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Neighbors,

Happy Fourth of July! I hope you’re enjoying a safe and joyful holiday with family, friends, and community. As we celebrate the founding ideals of our nation, freedom, equality, and democracy, I’m reminded of the importance of continuing to strive for those values here at home, in every corner of the District.

This past week, the Council held an important Legislative Meeting on Tuesday, where we considered several measures that impact the daily lives of District residents. I remain committed to advancing policies that strengthen our neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and ensure every resident has a fair shot

Enjoy the rest of this holiday weekend, and thank you for all you do to make our city a better place.

In service,
Kenyan
Announcements

Welcoming New Members to Team McDuffie

I’m excited to introduce several talented individuals who have recently joined our office to help better serve residents in all eight Wards. Their diverse experiences and fresh perspectives will strengthen our team’s ability to address your concerns and advocate for our shared priorities.

Reniya Dinkins – Legislative Director
Reniya will lead policy initiatives outside of our core committee assignments, helping to advance key legislative goals across a range of issue areas.

Chase Briscoe – Constituent Services Coordinator
Chase will work alongside our Director of Constituent Services to support community-facing matters and assist residents with requests and concerns.

Christian Herald – Legislative Intern
A recent graduate of the University of Richmond, Christian is supporting the legislative team as she continues building her public policy experience.

Lilyana Laryea – Undergraduate Intern
Lilyana is a rising sophomore at Emory University. She will support our legislative staff by drafting policy briefs, preparing outreach materials, and assisting with community events.

Cecilia Garcia Flores – Intern
Cecilia is an OSSE Summer Youth Employment Program intern and current student at Roosevelt High School. She will assist our Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Constituent Services with community outreach, event coordination, and social media engagement.

Please join me in welcoming these dedicated team members to the office! We’re thrilled to have them on board.


** Legislative Update
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Peace DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2025

During Tuesday’s Legislative Meeting, I was proud to have an amendment co-introduced with Councilmember Matt Frumin adopted as part of the Peace DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2025 (Bill 26-187). This public safety legislation builds on the District’s recent reforms while ensuring our laws remain rooted in both accountability and fairness.

Our amendment makes important refinements to the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024 by extending, rather than making permanent, the rebuttable presumption for pretrial detention of adults and juveniles charged with certain violent offenses. The sunset is now set to expire on December 31, 2026, allowing additional time to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness before any long-term decisions are made.

Importantly, the amendment also adopts a more tailored approach to pretrial detention by narrowing the presumption criteria for adults, excluding robbery where no physical injury occurs and second-degree burglary. These adjustments reflect a commitment to proportionality and ensure detention decisions remain focused on cases that pose the most serious threats.

Finally, we extended the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s (CJCC) reporting deadline to September 30, 2026, giving policymakers access to more robust data on how these provisions impact both safety and justice system outcomes.

As we continue addressing public safety with urgency and resolve, we must also ensure our policies are evidence-based, constitutionally sound, and just. This amendment strikes that balance, and I look forward to continuing the work of keeping our communities both safe and free.
Team McDuffie in the Community
Team McDuffie Celebrates July 4th in the Palisades Parade

This morning, I had the pleasure of joining Team McDuffie, friends, and community supporters at the annual Palisades Parade, one of the District’s most cherished Independence Day traditions.

We marched alongside neighbors from across the city to celebrate the Fourth of July and the values that unite us, freedom, community, and civic pride. From festive groups to local performers, the energy along the parade route was electric, and it was a joy to see so many familiar faces waving flags, cheering, and coming together in celebration.

Thank you to the community organizers and all the volunteers who made this year’s parade a success.

Councilmember McDuffie Joins Launch of “51 Steps to Freedom” Trail

On Monday, July 1, I was honored to attend the launch of the “51 Steps to Freedom” Trail, the first of its kind in the District, uniting our city from Anacostia to Georgetown through a powerful journey of history, art, and culture.

This groundbreaking trail connects key Civil Rights landmarks from the African American Heritage Trail, along with other significant historical, religious, and cultural sites, to tell the story of America’s ongoing pursuit of freedom, equality, and representation.

At a time when our country and our city must come together, this immersive experience will help bridge communities and deepen our understanding of one another. Whether you're a lifelong Washingtonian or a first time visitor, the trail offers an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and where we must go.

I’m proud to support this inspiring initiative that uplifts our shared history and honors the legacy of those who marched, organized, and sacrificed so we all could take steps toward justice.
Breakfast & Bold Ideas at La Cosecha

This week, I hosted a vibrant breakfast discussion in the heart of Union Market with Station DC, a tech incubator that is fueling innovation and entrepreneurship right here in the District.

Held at La Cosecha, the event brought together a dynamic mix of tech policy experts, venture capitalists, and startup founders, all driven by a shared commitment to growing and strengthening D.C.’s tech ecosystem.

The energy in the room was electric, with bold ideas and collaborative conversations that reaffirmed the District’s potential as a leading hub for inclusive innovation. I’m proud to support efforts that help position D.C. as a launchpad for emerging technologies, equitable growth, and the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Attending the 2025 RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception

On Tuesday, July 1, I had the pleasure of attending the second annual RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception, a special gathering to celebrate recipients of some of the restaurant industry’s most prestigious awards.

Hosted by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), this annual event brings together industry leaders and advocates from across the region to recognize excellence, leadership, and service in hospitality. Each honoree represents the very best of our local culinary scene and reflects the strength and spirit of our small business community.

Pictured at the reception are:
* Che’ Ruddell-Tabisola, Managing Director and Vice President of Government Affairs at RAMW
* Sonya Jamil Ali
* Kamal Ben Ali, Founder of the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation
* Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Director of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)
* Sybongile Cook, Director of Destination Development with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)

Notably, Virginia Ali and the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation received the 2025 John G. Laytham Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award, honoring their lasting legacy in D.C.’s restaurant and civic community.

It was a privilege to join this celebration of our city’s vibrant restaurant industry and the leaders who continue to make it thrive.

For more details about this year’s honorees, visit: www.therammys.org ([link removed])
🏆 DC Vault Soars to New Heights at RFK
Last weekend, Team McDuffie attended DC Vault brought the spirit of competition and community to life by hosting the Pole Vault Championship at its dynamic facilities on the RFK Campus. From elementary aged to elite world record holders, athletes from across the country showcased their skills. The event also featured a hands-on clinic, giving youth a chance to learn the fundamentals of pole vaulting in a fun and encouraging setting.
Pictured: Highlights from the Elementary Girls competition and the three elite women medalists, including 3x Olympian Anicka Newell.

🏀 Beyond the Baseline Launches in Ward 7!
Last weekend, the Washington Wizards and Monumental Sports helped usher in a new era of opportunity for our youth by hosting a ribbon cutting for the new *Beyond the Baseline* basketball courts at Marvin Gaye Recreation Center. Following the ceremony, local youth took part in a dynamic skills clinic and met Wizards players—including newly drafted Jamir Watkins, Will Riley, and Tre Johnson III.

Pictured: Watkins, Riley, and Johnson alongside Dante and Ethan, two talented youth participants from Ward 4.

Upcoming Events in the Community
Stay Cool With DPR
Late Night Hype - Hosted by DPR & MPD

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