Ward 6 Update: Potomac Cleanup, Tax Filing Updates, & H Street Planning
Plus: Books from Birth(day) & Office Hours March 20

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Last weekend, the DC Public Library celebrated a decade of the Books from Birth program, complete with fun activities for kids and cake for the birthday party (and of course Bluey and Pete the Cat!). I was so happy to join on Saturday, as this program was created through my first bill after I joined the Council. I feel like every Ward 6 family has a Books from Birth story. In its 10 years, it has sent more than 3.6 million books to more than 103,000 children in DC. If your family has participated, I'd love to hear how it impacted you: Please let my team know your story! Have a little one under 5 in your household who isn't getting a free book in the mail every month? You can sign up here.

There's plenty to update you on in the newsletter below, so let's get to it!

QUICK LINKS: High Utility Bills | Federal Officer Coordination with MPD | The Future of H Street Today | Tax Filing Update | Potomac Spill Update | What the GRID Act Can Do | A Win for Tenants | Randall Rec Meeting | Time for Street Sweeping | Tax Help at the Library | Our BIDs & Main Streets | Constituent Services Wins | Office Hours March 20 | Events | ANC Meetings

Miss the last newsletter about the new location for the Southwest farmers market, tax filing changes, and a new solar bill? Read it here.

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Digging into High Utility Bills with the Public Service Commission, Office of People's Counsel

On Thursday, I chaired my first oversight hearing for the Public Service Commission (PSC) since having the jurisdiction of my committee expanded last month to include energy issues. The PSC is a three-member, independent commission that has authority over Pepco and Washington Gas - and approves the rate increases for these utilities. Last week, nearly 100 members of the public testified about the Public Service Commission, expressing frustration with the PSC's recent history of approving rate increases for both utilities, largely over funding infrastructure upgrades. Their general concern was that the PSC is approving too many costly rate increases for residents and local businesses, as well as advancing costs onto rate payers that aren't in alignment with the District's climate goals.

It's worth being clear about the underlying dynamic: both Pepco and Washington Gas are part of large, multinational for-profit corporations that effectively have a monopoly on providing their utility services to DC residents. Most of their profit comes from fixed profit rates on infrastructure work. Given that dynamic, rightly or wrongly, there will always be a lot of cynicism about how much money Pepco and Washington Gas want to charge DC residents. And at the center of that debate is the PSC, which exists to ensure these companies aren't abusing their near-monopolistic positions. Axios DC has a good, quick story on high utility bills and residents' frustrations.

The hearing also coincided with a big decision by the DC Court of Appeals against a Pepco recent rate hike approved by the PSC, and the Court decided that the PSC hadn't followed the proper procedures in approving the rate increases. I don't always agree with where the PSC lands in their decisions (see my previous efforts to oppose Washington Gas' ProjectPIPES), and given that they're responsible for about a third of your utility bill, we need to be asking them tough questions right now. I pushed them hard on how they can balance what the utilities tell them with the reality for DC residents and our city's climate goals, and how their decisions can run counter to both of those. Still, it's important to give the PSC a chance to respond and broaden the discussion with their point of view outside of their written, dense decisions.

It was also interesting to have my first oversight hearing that same day with the Office of People's Counsel — the legal team that represents the interests of ratepayers. They were far more direct about their criticisms of the PSC's rulings, and often noted that in the 2:1 decisions by the PSC, the dissenting member laid out many of the same arguments the People's Counsel had argued. Given that the factors driving up utility bills aren't going away soon, I'm eager to work with both the PSC and the Office of People's Counsel to find ways forward that lower bills and ensure our utilities are doing their part to lower costs – including by speeding up interconnection for solar (see the GRID Act item below).

Relatedly, I’ll be chairing a legislative hearing later this month focused on solutions to rising utility costs. On Thursday, March 26, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment will consider six bills aimed at improving transparency, protecting residents from disconnection, and lowering costs where possible.

These include three bills I’ve introduced: one to automatically enroll eligible residents in utility affordability programs, another to modernize DC Water’s billing and disconnection policies, and the GRID Act, which would speed up solar interconnection and allow plug-in “balcony solar” so more residents can lower their electric bills.

If you have thoughts on any of these proposals, I encourage you to participate. Any District resident can testify: check out the bills and register by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23 here.

Public Safety Update

This week, the Council passed two emergency laws bringing transparency and accountability to federal law enforcement cooperation with our local police and their interactions with DC residents. The Council can't write laws dictating federal law enforcement actions directly. But we can bring more transparency through MPD's body-worn cameras and mandate our officers detail information in their police reports. 

These bills come after several incidents late last year when federal law enforcement officers were involved in shootings where the public had very little information, and initial descriptions in the official police reports were very different than what was made clear later. Under these new laws, body-worn camera footage after a serious incident or police shooting would be released even if it was federal officers who engaged. MPD officers will also have to detail the federal law enforcement officers present during an incident in their initial police reports. More coverage of the vote from DC News Now and WaPo.

The steps we took this week are in line with actions by other jurisdictions around the country to try and put a spotlight on federal law enforcement to hold them accountable when they break the law. I recorded a 90-second video explaining both laws.

Pulling up on public safety more broadly: DC's crime data is again showing a significant drop in all types of crime, with homicides down 63% year-to-date, sexual assaults down 64%, and robberies down 39%. This is a welcome continuation of the past few years' trends and shows our efforts have been making an impact, and importantly, saving lives. That said, any crime is one too many and can't be normalized. 

MPD Announces Arrest in Southwest Armed Robbery: On Thursday, MPD announced the arrest of a 14-year-old involved in an armed robbery on Sunday, March 1, at 3rd and G Streets, SW. They're still seeking a second suspect. 

Today: Help Shape the Future of H Street NE

What do you think H Street should look like in 10 years? New housing? Stronger retail? Better public spaces? More arts and culture?

After years of advocacy and effort to support and improve the corridor, and after I sat down with the Mayor last year, we have a major opportunity headed our way: The DC Office of Planning has launched a new H Street Land Use and Market Study covering 3rd to 15th Streets NE. This study will help shape what gets built, what kind of businesses we support, how public spaces are designed, and how we strengthen H Street’s identity for the long term. And it starts with you! Today, Saturday, the Office of Planning is hosting a drop-in event, where you can learn more, talk with planners, and share your ideas:

Open House: H Street Land Use & Market Study
Saturday, March 7
1 to 3 p.m.
Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE
Register (or just drop by!)

Update on Decoupling & Your Taxes

I've written a few times, and there's been plenty of media coverage around Congress's interference in our local tax law. We got some greater clarity this week, however, when DC's Chief Financial Officer said that for this filing season (which is for tax year 2025), people can move forward with filing, and DC's local tax process won't be upended. So if you've been waiting to file your taxes, the CFO is giving you the go-ahead. I want to emphasize this is the problem with Congress dropping in and trying to upend local law with little regard for how it will impact the city, and just one more reason why I'll keep fighting for DC Statehood.

Update on the Sewage Spill Cleanup

It's not déjà vu: This is the third newsletter I'm talking about the Potomac River. Since my last update, DC Water has started environmental restoration in the areas affected by the sewer overflow from the Potomac Interceptor, with Phase 1 including hauling contaminated soil and clearing debris. I began this week with an oversight hearing on DC Water. The DC Water team that has been on the ground since the sewage first leaked on Jan. 19 has worked impressively to address this historically terrible issue. You can take a look at the work through the agency's social media. 

Additionally, I'm happy to say that a request I included in a recent video became a reality: The Department of Energy and Environment has started daily testing for E. coli on both the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. While the advisory for all to avoid contact with the Potomac River was lifted this past week, it's important, as usual, that we take care around river water while we enjoy all it has to offer.

GRID Act: New Bill Speeds Up Solar Connections and Balcony Solar to Lower Bills

If we want to lower utility costs, then we need more energy generation. To do that, I want solar to be a better tool, but it's often too expensive and takes too long to install. Last week, I introduced the GRID (Guiding Renewable Interconnection and Distribution) Act, which would overhaul Pepco's process for connecting new solar installations and make balcony solar possible for many residents, with zero red tape needed. Learn more about the bill from this quick explainer video, my interview with Fox 5, coverage from The DC Line, and PoPville.

Axios DC also has done some good reporting on utility bill issues and why everything has gotten so expensive. 

Attorney General Secures Settlements to Improve Living Conditions

This week, DC's Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced important news that they had reached a settlement agreement to improve living conditions for residents at Benning Courts and Azeeze Bates Apartments, two communities along the Ward 6-Ward 7 border.

These buildings have been the subject of resident complaints about issues like security, rodents, leaks, mold, broken doors and windows, and other serious health and safety concerns. When this area was part of Ward 6 before redistricting several years ago, my office spent significant time pushing property managers to address issues such as maintenance, lighting, fencing, and public safety. The neglect has led to serious public safety concerns for residents in each building and neighbors nearby.

Following an investigation by the Attorney General’s office, the property owners and management company agreed to complete additional repairs, maintain regular pest control, conduct annual building-wide maintenance inspections, and respond quickly to emergency maintenance issues. The properties will also be subject to annual inspections by the Attorney General’s office through 2028 to help ensure these improvements continue.

Every resident deserves a safe and healthy place to live, and I appreciate the Attorney General’s office stepping in to help make sure tenants’ concerns are addressed and that housing providers meet their responsibilities to provide humane living conditions.

Construction Kickoff Meeting for Randall Rec & Pool

The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services will be hosting an in-person construction kick-off meeting to discuss the upcoming renovations of Randall Recreation Center and Pool in Southwest.

This is the last step before construction of the $18.5 million project, with work including:

• A new pool house
• Pool and pool deck repairs and shading
• A renovated plaza
• Outdoor seating and gathering spaces
• Public art
• Playground repairs
• Native gardens
• Stormwater retention facilities

You can get all the details on Thursday, March 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place SW. Please RSVP to let them know you can make it.

Make (Literal) Way for Street Sweeping

DPW delayed it a day with our last round of flurries, but street sweeping resumed Wednesday, March 4, as crews shifted from winter operations to spring services across the District. 

Be on the lookout for posted signs about this: As of Monday, March 16, ticketing will be enforced for vehicles that aren't moved during the posted street sweeping hours.

With this transition, DPW is no longer using the leaf vacuum to collect remaining leaves. They're instead encouraging residents to submit a 311 request for Yard Waste Collection, bag leaves in paper bags, and place them at the front of residences for collection.

Need Tax Filing Help?

In the event all of this uncertainty and shifting headlines confuse you, never fear, for the DC Public Library is once again partnering with the AARP Foundation to provide tax return preparation for qualified residents. Appointments are available at eight libraries, including the Southwest branch, from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, where you can make an appointment in person or online.

Checking in with Ward 6 BIDs & Main Streets

It's annual meeting time for a number of organizations that support and take care of our neighborhoods. In recent weeks, I've joined the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District, Capitol Riverfront BID, and Eastern Market Main Street to hear about progress from the last year, learn about plans for the next, and share how valuable their work is to our communities.

These are organizations that are government-adjacent and help keep some of our most prominent business corridors clean, welcoming, and activated. It's always a pleasure to join them for a review of the past year and to share my own priorities, too. 

Related: This week, Capitol Riverfront BID took the step of rebranding itself as the Navy Yard BID, which makes sense, given the area they serve is Navy Yard to every resident, business, and in every conversation. Good on them! 

Ward 6 Constituent Services Wins

Every week, our Constituent Services team helps residents navigate city agencies and solve problems that can be difficult to fix on their own. A few recent examples:

Removing an abandoned vehicle: Neighbors on D Street SE flagged a car that had been sitting for months with more than $18,000 in unpaid tickets. After residents struggled to get action, our team stepped in and worked with DPW to have it towed.

Addressing falling concrete at the Illume dog park: Residents raised concerns about debris falling from the freeway structure above the Illume dog park in Navy Yard. After working with DDOT, the city removed loose concrete and secured the affected columns as a temporary safety measure until permanent repairs can be made.

Fixing a tax refund issue: One resident contacted our office after their tax refund was unexpectedly taken due to an error tied to a fraud issue. Our team worked with the Department of Employment Services to resolve the problem, and the resident received their refund.

Removing Leaves in Southwest: Neighbors were having a hard time getting leaf removal for a few major streets in Ward 6. My team stayed on the case, and we've gotten leaves removed from P Street, SW, and Delaware Ave, SW. 

Trash and Recycling: As many neighbors in Northeast know, trash and recycling collection have been spotty since the storm. My team has been working overtime to flag missed collections for DPW and get everyone back on track.

If you ever run into an issue with a District agency, my office is here to help.

Join Me for Office Hours on the Hill

Our next morning office hours is headed to nearby Stanton Park in a couple of weeks, and I hope you can join us! My staff and I will be at the new Second Address (303 Massachusetts Ave. NE) from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Friday, March 20. You're welcome to drop by with any questions or concerns, or just stop by to say hi. If you can join us, please RSVP, and I'll see you there!

Upcoming Events

• Eastern Market Metro Park Spring/Summer Preview: today, March 7, at 11 a.m.
  When the weather gets warmer, Barracks Row Main Street brings entertainment to the Metro Park, and you can get a taste this weekend with a fitness class. (The fun started last night with live music, too.)
  
  
• DCPS Closed: March 13
  Next Friday is a Wellness Day with no school for students or teachers.
  
  
• Ireland at the Wharf: Saturday, March 14, 1 to 7 p.m., at the District & Transit Pier (35 Sutton Square SW)
  Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at The Wharf with a festival featuring live Irish music, Irish dancers, and more.

Upcoming ANC Meetings

• 6B: Tuesday, March 10, 7 to 10 p.m. at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE and virtual
• 6C: Wednesday, March 11, 7 to 9
• 6A: Thursday, March 12, 7 to 9 p.m., virtual
• 6D: Monday, March 16, 7 to 10 p.m., virtual
• 6/8F: Tuesday, March 17, 7 to 9 p.m., at the DDOT Headquarters (250 M St. SE) and virtual

Wondering which one's yours? You can locate your Advisory Neighborhood Commission here.