Newsroom

Fall's taking shape all across Ward 6 neighborhoods, as bright reds and oranges fill the trees (and leaf collection season is upon us). I hope you had a great Halloween -- if you missed it, we took a stroll through the Ward to capture some of the best decorations, and here's how you can compost that carved pumpkin before it morphs into some sort of metaphor for the state of the world.

On more serious matters, the federal government shutdown has become the longest in history. A lot of Ward 6 neighbors, as well as across DC and our region, are missing paychecks and are furloughed from work. But the bills keep coming, and day-to-day costs don't take a break. In addition, more than 140,000 DC residents are struggling with the Trump administration's refusal to provide food assistance (aka, SNAP) benefits. Even after a judge ruled this week that they must disperse funds to all states, the cruelty is clear as the President is refusing to follow the court's decision and appealing it in an effort to avoid helping those in need now. More on this below, but in short, the DC government has decided to tap into emergency reserve funds to ensure we can cover these federal costs for the short-term and get people help now. I've shared resources available previously and maintain a running list here, but feel free to reach out to my constituent services team if you need more assistance.

I also wanted to update neighbors on a big challenge we're seeing across the Ward: missed trash collection. We've heard from so many neighbors about DPW failing to get to your block (sometimes repeatedly) or getting to your block but missing your bins. I've spoken to DPW leadership, and they shared acute challenges they're having around staffing shortages. But it's a really unacceptable situation for neighbors, so I've been escalating calls that come into our office for them to prioritize. If you need our help getting service, please contact my team. I'll share updates as I have them on DPW's actions to fix the situation.

Finally, November also means we're about one month out from our annual Ward 6 "Brickie" Awards! This is our office's annual community celebration, completely free for Ward 6 neighbors, where we have some great food and drink, and we take time to celebrate wonderful neighbors that make Ward 6 such a great place to call home. But you help pick the people, businesses, and community organizations we recognize. Nominations are now open -- we have five categories for Ward 6 neighbors, businesses, organizations, and public servants! I need to hear from you about who deserves a Brickie, so click here!

There's plenty to get to in this newsletter, so let's jump in.

QUICK LINKS: SNAP & WIC Update | Public Safety | Working Families Get a Raise | WMATA's Brighter Future | DDOT's Streateries Plan Could Close Most | Southwest Town Center Parks | Randall Rec Final Design | A Peek at Cobb Park | New Street Safety Improvements | Solar Insta-Permits Now Available | Nominate Neighbors for the Brickie Awards! | There's an App for That | Time to Rake | Events

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Today, the DMVMoves Task Force completed 18 months of work to recommend a plan for the region’s future investment in public transit, in particular WMATA, committing to $460 million annually beginning in 2028, with annual growth at a 3% rate. The recommendations also include aligning the region’s 14 transit services on accepted payment methods and fares, installing bus lanes in interjurisdictional corridors, and adopting VRE and MARC expansion plans.

Ward 6 Update: Reining in Scalpers, Protecting Tenants, & Leaf Season Begins

Bill creates clear rules and timelines for disconnections, particularly in large apartment buildings where the landlord has not paid the water bill

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, DC Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6)’s RESALE Amendment Act will have a public hearing before the Council’s Committee on Public Works and Operations, with more than 70 people registered to testify, including musical artists, venue operators, and music fans.

Ward 6 Update: Supporting Furloughed Neighbors, Slowing Dangerous Drivers, & New Stadium Transit Plans

Ward 6 Update: Safer Streets, Access to Vaccines, & Fall Fun

The following statement is from DC Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6), Chair of the Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment, following this morning’s announcement by DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb on securing a successful judgment against a Virginia driver with 244 driving infractions, totaling more than $77,000.

The following statement can be attributed to DC Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) following today’s second and final vote approving a deal between the District and the Washington Commanders to redevelop the entire RFK campus.