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While it's probably past the time to say "Happy New Year," I still hope your 2026 is off to a good start. At the Wilson Building, the DC Council held its first legislative meeting, even though we had one fewer Councilmember on the dais – see more on this below – and we're about to dive into spring agency performance oversight hearings. 

I'm also looking forward to some good news, from what looks like progress in the plans for Rumsey Aquatic Center and ABCA closing its 100th illegally operating cannabis store in the District (pictured). So, let's get to the first Ward 6 Update of the year!

QUICK LINKS: Public Safety Update | Remembering January 6th | Updates to Rumsey Pool Plan & Meeting Next Week | Why DC Has Traffic Cameras | Changes to Your Water Bill? | Filling a Vacant Councilmember Seat | ABCA Marks 100th Illegal Pot Shop Closure | Performance Oversight Hearings | Know Someone Who Should be an ANC Commissioner? | School Lottery's Open | Need Audio Help at a Stop Light? | Lead-Free Water Info Session | Holiday Tree Disposal | Winter Restaurant Week | Events

Miss the last newsletter reflecting on 2025? Read it here.

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Public Safety Update

MPD Officer Line of Duty Death: Tragically, MPD Officer Terry Bennett passed away this week after he was struck by a driver while helping a stranded driver on I-695 on Dec. 23. Officer Bennett was an eight-year veteran of MPD and assigned to the First District, which covers much of Ward 6. He was a DC Native, dedicated to his community. I want to share some of what MPD shared in the press release announcing his death: 

"32-year-old Terry Bennett was a nearly 8-year veteran of MPD. Bennett joined MPD in February 2018 and was assigned to the First District after graduating from the Metropolitan Police Academy. Bennett was born and raised in DC and was a graduate of Ballou Senior High School. Bennett graduated from Bucknell University prior to joining MPD.

From the beginning of his career, Officer Bennett demonstrated a constant commitment to building trust and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the DC community. Officer Bennett devoted over a decade to mentoring young people as a coach at Ballou Senior High School, where he served as assistant head football coach and defensive coordinator. Officer Bennett was recognized by his peers and the community for his positive impact on countless students. Officer Bennett’s commitment to others is exemplified by his decision to be an organ donor, a selfless act that will make a lasting impact for years to come.

“The men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department stand shoulder to shoulder with Officer Bennett’s family and friends as they process this unimaginable loss,” said Interim Chief of Police Jeffery Carroll. “Officer Bennett was a model officer, a born and raised Washingtonian who wanted to make a positive impact on his community, dedicating himself to bettering the lives of young people. This loss is devastating for both our department and our city. I ask that all Washingtonians reflect on Officer Bennett’s sacrifice and keep his family in their thoughts and prayers.”

I'd ask you to join me in keeping Officer Bennett's family, friends, and colleagues who are mourning this tragic loss in your thoughts.

2025 Crime Stats Drop from 2024's Improved Numbers, Continuing Positive Trend: I wanted to share where DC finished with crime data, now that we've entered 2026. You can view the summary data I'm sharing to the right here (scroll down a bit for 2025), and you can explore all of DC's crime data here within the categories MPD reports. Overall, 2025 continued the same kind of decreases we saw in 2024, which have been very encouraging. Public safety remains a top area where we can continue to improve, but the big picture here shows DC is in line with much of the nation in seeing consistent drops in crime following the pandemic-era highs. This doesn't change the fact that when you're the victim or in close proximity to a crime, these stats and trends don't matter much because a crime took place, and you want to see improvement. I fully agree, and my focus in 2026 will remain on working closely with all our community and government partners to ensure residents are and feel safe. 

Related: For folks who want my thoughts on accusations that MPD has manipulated crime data, I did a longer write-up in the last December newsletter.

Ward 6 Public Safety Updates 

MPD Arrests Shooting Suspect in SW: MPD announced the arrest in a shooting from Dec. 2 in Southwest. 

MPD Arrests Southwest Armed Robbery Suspect: Nearly a year after an armed robbery took place in Southwest, MPD announced the arrest of a man from Charlotte, NC. 

Off-Duty Officer Makes Arrest in Robbery: Good work here – MPD announced an off-duty officer nearby witnessed and intervened in an armed robbery on the 400 block of 8th St. SE. 

MPD Makes Arrest in SW Armed Robbery: On Dec. 21, MPD announced the arrest of one of three suspects from a Dec 18 armed robbery. 

Remembering the January 6 Insurrection

Five years ago this past week, Ward 6 neighbors, DC residents, and Americans lived through a traumatic attack that shook this country’s very foundations. And while the Trump White House and others continue to try and rewrite the history of that day, we need to speak up and tell the truth. I shared my reflections about the anniversary this past Tuesday and want to share them with you here:

A mob, rallied by President Trump, attacked the US Capitol to disrupt Congress’ duty to certify the Presidential election results, assaulting the men and women of DC’s Metropolitan Police Department who were the first to answer the call from the US Capitol Police. During the insurrection, more than 100 law enforcement officers were injured, and President Trump notably refused to activate the National Guard. One US Capitol Police officer died from injuries they sustained, and three responding MPD officers and one US Capitol Police officer died by suicide in the months after. The violence placed thousands more in harm’s way. President Trump then granted more than 1,500 pardons to the insurrectionists at the start of his second term. The President’s message is clear: If you support me, the law does not apply to you.

Despite the constant chaos around us these days, we cannot let this dark anniversary pass without remembering that five years ago, while the nation looked on in horror, many Ward 6 neighbors, businesses, and places of worship felt a deep fear that remains with us to this day. And we can draw a straight line from January 6, 2021, to the attack on our national and local democracy happening before our very eyes.

We must remember our all-too-recent history and continue to stand against anti-democratic authoritarianism, whether it is happening in our backyard or across the world.

Updated Rumsey Plans Show Improvements, Community Meeting Next Week

Last spring, the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services shared initial renovation plans for the Rumsey Aquatic Center that fell short and didn’t reflect what neighbors had been asking for and fought to fund in the budget. Over the following months, I pushed hard for changes to make sure this generational project delivers what our community needs. I pressed the Executive for better designs and secured additional funding (again) for a full renovation, including a second floor that could ease space constraints for the pool while creating a community hub for the neighborhood. Working alongside the ANC, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, and engaged neighbors, we’ve made real progress, and updated plans represent what I think is a major improvement from where we were nine months ago. I'm very encouraged by the progress.

The revised designs include two pools on the first floor to better support lap swimming, lessons, and water aerobics; a greatly expanded second floor with fitness, senior, and community space; and a more welcoming building that better connects to the surrounding neighborhood. I’ve also emphasized the importance of honoring the site’s history and Dr. Rumsey in the renovated space. You can see more details in an update I shared this week to nearby neighbors and in a video I posted yesterday.

DPR and DGS will share these updated plans and a new timeline at a community meeting open to all neighbors next Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Eastern Market North Hall (225 7th St. SE). You can RSVP here.

I’ll be there, and I hope you’ll join me to review the designs, ask questions, and help shape the next steps. This is a strong example of how community advocacy leads to better outcomes, and I’ll continue pushing to get this project right.

What’s at Stake if DC Loses Traffic Safety Cameras

Last year, DC made real progress in reducing traffic injuries and deaths — cutting them by more than 50%. We slowed down our roads through safer design and lower speed limits, and DDOT has been deploying traffic cameras based on their data for crashes – all working toward the same goal. DC finally started holding the most dangerous drivers accountable when they’re caught on camera, thanks to the STEER Act I wrote.

Now that progress is at risk. The Trump Administration's Department of Transportation is proposing to eliminate DC’s automated traffic enforcement camera program, a step that would remove every traffic safety camera in the city.

No one likes getting a ticket. But no one should have their life forever changed because someone couldn’t be bothered to slow down or drive with patience. Remember, tickets aren't issued unless someone is at least 11 miles over the speed limit, and most drivers change their behavior and slow down after getting just one. But for the smaller number who don’t, cameras give us a fair, consistent way to hold repeat dangerous drivers accountable and make our roads safer.

If you’re driving less than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, you won’t get a ticket. But when a dangerous driver speeds, cameras work. They save lives, and rolling them back would make our streets more dangerous for everyone who drives, walks, rolls, bikes, or takes transit.

I spoke to a number of news outlets this week about just how bad of an idea this would be, including WUSA9, ABC7, and the Washington Post.

What's Going on With Our DC Water Bills?

Plenty of residents reached out after they noticed changes in their DC Water bills in December, with no explanation. The change is what's called the CRIAC fee (Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge), mandated by a 2009 law to help fund river clean-up efforts. The fee helps DC Water maintain and upgrade our storm sewer system and puts a price on impervious land -- that is, land that doesn't absorb much rain and increases runoff into our storm system and ultimately, our rivers.

Last year, DC Water underwent an effort to update every ratepaying property's assessment and adjust the fee accordingly. But they dropped the ball in rolling out these changes in a way that informed ratepayers, at a time when the cost of living is already skyrocketing, without enough explanation or heads up. 

Because of that feedback, DC Water has paused implementation of the updated charges while it resets its approach and improves communication with residents. Planned next steps include direct outreach to the most affected customers, public webinars and community information sessions, improved online tools, and clearer explanations of stormwater runoff and options to help manage future costs.

There's a website further explaining the fee, what determines their assessment of impervious land, and a breakdown of the rates here.

If you’re looking for help in the meantime, DC Water also offers customer assistance programs. And as always, my team is here to help connect you with information or support if you need it.

Filling an At-Large Seat: A Selection, Not an Election

After the resignation of Independent At-Large Councilmember McDuffie, the DC Council is operating with one fewer member, and many residents have asked what happens next.

Under the DC Home Rule Charter, the Council is required to select someone to temporarily fill that seat until a special election can be held, likely to take place this June. I'll be blunt: this is a selection, not an election. Candidly, it’s not my preferred approach. I would much rather see voters decide right away, but this is what the law requires.

The timing matters. We’re heading into oversight hearings, budget season, and a period of continued federal interference in DC’s affairs. Whoever steps into this role needs to be ready to hit the ground running and show up for residents from day one.

I explain this process – and what I’m looking for in an interim councilmember – in a short video we shared this week. Watch the video here, and let me know what you think I should prioritize as the Council makes this decision.

DC Has Closed 100 Illegally Operating Shops Selling Cannabis

Thursday, I joined Mayor Bowser, the Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Administration, and MPD on H Street NE to mark the 100th closure of an illegal cannabis shop in DC, including 16 in Ward 6!

Two years ago, these shops were everywhere: selling untested and dangerous products, operating with all cash, ignoring the same rules every legitimate business has to follow, and creating unsafe blocks in our communities. That’s why I wrote legislation giving ABCA the authority to shut illegal shops down and hold both operators and landlords accountable.

Since then, ABCA has used that authority and worked with MPD to close 100 illegal shops — protecting consumers, opening doors for DC residents trying to enter the legal cannabis market, and helping restore balance to commercial corridors.

And there are still more to address. This is about consumer safety and making sure the rules apply equally to everyone. I'm very grateful to ABCA and MPD for making this law I passed a reality on the ground.

Have Your Say at the Council's Spring Agency Performance Oversight Hearings

It's most likely that the Council's annual Performance Oversight Hearings will begin before my next newsletter reaches you. So, despite the fact that we don't have a calendar of agencies' hearings yet (grumble), I want to encourage you to keep an eye out so you can make your voice heard.

These hearings are where neighbors raise everyday issues that affect our quality of life: public safety, vacant properties, small business support, trash and recycling, sidewalks, traffic enforcement, and more. And they matter. Ideas raised by residents during oversight have helped lead to real improvements, from security camera rebates to changes that made it easier to activate vacant spaces with pop-up permitting. These are the kinds of issues you ask my constituent services team to help with every day, and this is a great way join me in raising repeated issues with the folks in charge!

Any DC resident can testify, either in person or virtually, or submit testimony in writing. As soon as the hearing schedule is released, you'll find hearings on the Council calendar, and I’ll share it on social media.

Your feedback helps make DC government work better — and I hope you’ll consider participating.

Neighbors Needed to Serve on a Ward 6 ANC

Neighbors living south of Florida Ave NE through part of Hill East to Lincoln Park – we need a few good candidates to step up and serve on ANC 6A! There are several openings on ANC6A right now, so calling all volunteers ready to serve their community! I suspect most regular readers of this newsletter are at least familiar with the important role ANCs play – it's a chance to weigh in on many of the block-by-block decisions happening in your immediate neighborhood. If you'd like to serve, you can learn more about ANCs here and find information on vacancies here.

DC School Lottery Application Now Open

You can now apply for the My School DC lottery for the 2026-27 school year! This process is for students going into grades PK3 through 12 at both public and public charter schools. The application is a single, necessary process if you want your child to be a new student at a school. Learn the details, and set up your family account to apply. My School DC also has a hotline available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 202-888-6336 or email [email protected].

Requesting an Accessible Pedestrian Signal Made Easy

You may notice that after you tap for a pedestrian signal, it talks to you: "WAIT!" and another when it's time to cross. As new signals go up, that audible help, via an accessible pedestrian signal, comes with them. It's a great way to ensure pedestrians who are blind or have vision challenges can walk safely. If you come across an intersection without it, and you need the audio to safely cross, DDOT has a simple way to request the upgrade. Request a new accessible pedestrian signal here.

Learn About DC's Lead-Free, Winter Efforts 

We often work with residents going through DC Water's Lead Free DC lead pipe replacement program, so I wanted to flag that DC Water is hosting an informational session with a Lead Free DC program update. You can also learn how the agency's winter operations work, how to protect your own pipes during cold snaps, and what supports are available to you through Lead Free DC. The virtual meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Teams. The meeting will be recorded and later available on DC Water's YouTube channel.

And that's a good reminder to check the status of your pipes on DC Water's pipe inventory map. Lead pipes are dangerous, especially to young children and the elderly, and it's important to immediately begin using a filter if you do have them or are unclear, and research all your replacement options with DC Water. 

Time to Toss Those Trees

Friendly reminder: Today is Jan. 10, and you can still easily dispose of your holiday tree. If DPW picks up your trash, they'll also take your trees and greenery through Feb. 28. Before you drag it through the house, make sure everything is off the tree – it should have no lights, tinsel, ornaments, popcorn, or anything else. It also must go in front of your home, in the curbside tree boxes (even if your trash is picked up in an alleyway). Still sitting there after seven days? Contact 311 and submit a "Christmas Tree Removal - Seasonal" service request. All trees and greenery will be used for mulch. 

Residents may also drop off trees and greenery at three locations, Monday through Friday:

• Bryant Street Sweep Shop (201 Bryant St. NW): 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert St. NW), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• DPW Salt Storage Facility (2700 South Capitol St., SE), 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Winter Restaurant Week Begins Jan. 19

The Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week is back! From Monday, Jan. 19, through Sunday, Jan. 25, restaurants across the District will offer special three-course, fixed-price menus. Brunch or lunch menus will be $25 or $35, while dinner will range from $40 to $65 per person. See the full list, including some Ward 6 locations:

Events

• Ride to Ice Skating: Saturday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting at Maury Elementary's parking lot (12th Place NE)
  Hill Family Biking hosts this 3.5-mile ride to go ice skating at Canal Park. The bike ride is free and open to all. Register.
  
  
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, Jan. 19
  DCPS will be closed, and city services may be adjusted for service, such as DPW trash pickup sliding a day. Enjoy the day with events such as the MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk and Parade.
  
  
• DC Camp Fair: Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Stuart-Hobson Middle School (410 E St. NE)
  This event brings together the finest camps in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, and special-interest camps.

Cheer on the Wizards

Thanks for reading the first Ward 6 Update of 2026! And for the Wizards, some exciting signs of life that this rebuild won't go on forever in the big trade this week that brings four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young to DC. Reply to this email for a chance to get two tickets to the Washington Wizards vs. LA Clippers on Monday, Jan. 19, at 3 p.m.

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen