in this debate that these same hard economic factors that are hitting many of our businesses, are also hitting the workers and households that depend on these wages. That’s why I will not support a repeal, but support this short pause to see where changes can be proposed to the implementation of the law.

Protecting DC's Immigrant Neighbors

Lately, I've been hearing from a lot of residents about one item the Mayor is proposing: removing protections for immigrant neighbors through the budget. Within the Mayor's proposed budget is a provision that strikes protections in DC law preventing an overreach of federal immigration law enforcement. 

The language currently in law is something that was carefully crafted and passed when I was the previous chair of the Judiciary Committee. I worked closely with both immigrant rights groups and law enforcement – and it works. It ensures the District complies with a judicial warrant when one is obtained (as we would for any judicial warrant from the Courts), but also protects vulnerable residents from overreach by ICE and other federal immigration officials, as we've clearly seen they are willing to do now with illegal deportations and other actions. 

I do not support the Mayor's rollback of these protections and will not vote for it. 

New Bus Routes & Name Changes Coming June 29

After about two years of community engagement and planning, WMATA rolls out our region's revamped bus system on Sunday, June 29. It's the first overhaul in 50 years, which means a lot of change is coming. Here's what to expect:

• Bus lines get new names. Next time you're at your bus stop, look up, and you should see information about what your bus route will be called by the end of the month. While it may seem odd for one route, WMATA explains that the naming system overall is designed to make better sense. Routes will begin with a letter to indicate the area served, such as "A" for Arlington/Alexandria, "C" for crosstown DC, or "D" for downtown DC.
  
  
• Many of the routes will change. Take a look at the Trip Planner, where you can insert your starting location and destination both now and after the new system is in place. You can also type your go-to bus route here, and you'll see your future options.
  
  
• Some bus stops are going away. WMATA says the best way to get more people on public transportation is to provide reliable and fast systems: Fewer stops mean faster routes. These are designed so that people shouldn't have to walk too much farther to reach their stop if theirs is eliminated. You can explore the complete list of eliminated stops.
  
  
• You can help spread the word. WMATA has been hosting events and posting on social media about these changes. I've hosted Better Bus Town Halls and posted about the updates, too. If you get on a bus today, odds are you'll hear, "Attention bus riders," followed by an update on the new bus system. Despite anyone's efforts, we know people may head to work on Monday, June 30, and not know why their reliable bus isn't on the same exact roads. Please help share the information about Better Bus with your network, be that your neighborhood text thread, your child's school forum, your place of worship, or your book club. We'll be entering a massive adjustment period, and the more people equipped with knowledge of the changes, the better. City Cast DC also had an episode this week that's all about the future bus system.

Some New Ward 6 Spots to Visit

It's always fun to welcome new businesses to the Ward! Here are a few new openings:

• Marcus Samuelsson' Sly at the Morrow Hotel, 222 M St. NE
  
  
• ALDI, 801 H St. NE
  
  
• Lost Sock Roasters, 1100 4th St. NE
  
  
• I'm So DC, 508 H St. NE (opens this weekend)
  
  
• H&H Bagels, 601 K St. NW (opens June 12)

Let's Show Our Pride, DC!

Last week, we raised the pride flag outside the Wilson Building. World Pride events have been going on throughout all eight wards (even if we missed one particular musician), and today marks the District's annual Pride Parade! I hope to see you out there.

When we learned World Pride was coming to our home city, many of us had a different image of the state of things. It's my hope people celebrate with full pride: Everyone in DC is supported and loved, and, thankfully, we have plenty of local businesses serving as safe spaces for all.

SUN Bucks Are Back!

I know many parents have been waiting for this news: We heard this week that the DC Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program is back for summer 2025. This program helps families buy food for their school-aged children and students during the summer with a one-time $120 EBT grocery benefit. 

Students are eligible if they: 

• Attend a District of Columbia Public School, a DC public charter school, or a DC private school participating in the National School Lunch Program;
• Are enrolled in PreK, elementary, middle, or high school, or are an adult learner; and
• Live in a household with an annual income less than or equal to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, for a family of four, that's $57,720.

Thankfully, more than 90% of students are automatically approved and enrolled in SUN Bucks and don't need to apply. They're automatically in if, during the 2024-2025 school year, they attended a National School Lunch Program and participated in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid.

Learn more about SUN Bucks.

Upcoming Events

• Out to Lunch Concert: Wednesday, June 11, at Hancock Park (800 C St. SW)
  Take lunch outside with music by Max Rosado, popsicles, and more from the Southwest BID.
  
  
• Tunes in the Triangle: Wednesday, June 11, at Milian Park (499 Massachusetts Ave. NW)
  The Mount Vernon CID continues its weekly live music in June with Tavair Dominque for acoustic pop at the park.
  
  
• Eastern Market Metro Park & Barracks Row Walking Tour: Saturday, June 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting at the park (701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
  Barracks Row Main Street hosts this walking tour to explore the vibrant neighborhood filled with historic sites, shops, and eateries.
  
  
• Public Meeting for the North Capitol Street Study: Saturday, June 14, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Severna on K (43 K St. NW)
  DDOT is conducting Phase II of the North Capitol Street Corridor Study for the street between Massachusetts Avenue and Michigan Avenue, an area that's on DDOT's High Injury Network and DDOT's Transit and Freight Priority Networks. DDOT will present an overview and update on the project and collect feedback from the community at this in-person event. The same will be provided at a virtual event on Monday, June 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Learn more about the events and the study.
  
  
• District Sounds: Saturday, June 14, 6 to 10:30 p.m., at Swampoodle Terrace (1100 3rd St. NE)
  This festival will have a range of performances, including classical, jazz, and Cumbia music, and West African and Flamenco dance performances.
  
  
• Ceremonial Last Run of the Horses: Sunday, June 15, at 1 p.m., starting at William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center (635 North Carolina Ave. SE)
  One hundred years ago, the DC Fire Department held a ceremonial Last Run of the Horses to commemorate the service of the great fire horses, which assisted in fire responses before firetrucks came to be. Next weekend, the DC Fire and EMS Department, in partnership with the Friendship Fire Association and the DC Fire & EMS Foundation, will re-enact the historic ceremonial Last Run of the Horses, using a cosmetically preserved 1905 American LaFrance horse-drawn steam fire engine. You can cheer on the procession from Rumsey to Lincoln Park, then join the small reception at the park.
  
  
• Save the Date: Open Streets comes to Capitol Hill on Saturday, June 28!

Plan to Root on the Spirit in August

As usual, we have some tickets to offer those who read all the way through the Ward 6 Update. And this time, with plenty of notice before the game: Reply to this email to see our Washington Spirit take on the Portland Thorns on Sunday, Aug. 3!

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen