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Friend –

Normally, April is a month when the Council would be in the thick of the budget process, with lengthy hearings and important debates about priorities and tradeoffs. But we haven't received the proposed budget from the Mayor yet, largely because Congress's unprecedented and reckless freezing of more than $1 billion in our local budget has created significant chaos and uncertainty.

So while we've been fighting to get the House to reverse its cuts, we've also taken advantage of the delay to chat with local business owners, meet with residents on their priorities, rally at the Department of Health and Human Services to protect emergency utility funds, and even stop by to celebrate Alex Ovechkin's record-breaking moment at Capital One Arena.

And with such serious issues at the Wilson Building, it's still important to get out and enjoy the better weather and all spring has to offer - including the return of the Southwest Duck Pond, which is getting scrubbed and refilled now and soon will be home again to neighbors, visitors, and yes, beloved ducks.

Finally, I was on the Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi this week. We spent a lot of time talking about RFK stadium, but also DC's ongoing budget challenges (both local and federally-imposed) and my new bill - the RESALE Act - to make concert tickets cheaper by cutting out the digital scalpers who bilk consumers and send prices through the roof.

There are plenty of important updates below, and given how busy it is, let's jump right in.

Miss the last newsletter? Read it here.

Budget Saga Update

The current state of our budget can be very confusing, so let me explain where we are.

Two different issues are happening at the same - both causing serious harm to our city's budget and our ability to deliver services to our residents. One is the ongoing congressionally-imposed freeze of $1.1 billion from our current year budget's local (not federal) revenues. The second is our planning for next fiscal year's budget while facing a recession triggered by the White House and federal actions reeking havoc with our economy.

On the congressional freeze, nothing has happened in the last two weeks to reverse the House's damage, and I'm not hopeful. Last week, the Mayor exercised a 2009 federal law to reduce the billion-dollar gap down to about $600 million – still a shocking number to cut more than halfway through the year from an otherwise balanced budget. She also issued an executive order imposing a spending and hiring freeze, directing agencies to stop contracting and procurement and to plan for layoffs or furloughs. Certain facilities, including schools and shelters, will not be considered for closure - at least for now. Let me be clear, though: there's no way to cut that much funding without impacting basic city services and the 35,000 workers who keep the District running.

And all the while, we have a city to run. The current-year cuts have led to a delay in starting our budget process for next year – the Mayor was originally due to deliver her proposed budget on April 2. Now, I expect that process to begin about a month later, which also has delayed our ability to move legislation forward and schedule votes. And we will have hard decisions to make. Moody's rating agency just downgraded our bond rating due entirely to the actions of the federal government, meaning it will now cost more to borrow to build schools, shelters, parks, and more. Additionally, our four-year financial outlook has been cut by more than $300 million per year, at least due to the federal layoffs and haphazard cuts. And we expect that revenue projection may be downgraded again because the most recent estimate was made before President Trump announced his tariffs and additional layoffs.

Because of these shifting sands, we had to cancel our April 21 Ward 6 FY26 Budget Town Hall. As soon as we have a new date, I'll make sure you have it in this newsletter and on social media. It will be critical to hear from you about your priorities as we head into a budget where there's a significant financial gap to fill.

Public Safety Updates

Big picture, the District is still trending in the right direction with both violent crime down significantly and property crime down slightly.

MPD Makes Quick Arrest on Capitol Hill Robbery: Using the “Find My” feature on a stolen iPhone, MPD tracked down two 15-year-olds who were later charged with armed robbery. The phone had been taken from a victim on the 100 block of Fourth Street SE.
Arrest Made in Navy Yard Robberies: MPD announced the arrest of a 16-year-old in two recent robberies in Navy Yard. Both incidents involved the suspect grabbing headphones from the victims — one around 9 a.m. on April 2 at 1st and M Streets SE, and another around 4:30 p.m. on April 9 on the 900 block of 1st Street SE.
Phone Scam Alert: DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb has issued a warning about convincing new phone scams using deepfake-style audio and video. Scammers may impersonate loved ones in distress to request money. Even if the voice, video, or caller ID seems familiar, take a moment to pause — it may be a scam. Tips from the AG’s office include never sharing personal or financial info with an incoming caller and always calling back using a known number.
Arrest Made in Southwest Robbery: MPD arrested a 35-year-old man for snatching an iPhone at First and P Streets SW. Details here.
Update on MPD Response to Large Gatherings: I heard from neighbors in Southwest and Navy Yard after last weekend's flash mob gathering of dozens of young people, something that's also taken place at National Harbor, the Pentagon City Mall, and other commercial areas in the region. We've seen this happen for at least two weekends now in the Ward, and in the most recent instance, MPD was prepared with a high number of officers responding and largely dispersing the large groups away. I know this will remain a focus of MPD's as we get into summer.
ABCA and MPD Announce 50th Illegal Pot Shop Shutdown: It took us a long time to get here, but DC is finally seriously taking action against illegal pot shops (DC News Now covered the 50th padlocked shop), many of whom have illegal firearms on the premises and sell an unregulated product that is sometimes laced with other serious drugs like fentanyl. Enforcement only began last year after I led the Council to pass an emergency law granting the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration enforcement powers similar to what they have always had with illegally operating bars.

Fatal Crash at 6th & M SW

Last week, a Southwest neighbor tragically died while crossing M Street when a driver hit her in the crosswalk. Infuriatingly, we know the vehicle had thousands of dollars in unpaid speeding violations – and it shouldn't have been on the road. More in my recent video.

This loss was preventable, and there are family and neighbors who are now mourning. I'm pushing DDOT to act urgently on safety fixes I've encouraged along this corridor for years. I'll also continue to fight for accountability for dangerous drivers through my STEER Act, because a driver or car that has accumulated numerous tickets clearly shouldn't be on our streets. I'm grateful that AG Schwalb continues to bring new suits against drivers under the STEER Act who think they can ignore our laws - click on the link for the latest.

LIHEAP Matters to Everyone – and It's in Trouble

If you don't know about LIHEAP, you should. The program is a lifeline to help people make a one-time payment on overdue utility bills when they're at risk of having their electricity, gas, or water shut off. Annually, more than 18,000 DC residents rely on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help pay their utility bills, and it's a tool my office turns to frequently. The funds truly have helped prevent tragedies many times.

So I was very alarmed when earlier this month the Trump Administration fired the entire staff responsible for distributing LIHEAP funds to states and DC (New York Times). On Wednesday, I stood with leaders from our region to call on the Administration to restore the program's staff and budget. Even if you don't need this program, the cut will affect you: If someone can't pay their utility bill, the utility provider will spread that unpaid bill across all ratepayers.

I'm proud to stand up for this and sign a letter sent to Secretary Kennedy that calls for the restoration of this critical program. If you're making calls to Congress or federal offices, please add this to the list!

Last Call to Sign onto the Rumsey Letter for a Second Floor!

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, I'm circulating a sign-on petition to tell DPR to design a modernized Rumsey Aquatic Center with a second floor to expand the site's uses. While neighbors have said they want a second story – and I funded $15 million more specifically to add one – DGS and DPR did not include a second floor in their first design concepts presented to the community last month. They've gone back to the drawing board now, and this petition will help send a message to honor the original plan. The more neighbors we have sharing your voices, the better. Please sign the letter and share it with your friends who love Rumsey and want to see a redesign that meets the community's needs.

RFK Stadium Details: Nearly $1 Billion in Taxpayer Subsidies, Including Hundreds of Millions for Parking

Last week, details of the forthcoming deal the Mayor is negotiating with the Commanders were reported on by Mark Segraves at NBC 4. While the official announcement hasn't been made yet, the broad strokes cite at least an $815 million subsidy from DC taxpayers for a $2.5+ billion stadium - with a lot of the details still to be revealed. The total taxpayer bill would really look more than $1.2 billion once a new Metro station is accounted for, adding in the interest payments on the debt DC would borrow, and the value of the land itself.

I've been very consistent in my position on the redevelopment of RFK for the last decade: I don't think a stadium is right for that site. We need to prioritize housing, green spaces, and other amenities - what a whole new community would actually need to flourish. I support development just like we've done before in other places in the District and which has been such an economic boon - more in the style of a Union Market, another Wharf, another neighborhood that creates tens of thousands of homes to support restaurants, small businesses, the arts, live performances, and more - importantly, 365 days a year. Redevelopment should include a thoughtful consideration of the impact on the Anacostia and Kingman Island, with a waterfront open to everyone and more playing fields for youth and adult sports. This land represents a golden opportunity, and the right planning for the site would be an investment, because those neighborhoods would grow our economy instead of taking from it.

While we don't know all the details, we do know the Commanders want at least 8,000 parking spots, if not more, and that's a non-starter for me. To help visualize what that means, the two parking garages at Nats Ballpark provide 1,250 parking spots…combined. To create 8,000 parking spots, imagine 13 similarly sized parking garages filling the area around the ballpark. That's not what I want to see for this site, and it’s not how I want to spend your tax dollars, especially considering the deal doesn’t cover expanding metro.

So, if what's been reported is what we'll see as part of the FY26 proposed budget, the right deal isn't what's coming to us. Councilmembers are still developing their positions on the deal as it's been reported. Most are supportive in concept of a stadium on the site but can't stomach such a payout for the Commanders at our expense (and when the city's budget for so many other priorities are about to be cut) and want to see no or minimal city funding. My priorities as this deal moves forward through the budget process - as it looks like it may - are to fight to minimize public tax dollars and maximize new homes, public space, and transit that makes sense for the site and neighbors. I just can't support building a sea of parking garages to invite 65,000 people to drive in for eight games a year, and I know many of you agree.

For our newer residents who don't know my position over the past decade, I'm not against investing in sports conceptually at all. Nats Park has been an economic catalyst for the Ward, as it's used for much of the year and for a diversity of events. And I was sounding the alarm about locking down a new deal for Capital One Arena months before Ted Leonsis tried to leave for Virginia. These venues host far more events, sustaining jobs and economic activity in and around the sites. But the reality is that an NFL stadium will only host eight home games per year and maybe a playoff or two. Between seasons, a stadium that large holds just a handful of events. So, absolute best case, you're probably looking at 20 to 30 events a year. That leaves 335 or so days with an empty stadium surrounded by parking garages.

Best case scenario, how many times does DC host the Super Bowl over the next 20 years? Maybe two or three times? Would it be fun? Of course! But it won't generate enough in revenues to offset the enormous public expense or missed opportunity.

And of course, every decision has trade-offs, especially right now. I have to consider questions like: Which schools won't be modernized because of RFK? What could we do with the missing revenues from a team that might not be headquartered in DC? What do I tell all our fired federal workers about making ends meet when we're spending so much on an empty stadium a few blocks to the east? How do I justify spending $1 billion while decrying congressionally-imposed cuts in the same amount that are going to be devastating to our city - as we enter into a local recession?

So in the coming weeks, I'm going to fight to be a good steward of your tax dollars and scrutinize the deal that's presented to us. And if the majority of the Council determines that something ultimately moves forward, it needs to represent the best deal for DC residents.

Related: City Cast DC had a great conversation with an economist on the financial math around stadiums.

The Rent is the Rent. End Surprise Utility Fees.

This week, Washington City Paper reported that a residential property company at a large apartment building in Navy Yard has been overcharging its residents for common area utilities. This happened just outside Ward 6, but it's also a growing issue in the Ward.

According to the article, the only reason the practice became public was because a tenant was inadvertently added to an internal property email chain. This kind of predatory behavior is why I introduced legislation to prevent hidden and unexpected common area utility fees for tenants. When a tenant signs a lease, they expect the rent to be the rent, and the rent should cover all of the costs of operating the building. Mandatory fees are deceptive and can put people in a tough financial situation not knowing what the next month will look like. My office is seeing fees tacked on for common area utilities in the hundreds of dollars each month on top of the rent for one-bedroom apartments!

The next step for my legislation - the Fair Housing Practices Amendment Act - is to have a hearing scheduled by the Committee on Housing. I'll share an update once we have a date, and I'll ask for folks who've experienced these deceptive fees to join us.

Safe Routes for Walker-Jones Students Coming

DDOT has shared that its Safe Routes to School team has studied the area around the Walker-Jones Education Campus (pictured) and will implement infrastructure improvements in the coming weeks. We should expect to see new 15 MPH school speed limit signs, refreshed pavement markings, a new 15-minute drop-off/pick-up zone, and several short-term infrastructure improvements throughout the immediate area.

There are two other Ward 6 schools in the pipeline, though I'm not sure on the timing: Shirley Chisholm Elementary and School-Within-School at Goding.

Learn more about Safe Routes to School.

Quick WMATA Updates & Bus Route and Stop Changes

Earlier this month, WMATA's Board of Directors approved its nearly $5 billion FY26 budget. The District makes a substantial investment in WMATA's operations and capital budget annually, alongside Maryland and Virginia.
WMATA offers a low-income fare program, but the number of people enrolled remains under 5% of all eligible residents, according to reporting in the 51st. In my view, this is the challenge with programs based on income and without automatic enrollment – you lose a lot of folks in the paperwork.
The system has experienced 48 months of ridership growth, accompanied by continued increases in service.
Metro identified $20 million in savings through improvements in bus scheduling, rail service, fleet management, and administrative operations. This kind of cost-cutting was a key part of the agreement for DC, MD, and VA to increase their investment in WMATA last year.
Longer weekend hours are coming! The system will open one hour earlier at 6 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and close an hour later at 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays starting June 22.
The Better Bus Network lands on DC's streets Sunday, June 29. Every route will change – streamlining routes, adding more frequent service on some, and new names. We know we can expect some growing pains as we all get used to it. Since at least November, WMATA has published its list of proposed bus stop consolidations. They've said these changes are intended to make routes more efficient while maintaining people's walking times. The fewer bus stops on a route, the better the bus moves on schedule, but too few bus stops and riders can't use it. It's a delicate balance WMATA has to strike.
If you want to dive into more details, see a full update from WMATA here.

We Should See a Refreshed Garfield Park Soon!

After funding this project in FY19, I'm happy to say we're close to the finish line for Garfield Park! Some pieces are still wrapping up construction (meaning, I know we're excited, but please don't go through the playground fencing). As soon as DPR has finalized the opening date, I'll make sure to share that with you here and on social media so we can all celebrate together.

Garfield Park Connector Construction Beginning

Just as a refreshed Garfield Park is opening, another long-stalled project is beginning: transforming the area under 395 connecting Garfield Park and the Capitol Riverfront/Navy Yard! DDOT's in the procurement phase for the construction of the Garfield Park Canal Connector project now. And yes, that unfortunately will mean some parts of the park along the southern end will close to facilitate the project.

When completed, the Connector will create a great space under the bridge that includes an ADA-compliant pedestrian pathway and drainage/grading enhancements. Once that work is complete, we'll begin to outfit it with recreational amenities.

Remembering Zelda Fichandler

Last week, we officially named part of 6th Street SW Zelda Fichandler Way! Zelda co-founded Arena Stage in 1950 – DC’s first racially integrated theater – and served as its artistic director for 40 years. She championed new voices, helped shape American theater, and pioneered the now ubiquitous regional theater that expanded the art form beyond Broadway. Read more in this 2016 obit from NPR.

Want to Table at Open Streets?

For the first time, Open Streets is coming to Capitol Hill on Saturday, June 28! From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., everyone can safely walk, run, bike, roll, and play on North Carolina and Massachusetts Avenues, SE near Lincoln Park. This is Ward 6's first Open Streets event, but if you've been to others, you know it attracts thousands of people and is a great opportunity for local businesses and organizations to connect with residents.

Businesses located directly on and adjacent to the route are prioritized, but businesses in Ward 6 focused on health and transportation are also welcome. My team has met with the DDOT Open Streets staff to be sure Eastern Market (the OG open streets event!) will be incorporated and that outreach is extended down to the businesses near Eastern Market, Barracks Row, and Penn Ave. But please consider this your invitation to get involved! Apply by Friday, May 30. Want more help? DDOT will hold a business information session on Tuesday, May 6, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Northeast Library (330 7th St. NE).

Time's Running Out to Get Your Real ID

Now's the time to check that ID in your wallet: Does it have a star in the top right-hand corner? If not, make your way to the Department of Motor Vehicles, as the federal Real ID deadline is Wednesday, May 7.

Some background:

This is a result of the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibit federal agencies from accepting noncompliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Want to Be on a DCPS Parent Advisory Board?

DC Public Schools is seeking parents and caregivers from Ward 6 to join others from around the city in to provide direct feedback, preview initiatives, and share input with Chancellor Ferebee and his team. Apply by Monday, May 5. This is a good opportunity to help shape DCPS if you'd like to see changes made beyond just one classroom or school.

Help Shape the Next Comprehensive Plan

The DC Office of Planning is working alongside DC residents, community-based organizations, businesses, and elected officials to develop DC 2050, the District's next Comprehensive Plan.

DC 2050 will outline where and how the District will build new housing, expand job opportunities, connect neighborhoods, preserve its rich history, and invest in amenities. As our city evolves, DC 2050 aims to align land use policies and investments to make the District more equitable, affordable, and resilient.

Ready to share your input? Take the survey.

Office Hours

Join us on H Street NE next month for our next office hours! This is a chance to speak directly with me and members of my staff about anything that might be on your mind. We'll be at Hiraya (1248 H St. NE) from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Friday, May 16. Save the date and RSVP – hope to see you there!

Upcoming Events

Independent Bookstore Day – Saturday, April 26
At a time when we see the government removing literature (not our libraries, mind you) that challenges the status quo, vote with your dollars by supporting an independent bookstore!
Hill Family Biking's Second Birthday – Sunday, April 27, 4 to 6:30 p.m., starting at 12th and K Streets NE
This was originally scheduled for today, but it moved to tomorrow based on the forecast. Join Hill Family Biking for their second birthday with a ride to celebrate the new protected bike lanes on Florida Avenue NE and honor Dave Salovesh, a fierce DC bike advocate and my friend, who was killed when a speeding driver struck him on Florida Avenue NE. Dave's tragic death was a galvanizing moment for creating the bike lanes along Florida Avenue, only recently finished. The ride starts at 12th and K Streets NE and ends at Lincoln Park with free pizza, cupcakes, face painting, Nolan the Magician, and more.
Forum on the RFK Stadium Site – Tuesday, April 29, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
If my lengthy RFK update wasn't enough (or piqued your interest), I'll be speaking at this event alongside residents and experts about the debate before us on the future of the RFK campus. Reserve a free spot to attend.
OHR Listening Lab – Wednesday, April 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW) + Online
The Office of Human Rights, which works to prevent discrimination and acts as a mediator in disputes, wants to hear your feedback on its strategic action plan. The plan will outline new OHR initiatives to reach residents better and make their services easier to use. Show up in person or register to attend on Zoom.
May the Fourth Be With You – Star Wars Weekend Returns! Friday, May 2, through Sunday, May 4, on Barracks Row (8th Street SE)
The Force will be strong on 8th Street SE as Barracks Row Main Street hosts its popular and ever-growing Star Wars weekend. From a live lightsaber battle to a characters meet and greet event, this is a charming and great way to enjoy Eastern Market Metro Park and the nearby businesses.
Truck Touch Extravaganza – Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at RFK Stadium, Lot 8 (2400 East Capitol Street SE)
DC’s Citywide Annual Truck Touch event is back with fun, learning, and bringing the community together to explore the vehicles that keep our city moving. Whether it's climbing aboard a fire truck, marveling at a snowplow, or getting hands-on with some of the city's most critical equipment, there's something for every member of the family to enjoy. Register.
DC Veg Restaurant Week – May 3-10 at participating restaurants
DC's plant-forward celebration returns! As of this writing, more restaurants are being added to the list. Keep up to date and make your plans for a good, veg-filled meal on the DC Veg website.
The Long Bridge Project Public Meeting – Wednesday, May 7, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW) and online
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority hosts this meeting to keep residents, businesses, and commuters in the Southwest DC Waterfront and Wharf area informed about the Long Bridge Project, a future two-track railroad bridge next to the existing Long Bridge, creating a four-track corridor. Attend in person, or register to attend virtually.

Give a Friendly Wave to Lane Thomas

If you happened to be a fan of Lane Thomas, a scrappy fan favorite outfielder during his time on the Nats, I'm happy to report we're giving away two tickets for when he and the Cleveland Guardians return to Nats Park. Of course, totally fine to welcome Lane back by keeping the bats hot. Reply to this email for a chance to win tickets on Tuesday, May 6, at 6:45 p.m.

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen

Councilmember Charles Allen · 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 110, Washington, DC 20004, United States
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