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Friend –

Fresh off the first budget vote earlier this week, there is still a lot going on. Monday was the first of two votes on the city's budget and financial plan for next year. If you missed my email on what important changes the Council made in the budget (including restored Paid Leave benefits, supporting our schools, funding for climate action, public safety investments, and funding Ranked Choice Voting), you can read it here.

Beyond the Wilson Building, our Capitol Hill Little League has been playing so well, they’re now DC’s 11U State Champs! They have back-to-back championships, and they’ll represent the District again in the regional tournament later this summer: Congrats! And the 12U team is currently working their way through the bracket, too!

There’s also more summer fun coming up, with our amazing slate of annual Ward 6 Week events, which you can read about below. So, let’s get to it.

Miss the last newsletter? Read it here.

It's Time to Dial in on the Commanders Stadium Deal

As I recently shared, DC residents now have a chance to share what they think about the stadium deal that’s before the Council. I encourage you to sign up for the July 29 hearing (399 people have signed up so far!).

Under the deal as-is DC residents are being asked to foot too much of the bill - the second largest subsidy in American sports history. Even if you’re the biggest Commanders fan, you still want a deal that's good for DC and fair for DC tax payers. Unless the deal gets better, DC will be giving the Commanders more than $1.1 billion to come back to DC, and that total does not include the following:

The team would pay zero rent or property taxes on the stadium.
The team would pay zero rent, property taxes, or sales tax on the parking. DC residents would pay $352 million to build the 8,000 spots.
All sales tax collected in the stadium on beer, food, and anything else, such as jerseys, would not go to the city – it would go into a fund that would be plowed back into more stadium improvements and expansions rather than better city services for you.
DC residents will pay close to $20 million this year and next year to pay off Nats Park bonds early, just so we can pay for the stadium and parking. That’s money we could have spent in our classrooms, fighting homelessness, driving down crime, fighting school truancy, and more.
DC residents will likely pay $30 million in interest annually on the money we borrow to help build this stadium.

Even die-hard fans who want the stadium tell me they want the Council to get a better deal for DC. So, I've been pushing for a number of changes and decided to outline three key ways the deal needs to be improved, and the Washington Business Journal ran it this week. Here they are:

Invest in Metro, not parking lots: This is a win-win as it reduces car traffic on game days and frees up more land for housing, small businesses, and green space. It’s a much better use of $365 million than putting that into massive parking garages that will sit empty most of the year.
Build more housing: affordable, family, and senior. While the team is going to bring all their energy into building a stadium, I want to see that same energy to building the housing. Create requirements to deliver the housing promised, or the public subsidy gets clawed back.
Lead in sustainable, net-zero design: The entire campus needs to be designed from the outset to be net-zero in terms of carbon emissions. I’m talking about renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, and designs that are built from the start to push future US stadium projects further. And I’d want to see the savings from that passed directly on to the residents in the new affordable homes.

We already secured a commitment from the team that they will put in the final deal specific terms protecting access and use of The Fields at RFK through construction and on game days. Now let's go secure much larger commitments that justify the massive investment the team is asking of taxpayers.

Working to Make DC Elections More Fair for Voters

This week, I also introduced a new campaign finance bill that tackles some significant issues we've seen, from slow investigations to the growing use of AI in political campaigns.

Campaigns will always push boundaries of what they can get away with, so our laws need to keep up. This bill would require more frequent reporting of campaign contributions, bring transparency to AI-generated content like deepfakes, and speed up investigations by the Office of Campaign Finance so voters aren't left in the dark when it matters most (before Election Day). We even whipped up a quick AI video (which is not how we do our normal videos), riffing on the news of the day earlier this week to drive home the point:

I’m also proposing updates to the Fair Elections Program, a law I helped lead the Council to pass in 2018. It has helped shift the balance of power back to everyday DC residents and away from big money interests. After a few election cycles since the start of that program, we've learned a lot about what’s working and where we need to improve. This bill raises the certification threshold for Council candidates who want to qualify, makes sure public funds are delivered faster when they're needed most, and clarifies the law to ensure candidates can't use Fair Elections in one campaign and lose, but run in another race during the General. It also forbids any candidate who has been expelled from the Council to use Fair Elections to run again.

I've worked on campaign finance reform for years, and the result has been increased voter turnout, better ballot access, and fairer elections. This bill keeps that work moving forward, building a fairer, more transparent, and more voter-focused system.

Supporting Tenants with DC Water Cutoffs When the Landlord Stops Paying the Bill

On Monday, the Council passed emergency legislation I introduced to address two key challenges with water service in DC: legal uncertainty around late fees and protecting tenants from surprise shutoffs. The 51st has a good piece on it.

On surprise shutoffs, unlike Pepco or Washington Gas, DC Water almost always requires the property owner to pay the bill rather than the person who lives there. In multifamily buildings, this can get complicated quickly if the landlord stops paying. As DC Water works to collect on the $35.5 million owed in unpaid water bills, it’s turning to multifamily buildings. This presents a challenge because, in almost every case, the actual residents of the building have been paying their rent (and a portion of the water bill, presumably). DC Water needs to be able to collect payment, but shutting off the water to a building is a harsh solution that often punishes the wrong party.

The emergency law requires DC Water to give tenants in a building 30 days' notice, with the aim of providing time for residents to work with their property owner to pay their bill. The bill requires that in large buildings where DC Water cannot gain access, they must post the notice prominently on exterior doors.

The bill resolves a long-standing legal ambiguity about whether DC Water has the authority to impose late-payment penalties. It confirms that authority, but caps how those fees can be applied to ensure fairness.

New Bill: E-Z Pass, But for Curbside Parking

No matter how you’re getting around DC, you’ve had to swerve around a delivery truck, rideshare, or moped with the flashers on blocking the road, the bike lane, or even the sidewalk. It’s not just inconvenient – it can be dangerous, increase traffic, and clog up curb space, which is already a limited resource. We need to use technology better to make our curb space work better for us: think E-Z Pass meets ParkMobile. In a busy commercial corridor, there are a dozen uses of the curb at any given time: delivery trucks loading up our businesses, rideshare picking up or dropping off, someone parking to run in and grab carryout, or someone parking while they enjoy a two-hour dinner. All of these uses are legitimate and important to a functioning, thriving corridor.

But right now it's also pretty chaotic. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to modernize how we manage curbside loading zones. The bill would create an Automated Curbside Management System that uses smart technology, such as license plate readers and digital billing, to better regulate how our curb space is used and bill accordingly. It would allow the District to be a lot more nimble about curb space usage and free up more of our curb space for the demand at any given time of day.

Think of it like this: instead of hoping a parking enforcement officer happens to catch someone blocking the travel lanes or hogging a loading zone, this system would automate how we track, bill, and manage those curbside uses. Delivery drivers could register and get billed automatically for their time at the curb (no meter or kiosk needed!) while vehicles blocking space without permission would face a fine.

Cities like Pittsburgh and Houston are already doing this with success. This bill brings DC up to speed and helps make our streets safer, less congested, and easier to navigate for everyone.

Learn more from Fox 5 and the Post about this bill and other initiatives DDOT is doing to make this shared space better for all.

Public Safety Update

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, DC has updated the youth curfew for the summer. MPD implemented its first Juvenile Curfew Zone last weekend in the Navy Yard area, which was in effect starting at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Officers with the First District engaged with young people in the area and reported full cooperation, with no curfew violations, arrests, or incidents involving youth. The broader citywide curfew remains in effect through Aug. 31 for people 17 and younger, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. I've been in contact with MPD and specifically First District Commander Hall to be sure they’re applying this in common-sense ways moving forward. For instance, I'd like young people to be able to come and go from a Nats game without worrying about being stopped by the police.

Overall, our crime trends continue to improve over last year’s marked improvement. A few updates to share on some specific Ward 6 arrests and incidents:

Arrest made in Tragic July 4 Shooting: As an update to this tragic death, MPD has arrested and charged someone with first-degree murder following the death of a 3-year-old girl who was shot while sitting in a parked car with her family during the early morning hours of July 5. This heartbreaking act of violence has deeply shaken the community (you can read more in The Washington Post). The unacceptable recklessness here deserves serious consequences.
Two Arrested from May Early Hours Incident on K Street NE: MPD’s Carjacking Task Force, working with the FBI’s Washington Field Office, has arrested two individuals for an armed kidnapping that occurred back on May 10. Around 4:30 a.m., the suspects allegedly forced a victim into a car and drove to several ATMs, demanding cash withdrawals. After taking the victim’s property, they let the person go. Thankfully, the victim survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Both suspects — DC residents, ages 32 and 27 — now face charges.
MPD Makes Arrest in 2024 RideShare Carjackings: MPD has arrested an 18-year-old from Southeast in connection with two armed carjackings involving rideshare drivers in Northeast earlier last year. On April 12 (in Ward 6) and 13 (in Ward 7), 2024, suspects posed as passengers before brandishing a gun, demanding the driver exit, and attempting to steal the vehicles. In one case, the driver complied, and the suspects fled with the car, which was later recovered. In the second case, the driver was able to escape. The suspect, a juvenile at the time of the offenses, was arrested on July 14 and charged with two counts of armed carjacking. Good example of MPD staying on the case for more than a year to make an arrest.

Making Sure School Buildings Are Ready for the New School Year

This month, I’ve been making my annual summer rounds of our DCPS campuses. These are a chance to kick the tires, so to speak – I make sure doors lock, A/C is running, water fountains work, etc. I’ve seen a range of needs, from electrical issues to basic clean-up, in these buildings, where everything is a work in progress as teams prepare for the new school year. You can see updates from my visits to Amidon-Bowen Elementary, Meyer Elementary School – where Brent Elementary School will swing this coming school year – and Maury Elementary.

If you’re a parent of any of these schools, I don’t have to tell you HVAC systems are in dire need of repair across the Ward (and the District). I continue to push and work with DGS to repair as quickly as possible to address the issues in all schools where needed.

Even more minor things – like a missing soap dispenser or broken water fountains – matter when we’re talking about where our kids learn and grow. These are details parents notice and kids will feel, and we want to get it right by the first day, so we can get the year off to a good start.

Small Biz on H Street NE, Barracks Row, and Eastern Market: Grant Money Now Available

Grant funding I secured in the current budget (that's right, approved more than a year ago) is finally being rolled out to support businesses in Ward 6 commercial corridors. If you’re interested in improving your marketing and your business is located on H Street NE, around Eastern Market, or on Barracks Row, there's an info session on the grant and contact information through the grantee available.

Time for Street Hockey!

While much of Watkins Rec is under construction for needed improvements, we do have a shiny new Rush Rink ready for play! The Monumental Sports Foundation (Washington Capitals) and vendors made this happen, thanks to the help of volunteers, especially the DC Stars high school co-op hockey team, who put in more than 100 hours of volunteer labor to put this together.

This is one of the community benefits agreed to as part of the new deal to keep Monumental Sports in DC at Capital One Arena. They are making similar improvements at several rinks and basketball courts around the city.

During construction, you can enter the rink on D Street, between 12th and 13th Streets SE. By about August, the only official entrance will be on the far side of the football field, at 1220 E St. SE. The group is still working on getting replacement netting for the big goals, but even so, I hope you find a way to have some fun out there!

Join Us for Ward 6 Week!

We’re in the thick of summer, which means we’re getting ready for another great Ward 6 Week! If you missed my invitation, please know I’d love to see you at any of the events we have lined up. From Sunday, July 27, through Saturday, Aug. 2, we have various events for you, your friends, and/or family. Some registrations are already filling up, so I encourage you to sign up as soon as you’re able. You can click each event to register for it. It’s going to be fun! Explore the Ward 6 Week events.

Upcoming Events

Community Repair Event: Today, July 19 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW)
Catch Fix-It DC’s second summer road trip event stop, where you can get paired up with a coach to try to repair your broken household items and textiles. RSVP.
Swing Dancing: Today, July 19 | 7 p.m. | Transit Pier at The Wharf (970 Wharf St. SW)
Get ready to step, spin, and swing at The Wharf’s Swing Dance Night with Gottaswing. Champion dancers Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg will get people moving, followed by live rockabilly tunes from the incredible King Teddy band to keep the dance floor hopping.
SPACEs In Action Health Fair: Saturday, July 26 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Emory Beacon of Light Church (6100 Georgia Ave. NW)
All DC residents are invited to this community health fair for a celebration of wellness, resources, and community care.
Hill Family Biking Ride: Saturday, July 26 | 4 to 6 p.m. | Starting at Watkins Elementary’s parking lot (420 12th St. SE)
This 4-mile ride goes from Capitol Hill to Yards Park, where everyone can cool off with free ice cream and fun in the shallow pool. If your bike needs some TLC, arrive 15 minutes early for some assistance.
Clear the Shelters Pet Adoption Event: Saturday, Aug. 2 | Starting at 11 a.m. | 1201 New York Ave. NE and 4 DC Village Lane SW
Brandywine Valley SPCA (the District’s animal shelter contractor) is partnering with NBCUniversal for its annual Clear the Shelters adoption event, when adoption fees for all pets will be waived. This is a great chance to add a furry companion to your family!

Play Ball!

Thanks for reading the latest Ward 6 Update. To wrap up with good news, if you’re a Ward 6 resident, you can respond to this email for a chance to snag tickets to see the Athletics take on our Nationals on Tuesday, Aug. 5!

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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