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Friend –

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Pretzel Bakery for my office hours last week! It's great to start the day with coffee and a pretzel, but it's even better to see such a big turnout of neighbors eager to chat. I've always found office hours to be a good way to learn about new issues or your perspectives on how DC government's doing, and in these challenging times, it was also just refreshing to get out of the house and meet thoughtful, engaged neighbors. My next office hours will be Friday, Nov. 7 (see below for more info).

The Council's in full swing, and there's plenty of updates to share, so let's get to it.

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Protecting Tenants and Ensuring Fairness in DC Water Billing

If you pay your bills on time every month, you should never wake up to find your water shut off – especially because your landlord didn’t pay their bill. Unfortunately, that’s what’s been happening to renters across DC (see this 51st report from July).

Earlier this year, DC Water began disconnecting water service at some apartment and multifamily buildings after years of unpaid bills, which now total more than $35 million citywide. If you haven't ever lived in a multifamily building, you might not realize water service is measured from one master meter that only records usage for the entire building, not individual apartments the way Pepco does, for example. So, the challenge we face now is that many renters have been dutifully paying their water bills, but the landlord either couldn't or didn't pay DC Water. And in most cases, the tenants had no idea until the water was shut off.

Water is a basic human need, and disconnections should be a last resort. They must be handled fairly, transparently, and with clear communication. Yes, DC Water needs to get paid for its services, no question. But the process needs to improve. That’s why I’ve introduced the DC Water Billing and Disconnection Modernization Amendment Act of 2025.

The bill sets clear timelines for billing and disconnections, requires notice of a pending disconnection to tenants in every unit and in their spoken language, and gives renters the ability to take over an account in their own name when a landlord hasn’t paid. It also protects seniors and residents with disabilities, bans shutoffs during extreme weather, and creates incentives for landlords to install submeters so tenants aren’t caught off guard again. That last part is really important because it's a huge challenge that, unlike electric bills, most renters in buildings can't have their individual water usage measured and billed, which is inefficient at best and, at worst, creates bigger challenges like disconnecting the entire building.

This builds on emergency legislation I led the Council to pass this summer to improve DC Water’s communication and strengthen protections for vulnerable residents. Together, these changes will bring more fairness, transparency, and accountability to how water billing and disconnections work in DC, because no one should lose access to water without warning or recourse.

RESALE Hearing Recap: 9:30 Club, Black Cat, Musicians Support; Anyone paid by Stubhub Opposed

On Wednesday, the Council's Committee on Public Works and Operations held a hearing on my RESALE Amendment Act, which would stop the egregious practice of digital ticket scalping that jacks up the cost of going to many live concerts and shows at great venues all over DC. The bill does this in a few ways, including banning the sale of tickets that a seller does not control (some call it a "speculative ticket," but I call it fraud), requiring entities that re-sell more than 50 tickets a year to register with the city, and putting a 10% cap on how much a ticket can be re-sold above face value. It's that last part that has companies like Stubhub fighting it tooth and nail (hence the Instagram ads, paid advertising truck, and multiple lobbyists testifying), as it puts a big dent in their profits. The reason we should include a price cap is that technology (namely, armies of bots) completely dominates box office sales for shows big and small and effectively creates a manipulated market for many popular music shows. Regular music fans, venues, and artists don't stand a chance if the bots decide they want to control a show. For a light-hearted breakdown of the bill, check out this video my team produced last week explaining it and why it's important.

It was heartening to hear so many impassioned testimonies of support from DC's most iconic and beloved venues, including the 9:30 Club, Union Stage, Lincoln Theater, The Anthem, Black Cat, as well as plenty of local musicians and artists. The reason so many venues and artists are strongly in support is that they're tired of seeing their customers and fans pay far more money than the ticket costs to see a show. It hurts everyone involved, and the only ones benefiting are large tech companies out of state. If you've ever attended a "sold out" show but are surprised to see so many seats empty, it's because these resale companies misjudged the demand and priced out too many people. That's frustrating for everyone involved, including the venues and artists who want to see a packed room and set the original price accordingly. (Read some more about the hearing from WTOP.)

My bill builds on the laws in Maine and Maryland that have taken on this issue to protect consumers from price gouging. I've seen plenty of astroturf social media ads talking about how this will benefit Ticketmaster and LiveNation, which dominate the box office business and effectively have control of the market nationally. That's a totally unrelated issue and one where DC's Attorney General has joined an antitrust lawsuit. I can't fix that with a bill, but I can take on the rigged system where bots buy tickets between fans and fleece them.

Public Safety Update

Roundtable on Juvenile Curfew Thursday: This Thursday, the Council's Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety will hold a public roundtable on an Extended Juvenile Curfew and Designated Juvenile Curfew Zones. Over the summer, MPD deployed limited curfew zones to head off disruptive large gatherings of young people. At the time, it was argued that it would be a good tool over the summer to deploy as needed, and I think we generally saw it work effectively. But the case to continue to extend it again needs to be made. This roundtable will provide an opportunity for our public safety leaders to demonstrate why this is still a needed tool, allow the public and Councilmembers to ask questions, and raise concerns if this has led to unnecessary interactions between police and young people. If you'd like to follow or participate, here's all of the information.
Another Illegal Pot Shop Shut Down: ABCA and MPD have shut down the operation of an illegal and unlicensed business on Barracks Row. Mother Earth Mushroom Church at 409 8th St. SE was selling cannabis without a license and had numerous illegal mushroom products. I'm glad to see the tools I put in place are being used by ABCA and MPD. It makes our communities safer, and it better supports licensed cannabis businesses in the same neighborhoods.
MPD Arrests 4 for Assault in Southeast: Close to 10 p.m. on Oct. 15, a group of people seemingly randomly attacked staff members at Belga Cafe on Barracks Row, nearly running over two with a car, getting into verbal arguments, then physically assaulting them and threatening them. This incident was widespread online and extremely concerning for one of Barracks Row's longest-running businesses and neighbors. MPD has arrested four DC residents and charged them with assault with significant bodily injury and threats to kidnap or injure. I'm grateful MPD acted quickly here.
MPD Makes Robbery Arrest: MPD arrested a suspect involved in a robbery in Southwest on Saturday, Oct. 18. Around 9:30 p.m. that day, the suspect approached a victim during a disagreement, snatching property and fleeing the scene. MPD was able to arrest the 30-year-old DC resident on Oct. 20. Good work by MPD to chase this down.
MPD Arrests Suspect of Stabbing: MPD arrested a suspect who was charged with stabbing two victims after an altercation on the 100 block of M Street SE the evening of Oct. 15.

Would You Like to Make Sure Self-Driving Cars Are Safe Before They're on Your Street?

There are a few companies vying to bring self-driving cars to the District as a new way to rideshare, with Waymo the most visible – you may have seen them around the city by this point. Before they can begin operating fully, we'll need to change our laws to account for their operation. In order to pass a law, I'd first like to receive DDOT's analysis of the testing and what they recommend we include in that law. It's a report they began more than a year ago, and we've been told repeatedly that it would be completed this fall. But just last month, DDOT officials stated that work to complete the report was a victim of the billion-dollar freeze by Congress, and they'd need a few more months. I did an interview with 51st News on the state of affairs recently.

Last weekend, the Post wrote a bizarre, bad-faith, and ethically-questionable editorial criticizing me for "slow-walking" legislation to approve self-driving cars (not to bury the lede here, but the Post is owned by Amazon owner Jeff Bezos – whose Amazon also owns the driverless car company Zoox, which is lobbying the Council to operate on DC streets – and none of that was shared or disclosed in the editorial).

The truth is, I think we will see autonomous vehicles on DC streets in the not-too-distant future, and it's a promising technology. The safety data out of cities where the service already operates is encouraging, and Waymo has been a good partner so far in its operations here.

