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Friend –

Between the sunshine-thunderstorm hourly rotations and the humidity turned up to 11, summer has officially arrived (but hey, at least we got a rainbow). Normally, the Council would be finished or nearly finished with our budget and turning back to legislative hearings, but since we received the proposed budget about six weeks late, we're just now heading into committee votes, with another month of work ahead of us. That means there are plenty of folks who want to share their priorities, ranging from paid family leave cuts to health care for community health centers to housing and more. I had the chance to speak to The Coalition for their breakfast meeting before they kicked off a day of meetings with Councilmembers and staff. On another day, I spoke at a rally on the steps of the Wilson Building for residents opposed to the deep and severe cuts to DC's climate programs, which do most of the heavy lifting to keep our air and water clean, lower utility costs, and upgrade older homes to newer, energy-efficient systems.

I was also on the Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi yesterday, and we crammed plenty of topics into just 25 minutes – give it a listen if you missed it. Below, I provide public safety updates, some fun activities on the calendar (including a Save the Date for Ward 6 Week!), and touch on some items you might've heard about in the news. And if you didn't know, pools are open for summer! Make sure to check the status of a pool or spray park before you make your trip.

Finally, I hope all the students, families, teachers, and staff out there had an absolutely wonderful school year, and congratulations on another one in the books. Next stop, summer vacation!

Miss the last newsletter? Read it here.

Thanks for a Great Budget Town Hall: Here's What's Next for the Budget

On Tuesday evening, we had a fantastic Ward 6 Budget Town Hall at the Hill Center – if you missed it or want to review the presentation, watch the full video and review the slide deck. I heard plenty of clear comments and preferences that help me know what to prioritize in this challenging budget.

From a process standpoint, we wrapped up budget oversight hearings for DC agencies this past week – and thank you to all who showed up or submitted testimony for your priorities. Next, each committee has a meeting to vote on its budget. For me and my team, that means approving a budget for all agencies that fall under the Committee on Transportation and the Environment. After that, the entire Council comes back to consider the budget and potentially make larger changes together.

I'll have more to share in future newsletters as we start to get to decision points. For now, you can tune in to all Committee mark-ups each day here.

Public Safety Updates

Regional Crime Tracker: The Council of Governments launched a new regional crime tracker that provides a good and timely overview of the region's crime trends. Building this out is something I've pushed for while in leadership at COG because, traditionally, the annual data report shared was old and outdated by the time it was delivered. That's changed with this new tool. While DC has a tracker updated daily that I've linked regularly in past newsletters, we can get a more comprehensive look at what's happening and emerging trends across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, given how tightly interconnected our communities are.

Homicide Near Lincoln Park: On June 10, there was a horrific shooting and murder on East Capitol Street on the south side of the park. I sent an update to the area's ANC Commissioners the following morning and have been talking with a lot of neighbors in the days that followed to share information. After I heard about the shooting, I was on the phone with Commander Hall from our 1st District of MPD that night and in the coming days. MPD has issued a press release here. Detectives have video evidence they're investigating, but given the ongoing nature of the case, there are several details that can't be shared publicly. What I can share is that MPD knows this was a highly targeted shooting, and the suspects were in a separate vehicle that appears to have been following the victim prior to the shooting. The victim and several others had been driving through the city and happened to be going down East Capitol Street at the time of the attack. MPD tells me they don't believe there was anything specific to this neighborhood that attracted the shooting, and the victim was not a resident of the immediate area. Of course, none of that lessens the fear, trauma, and impact of gunshots ringing out and the devastating loss of life. I've asked MPD to maintain an increased presence in the area and update the community with more information as they're able. They've made a lot of gains with improved public safety overall, and I don't want to see any backslide. Commander Hall has been responsive and pushing hard to get his patrols into a posture that the neighborhood is looking to see.

Ward 6 Safety Updates:

The last few months have seen several suspected arson events in Capitol Hill, ranging from small burned items to residential trash cans to larger dumpsters that likely led to the burning of a garage near St. Joseph's church. Fire & EMS has worked with MPD and the Courts, and a man has now been arrested and charged with some of the fires and might be connected to more than 35 cases of arson in our neighborhoods. There had been some frustration when the man was previously arrested, but the US Attorney chose not to charge them, and he was released. At the time, I spoke with NBC 4 about the issue.
Lately, there's been an uptick in vehicle thefts, in particular targeting certain makes and models like newer Honda CRVs. Some thieves are using higher-tech devices that can mirror the digital signal of a key fob to gain entry and even start the engine. Recently, though, MPD arrested a 23-year-old linked to breaking into multiple vehicles, in some cases stealing the cars, parked in private parking garages in the District. While these occurred throughout DC, a number were in Ward 6.
MPD arrested a 30-year-old for destroying property and defacing private property in the District, including on the 600 block of Maine Avenue SW. This is the same individual who was arrested for destroying pride material around light poles near Dupont Circle. MPD is investigating these offenses for possible hate or bias.
An arrest was made for reckless driving after a 58-year-old man lost control of his car at 4th and E Streets SW and hit a building.

Why I Support Separating an RFK Stadium Vote From the Budget Vote

This week, it was reported that the Council is likely separating our work on the city's annual budget from the decision on the new Commanders stadium proposal. The growing consensus is that the deal brought to the Council isn't a good one for DC or fair for DC taxpayers. It's lopsided in its giveaways to the Commanders, and a recent poll found 57% of DC voters agree. Even die-hard Commanders fans who want to see a stadium at RFK tell me they want the Council to get a better deal and not give so much away.

Separating this from the budget is the right move to make sure that the Council – and the public – has enough time to review and make changes to any proposed deal before a vote takes place. Remember, we only received the budget and the proposed deal a few weeks ago. By comparison, when the Council approved the deal for Nats Ballpark, they worked on it for 11 months. When they approved the deal for Audi Field, they worked on it for 7 months. And with multiple public hearings in both cases to give the public a chance to weigh in. There's no need to rush something this big and this important with an artificial deadline, because we need to get it right.

By separating the RFK stadium deal from the budget and packaging it as standalone legislation, it would create a process for public hearings and changes by the Council that aren't mixed up with all of the other decisions we need to make on one of the toughest budgets in recent memory. If we're being asked to give the Commanders well over a billion dollars in your taxpayer dollars, people should have the chance to testify about it!

Most of my colleagues and I agree that this shouldn't be rushed. The Council has begun an independent economic analysis that should be completed later this summer and help inform the decisions we make. If this is something that moves forward, we ultimately have to decide what funding to put toward a stadium, which terms of the deal need to be significantly changed to protect DC residents, and what our trade-offs look like.

Construction Coming to Watkins Playground & Field

Watkins Recreation Center is getting major upgrades this summer, with plans to get to work as soon as permits come through.

The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services presented a construction kickoff meeting last week, showing the details of the new playground (which Watkins third-graders helped select!), resurfacing and updated hoops on the basketball court, a new synthetic field, and an estimated timeline for the entire project.

The contractor plans to start with the playground, then move to the basketball court, and finish with the turf. Their goal is to complete all pieces by the start of the new school year.

The splash park will remain open, accessible from E Street SE. Parking on the southbound side of 13th Street SE will be reserved for construction from D Street to E Street.

DPR says it will send text message alerts to neighbors regarding construction. I'm eager to have this renovation complete, as I funded it almost four budget cycles ago – Watkins is a heavily used site, and it shows. We'll have a new playground soon and hopefully a much-improved turf field.

Residents Rally to Save Energy & Environment Funding

I started the week with neighbors and more than a dozen organizations rallying to raise the alarm on the most devastating cuts to the District Department of Energy and Environment that we’ve seen in a proposed budget.

This budget is the worst attack yet on a cleaner, forward-looking, and more equitable District, with direct impacts on all residents, including small business owners, low-income renters and homeowners, and seniors. From slashing DOEE’s budget by nearly $70 million to raiding funds meant to clean our rivers and support local businesses and nonprofits, this budget puts our climate progress – and DC residents – at risk.

And this isn't just about doing good for the planet: Green investments grow our economy, creating good jobs, driving innovation, and helping businesses thrive. When buildings invest in energy efficiency upfront, those costs come back to them over the life of the building, lowering utility costs for residents and businesses, and we reduce both emissions and actual pollution that seeps out from buildings and is secretly a big source of poor air quality.

I can't emphasize this enough: As I speak to more groups and people about the current budget, the reality of the impact these proposed cuts surprises everyone. For example, the DC Green Bank and Sustainable Energy Trust Fund were nearly zeroed out. Did you know more than half the cranes in the sky right now that are building housing received DC Green Bank loans? And the SETF is on track to modernize tens of thousands of older homes with far more efficient and clean HVACs and appliances. Sweeping those funds is a broken promise to ratepayers who pay into the SETF each month. Those investments keep people in their homes and put more money in their pockets by reducing their monthly energy bills – and instead, the proposed budget sweeps them to pay the DC government’s own power bills.

The proposed budget goes in the wrong direction. I appreciate every single person who has raised their voice in hearings and Councilmembers' offices. I'll start reversing these cuts in my committee budget proposal next week and look to work with my colleagues to tackle the bigger challenges when the budget moves to the full Council.

Welcoming New DC Electricians Ready for a "Green" Trades Job

On Friday evening, I spoke at a special graduation where I helped celebrate the latest class of apprentices graduating into electrical and drywall trades with DMV Academy. I've worked with DMV Academy before, as we share a goal of getting more DC residents trained and able to get a good-paying job in "green" fields that are only going to continue to grow and expand as more and more of our daily life is electrified. I'm intentionally highlighting this right after the long section on budget cuts to green programs to show the harm these cuts will have! We want more DC residents getting good work to modernize older homes to be far more energy efficient. We want DC residents ready to make the next large office building or apartment building net zero or more energy efficient than we did 50 years ago. And that's the message I delivered to the graduates, their classmates, and their families. They should be proud because they're poised to both help their city and launch a great career.

New Housing Opens in Southwest

Wednesday, we cut the ribbon on Phase 1 of The Stacks — a new development bringing 1,100 new homes (including 125 affordable homes), along with park space, coworking areas, restaurants, and retail to Buzzard Point. As I shared that day, what makes this project stand out isn’t just what was built but the vision behind it. Thoughtful design turned this into a neighborhood that already feels like it’s been here for years.

And if you haven’t seen the stunning rooftop view, you’ll find the Anacostia, the Washington Channel, and the Potomac all in sight — a reminder that DC is a city shaped by its rivers, and we’re finding our way back to them.

Reminder: Your Buses Are Changing June 29

I'm bracing for this like everyone else: Our bus routes are going to change on Sunday, June 29. They'll have new names, and they may have new routes with different stops.

I went into the details of the new bus system in my last newsletter, but as we're now just over a week away, you might just be tuning in. I want to make sure you're aware of what's coming, so you can best prepare for your commutes.

A great way to do that is through WMATA's Trip Planner tool, which lets you put in your origin and destination using future dates to see your new route. You can also input your current bus route to see your new options: Learn more on WMATA's site. Some folks might find the new routes near their home or work are a lot better. Others I know might be disappointed in the changes. This represents an enormous effort and the first major update to the bus network since the system was started.

Did You Sign the Petition to Protect the Fields at RFK?

In case you missed it in my last newsletter, the Fields at RFK are in jeopardy with the future of the stadium site. There's nothing in the deal's term sheet that would keep The Fields open during construction or on game days. If you believe the Fields at RFK should remain accessible, sign the petition. In just two weeks, nearly 2,000 neighbors have signed already!

Summer Food Programs for Students

In case you missed it in my last newsletter, the DC Sun Bucks program is back for students this summer, helping families buy food for school-aged children and students with a grocery benefit.

DC Youth Meals also begins meal service on Monday, June 23, running through Sunday, Aug. 24. Youth 18 and younger can receive these meals at locations across the city. Please check the website for locations with hours of operation by ward; locations can change weekly. Here's a list of Ward 6 locations for this week.

DCPS is also offering free breakfast and lunch this summer for youth 18 and under. Find the list of schools and what's available here.

Join Me for the Fourth of July Parade!

It's almost time for the best and shortest Fourth of July Parade in the nation! My team and I will be walking in the 22nd annual Capitol Hill Community Fourth of July Parade, and you're invited to join us.

We'll meet at 9:30 a.m. under the freeway, on the south end of Barracks Row, to start the parade at 10 a.m. All you have to do is show up! (Sunscreen and water are recommended, too.)

Let us know you'll join us, and I look forward to seeing you there on Friday, July 4!

Take Over the Streets for Ward 6's First Open Streets

For the first time, Open Streets DC comes fully to Ward 6, and my team and I hope to see you there! The event comes to Capitol Hill, closing the streets to vehicles for people to safely walk, run, roll, bike, skate, play, and more. The route is on North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street, and Massachusetts Avenue SE, from 6th to 17th Street SE.

Expect hourly programmed classes and performances, including live music, yoga, dancing, and more. Different booths will be along the route (like ours!) to check out, too. This is a free event that's open to all ages and abilities. No cars, just people!

New to Open Streets? Check out my quick video from the last one near Mount Vernon Triangle.

Upcoming Events

Peterbug Day: Saturday, June 21 | 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Peterbug Amphitheater (502 Peterbug Matthews Way SE)
John “Peterbug” Matthews is a lifelong Hill resident who taught at DC Public Schools for more than 30 years, and he's a legend who used shoe repair to help young people find direction. The 400 block of 13th Street SE, where his shop is located, was named Peterbug Matthews Way in 2010. Each year, he hosts this event for the community with free food, entertainment, fun, and neighbors.
Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival: Saturday, June 21 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Congressional Cemetery (1801 E St. SE)
This joyful gathering honors LGBTQ+ history, creativity, and community spirit – all in one vibrant day of fun, reflection, and Pride. Wander through a lively outdoor market showcasing LGBTQ+ artists, makers, and small businesses offering handmade goods, art, tasty treats, and more. Enjoy an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere filled with color, community, and connection.
Tunes in the Triangle: Wednesday, June 25 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Milian Park (499 Massachusetts Ave. NW)
Catch the last Tunes in the Triangle until September with the soulful sounds of Taisha Estrada.
Community Tables: Thursday, June 26 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Southwest Duck Pond (900 6th St. SW)
Join the Southwest Business Improvement District for an evening designed to spark connections, creativity, and celebration in the neighborhood. There will be hands-on activities, treats, and surprises. The event is first-come, first-served, but this sign-up sheet helps organizers prepare.
African American Music Appreciation Month Performance: Friday, June 27 | 5 to 6:30 p.m. | Eastern Market Metro Park (701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
Join a vibrant celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month with an exciting performance of music, dance, food, and more.
Hill Family Biking Open Streets Parade: Saturday, June 28 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Seward Square (North Carolina and Pennsylvania Avenues SE)
Open Streets is coming to Capitol Hill for the first time ever, and Hill Family Biking is part of the celebration with a 1-mile bike parade starting from Seward Square! Roll with them down the car-free route filled with fun and community spirit. All ages and abilities are welcome, including those on trikes, balance bikes, and training wheels. They'll finish at 17th Street & Massachusetts Avenue SE with an HFB-inspired street chalk mural, created in partnership with ChalkRiot.
SAVE THE DATE: Ward 6 Week returns Sunday, July 27, through Saturday, Aug. 2. More to come soon!

The Nationals' Losing Streak is Over. Time for a James Woods Homer Streak.

Thanks for reading this week's Ward 6 Update! Now, who's ready for some baseball? Reply to this email for a chance to see the Washington Nationals take on the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, July 2!

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen

Councilmember Charles Allen · 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 110, Washington, DC 20004, United States
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