July 2025
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
July has been a productive month at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) as we continue our efforts to support residents and businesses across the District.
In preparation for the Fourth of July, our team worked to assist customers with obtaining temporary firework stand licenses, so they were ready in time for the holiday. This month, we’re proud to feature Edward Overby, a TNT Fireworks stand owner whose business has blossomed over the years into a trusted destination for celebrants near and far. His stand offers safe, high-quality fireworks, all regulated by the DC government. To read more about his story, visit our DLCP Hub.
Also in July, DLCP issued a consumer advisory to help protect residents, especially seniors and their families, from home improvement and contractor scams. The advisory highlights key red flags to watch out for, as well as practical steps to stay safe when hiring for work around the home. To access the full advisory, click here.
As we look ahead to August, we’re excited to celebrate National Black Business Month, a time to uplift and highlight the many Black-owned businesses that help drive DC’s economy forward. Stay tuned as we showcase inspiring entrepreneurs and resources to support business growth across the District.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer.
Best regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
Throughout the month of July, DLCP, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), has been working to help keep DC seniors safe from scams.
On July 15, seniors gathered at the Chevy Chase House in Northwest DC for the Consumer Protection Senior Fraud Outreach event. A second event was held on Wednesday, July 23, at Edgewood Commons in Northeast DC.
At both events, DLCP Special Investigator Jonathan Rich gave presentations on financial fraud and scams, sharing practical tips on how seniors can stay informed and protected. Attendees were highly engaged and asked thoughtful questions throughout the workshops.
Events like these are essential to raising awareness and promoting safety in our communities. Here at DLCP, we are proud to be part of the effort to empower and protect our city’s older residents.
In its 46th year, the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides District youth ages 14–24 with work-readiness skills, project-based learning, life skills, leadership development, and meaningful job opportunities. The goal of SYEP is to help young people successfully transition from high school to postsecondary education, advanced training, unsubsidized employment, or military careers. |
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DLCP had the pleasure of welcoming members of the program. Throughout the summer, DLCP team managers provided mentorship and offered participants the opportunity to shadow staff in their daily roles. Staff were excited about supporting the participants and happy to contribute to their professional growth. |
Established in 1979 during the first term of former DC Mayor Marion Barry, SYEP has since grown into a nationally recognized model for youth employment programs. DLCP is proud to support this initiative and is honored to help shape the next generation of leaders. |
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On July 24 and 25, licensed real estate professionals gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest DC for two days of free continuing education courses hosted by the DC Real Estate Commission under DLCP. Attendees with active licenses took part in sessions led by brokers, real estate professionals, and an environmental protection specialist.
The event offered updates, practical knowledge, and light refreshments for participants. This event reflects DLCP’s dedication to supporting professional development and helping real estate licensees stay informed and well-prepared to serve the District’s communities.
Look below for DLCP-related Council happenings and new laws
On June 16, 2025, District of Columbia Councilmember Janeese Lewis George introduced B26-0287, Housing with Integrity Amendment Act of 2025 to promote accountability in the District’s rental housing system and protect tenants from unsafe living conditions. As introduced, the bill would:
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Require DLCP to deny a basic business license to rental housing operators who own a rental property with 10 or more rental units where Class 1 housing code violations (g., lack of heat or hot water) or Class 2 violations (e.g., defective plumbing affect 30% or more of the units and remain unaddressed for at least 90 days);
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Require DLCP to work with the Department of Buildings to verify whether a rental housing operator is to be denied a basic business license on these grounds; and
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Expand the District’s inspection of multifamily rental housing to create a new tier of inspection for this rental housing with mandated twice-yearly inspections by the Department of Buildings.
The bill has been referred to a committee and is awaiting a hearing.
Mayor Muriel Bowser's Grow DC budget plan continues to move through the Council. The modified Fiscal Year Local Budget Act of 2025 (Bill 26-260) and Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act of 2025 (Bill 26-265) passed final reading and are now awaiting Mayor Bowser's review. Provisions in the modified Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act of 2025 that impact DLCP include the following:
- Requiring sidewalk vending zones to be managed by a sidewalk vending zone manager, which may be a DLCP employee or a private organization;
- Equipping DLCP with the authority to waive fines and penalties for business licenses and corporate filings, often a barrier for small businesses;
- Allowing DLCP to utilize the FBI Next Generation Identification Record of Arrest and Prosecution Background Service, as it conducts criminal background checks for business licensure.
Contact DLCP via email, or our online inquiry form at any time. We’re also available through the live chat on dlcp.dc.gov or by phone at 202-671-4500 during normal business hours.
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