Do I agree with the Post's editorial that self-driving cars are better than public transit? Absolutely not. But they are interesting, and I want to see DC be a leader in innovation. We have big questions to answer in what our law should include, not just on ensuring safety in operations, but also questions like: Who's at fault when a driverless car is the cause of a crash? Can these vehicles accurately recognize and follow bus and bike lane restrictions?

I have no doubt we'll get there, but as I've said before, this is a space where I'd want to be sure we get it right rather than get it fast – especially when lives are on the line.

SNAP Benefits at Risk with Federal Shutdown

As of the writing of this newsletter, we're enduring the second-longest federal shutdown in history. As we continue to learn about the economic effects of the shutdown, we're also looking ahead to challenges on the horizon. One of those, tragically, will be major impacts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. It's a federal program from USDA, and states across the nation are warning residents that, come Nov. 1, if the shutdown continues, SNAP will not be available. We're looking at 42 million Americans who won't get the SNAP benefits they deserve, and more than one in five DC residents rely on the program for food.

This will also close WIC-funded community health centers starting November 5. These are sites that work with vulnerable families, particularly with young children, and do a lot to help ensure their health. That includes providing formula for newborns and infants.

SNAP is proven to help people bridge gaps and provide the necessary foods they and their families need. Particularly at a time when prices are increasing and some jobs are precarious, this is a devastating blow. People are already struggling, and the longer this shutdown goes on, the more it will harm people in many, many ways.

Capital Area Food Bank always provides food to people who need it, and it continues to do so for furloughed federal workers. You can learn more about their food assistance for all here.

At the Wilson Building, we're exploring options to better support residents, but federal SNAP funding is a significant amount of tax money every month that comes back to the District (remember, federal tax dollars are yours, too, even if we don't get a say in how they're spent). If we're still in a shutdown come Nov. 1, I will keep you updated on this very concerning development.

Applications for LIHEAP Assistance Reopen Next Week

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will reopen for Fiscal Year 2026 on Saturday, Nov. 1. Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit from this program. The amount is based on household size, total household income, heating source, and type of dwelling. There are also programs beyond LIHEAP to help. Get all the details.

Get Ready for DC Health Link's Health Insurance Options

Now's the time for "window shopping" DC Health Link's health insurance plans, as open enrollment will be Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Explore the 27 plans for individuals and families.

Leaf Collection Starts Nov. 3

Oh boy, here we go again. Leaf collection begins on Monday, Nov. 3, with Section A. You can get all the details on DPW's site, including when you'll need to have your leaves raked and ready. I would be doing my Constituent Services team a disservice if I didn't include my big, annual caveat: Leaf collection falls behind schedule every year due to weather and other challenges. It's an important service, and every section will be swept twice. That being said, it's a regular occurrence for some streets to be marked as completed and missed, and others not to happen on the scheduled date. We'll do our best to share these updates, as some of the delays are due to weather or unforeseen challenges. There's also a tracker on the site to monitor DPW's progress throughout the District, but take it with the above caveat. Feel free to reach out to us with any problems.

DPW collects leaves that are raked and bagged, and left at the curb or in the tree box, for composting. Fun fact: DPW composts between 5,000 and 7,000 tons of leaves each year!

Some Updates on Your Ward 6 Parks & Rec Spaces

I wanted to share the latest on the many exciting parks and rec spaces we're delivering in every part of the Ward. Here are some updates:

This past week, I got a great view of the progress at Cobb Park, pictured above. Trees have just been planted, and the playground is really coming together. It's already clear this will be a wonderful destination for Mount Vernon Triangle neighbors. As work wraps up this fall, I'll also keep pushing, together with the MVT CID, for better pedestrian access so everyone can easily enjoy this new green space.
In the final part of the Watkins Rec renovation, the new field and basketball courts opened last Monday! They're looking beautiful.
The heat has been restored at Rumsey Pool! DGS shared with me on Friday that the repairs and installation of the new boiler have been completed, and it's now fully operational. For all our swimmers and water exercisers, this is welcome news as the temps outside really start to dip.
Work has started on Kingsman Field and Dog Park, which is closed for long-overdue renovations that include upgrading the dog park, the basketball court, and the fencing, as well as installing new wayfinding signage.
This week, my team joined DPR and DGS at the final community meeting for the Southwest Town Center Parks project. Until this year, there had only been funding for one half of the project, but I identified money in the budget to do both components at once. This community commons will run from the Southwest Library to the Duck Pond, and construction is anticipated to begin soon and be finished by next fall/winter.
There's also a community meeting next week for Randall Rec and Pool. Join the conversation on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place SW.
We're also now in the new fiscal year, and I secured funding for renovations at Lovejoy Park, a beloved, but aging, park and playground in NE. I also added another $1.5 million for Garfield Park, with those funds to be used to replace walkways, benches, and drinking fountains at the park in Fiscal Year 2027.
Finally, to get an update on everything at once, you can attend the virtual Ward 6 updates meeting DPR is hosting on its capital construction projects in Ward 6. The meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m.

Construction's Really Moving Along at the Southeast Library Modernization

We're starting to see what the future of our Southeast Library is going to look like! In the DC Public Library's latest construction update, it's becoming more apparent that this historic site that so many of us love is going to be incredible when it reopens.

This past February, I took a tour of the work, which at the time required a bit more imagination. Today, skylights, windows, and brand new spaces, floors, and entrances are coming together. With these latest updates, the vision is starting to really come together for what will be a crown jewel of DC's library system and a beautiful space with new and expanded reading areas, meeting rooms, technology, light, and so much more!

Local Businesses Have Access to Electric Vehicles, Thanks to the DC Green Bank

DC Green Bank has announced its first transportation electrification deal, through which FinEV will provide $1 million in financing for affordable loans to help DC small businesses transition to fully electric vehicles. Think florists, plumbers, solar developers, and more. Local businesses can electrify their fleets, saving thousands of dollars each year through reduced fuel and maintenance costs, all while helping lower pollution in our communities. Win. Win. Win.

FinEV will offer affordable credit options, and DC Green Bank’s loan will help FinEV expand its footprint and scale up its operations. Businesses interested in more information can reach out to FinEV.

Georgetown Expands Near Union Station

On Monday, I joined leaders on Georgetown University's Capitol Campus to cut the ribbon at 111 Massachusetts Ave. NW. You may know the building at this location as the "Darth Vader Building" for its looming, all-black glass facade. I'll do my best to call it that for the last time here, as there's a bright, new future at this spot in Mount Vernon Triangle. We continue to see progress that attracts and moves people to the areas between Union Station and the core of downtown, with this historic university playing a significant role in that development. Notably, this is a remarkable example of reusing an existing building for both today and the future.

Have Thoughts About Biking in DC?

The District Department of Transportation is developing a Strategic Bikeways Plan to guide the future development of bikeways in DC, including bike lanes and trails. The plan will help with an update on the moveDC bicycle priority network from 2021. You can share your experience of riding your bike in DC in DDOT's survey, or attend a pop-up event this fall (scroll down on this page for upcoming events).

Relatedly: In case you missed it, there's been a major upgrade to M Street NE! The route pictured above now connects to the Metropolitan Branch Trail and Florida Avenue bike lanes and provides a safe travel lane under the train tracks at M Street, NE. Fresh, bright paint makes it easy to navigate on bike and clear for others where bikes belong. Happy riding!

Be Part of Metro's Strategic Plan

WMATA is updating its Strategic Transformation Plan, and you're invited to weigh in. While that may sound like corporate speak, this plan is what guides WMATA on its long-term strategy and investments throughout the system. View and comment on the updated plan before the deadline of Tuesday, Nov. 4.

If Your Apartment Lacks Heat, OAG Can Help

As we head into cooler weather, the Office of the Attorney General is reminding residents that its Mediation program can help those living in spaces with no or insufficient heat. A good number to save in case this happens to you or someone you know is 202-442-9828, where you can leave a message on the OAG Consumer and Tenant Hotline. A tenant can also submit a consumer complaint online.

The DC Nightlife Council Gave Me a Really Cool Award

On Tuesday evening, I was honored to be recognized as an Industry Ally by the DC Nightlife Council, an organization of many of DC's favorite venues, bars, and nightlife spots. It was extra special to have the award presented by Sandra Basanti, owner of Pie Shop on H Street NE, which brings together great pie, live music, and community. Now, with younger kids at home, I'll admit it's been a few years since I was more regularly out and about late on a weekend. But I still know the value this industry brings to our city culturally, socially, and economically. That's why I've worked hard to introduce and pass into law changes to support nightlife, including 24/7 bus service to all eight wards, which provides a safe and affordable way for nightlife goers and employees to get home. No surprise to you, I'm sure, but the RESALE Act is also popular with this group.

Afternoon Office Hours Head to the Hill

As a dad with two kids, I know making it to my morning office hours in the community can be difficult, which is why we like to switch up the timing. My next office hours will be on Friday, Nov. 7, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Folger Café: Quill and Crumb. If you'd like to drop by to discuss any neighborhood or DC topic you have in mind, just RSVP, and I'll see you there!

Upcoming Events

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: Today, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at four Ward 6 locations
Access to unused medications can often lead to addiction, overdose, and even death, which is why it's best to responsibly take care of these products. Today, you can join the fight against the opioid epidemic by returning your unused prescription medications for safe and proper disposal. Ward 6 locations include:
- Southwest Library: 900 Wesley Place SW
- First District Station: 101 M St. SW
- Potomac Gardens: 1225 G St. SE
- Greenleaf Senior Building: 203 N St. SW
Tutoring & Mentoring Info Session: Today, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Northeast Library (330 7th St. NE)
The DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative is hosting a volunteer tutoring and mentoring info session to learn about becoming a mentor or tutor in Ward 6 and the DC area.
Health Day: Today, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eastern Market Metro Plaza (701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
This event, designed to promote wellness, dignity, and connection, particularly for neighbors who are unhoused or facing housing instability, will provide free medical services, access to resources, food, entertainment, and additional support.
Costume Swap & Upcycling Workshop: Sunday, Oct. 26, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW)
Take any new or gently used costumes, Halloween attire, or themed clothing to this event, where you can also pick up donated costumes. While you swap, you can engage in an upcycling craft to design a unique costume out of reused materials, led by seasoned sewists.
A Halloween Happening: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2 to 5 p.m. at the Congressional Cemetery (180 E St. SE)
Fulcrum Residential hosts this free event with games, music, a hayride, and a costume contest.
Halloween Safe Haven: Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 29-31, 5 to 9 p.m., at MPD's 1D Station (101 M St. SW)
MPD hosts this haunted house for a safe Halloween celebration for families. They'll add a trunk-or-treat event for Oct. 31!
Hill-O-Ween: Friday, Oct. 31, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Eastern Market (225 7th St. SE)
Join this 20-year tradition on Capitol Hill, where kids can express their creativity, dress up, play, and create lasting memories.
Halloween in Southwest: Friday, Oct. 31, 4 to 8 p.m. at King Greenleaf Recreation Center (201 N St. SW)
Celebrate spooky season in Southwest with live music, food, candy, and activities for kids of all ages.
Día de los Muertos at The Wharf: Saturday, Nov. 1, 3 to 7 p.m. at 35 Sutton Sq SW
Honor the Día de los Muertos holiday with a celebratory afternoon of family fun, including dance performances, a beer garden, face painting, sugar skull decorating, a community light procession, and more.

The Season's Just Begun: Who's Up for Basketball?

Watching, that is. Reply to this email for a chance to see the Washington Wizards take on the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, Nov. 16.

See you around the neighborhood, and have a safe, very happy Halloween!

Charles Allen

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