Charles Allen DC Council

Plus: Summer Resources and Pools are Open Daily!

This week, I had the opportunity to share the stage of the historic Lincoln Theater with some DC's most beloved music venues and theaters, including the 9:30 Club, The Anthem, The Hamilton, Atlas Performing Center for the Arts, as well as musical artists Andrew McMahon and Bartees Strange, to rally support for the RESALE Act, legislation I introduced to reign in ticket costs on secondhand sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster, and Vividseats. There's more below on where this important consumer protection bill stands, including a petition to show your support to bring outrageous ticket prices down and get the strongest bill possible passed at the full Council over the next few weeks.

I also kicked off last weekend at Stanton Park, where we had a fitting 250th celebration for our nation. The refurbished General Nathaniel Greene statue was unveiled, the General "himself" shared his history, and the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps even entertained the crowd!

From budget votes and Election Day to summertime and the Fourth of July, summer's officially kicking off. Let's dive in.

Miss the last newsletter about the Barracks Row fire, another source of drinking water, and balcony solar? Read it here.

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Budget Recap: Restored Funding for Childcare, Open Primaries, Expanded Rec Center Hours, and More

This past Tuesday, the Council wrapped up most of our budget work by unanimously passing the Local Budget Act, which locks in the spending for next fiscal year. We have one more vote in the coming weeks to tweak some of the enabling laws around that spending, but it won't change the spending levels. The good news is that the Council was able to address some very serious cuts that would have essentially balanced the budget by cutting pay for childcare workers, taking away health insurance, walking away from our energy affordability work and climate goals, and cutting dramatically back on paid family leave.

The biggest changes between our first vote on June 9 and this week was the implementation of semi-open primaries — which were part of Initiative 83 — expanding hours at DPR's recreation centers, and supporting fixes to the Better Bus routes. You can see my recap after the vote here.

The District is well-managed financially, and these are crucial investments in the people and communities of our city. But we should also be quite clear-eyed that we very likely will face budget challenges again next year. These are largely driven by a combination of inflation and rising costs from the Trump administration, plus the continued impact of thousands of federal jobs being cut by DOGE.

While the Council was able to avoid raising taxes for most residents this year and found savings in numerous agencies, that may not be enough a year from now. This fall, the Council will hold a roundtable on various proposals to raise revenues in the next budget. That's a great opportunity to discuss, as a community, the best way to approach this challenge when we aren't under the gun of an imminent budget vote.

If you want to dive into what's in the budget, check out what I've shared in previous newsletters, from 'big ticket' budget items, including Ward 6 wins, to what we passed in the Committee on Transportation and the Environment.

Big tech price gouging takes center stage as your favorite DC venues, artists urge Council to stand with them and fans, not StubHub

Sign the Petition to Support the RESALE Act

As I mentioned above, this week, I stood on stage at the Lincoln Theatre on U Street with your favorite local music venues, theaters, and several popular touring musicians (including Bartees Strange, pictured right, and Andrew McMahon) to advocate for the inclusion of a price cap as part of my RESALE Act when the full Council votes on it this coming Tuesday -- more coverage in WTOP. As a refresher, the RESALE Act makes important changes to reign in the wild west of buying a ticket to a live music show or theatrical performance and puts in place several important consumer protection measures. However, central to the impact of the bill on your wallet is the inclusion of a price cap on how much a ticket can be resold for, which was removed from the bill. This has to be reversed.

Here's the problem we're trying to solve: technology has far outpaced the average person when it comes to buying tickets online, and when a venue like the 9:30 Club or the Black Cat or Arena Stage releases tickets, anonymous companies use bots (illegally) to make straw purchases of huge swathes of tickets. They then list them for resale at enormous markups on websites like StubHub. Those websites spend a lot of money to be the top results when you search for a ticket, making it very likely:

a) You're vastly overpaying for a ticket when a cheaper one might be available;
b) You might be buying a ticket that doesn't even exist; or
c) Your favorite band's show is "sold out" because a guy with 3,000 bots outmaneuvered you in the digital queue and now your only option is to pay well above face value.

Now, someone just eyeballing this issue for the first time might say "well, that's just the free market." Certainly that's what StubHub's lobbyists have argued. But it's not a free market, and that's the whole point. If I have the ability to buy up everything you want using the upper hand of technology, that's an unfair marketplace, and it does real damage to consumers, artists, and our entire local economy. People fly to DC to see shows and then find out at the box office they bought a ticket that doesn't exist. People think their favorite band or venue is trying to charge them far more than they are. Seats aren't filled, and shows become a luxury item.

There are important reforms included in the bill coming out of committee -- no more selling tickets you don't have in the first place (speculative ticketing), you have to list the total price upfront, and high-volume resellers have to register with the city and carry a higher bond insurance to guarantee refunds.

But that price cap piece is the heart of the bill, and I'm going to need your help advocating to my colleagues at both first and second vote (this coming Tuesday and two weeks from then). More than 50 independent venues and theaters across DC have signed on in support of restoring the cap — because they know outrageous resale prices hurt fans, artists, and the city’s live entertainment scene.

*If you believe that, too, add your name to our petition urging the Council to restore the 10% price cap in the RESALE Act and stand with DC fans, artists, and local venues.* I'll use this list to provide updates and mobilize support as the Council takes up the bill.

Public Safety Update

Addressing Court Vacancies: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) have introduced a bill to reduce vacancies in our DC courts. Longtime readers of this newsletter know this is a public safety issue I've written about many times, as the ability of our courts to function is a huge part of our public safety apparatus. Today, your local judge in DC courts has to be approved by the US Senate. No other jurisdiction in America faces that hurdle. And if you think the Senate is a model of timely and efficient decision making, let me tell you how many DC judicial seats sit vacant today, delaying justice and accountability. The District of Columbia Courts Vacancy Reduction Act would allow nominees to the local DC courts to be seated after a 30-day congressional review period, unless a disapproval resolution is enacted into law during that period. This would be a considerable improvement from our current process, where nominees cannot be seated without affirmative Senate confirmation, and would make it more similar to our local legislation process.
Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals: Fire officials in DC and across the region are reminding residents that fireworks are dangerous. So, please do leave them to professionals. There will be plenty of opportunities to see (and hear) fireworks this July 4. Residents concerned about illegal fireworks in the District, check out this page from DC Fire and EMS.
Serious Overdose Event Along H Street NE: On Thursday, we had multiple people overdose along H Street NE. I've spoken with public safety leaders, and they reported a total of 8 overdoses with 1 fatality, sadly. In recent months, I'd been asking MPD to focus on these types of predatory drug sales on H Street, and they've made several arrests for distribution, including earlier this week. We've seen these kind of mass overdose events happen in the past when someone illegally sells potent drugs, often a variation of an opioid such as fentanyl. I'll share more as I learn, but this is why we have to have a strong law enforcement response to the people praying on vulnerable residents living with addiction, and robust public health approaches to helping get those struggling with addiction into safe and supportive treatment.

Ward 6 Public Safety Updates

MPD announces arrest in May Robbery in Southwest: MPD arrested a 14-year-old for an alleged armed robbery in late May at 5th and I Street, SW.

Arrest made in March burglary along H Street NE: Good work by MPD to stay on the case and make an arrest for a burglary from back in March.

Two Maryland Juveniles Arrested for Robbery: MPD made an arrest of two Maryland juveniles who allegedly committed an armed robbery at 2nd and L Street, SE.

DC Runs Its First Elections with Ranked Choice Voting

Thanks to all who voted in the DC primary and special elections, and to those who ranked their candidates! While you've surely heard some results, if you take some time to look at the Board of Elections' dashboard, you can see a little interactive presentation for round-by-round results. It's a good way to see how real votes worked out based on how people ranked them, bringing to life our little pizza analogy from a while back. And Ward 6 primary voters, you did a great job! As a Ward, we're near the top of the city in turnout and total votes!

I've heard almost universal support for how ranked choice voting worked and that it wasn't as confusing as many folks thought it might be. I'm thankful for the education efforts the Board of Elections pursued leading up to the elections. Of course, there's more to do to equip people to vote again come November. You can explore their ranked choice voting information here.

Restrictions & Closures around Independence Day

As we get closer to America's 250th birthday, be prepared for area closures. Here are a few highlights:

A portion of the Potomac River will be off-limits to boaters and kayakers between July 2 and 5. This includes the Tidal Basin, as the area is from the Key Bridge to just south of the 14th Street Bridge. But the Washington Channel will remain open.
The Anacostia River will be off-limits from the 11th Street Bridge to south of the Frederick Douglass Bridge on July 4, from 6 p.m. to midnight.
There will be no flights arriving in or departing from DCA for several hours in the early afternoon on July 3 and after 12 p.m. on July 4. Terminal services will operate at a reduced capacity until flights resume on July 5.

These particular closures coincide with Freedom 250's apparent plan to set a record for the world's biggest fireworks show on July 4. But please note, they've moved the start of the fireworks to between 10:30-11:00 pm (much later than normal) and are instituting security checks to watch from many locations on the Mall. It's a big departure from years past.

Want to keep celebrations local and focused on our community? The Nation's absolute best parade on Barracks Row returns Saturday, July 4 at 10am. I hope to see you there!

New Crosswalk, Bike Lane Planned for 2nd Street Near Duddington Place SE

DDOT has issued a Notice of Intent for a new mid-block crosswalk on the 500 block of 2nd Street SE. While there are crosswalks at the ends of the block at E Street and South Carolina Avenue, the proposed crosswalk would go near the middle, next to Duddington Place SE. This is within a school zone and will be equipped with ADA-compliant ramps.

In addition, DDOT plans to add a contraflow bike lane (a bike lane that runs south while cars go north on the one-way 2nd Street). This connects the bike lanes on E Street SE with Garfield Park.

Residents can comment on these proposals by July 21 through DDOT's NOI portal (search 26-256) or by calling DDOT customer service at 202-671-2800.

Surprise Construction on 200 block of Kentucky Ave, SE: I do want to note neighbors along the 200 block of Kentucky Avenue, SE had a very frustrating experience last week when DDOT started construction on an NOI they had issued two years prior and one that had generated a lot of back and forth between ANC 6B, neighbors, and DDOT. The final product will improve safety on the street, but the gap from when neighbors last weighed in and the work beginning was understandably frustrating. I've spoken with DDOT Director Kershbaum about how that can't happen again, as it undermines the public process and catches neighbors off guard.

Families' One-Stop Shop for All Things Summer

I hope everyone's enjoyed their first week of summer! If you're still looking for sports, camps, free meals, library programs, and more, you can check out summer.dc.gov. It's a good place for families to explore many things to do in DC that support parents and youth.

Metro Announces Bus Service Changes, Metro Frequency Increases

WMATA is updating nearly 50 bus routes across its service area, effective last weekend. While you can see the full list here, in Ward 6, the D24 bus route has been added to the Frequent Service Network, with 20-minute or better frequency from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The C57 bus route also has expanded service.

Metro says it's also making schedule adjustments and other changes for a number of bus routes, including, in Ward 6, the C11, C43, C57, D10, D1X, D20, D24, and D50.

Route detours are expected for the D10 and D1X this summer because of America250 events. You can stay up to date on all lines with WMATA's Trip Planner.

Starting tomorrow, June 28, Metro will run Red Line trains at least every 4 minutes for a longer period during the busiest portions of the weekday rush hours. On Blue, Orange, and Silver, trains will run at least every 9 minutes in the peak direction during the busiest portions of weekday rush hours.

In addition to the Trip Planner, you can download the Metro Pulse app to plan your trips and see bus and train statuses.

H Street Land Use and Market Study Continues with Public Feedback

The Office of Planning held an open house this past Wednesday, welcoming residents to learn about and provide feedback on its draft H Street NE Land Use and Market Study findings and preliminary recommendations. This is a study I've been pushing for over the past few years to serve as a guiding plan for this important neighborhood moving forward. And now's the time to weigh in on the assessments, assumptions, and ideas proposed in the first draft.

Miss the event? You can review the draft recommendations here and complete the study's survey through July 26.

Pools Now Open Daily, Splash Pads, Too!

Now that school is out for the summer, outdoor pools and spray parks are now open daily and no longer just on weekends.

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, you can check the status of each pool and spray park here. If you see a pool or splash park not working, please call 311.

Could Ward 6 Host a Porchfest?

You've probably heard, or attended, amazing PorchFests in other parts of our city - Adams Morgan, Petworth, and more. They are great ways to highlight great local musicians and bring neighbors together - all in walkable communities where you can catch a lot of live music. For years, people have asked if Ward 6 should host one. Recently, a group has decided to explore what it would look like. They are targeting October 10th as a possible day, but they need volunteers to make it a reality. If you have an interest in volunteering for a PorchFest, please reply to this email and send me a note. I'll connect you to their group.

'How Shakespeare Saved My Life' Ward 6 Ticket Giveaway

The Folger Shakespeare Library is offering Ward 6 residents complimentary tickets to How Shakespeare Saved My Life, a solo comedy playing through July 5. You can use code WARDLIFE while supplies last to book up to two free tickets to performances at 8 p.m. Friday, June 26, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 28, or 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2.

Events

Woven Together: Today, June 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Southwest Farmers Market (608 Wharf St. SW), and Monday, June 29, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW)
Join textile artist Kelsey Merreck Wagner to help create a community-woven art installation for the Southwest Duck Pond using recycled textiles from the neighborhood. Once completed, the series of vibrant weavings will adorn the trees surrounding the Southwest Duck Pond in late summer. Kelsey's Woven Together is part of the Southwest BID's ArtRX public art program.
North Capitol Street Study Public Meeting: Tuesday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m., on WebEx
DDOT hosts this second public meeting to re-engage the community about the project and share concepts for widening sidewalks on North Capitol Street. The study is in phase two, focusing on the corridor between Massachusetts Avenue and Michigan Avenue.
DMV Music Academy Steel Pan Ensemble: Friday, July 3, at Eastern Market Metro Park (701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
Barracks Row Main Street continues its Friday evening outdoor music series.
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 6/8F: Tuesday, June 30, at 7 p.m., virtual only this month
ANC 6C: Wednesday, July 8, at 7 p.m., virtual
ANC 6A: Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m., virtual

Locate your Advisory Neighborhood Commission here.

Ticket Giveaway

Thanks for reading the first Ward 6 Update of the summer! If you're looking to take in a summertime game, reply to this email for a chance to get tickets to the July 24 Nationals game as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen

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Erik Salmi published this page in Newsroom 2026-06-26 22:51:56 -0400

Ward 6 Update: Budget Done, Big Vote on Ticket Prices, and July 4 Updates