Ward 6 Update: Fire on Barracks Row, Budget Passes First Vote, & Juneteenth
Plus: Drought Watch in DC

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Last week, I visited with a group of second-grade Brownies from Payne Elementary, where we talked local government and the issues that matter most to them. They had a number of handwritten letters to share with me, too, including one very pressing ask: "Let us do whatever we want at school on Friday." While the Council's responsibilities don't include classroom schedules, I have to say they made a compelling case!

It's been a big week at the Council, as we approved next year's budget on the first of two votes. I get into those details below, where you'll also find information on new legislation, important updates on our local water supplies, and news as we get into summer.

There's a lot going on next week — elections, last day of school for many — but I want to remind people about next Friday's holiday. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and ensure enslaved Black people were free. The announcement came more than two years after President Lincoln issued the proclamation and more than three years after emancipation took effect here in DC.

Juneteenth is both a celebration of freedom and a reminder that progress has never come easily. While the day marks a long-overdue step toward justice, the work of building a more equitable society continues long afterward — and remains unfinished today.

I hope you find meaningful ways to honor Juneteenth, whether that’s through the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at the Anacostia Community Museum or by participating in an event in your neighborhood (see the event list below for one I'm attending in Southwest later today).

QUICK LINKS: Fire on Barracks Row | What's in the Budget | Committee on Transportation & the Environment's Hearings | Watch Your Water Use | Purifying Water for Drinking | Public Safety Update | Hearing for Bill Closing a Cannabis Shop Loophole | New Dashboard for Water Quality | New SNAP Requirements | $ for Students' Summer Meals | Balcony Solar | Prevent a Home for Mosquitoes | Pools/Splash Parks Are Open | Constituent Wins from the Office | Events | ANC Meetings

Miss the last newsletter about ranked choice voting, constituent wins, and a fun library anniversary? Read it here.

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Barracks Row Fire Update

Many neighbors reached out after Thursday night's fire on Barracks Row, which damaged multiple buildings and disrupted several local businesses.

I was on the scene Thursday evening and returned Friday morning to assess the damage and coordinate with city agencies. While everyone is accounted for and safe, a neighbor was displaced by the fire and is receiving assistance from the Red Cross and the Mayor's Office to secure temporary housing. 

In addition to the damage to several buildings — from direct fire, smoke, and/or water — local businesses and their employees have been impacted and are continuing to assess the extent of their losses. City agencies are working with property owners and businesses as recovery efforts move forward.

I'm especially grateful to the firefighters and other first responders whose quick action prevented the fire from spreading further. While approximately six buildings were affected, their efforts helped prevent what could have been an even larger disaster.

For now, crews are hard at work securing the sites and beginning repairs. Some businesses on the corridor may be closed temporarily, but others are open today. I'll continue to share updates as I learn more.

Council Approves First Vote on FY27 Budget

On Thursday, I sent an update (okay, yes, a long update) on the budget covering many big issues, as well as what's in the budget for Ward 6, following Tuesday's first vote, which went into a lot of detail about the budget writ large. I'll provide a briefer summary here if you're looking for the big-picture update. If not, click on! Overall, the Council was able to reverse many of the severe cuts the Mayor had proposed while approving funding levels for schools, first responders, libraries, and many other daily services — without needing to raise taxes.

While there’s still a second vote on June 23, this was a major step toward finalizing next year’s budget and repairing many of the harmful cuts proposed earlier this year.

Throughout the budget process, I focused on protecting essential services that District residents rely on every day, which is why this budget restores funding for childcare educators, healthcare programs, housing assistance, environmental protections, violence prevention efforts, and more.

Some key investments include:

• Restoring funding for the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund to support childcare workers and help keep childcare accessible for families.
  
  
• Restoring healthcare funding that helps residents access medical care and coverage.
  
  
• Restoring housing vouchers and homelessness services to help keep and get residents stably housed.
  
  
• Restoring a good portion of Paid Family Leave benefits — the Mayor had proposed freezing all family and medical leave benefits for next year, but the Council restored both to 6 and 10 weeks, respectively. 
  
  
• Ensuring city employees, including our firefighters, can negotiate for pay raises as part of their next collective bargaining. Our firefighters have been working without a new CBA for two years! 
  
  
• Protecting full funding for Metro and maintaining investments in safer streets and transportation improvements.
  
  
• Restoring funding for environmental programs, including the Anacostia River Cleanup Fund and wildlife rehabilitation services.
  
  
• Investing in public safety, violence interruption, youth programming, and Access to Justice services.

To make many of these restorations possible, the Council used a combination of tax decoupling and one-time reserve funds that minimized the need to increase taxes or fees. Those steps helped us protect essential services this year, but they only impact next year's budget.

As the District continues to navigate economic uncertainty, we will need a broader conversation about sustainable revenue and long-term fiscal stability — Chairman Mendelson committed to holding a hearing to discuss it outside the budget deadline and in time to inform next year's budget process.

Learn more:

• Watch my update following Tuesday’s vote: Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube
  
  
• Read my detailed budget breakdown
  
  
• Review the budget documents

Hearing on Bills to Change Driver's Licenses and IDs, Monitor Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Lessen Air Pollution

Last week, I chaired two public hearings of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment on four bills aimed at improving accessibility, protecting public health, and addressing environmental challenges.

The morning hearing included "Eric's Law", which would allow residents with disabilities to voluntarily add a notation to their IDs to help first responders communicate with them more effectively when a disability is invisible. The Committee also reviewed legislation to create a Washington Commanders license plate, with proceeds supporting youth sports programs. Our specialty tags are popular with residents, and as the Commanders return to the District, you could show your support and give back to local youth sports at the same time. 

In the afternoon, the Committee turned its attention to environmental issues. We discussed legislation to strengthen oversight of air pollution and improve how DC measures the local impacts of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and affect neighborhoods across the District.

DC's Under a Drought Watch

It's now even more important to conserve your water use, as we're officially under a Drought Watch. The Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issued the designation after unusually dry conditions across the region, which are expected to continue even with recent rainfall. 

There's an adequate supply of water, but residents are encouraged to practice wise water use by taking simple steps to reduce water use and help protect the region's water resources if dry conditions continue. Tips to reduce your water usage include:

• Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes
  
  
• Turn off water while brushing your teeth/shaving
  
  
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
  
  
• Fix any plumbing leaks – especially toilets and faucets
  
  
• Be mindful when watering lawns, plants, and shrubs
  
  
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose)
  
  
• Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water

Breaking Ground on New Innovations at DC Water

Did you think about whether water would come out when you turned on your faucet this morning? Or wondered if that water would be clean?

It’s easy to take the stability of our local water source for granted, but safe, reliable drinking water depends on extensive infrastructure and long-term planning. DC’s facing a Drought Watch, and we rely on just one source of water, the Potomac River.

That’s why this week, I joined DC Water at the groundbreaking for the Pure Water DC Discovery Center, which will pilot technologies to produce purified drinking water as part of efforts to develop a second water source for the District. The center will also conduct research and educate the public — especially young people! — through interactive exhibits about the importance of our regional water supply.

As our region grows and climate challenges put additional pressure on water resources, planning ahead is essential. Each of us can take simple steps to conserve water, while investments like this help ensure a resilient and reliable water supply for the future.

Public Safety Update

This summer will be a very busy one in the city, with major special events tied to America 250. This weekend, because there's a UFC fight happening on the lawn of the White House for some reason, there are significant road closures through Monday morning that may impact Ward 6 neighbors headed to the National Mall or across town. 

Next weekend is the Capital Pride Parade, with its own closures, though they're less likely to impact neighbors other than those who want to attend. And right after that is July 4. You can find all traffic advisories in advance in MPD's newsroom or by signing up for Alert DC notifications tailored to neighborhoods you'd like to receive alerts for. I want to be sure to note that major events, usually federal ones, often require all hands on deck from many of our first responders, especially MPD officers and Fire & EMS personnel. This means canceled time off, delayed vacations, and more. We're grateful for their service during these big moments and recognize it doesn't come without a cost for them and their families.

Ward 6 Public Safety Update

• MPD has arrested a suspect in a homicide that occurred on April 29 in Southwest. Around 9 p.m., First District officers responded to a fight and found an adult suffering from a puncture wound. The victim later died from his injuries at a local hospital. A 53-year-old Southwest resident has been charged with second-degree murder while armed.

July 2 Public Hearing on My Bill to Close Loopholes in Cannabis Permitting

While DC has a legal, licensed, and regulated medical cannabis marketplace, I've been aggressive in going after illegal shops. I led the changes through the Council that gave the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration the ability to shutter and padlock bad actors. I also don't believe a licensed cannabis shop should be opening up close to a childcare center. I've worked with neighbors in a few situations where a cannabis dispensary is opening near a childcare facility, but given a loophole in how a "daycare" versus a "childcare" facility is defined in law, ABCA felt it couldn't deny them. So, I wrote a bill to clear up the law and also give ANCs more of a role in denying transfers of permits between internet-based and legal medicinal cannabis. Many months later, there is finally a hearing on my bill to be held on July 2. If you'd like to testify in person, submit written testimony, or follow the process, the hearing page has all of the information you need. 

New Dashboard for Water Quality Monitoring

Last week, I joined the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions for the launch of a new dashboard that provides real-time water quality data for the Anacostia, Potomac, and Shenandoah rivers.

When you look at the dashboard, you can view data from monitoring stations throughout the watershed and track measures such as pH, Chloride levels, conductivity, and more. It's a useful tool for anyone planning to spend time on the water, while also providing valuable information that can help guide efforts to protect and improve water quality throughout our region and even provide real-time information for water users.

Reminder about SNAP Work Requirements

As a reminder, due to changes by Congress under H.R. 1 (or the One Big Beautiful Bill), federal waivers have expired in all states, and Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements have been reinstated for certain SNAP customers.

The DC Department of Human Services will review customers' ABAWD status the next time they apply or recertify for SNAP benefits. Please note that means no one should lose their SNAP benefits immediately because of the new work requirements.

If you receive SNAP benefits and have questions about how the updated requirements may affect you, be sure to review the available guidance and resources. Learn more here.

DC SUN Bucks Return for Students' Summer Meals

As kids start getting excited about summer break, parents can know there's support to make up for the meals they normally get at school through DC SUN Bucks. Most students are automatically enrolled, while others need to apply. You can check to see if your student's enrolled in and apply for this program that provides a one-time payment of $120 for grocery benefits for the summer.

Wouldn't It Be Nice to Have Some Easy Plug-in Solar?

Not everyone can decide to add solar to their roof. And while many residents can tap into community solar to benefit, DC residents, particularly those living in a building, deserve the chance to tap into the sun to lower their bills. That's why my GRID Act includes a change in law permitting plug-in, or balcony solar, with no permits required.

As the Washingtonian recently wrote, residents in Maryland and Virginia are now able, but here in DC, regulations haven't caught up; the article does include that the GRID Act can help DC catch up soon. Under the legislation, residents could install balcony solar systems up to 1,200 watts, making clean energy more accessible for renters, condo owners, and others who may not be able to install traditional rooftop solar. The bill had a hearing in March, and the next step is for the committee to vote. While that hasn't been scheduled yet, you can expect this bill to move out of committee this year. 

Annoyed by Mosquitoes? Watch for Standing Water

As the weather heats up (and even before we start squashing the countless spotted lanternflies), mosquitoes are starting to get comfortable in our neighborhoods, especially around standing water, where they lay their eggs. In your own areas, make sure stagnant water is removed. If you see standing water in your community (think sidewalk grates, playgrounds, etc.), you can report it to DC Health by emailing [email protected].

Time to Swim and Splash

Outdoor pools and splash parks have been open on weekends since Memorial Day, but come Monday, June 22, they'll be open during the week, too. You can check the status of each here. If you see a pool or splash park not working, please call 311.

Last weekend, my team started getting questions from constituents about why Watkins Rec and Eastern Market Metro Park splash pads weren't turned on at 10 a.m. when they were set to open, and we had DGS staff dispatched to turn them on immediately. I know this is really frustrating for parents with hot kiddos waiting to splash, so thanks for bringing that to my team so we could get the agency on site! And a note: I identified $800,000 in the budget starting this fall for a total replacement of the Watkins splash park next year! 

The Latest Constituent Services Wins

In my last newsletter, I highlighted some of the recent work our Constituent Services team accomplished for residents throughout Ward 6, and since those kinds of things happen each week (and who doesn't love a good win?), I thought I'd keep it up.

Every day, my team helps residents navigate city agencies, resolves long-standing neighborhood concerns, and makes sure government is responsive when something falls through the cracks. Here are a few recent examples:

• Helped a Southeast resident get a neighboring vacant property's trash-filled backyard cleaned up after months of deterioration, helping address both sanitation concerns and a growing rat problem.
• Worked with city agencies to repair a damaged pedestrian pathway in Southwest after residents reported scooter and wheelchair crashes caused by deteriorating infrastructure.
• Assisted a Northeast resident who was incorrectly told they owed more than $29,000 in unemployment overpayments. After escalating the issue with DOES, the debt was removed, and the resident's withheld tax refund was returned.
• Helped a Northeast resident get long-promised sidewalk brick restoration work moving again after Lead Free DC construction left temporary asphalt patches in place for months.
• Worked with DDOT and the Long Bridge Project team to advance a solution for a Southwest pedestrian safety concern that residents had repeatedly raised.

One recent success involved construction-related traffic backups around Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues SE. After residents raised concerns about worsening congestion, delayed buses, and difficulties for emergency vehicles, my office escalated the issue to DDOT. The agency identified signal timing problems associated with a new traffic pattern, made repairs, adjusted the timing, and committed to continued monitoring to ensure smoother traffic flow.

Another resident contacted my office after experiencing serious problems during a virtual DMV hearing. Despite being present for the hearing and submitting evidence, the resident was incorrectly marked absent and denied the opportunity to present their case. My team continued following up with DMV leadership until the matter was escalated and the resident was ultimately granted a new hearing.

If you're experiencing a problem with a city agency or service, please don't hesitate to reach out. While we can't solve every issue overnight, we're always ready to help residents navigate government and get answers. You can reach out here. Thanks again to my team for taking on problems big and small!

Events

• Outdoor Vinyasa: Saturdays in June, 10 to 11 a.m., at Eastern Market Metro Park (near the playground, 900 D St. SE)
  Barracks Row Main Street partners with District Flow for this free yoga class. 
  
  
• SW Juneteenth Celebration: Today, June 13, noon to 3 p.m., at Carron Baptist Church (1354 1st St. SW)
  I'm looking forward to joining neighbors in Southwest for a community celebration and a historical tour for Juneteenth. We'll gather at noon for presentations and exhibits, then the Southwest tour starts at 3 p.m. from the church.
  
  
• Early Voting: Through tomorrow, June 14, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  Vote centers are open to early vote in person or drop off your ballot. See locations and details on the Board of Elections' website.
  
  
• Election Day: Tuesday, June 16, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Vote Centers across DC
  Voters can vote at any location, no matter their residential address. Reminder: you can now rank candidates when you vote.
  
  
• Tunes in the Triangle: Wednesdays, June 17 and 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Milian Park (499 Massachusetts Ave. NW)
  The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District hosts live music in the park, with Jahnel Daliya on June 17 and Gracie Jay on June 24.
  
  
• African American Music Appreciation Month Performance: Friday, June 19, 5 to 6:30 p.m., at Eastern Market Metro Park (701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
  Barracks Row Main Street continues the weekly live music on Fridays this June. June 19 features the "Original" Moonlighters.
  
  
• Capital Pride Parade: Saturday, June 20, 3 p.m., starting at 14th and T Streets NW
  The annual Pride Parade returns to honor the history and evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in DC, while respecting the origins and importance of taking to the streets in the fight for equality and liberation.
  
  
• Council's Final Vote on the FY27 Budget: Tuesday, June 23, at noon, at the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW)
  This is the second and final vote on the DC budget. 
  
  
• Save the Date for the Capitol Hill 4th of July Parade: Saturday, July 4, at 10 a.m., on Barracks Row (8th Street SE)
  The annual local tradition returns!

Upcoming ANC Meetings

• ANC 6D: Monday, June 15, 7 to 10 p.m., on the second floor of the conference center at 1100 4th St. SW, available on Zoom as well.
• ANC 6E: Wednesday, June 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom

Locate your Advisory Neighborhood Commission here.

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen