Ward 6 Update: New Council Begins + What to Expect Around the US Capitol
Plus: The debate on RFK is about to begin.

Happy new year, Ward 6! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and found time to slow down as 2024 came to a close. This week, we welcomed new Councilmembers who were elected in November, including my newest colleague, Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder. Welcome to the Council, Wendell!

We begin this new year and a new Council session facing both opportunity and uncertainty. Cleary, the District is at risk of serious meddling from the federal government that could further undermine the smooth operation of the city as our laws can be changed and the way we spend your local tax dollars blocked. Whether avoiding confirming judges for our Courts that directly leads to serious backlogs in justice, interfering with our gun laws, or holding back federal funds to reimburse our local efforts of officers to support federal operations – Congressional action (or inaction) can create challenges for our residents.

Of course, there are plenty of signs the District is doing quite well. DC population has been growing since the pandemic, and we just crossed over 700,000 residents (more than Wyoming or Vermont!), WMATA ridership continues to grow and set records as DC is leading the country in rail ridership, end-of-year crime stats were down significantly in every category in Ward 6 and DC, and it looks like DC residents will actually get to make a decision on what we do with the RFK stadium campus. I am ready and eager to begin this new year and new Council and look forward to working with you all!

Let's get started!

QUICK LINKS: Public Safety | Around the Capitol Building | Be Ready for Snow! | 2024 Recap | Transportation & Environment Recap | Reflecting on Chairing the COG | The Future of the RFK Stadium | New ANC Commissioners | How to Dispose of Holiday Greenery | Compare Your Taxes | Is the Best Soccer Bar in America in Ward 6?

Wait! Did you miss my last newsletter? Catch the final Ward 6 Update of 2024, when we talked about the Rumsey Aquatic Center meeting, sidewalk and transportation improvements, and more.

Public Safety Updates

As mentioned above, 2024 saw major reductions in every category of crime over 2023, including, notably, a 35% drop in violent crime. That's welcome news and real progress as the District gets back to business after the pandemic. That also means significantly fewer people experiencing the trauma that comes with a serious incident near their homes, neighborhoods, or places of business. But let's be clear, there's still enormous work to be done in 2025 – the District's Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services' correctional facility is struggling to do its job with the young people in its custody, our 911 call center continues to have serious issues that put people on hold or send help to the wrong address, and Congress failed to approve judges to our local courts, creating a case backlog that means delayed justice for victims and the accused. 

Ward 6 Public Safety Updates: 

• Christmas Eve Fatal Hit and Run: While this took place nearby in Ward 7, there was a tragic hit-and-run by a dangerous and reckless driver at 16th and C Streets NE, who crashed their vehicle into a pedestrian on the sidewalk and fled the scene on foot. The victim was Ron Clark, a neighbor I've known and worked with for many years and someone who has long been involved in our community. The Post has a piece on the hit-and-run. You can share any tips, video footage, and more with MPD. People who drive recklessly put everyone around them at risk. These drivers shouldn't be on the road, and I'm looking forward to seeing the impact of my STEER Act begin to give teeth to our traffic cameras and bring accountability before it escalates to something as serious and awful as what happened to Mr. Clark. 
  
  
• MPD Seeks Suspects in Car Break-Ins: MPD shared photos and a car description for two people who broke into multiple vehicles on the 400 block of 12th Street SE, and later the 200 block of D Street SE. 
  
  
• MPD Makes Arrest in NE Break-In: Good work here as MPD spotted a suspect more than two weeks later based on video footage from a break-in near 14th and G Streets NE. 

What to Expect Around the Capitol Next Week

There's no way around it... if you need to go anywhere near the Capitol campus next week, it's going to be difficult due to many, many road closures. It begins on Monday, Jan. 6. Many of us still carry the trauma and fear from four years ago as thousands of people attacked the Capitol and the officers and workers protecting it. While the attempted insurrection ultimately failed, several lives were lost and the security around the Jan. 6 Certification of Electors will likely be forever changed. 

We've already seen security fencing go up around the Capitol in advance, although roadways were kept open for the time being. You can expect that to change by Monday as the entire Capitol complex will be fenced off. Fencing will stay up through the Jan. 20 Inauguration, and we can expect a higher presence of security from different agencies this month, with both Jan. 6 and 20 being considered national security events.

The Metropolitan Police Department has announced road closures for the week. Please look at the details for each day, which include which streets are closed and when. See the map of road closures for the counting and certification of the election here and the closures for the funeral of President Carter here. These will affect major bus routes for anyone trying to get downtown or to school: Please plan ahead for your commutes and travels next week.

As I share this news, we anticipate the possibility of snow on Monday. I know a lot of people will want to take sleds to the Capitol if there's a good snowfall, but I'm told that the grounds will remain closed all day on Jan. 6 – even if the snow looks inviting.

Additionally, the late President Jimmy Carter will lie in state Tuesday through Thursday: The public may pay their respects from 7 p.m. Jan. 7 until 7 a.m. Jan. 9. President Joe Biden has announced a proclamation declaring a National Day of Mourning on Thursday.

Snow Watch 2025: How the District Readies for Cold Weather

Since we're now bundling up more this weekend, it seemed like a good time to send a friendly reminder that the District prepares when snow or ice shows up in the forecast. As we write this newsletter, it's looking likely we'll see substantial snow Sunday night through Monday morning.

No decision has been made (yet) about school or government status for Monday. Based on conditions, keep an eye out for the news and official government sources with updates on any potential closures. Additionally, make sure you sign up for Alert DC to know when a hypothermia alert or cold weather emergency is in effect.

When it does snow, remember that DC law requires residential and commercial property owners to remove snow/ice from the sidewalks around their property within eight daylight hours after a storm ends. In a big snow, clear sidewalks are important and they keep people safe. Most often, it's easier to walk to the grocery store or public transit than drive. Clear sidewalks ensure people can get around safely. Be a good neighbor: If you're healthy and able, shovel a bit of your neighbor's sidewalk or make sure to clear the area for an older neighbor. It doesn't take but a few minutes but it sure does help everyone out (and your neighbors will appreciate you!). However, don't overdo it -- shoveling snow is a very rigorous activity! 

• Homeowners who are 65 or older/or residents with disabilities, access, and functional needs may also get help with shoveling snow from the DC Volunteer Snow Team. Call Serve DC at 202-727-7925 to sign up for the DC Volunteer Snow Removal Program.

Looking Back on 2024

Every year is one I'm proud to represent Ward 6 neighborhoods, and with your trust, I fought to solve problems and make life better for Ward 6 neighbors. In short, I'm fighting for you every day. Here's a short list of some things I'm proud we accomplished:

• I authored legislation to allow ABCA to finally crack down on illegal pot shops that sell an unregulated product (and often alongside illegal drugs), do not follow rules other businesses are held to, undercut the market for the medicinal cannabis shops that are regulated, and often hurt the quality of life for nearby neighbors. To date, ABCA has shut down 44 illegal shops, including several in Ward 6. 
  
  
• We funded a major modernization and reimagining of Rumsey Pool, which is badly in need of upgrade to increase the size of the pool and reduce downtime. But we should be taking the opportunity to add more to this important space, which is why I funded a second-floor expansion that can be for seniors and added more potential space on the first floor that will better activate that alley between the pool and Eastern Market. 
  
  
• I was proud to vote in support of funding that led to Monumental Sports inking a new deal to keep the Wizards and Caps downtown for decades to come, bringing with them hundreds of annual events that bring the entire neighborhood to life each year. Given the looming debate about what to do with the 190 acres of RFK, I'll re-up my argument for why the District needed to prioritize an investment that kept the Wizards and Caps downtown ahead of an NFL stadium.
  
  
• After a series of detailed and thorough community meetings, I was able to help shape WMATA's changes to Ward 6 bus routes to ensure we met ridership needs and signed off on routes on streets where it made the most sense. I'm thrilled with the final product of the Better Bus Network, which will roll out throughout the year and represents the first major, system-wide update of our bus network in decades. 
  
  
• I secured a number of wins for our local businesses, a priority of mine because these are the businesses that we brag about when we talk about our neighborhoods. So often, we see elected leaders spend their time trying to attract national businesses, while the long-time, locally-owned businesses are rarely given much of a lifeline. In the budget, I convinced my colleagues to join me in doubling the Small Retailer Property Tax Credit to put cash back into these businesses' bottom lines, expand the Private Security Camera Program to support businesses with interior protections to prevent break-ins, and grants to activate H Street NE to increase the foot traffic year-round and another to support the strong history of LGBTQ+ businesses in Ward 6.
  
  
• I introduced legislation to ban common area utility fees from being tacked onto the monthly rent of DC residents living in large apartment buildings. I'll be re-introducing this bill because I'm seeing more and more large buildings try to sneak in hidden fees and costs that should be included in the rent in the first place. If you're shopping for your next apartment, I want you to know what the actual cost is upfront. 
  
  
• We had some fantastic budget wins for Ward 6, including advancing four school modernizations, expanding public safety responses including two Safe Passage areas on Capitol Hill, and investing in both King Greenleaf Rec Center and Eastern Market Metro Park. 
  
  
• Our 10th annual Ward 6 Week was an awesome series of events across the ward.
  
  
• We held the 18th annual Brickie Awards celebrating people, organizations, and businesses making a difference in Ward 6.

What the Transportation and Environment Committee Did for You in Council Period 25

It's an honor to serve as chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, and I'm proud of all we accomplished in 2023-2024. Here are a few highlights. If you want to really spend time with a 47-page document, you can read my committee report for Council Period 25 when it's released on the Council site next week.

• We passed legislation to crack down on dangerous drivers by giving teeth to our traffic cameras. The Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility (STEER) Amendment Act is reforming traffic enforcement to hold dangerous drivers accountable and improve road safety by creating new tools that can be used against vehicles driven dangerously – no matter which state they're from. 
  
  
• We made sure the transition to clean, renewable electricity won't leave anyone behind. My Healthy Homes and Residential Electrification Act will cover the cost for thousands of residents to upgrade their homes from fossil fuels like natural gas to cleaner, safer energy sources. 
  
  
• We paved the way to build more pedestrian plazas in high-demand areas. My Public Life and Activity Zones Amendment (PLAZA) Act will open up streets to be car-free zones to foster community, uplift local businesses, and support seniors who are aging in place.
  
  
• We made e-biking more accessible for DC residents as the Electric Bicycle Rebate Program kicked off, which helped make e-bikes more affordable for DC residents, especially people with lower incomes. In 2024, we saw 335 vouchers go to preferred applicants (a District resident enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF, Medicaid, or the DC Healthcare Alliance). Applications will be open to all DC residents this year.
  
  
• We made it easier for people to charge their electric vehicles. I introduced the Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Access, Readiness, and Sustainability Amendment Act, which sets aggressive benchmarks for the installation of both public and private electric vehicle charging stations.

Every year, the committee holds Performance Oversight Hearings as we prepare for the next budget. Those hearings for 2025 will be here before we know it, and I'll be sure to keep you informed every step of the way.

Reflecting on My Year as Chair of the COG

As my tenure as Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) wraps up, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together over the last year. This is a group of leaders from across our entire DMV region working together on shared goals and shared strategies.

Serving as Chair has been a true honor, and I’m incredibly proud of how this board consistently came together with bold ideas, a collaborative spirit, and a focus on our region’s future. At a time when divisions seem sharper than ever, our region proved that we can find common ground and tackle shared challenges head-on.

From launching DMVMoves, a landmark working group aiming to create a unified transit vision and secure Metro’s long-term financial sustainability, to setting regional tree canopy goals for the first time ever, this board has demonstrated the power of regional collaboration. We also:

• Kicked off a backup water supply study to bolster our resilience,
• Secured a federal grant for a major Anacostia River cleanup project,
• Convened a Roadway Safety Summit to advance actions that will keep people safe, and
• Reunited regional leaders at the Potomac Conference, where we focused on public safety, with exciting plans to address economic development next year.

And there’s more to come. In 2025, we’ll take bold steps toward earning a U.S. Department of Commerce designation as an Economic Development District, helping our region grow even more prosperous and resilient.

Serving as Chair has been an honor. Thank you to all who partnered with us to build a stronger, more connected region.

Future of RFK Campus is in the Hands of DC Residents

You probably heard the news, but Congress has passed and President Biden has signed into law, the initiation of the transfer of the RFK campus from federal control to local control for the next 99 years. While I'm excited to finally have something to cheer for again on the field with Jayden Daniels leading the Commanders to the playoffs, you know I don't think using hundreds of millions of your tax dollars to put an NFL Stadium at the site is the right idea – it's a bad investment. NFL stadiums are not be the economic catalyst they're promised to be since they sit dark and unused more than 90% of the year, as opposed to arenas that create nearly year-round events and activity.

Add to that, the large footprint of a stadium and tens of thousands of parking spots will eat up most of the available space where we could build more city – homes, businesses, and more.

However, no matter how you feel about a stadium, either for it or opposed, we should all agree the decision on how to use the space should be decided by the people who live here and who pay taxes here. I had the chance to talk about the politics of a stadium with Grant and Danny on WJFK The Fan (this was before the vote to approve). I always appreciate the chance to talk with Grant and Danny – I know from their perspective as sports radio guys that a stadium at RFK is an exciting reminder of the team's glory days. I appreciated the chance to talk about why I believe it's almost certain to be a poor use of both the limited land we have available and limited taxpayer dollars, even if the team is finally winning again under new ownership.

New Year, New ANC Members

The Council isn't the only body working in two-year cycles – your local ANC does as well. I was honored to swear in our fantastic commissioners to their terms on Thursday. If you're interested in getting involved locally, start by attending your local ANC meetings and getting familiar with the work that comes before these volunteer elected leaders. I am always grateful that Ward 6 has such thoughtful and dedicated folks who step up, and I look forward to partnering with each ANC in the coming two years.

Learn more about your ANCs: 6A (Northeast neighborhoods, largely east of 7th and H Streets NE), 6B (Capitol Hill south of East Capitol Street), 6C (NoMa, Northeast, east of 7th and H Streets NE), 6D (Southwest), 6E (Mount Vernon Triangle, neighborhoods west of North Capitol Street), and 6F / 8F (a hybrid ANC including Navy Yard). 

What to Do with the Tree, Wreaths, and Greenery

The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will collect holiday trees and greenery through Feb. 28 from DPW-serviced households (which includes single-family homes and apartment dwellings with three or fewer units).

About this year’s holiday tree and greenery collection:

• Trees and greenery collected during this time will utilized for mulch production.
• Holiday trees and greenery will be collected from the front of residences at the curb.
• If holiday trees and greeneries are not picked up seven days after being placed curbside, residents can call 311 and make a “Christmas Tree Removal - Seasonal” service request.
• After Feb. 28, holiday trees and greenery should be placed at the normal point of collection for trash and recycling. Holiday trees and greenery will be collected as space permits in the truck.
• Inclement weather may delay holiday tree and greenery collections.

All residents can also drop off holiday trees and greenery at three locations, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until March 31:

• Bryant Street Sweep Shop (201 Bryant St. NW)
• Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert St. NW)
• DPW Salt Storage Facility (2700 South Capital St. SE)

For more information on Holiday Reduce & Reuse Tips, visit Zero Waste DC.

Compare Your Tax Rate with Maryland and Virginia (Spoiler: We're Lower)

The DC Office of Revenue Analysis has released an interactive dashboard for its most recent tax burden study for the DC metro area. We often hear people repeat the myth that taxes are higher in DC than in the suburbs. The reality is that DC residents tax burden is less than our neighbors in Maryland and Virginia. The dashboard allows you to compare income, property, sales, and auto taxes for a hypothetical family of three in DC and surrounding jurisdictions. You can see how these taxes vary for families with incomes ranging from $35,000 to $250,000. Tax season is around the corner, and it's never too early to be fully informed.

Is America's Best Soccer Bar on H Street? Your Vote Decides.

Men in Blazers, a major show for American fans of the English Premier League, has included Ward 6's Queen Vic as one of the 10 best soccer bars in America! Liverpool fans already know this, but even casual fans will flock to the Vic on a Saturday morning for the experience of watching a league game surrounded by diehard fans. If you love the H Street spot, you can vote for it to be crowned No. 1. At the very least, we want it to rank over other options, including a Dallas suburb!

Who knows – you might even see John Oliver there!

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen