Ward 6 Update: Volunteers Needed, Utility Bills, & New Public Art
Plus: Improvements Coming to Our Parks

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Spring has been teasing us for weeks with temperatures rising and plummeting, but I think we're finally here: Cherry blossoms have peaked and dropped their light pink petals to cover our sidewalks, the days are getting longer, and baseball season's back!

Speaking of which, on Tuesday, the Council approved a new lease to keep the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park through 2058! Getting this done is great news, given how much the District has invested in the ballpark. For perspective, the city of Atlanta invested in a ballpark only to watch the team leave, rather than sign a new lease. I don't want us going through a similar Capital One Arena "will they, won't they" situation. I'm thankful our team will stay home. What a way to start the new season.

Finally, we've got great momentum to have the largest Great Ward 6 Spring Clean ever, with hundreds already volunteering! If you haven't signed up yet, do it today (you can host a site or just volunteer), and join your neighbors outside for a little trash picking in this warmer weather. Learn more below. 

It's been a very busy time at the Council, and we've got a lot of updates below you should be aware of, so let's dive in.

QUICK LINKS: Great Ward 6 Spring Clean | Public Safety | Tackling Rising Utility Bills | Protections from Electric Shutoff | Fewer Stairs, More Housing | New Public Art | 15th Street Bike Lane | Importance of Estate Planning | Talking Trash | How to Handle Illegal Dumping | Stamped Concrete Sidewalk Pilot | SNAP Changes | Improvements Coming to Federal Parks | 20 Years of Food Education | Capitol Hill Survey | Events | ANC Meetings

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Call for Volunteers! Pitch in at the Great Ward 6 Spring Clean

Thanks to the 150+ people who've already signed up for the Great Ward 6 Spring Clean on April 25! We're also grateful to everyone who's reached out to host a cleanup site, and we'd love to add a few more before registration closes on April 10, especially near NoMa, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park, and Buzzard Point. It's super easy: just email Kate Mitchell, and we'll help recruit volunteers and provide supplies for pickup. You just need to show up with a few friends and pick up trash! Trust us — it feels great. 

This annual event is always a great time to get together with neighbors and make a real difference. It's amazing what a few people can do for their neighborhood, and on April 25, we'll have hundreds doing it across Ward 6! I hope you'll join us.

Public Safety Updates

Council Overrides Mayor's Veto to Bring More Transparency When Feds Use Force on DC Residents

This week, the Council unanimously overrode the Mayor’s veto of Councilmember Robert White's legislation focused on transparency and accountability when serious uses of force involving DC residents and federal law enforcement occur. As I've written previously, we cannot legislate how federal law enforcement behaves. But this law ensures that when federal law enforcement officers are part of an incident involving the use of force, MPD documents the names and agencies of the federal officers and what happened. This is especially important given recent incidents involving federal officers in the District, one of which neglected to even mention a shooting of any kind by federal law enforcement in its initial report. These kinds of incidents do a lot of damage to MPD's relationship with the community. At its core, this is about making sure there is a record, oversight, and accountability whenever force is used.

Taking on Dangerous Drivers Across State Lines

A recent story in The Washington Post highlighted a serious gap in traffic safety enforcement: a number of drivers are racking up hundreds of speeding tickets, often totaling tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, and continuing to drive on our streets recklessly with little consequence. None of that is surprising if you've been here in the District for a minute. But what is surprising is how much risk a few hundred drivers are creating. Most drivers who receive a ticket slow down. But a small group of repeat offenders continues to speed at dangerous levels. And those extreme speeds are disproportionately tied to fatal crashes. This is exactly the issue the STEER Act was designed to address. The law gives DC new tools to hold the most dangerous drivers accountable, including the ability to pursue unpaid fines across state lines. We’re already seeing progress, with the Office of the Attorney General taking legal action against repeat offenders, thanks to the tools included in the STEER Act.

Council Disapproves of Fire Department's No Compete Contract

This week, the Council also blocked a contract from the Fire and Emergency Management Services Department (FEMS) that awarded a no-compete contract for significant spending to purchase new firetrucks. A "disapproval resolution" gives FEMS time to assuage concerns around the contract or rework it. When I started as Chair of the Council's Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, there was a serious backlog in our fire truck apparatus that was leading to major issues with responsiveness and care, so I take seriously the need to stay on top of our recommended procurement timeline. Engines and ambulances out of service mean our responding fleet is crunched, response times lag, and people can literally die - and we don't want to go backward in our standard of care. At the same time, government spending and contracts need to be transparent and for quality products. The union representing the firefighters themselves raised concerns about the quality of these trucks, and the process through the city landed on a no-bid contract. This disapproval gives everyone a chance to reconsider if this is the best path forward. 

Updates from MPD:

• Arrest made in Northeast assault involving a firearm: MPD arrested a suspect in an incident near 10th and H Streets NE, where a man allegedly threatened a resident and their child with a handgun. The individual has been charged, and a firearm was recovered.
  
  
• Suspects sought in Southeast shooting: MPD is asking for the public’s help identifying multiple suspects connected to a March 28 shooting in the 400 block of 8th Street SE, where the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
  
  
• Third arrest made in North Capitol & Massachusetts Ave shooting: A third individual has been arrested in connection with a February shooting involving a teenage victim. Multiple suspects are now in custody following coordination between MPD and US Capitol Police.
  
  
• MPD seeking suspects in Navy Yard robbery: Police are looking for two suspects involved in a March 14 robbery near 1st and M Street SE during recent disorderly activity. Two juveniles were assaulted and had personal items taken.

Anyone with information related to any of these incidents is encouraged to contact MPD by calling 202-727-9099 or texting the tip line at 50411.

Juvenile Curfew Zones in Effect This Weekend: MPD has established five Juvenile Curfew Zones from Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5. The ones in Ward 6 include Navy Yard, Chinatown, and the Waterfront. The curfew is in effect from 8 to 11 p.m. as of last night through tonight, Saturday, and Sunday. During this time, people under the age of 18 aren't allowed to gather in groups of nine or more in any public place or on the premises of any establishment, unless they're engaged in certain exempted activities. The regular, citywide curfew is 11 p.m. through 6 a.m.

Council Limits Pepco Shutoffs During Court-Mandated Rate-Setting Process

Utility bills have been skyrocketing, and DC has seen some of the largest increases in the country. So it was notable last month when a District Court judge struck down Pepco's rates that have been on your bills since 2024, saying the Public Service Commission illegitimately approved the rates without following the law. It was a major misstep by the Public Service Commission. So now Pepco and the PSC have to go back and do it over again. And should the newly approved rate be lower, it means people have been overcharged for the better part of two years.

Recognizing the strain people have been feeling in recent months, at Tuesday's legislative meeting, the Council approved an emergency bill to limit Pepco's ability to shut off electricity for the next 90 days while the new rates are set and we have more information. This doesn't forgive any unpaid utility bills, but should give working families struggling to pay the bills some breathing room. The scenario we want to avoid is someone having their power cut off for a balance that they should never have been charged in the first place.

This emergency measure provides a 90-day pause in electric shutoffs for households with outstanding balances of no more than $1,000. The Public Service Commission has scheduled an evidentiary hearing on the new rate for May 12. Again, it’s important to note that this doesn't eliminate the debt and is only a temporary measure — Pepco's authority to disconnect service for non-payment will resume once the new rates are set and ratepayers are informed of any changes. I know many DC residents are struggling under the weight of much higher utility bills. Read more in the next item below to learn about some legislation working its way through the Council to relieve some of that pressure. 

Committee Hearing on Bills to Address High Utility Bills and Water Shutoffs

Last week, I chaired a public hearing on six bills aimed at addressing utility costs, improving transparency in your billing, and strengthening protections for residents at risk of losing service. We heard from District agencies, advocates, tenants, and utility providers about the real challenges people are facing.

All together, these bills focus on three key areas:

Lowering costs and expanding access to cheaper renewable energy for electricity

• The GRID Act would make it faster and more affordable to connect solar, including smaller “plug-in” systems that can help lower monthly bills. Pepco's process to connect new solar has become slow and expensive at a time when people need fast relief. This is a bill I wrote and introduced last month.
  
  
• The Transparent Rates and Utility Expenses Act would require clearer breakdowns of charges so residents know exactly what they’re paying for.

Protecting residents from shutoffs

• The Utility Disconnection Protection Act would establish stronger safeguards, including limits on when service can be shut off and clearer payment options.
  
  
• The DC Water Billing and Disconnection Modernization Act would improve how DC Water handles billing issues and past-due balances.

Making bills clearer and easier to navigate

• The Automatic Enrollment for Utility Affordability Programs Act would reduce paperwork and automatically enroll eligible residents into discount utility programs based on their enrollment in more widely used benefits programs.
  
  
• The Improving Tenant Access to Water Bills Act would ensure renters can see and understand their water bills.

At the heart of this work is a simple goal: Utility bills should be understandable, fair, and manageable, and people should be protected from losing access to essential services. This is about lowering costs where we can, improving accountability, and making sure residents have the tools and information they need.

I’ll continue working with residents, advocates, and providers to move these bills forward. In the meantime, you can learn more about the hearing in the WUSA9 story.

Council Approves Bill Permitting Single Stair Construction in Smaller Buildings to Lower Costs

On Tuesday, the Council unanimously approved Councilmember Brianne Nadeau's One Front Door Act, which will allow newly constructed buildings up to six stories to have one staircase rather than two. Right now, the requirement is that all multi-family buildings over three stories must have two staircases, an antiquated policy that made sense before modern fire safety systems and building materials significantly improved protection against fires. So how does this lower the cost of building new housing? Stairwells take up a lot of space in a building. If there's more room for additional homes, the math gets easier for building more homes (and with more space). This is one piece of the Council's broader effort to address our housing shortage by making it easier to build more homes in neighborhoods across the District. A second vote on the bill will take place at the next Legislative Meeting.

Sculpture Finally Arrives at Eastern Market Metro Park

This week, we formally unveiled the Loveful Hands sculpture at Eastern Market Metro Park. I say "finally" in this headline, as I funded this work when we reopened the park space back in 2021 (!), and the pedestal has sat empty since then.

But thanks to our office working with DGS for almost two years, we now have a great piece for the community by sculptor Jay F. Coleman. I'm glad it arrived just in time for the nice weather to bring more people to the area, where Barracks Row Main Street is hosting community events, and in the near future, we'll have our fully modernized Southeast Library!

Removing the Bike Lane Near the National Mall is a Bad Idea

A couple of weeks ago, we got word that the National Park Service was planning to remove the protected bike lane on 15th Street NW, a popular route that winds its way to the Tidal Basin (more from The 51st). So I ended up with a bullhorn in my hands on March 22, as I joined Hill Family Biking and other advocates to protest this backward decision that would make our roads more dangerous and, especially during Peak Bloom, take away an easy route to get down to the Tidal Basin without being stuck in hours of traffic (more from WUSA9).

The following day, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association announced its lawsuit had influenced the federal government’s decision to hold off on removing the bike lane through at least March 30 (more from NBC4). But as of this writing, it thankfully remains intact. I've seen plenty of folks online, mostly, I assume, commuters from Virginia, talking about rush hour traffic. My office overlooks 14th Street, NW, one block over. It doesn't have a bike lane, and the traffic isn't any better. I can assure you, it's not the bike lane causing the traffic...

Hopefully, the common-sense outcome prevails: keeping this infrastructure in place to protect residents and visitors. 

Planning Ahead to Protect Families and Build Generational Wealth

Last week, I stopped by the Southwest Library to join the DC Affordable Law Firm and residents for a conversation about wills and estate planning, a topic many of us tend to avoid. But when I asked how many people had experienced a difficult probate process, nearly every hand went up. It was a powerful reminder of how common and challenging these situations can be for families.

This free clinic gave residents the tools to plan ahead for their children and grandchildren, helping protect their assets and preserve generational wealth. In DC, who has a will — and who ends up in probate court — too often falls along racial and income lines. That’s part of why I led efforts to modernize DC’s heirs property laws, to better protect longtime residents and their families.

The reality is, everyone will face these decisions at some point. Having a plan in place can make all the difference. You aren't making these decisions for yourself; you're making them for your loved ones.

Thanks to the DC Affordable Law Firm and the other partners who made this event possible and helped more families take an important step toward being prepared and protected.

Addressing Illegal Dumping in Our Neighborhoods

I joined neighbors on Kent Place NE for a walk through areas that have become frequent sites for illegal dumping, an issue that can be both ongoing and frustrating. Seeing these locations firsthand is important, as it helps us better understand what’s happening on the ground and identify practical solutions.

During the walk, we talked through steps such as requesting additional enforcement tools, including cameras, to help deter repeat dumping and hold people accountable. We also discussed how recent changes — like the removal of a bus stop — led to fewer public trash cans in the area, which can contribute to the problem. We’re actively working with the appropriate agencies to reconsider those removals and ensure residents have the basic infrastructure they need to keep their blocks clean.

This is about more than trash. It’s about neighborhood pride, public health, and making sure every part of Ward 6 is cared for.

Do You Have or See Bulk Trash?

No one wants bulk trash sitting around. And if you or someone else places it on the curb, you can’t expect the District to come by and pick it up with no notice; there has to be a specific request made through 311. It’s best to use the app or the website; that way, you can easily provide photos, exact locations, and notes.

After you’ve made that 311 request, if you’re still not getting results after some time, you can always feel free to contact my office with the issue and its 311 request number.

Stamped Concrete Pilot Lands in Ward 6

If you’ve been walking around 10th Street NE recently, you may have noticed something new underfoot: some stamped concrete sidewalks are starting to appear in Ward 6. This is a pilot program — not a blanket change — and DDOT's testing it out on a handful of blocks to see how it performs over time.

As you know, there’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to sidewalks. Brick has the classic look many of us love, but it can shift over time, especially with tree roots, creating tripping hazards and ongoing maintenance challenges.

Stamped concrete is designed to mirror the look of brick while providing a smoother, more durable surface. The goal is to improve safety for all who use the sidewalk, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and still preserve the character of our historic streets.

As you’re walking these blocks, let me know what you think.

New SNAP Work Requirements Begin in May

Starting May 1, new federal rules will change how some residents qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, adding work requirements that could put food assistance at risk for many.

Following changes passed by the Trump Administration in the "One Big Beautiful Bill," the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) will begin screening SNAP recipients to determine who must meet these new requirements to keep their benefits. These changes will primarily affect adults without children, older adults, caregivers of teens, people transitioning out of foster care, veterans, and residents experiencing homelessness. 

For those subject to the rules, SNAP benefits could be limited to just three months over a three-year period if work requirements aren’t met. While there is a three-month grace period, screenings will happen at a resident’s next recertification after May 1. These new requirements risk taking food assistance away from people who need it most. 

No immediate action is required, but DHS encourages residents to make sure their contact information is up to date, carefully review any notices, and be prepared to document work, training, or exemptions as needed.

Advocating for Better Care of Our Neighborhood (Federal) Parks

I recently met with the National Park Service to talk about the condition of many of the parks we rely on every day here in Ward 6 and across DC. While these parks — including Stanton Park, Lincoln Park, and Seward Square — are central to our neighborhoods, they’re federally managed, rather than maintained by the District. That can make it harder to ensure they’re getting the attention and upkeep our community expects and deserves.

For years, I’ve been pushing for stronger maintenance and long-overdue repairs, and this meeting was a productive step forward. We received updates and timelines on planned improvements, and I’ll be sharing more details as those plans move ahead.

In the meantime, I can say they shared that Folger Park should be reopening this May. Additionally, on  April 11 at Lincoln Park, there will be a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Memorial. Did you know? This sculpture was unveiled on April 14, 1876, the 11th anniversary of President Lincoln's death, and more than 25,000 people attended. On April 11, programming will include children's activities, park tours, and exhibits at noon; a statue unveiling at 2 p.m.; a panel discussion on the memorial's history at 3:30 p.m.; and a wreath-laying at 4:45 p.m.

Celebrating 20 Years of FoodPrints in DC Schools

Tuesday, I was honored to join FRESHFARM FoodPrints in celebrating 20 years of bringing hands-on food education to DC students. For two decades, FoodPrints has helped thousands of students connect with what they eat through gardening, cooking, and learning where food comes from. Today, the program reaches more than 8,000 students across 21 DC public elementary schools, giving kids real experience in the garden and the kitchen.

I’ve been proud to support FoodPrints over the years, including protecting its funding so this work can continue. I’ve seen firsthand how impactful it is, whether it’s students harvesting what they’ve grown or gaining confidence as they prepare fresh, healthy meals. Programs such as FoodPrints don’t just teach nutrition — they build lifelong skills, support healthier communities, and help students see new possibilities for themselves.

Share Your Thoughts About Capitol Hill

The Capitol Hill Business Improvement District has a short perception survey for anyone who spends time in the neighborhood to share their experiences with Capitol Hill and the BID's services.

Your feedback will help shape future programming and amenities, so if you live, work, or spend time in the neighborhood, it’s worth your time! Submit your thoughts here.

Upcoming Events

• SW Farmers Market at the Wharf Opening: today, April 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at M Street Landing (608 Wharf St. SW)
  I'll join Southwest neighbors at the opening of this farmers market at its new location. The market will run weekly through Nov. 21.
  
  
• Teen Spring Jam: today, April 4, 6 to 10 p.m., at King Greenleaf Recreation Center (201 N St. SW)
  DPR hosts this event for teens to gather with tournaments, refreshments, music, and more. Register here.
  
  
• DCPS Closed: Monday, April 6
  DC Public Schools will be closed Monday.
  
  
• Jazz in the Park: Friday, April 10 and 17, 5 to 6:30 p.m., at Eastern Market Metro Park
  Barracks Row Main Street is hosting live music as a celebration of jazz each Friday in April. (Fun fact: Programming like this is supported by funding I've secured in the last three budgets to activate the park!)
  
  
• DC Emancipation Day: Thursday, April 16
  On April 16, we recognize the legislation that ended slavery in Washington, DC, freeing 3,100 individuals. The District will celebrate on Sunday, April 19, with a festival, parade, and concert.

Upcoming ANC Meetings

• ANC 6C: Wednesday, April 8, at 7 p.m., virtual
• ANC 6A: Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m., virtual
• ANC 6B: Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m., at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE and virtual

Locate your Advisory Neighborhood Commission here.

Thanks for reading the first Ward 6 Update of the 2026 baseball season!

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen