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Friend –
DC shines this time of year – the crisp air, the turning leaves,
and the energy of neighbors coming together at a million community
events. I hope you’ve been able to soak it in, whether by joining my
family and thousands of others at the DC Bike Ride last weekend or simply enjoying a
walk through your own neighborhood.
In moments like these, it’s worth remembering why we fight so hard
for our city. Finding joy in a bike ride with friends or marching down 16th Street with tens of thousands of
neighbors – both will help you recharge and stay grounded. Thank
you to everyone raising your voice to defend DC’s autonomy. Not
everyone can march, travel to the Hill, or even safely show up in
public spaces, so if you can and you do, your advocacy matters. Every
American needs to understand what’s happening on DC’s streets. And if
this federal overreach isn’t stopped, as we warned from the beginning,
DC won’t be the last city forced to endure it.
Below you’ll find updates on the latest in the many ways the
federal government has been interfering in local affairs, as well as
other big and small news for Ward 6 and upcoming opportunities to keep
building community.
QUICK LINKS: Standing Up for DC | House Bills Attacking DC | Public Safety Update | Ahead
of the Final Stadium Vote | Kingsman Field
& Dog Park | Tennis Court Fix | New Bridge Housing | AG Sues to
End National Guard Presence in DC | Keeping Vape
Sales Away from Schools | Walk-In Center Opens
for DOB, DLCP, DDOT | Art All Night | H Street Festival | Office
Hours | Lots of Events
Miss the last newsletter about
updates for schools, recreation, and public transportation? Read it here.
Did someone forward you this
newsletter? Sign up today.
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District Leaders, Residents Standing
Up
As DC residents, we're living through a period of intense federal
intervention. When I first started on the Council, an entire Hands Off
DC movement erupted when Congress tried to overturn some local laws
keeping trash out of the city's plumbing. And while DC's history since
Home Rule is littered with unjust and uninformed interventions by the
federal government into our local affairs, the intensity has escalated
significantly in the last eight months. For as long as DC residents
remain second-class citizens in our country, your elected local
leaders have fewer ways to fight back than if we were a state with
full representation. But it's still critical that we do.
That's why my Council colleagues and I have spoken up, met with members of Congress such as Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and shared the realities of how this federal takeover
is hurting our communities. And last weekend saw an incredibly
inspiring march that filled 16th Street NW as residents expressed
their frustration from Columbia Heights to the White House – keep it
up!
 This week marked the end of the
so-called "emergency" declared by Donald Trump, which gave him the
authority to direct our local MPD police force to support his
priorities and politics. However, even though the "emergency" expired,
it may not feel all that different for residents, as it doesn't impact
the deployment of the National Guard or how the federal government
uses its own federal law enforcement agents. I shared more about this
with Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public
Policy on Wednesday and on the Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi on Friday. You
can expect to see me continuing to highlight the challenges that this
occupation has had on our families, students, local businesses, and
local economy. And I hope you'll continue to speak out, join marches,
and be part of a large community pushing back and standing up for
DC.
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US House Bills Attack DC, Would
Eliminate Elected Attorney General
On Wednesday, the House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, one of the most powerful committees in Congress, dedicated an
entire day to debating 14 bills that would weaken or outright repeal
DC laws - and make us immediately less safe. The
51st has a comprehensive recap. Most alarming was one bill that
would get rid of our locally elected, independent Attorney General and
replace them with someone handpicked by Donald Trump. I
spoke about why this is dangerous in a video earlier this week.
Rather than have an Attorney General you elect and hold accountable,
he would be able to install a hand-picked proxy and skip any Senate
confirmation. That means his attorney would decide who to take to
court and who to fight for – or against. Right now, our AG isn't
afraid to go to court to protect DC residents against harmful federal
actions and politically-connected insiders. If this law takes effect,
that all stops. Combine that with the House effort to have the
President hand-pick all our judges, as well, and the only places left
for DC residents in the courtroom would be in the jury box or the
defendant's chair.
Other bills, should they ever become law, will increase recidivism
by eliminating proven opportunities for second chances that make us
safer. They will tie the hands of our Chief of Police in holding her
officers accountable for serious misconduct, and allow officers to
violate residents’ individual liberties and undermine criminal cases
through wide-ranging searches and seizures. They will continue the
failed policies of the past by reinstating the extreme sentencing
practices – particularly for children and young people – that the U.S.
Supreme Court itself has found unconstitutional. And, as I mentioned,
the bills will allow the President to directly install his picks for
local judges by repealing our independent nominating commission,
further attempting to cement the President’s anti-democratic control
over the District’s branches of government.
I want to thank Ranking Member Robert Garcia, DC's Delegate Holmes
Norton, and the members of the committee who spoke out against and
voted against the bills. They defended our right to local
self-governance. If you can get involved, contact members of the US
Senate with a clear message: Hands Off DC.
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Public Safety Update
DC's Presidentially-Appointed Prosecutor Declines to Charge
Gun Crimes: For as much discussion as there's been about DC's
criminal laws, The
51st is reporting our federal US Attorney (who handles adult
criminal prosecutions) has now made it agency policy not to prosecute
arrests made under DC's law against using a high-capacity gun
magazine. A high-capacity magazine is a modification to a gun that
allows it to hold and fire more bullets. In 2019, I led the Council to
increase the criminal penalty for using a high-capacity magazine,
because there's only one reason it would be used: to more easily kill
more people. This is the second time in recent weeks the US
Attorney's Office has announced it's backing off prosecuting
serious gun crime. It's very troubling and moves us backward in
driving down violent crime.
AP Reports 40 Percent of Surge Arrests
Immigration-Related: As we continue to try to understand
what's happening on our streets, the Associated Press has analyzed some internal data
on federal arrests, and it's worth a read. Keep in mind that these
arrest numbers include the work MPD would be doing with or without the
presence of federal agents.
Ward 6 Public Safety Updates:
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Arrest Made in February Union Station Shooting:
MPD arrested a suspect involved in a fatal shooting that happened at
Union Station in February. On Sept. 3, pursuant to a DC Superior
Court arrest warrant, a 23-year-old DC resident was arrested and
charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed (Gun).
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Arrest Made in Shooting on Unit Block of M Street
NE: MPD arrested a suspect involved in a shooting that happened on
the first block of M Street NE in November 2024. On Aug. 29, pursuant
to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, they arrested a 45-year-old DC
resident and charged him with Assault with Intent to Kill
(Gun).
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MPD made a quick arrest after a robbery occurred
on the 600 block of H Street NE on Sept. 1. MPD had a description of
the suspect who physically assaulted the victim, stole property, and
fled the scene. They canvassed the area, found the suspect, and placed
him under arrest. The 41-year-old DC resident was charged with Robbery
(Force and Violence).
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My Priorities Going Into the Final
Vote on the RFK Stadium Campus
As if there wasn't enough going on right now, the Council will hold
its second and final vote on the future of the 180 acres at the RFK
stadium campus during its Legislative Meeting this coming Wednesday. A lot
of work went into what we approved in the first vote, which
reflected a much better deal than where we started.
I was proud to leverage my vote as part of an effort to:
- Secure the reduction of 2,000 parking spots and generate hundreds
of millions to expand Metro service to the campus;
- Require the stadium to be built at the highest sustainability
standards that will lead the nation;
- Locking in Anacostia River storm water and development
protections;
- Accelerating the delivery of affordable housing;
- Ensuring Ward 6 small businesses are on the list of prioritized
contractors;
- Protecting The Fields to keep them open;
- Changing the traffic plans and parking protections for Ward 6 and
Hill East neighbors;
- Securing labor agreements on the stadium, hotels, and construction
to ensure good jobs; and
- Adding nearly $800M in new revenue to the city to help pay for all
things we need.
Ahead of the second vote, I'm working with colleagues to lock in
additional environmental and transportation protections, as well as
ensure the Commanders prioritize the construction of housing, and
especially affordable housing, with the same energy they’ll have for
the stadium. As we've seen with other major economic development
projects across the country, like Amazon HQ2 and the Barclays Center,
it's easy to imagine a scenario where housing development falls by the
wayside. Housing is the best part of this deal and needs to be
prioritized accordingly. I'll also look to refine the language,
ensuring the stadium itself sets the national standard for energy
efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability. Additionally, I'll
include in the deal the commitments made by the team regarding the
number and location of large parking lots and the potential for
expanding Metro service. The deal is vastly improved from where it
began, but more work remains on this substantial investment before I
can offer my final vote of support.
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Work Begins at Kingsman Field &
Dog Park
Upgrades are (finally!!) coming to Kingsman Field and Dog Park! I
worked to add funding to the city budget for improvements at this park
off of D Street NE between 13th Street and Tennessee Avenue three
years ago. It's time to have a complete renovation of the existing dog
park, upgrades to the basketball court, improvements to fencing, and
new wayfinding signage. The work is expected to continue through early
December.
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Sherwood Rec Gets a Fresh Tennis
Court
If you've seen construction at Sherwood Recreation Center and think
to yourself, it already had a bunch of work done, you're not wrong. DGS completed updates
in time for summer, but unfortunately, the tennis court was installed
incorrectly. The net was installed at the wrong height, and shortly
after completion, we saw cracks on the surface and incorrect draining
after rainfall. I pushed DGS to fix it, and the contractor is back to
make the repairs. The plan is for the work to be completed by
November, weather permitting.
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Much-Needed Housing Arrives on E
Street
This week, I toured DC’s second non-congregate bridge housing
program that will open in Ward 6 this fall on E Street, NW. Situated
near Union Station, the facility will provide much-needed homes and
services for individuals transitioning to permanent housing, offering
semi-private rooms and individualized case management. These spaces
are dignified, well-located, and safe, designed to serve families
without minor children, women in need of specialty accommodations, and
people who are matched to a permanent housing resource through the
District’s Continuum of Care who are working through their housing
lease-up process.
Miriam's Kitchen will provide housing-focused case management and
other supportive services to E Street clients. Prioritization to
reside at E Street will be determined through a Coordinated Assessment
and Housing Placement system. The building will be able to house up to
190 people, with additional overflow capacity as needed during
hypothermia season.
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DC Attorney General Sues to End
National Guard Deployment in DC
I supported DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb in filing a lawsuit on Sept. 4 to stop the federal
government's illegal deployment of National Guard troops in DC. It's
clear DC has been used as a test case to do similarly in other cities,
and we've seen more than 2,000 National Guard members throughout our
neighborhoods. They stand with long guns around Metro entrances and
down on the train platforms (they've been deputized to act as local
law enforcement), chat with each other while they patrol already
peaceful parks, pick up trash, and lay down mulch. The
Washington Post has some great reporting showing how
conflicted National Guard members feel about their deployment. When
you see how bored they look (or eager to find something to do), it
only further drives home the point that this emergency and these
deployments were never about an emergency, but an exercise and test of
power. Attorney General Schwalb's lawsuit points to the fact that
this involuntary military occupation far exceeds the President’s
authority over the National Guard.
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Attorney General Puts Law into Action
to Keep Vape Sales Away from Schools
 On Tuesday, DC Attorney General
Brian Schwalb announced that 7-Eleven will pay $1.2 million to
resolve allegations that the company violated DC’s ban on the sale of
vapes and e-cigarettes within a quarter mile of middle and high
schools.
This ban went into effect in 2022 and was the result of a package
of bills I moved through the Committee on the Judiciary and
Public Safety as Chair. We know it's essential to keep the sale of
electronic smoking devices out of reach of children, and I'm glad the
AG used our law to hold a business accountable.
Along with payment, 7-Eleven has removed the devices from the
shelves at stores within prohibited school zones and must permanently
stop all sales and marketing of these devices at its stores near DC
schools, provide training to staff, and monitor franchise stores to
ensure compliance with DC law.
If you see a business selling e-cigarettes where they shouldn't be,
you can file a complaint with DC Health.
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Walk-In Center for DDOT Permits, DOB
& DLCP to Re-Open Monday
 Good news for anyone who's ever
felt the frustration of trying to get the right person on the phone to
sort out a permit or license. After renovations, a new walk-in
center will open again Monday, Sept. 15, on the second floor of
1100 4th Street SW to provide the following services for multiple
agencies for residents and businesses in-person:
One of my ongoing goals as Councilmember is to find ways to improve
the customer service and experience of getting through the paperwork
to get something done. Having a return to in-person services is a good
step in that direction.
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Celebrate DC through Art All
Night
While Art All Night kicked off Friday, there’s still
plenty to experience tonight! First, though, I have to recommend you
download the new app for Art All Night. It's a good way to
easily explore an interactive map and filter events by type (art
exhibit, dance, film, etc.) and day.
If you missed the fun last night at Eastern Market and Barracks
Row, you can still head to activations at Union Station, up and down H
Street, and at the Southwest Library.
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See you at the H Street Festival!
It's time! The H Street Festival is back next week, Saturday,
September 20th! Annually, this is the biggest day on H Street and one
of the biggest street festivals in the city, and this year, we're
marking its 20th anniversary! Over 12 blocks, you'll see multiple
staging areas and more than 200 businesses, restaurants, community
organizations, and vendors. My team and I will be there (look for the
bright blue tent and shirts as pictured above). Find us there from
about noon to 4 p.m.
Don't forget that a great way to get to this one is with Capital Bikeshare, which has stations all along H:
At 3rd, 6th, 8th, 10, and 13th Streets NE.
Plenty to Celebrate on H Street NE
While we're on the topic of H Street, I want to provide a few
reminders of some good recent news for the corridor:
- We shut down many of the illegally operating shops selling
cannabis products.
- We've seen a host of new restaurants open along the corridor,
including Henceforth, Sushi Sato, Double Up Burger, Feru Ethiopian, Hush Harbor, and, of course, Aldi!
- Atlas Theater was named the best performing arts venue in City Paper.
- The Mayor cut funding for the DC Streetcar, causing it to end
service in 2027 or sooner. But we know we need top-tier transportation
here, especially if a football stadium is just to the east. So, I've
secured funding in the FY26 budget to begin studying and planning what
a bus rapid transit design could mean for H Street. In the meantime,
some simple bus improvements along H Street will take effect,
including improved curbside design to make it easier for the bus to
load and unload and get back into traffic.
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Hope to See You at Office Hours!
I hope to see you next week for office hours in Southwest! My team and I will
start next Friday morning at Good Company Doughnuts, where you can
stop in to share what's on your mind or just stay hi.
Nearby Public Transportation
- Metrorail Station: Waterfront (Green Line)
- Metrobus Routes: C55, C11, D50
- Capital Bikeshare Station: 4th and M Streets SW
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Upcoming Events
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WalkingTown: Today, Sept. 13, through Saturday,
Sept. 20, across the District
Events DC is hosting 70
guided walking and biking tours across all eight wards. Explore
architecture, history, and visual art, some time outside, and DC's
wonderful neighborhoods.
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Tunes in the Triangle: Wednesday, Sept. 17, and
Sept. 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Milian Park (499 Massachusetts Ave.
NW)
The Mount Vernon Triangle CID wraps its concert series
over the next two weeks, with Taisha Estrada on Sept. 17 and Miraje on
Sept. 24.
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DDOT Small Business Resource Fair: Thursday, Sept.
18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Department of Public Works Headquarters
(899 North Capitol Street NE)
The District Department of
Transportation (DDOT) is hosting a free, half-day Business Resource
Fair! This one-stop event is designed to connect small businesses,
established companies, and aspiring entrepreneurs with valuable
resources and opportunities. The fair will be in the Bloomingdale
Rooms (1007 and 1008).
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September Latin Musical Performances in the Park:
Thursday, Sept. 19, and Sept. 26, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Eastern Market
Metro Park (701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
Live music is back
outside the Eastern Market Metro this month, with the Spanglish Latin
American Band on Sept. 19 and the Herb Scott Band on Sept. 26.
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Health Fun Fair: Saturday, Sept. 20, noon to 6 p.m. at 1140
North Capitol Street NW
Community leader Denise Blackson
hosts this event with resources, as well as free clothes, a food
truck, live music, a DJ, and a game truck.
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Sun Day: Sunday, Sept. 21, noon to 4 p.m., at
solar homes throughout DC
This community event aims to
empower homeowners and renters to make their own power through the
sun. Whether you're solar-curious or ready to take the next step, this
is your chance to connect with fellow residents and trusted experts
and learn about all the economic, health, and social benefits of going
solar.
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Small Biz Assist: Thursday, Sept. 25, noon to 8
p.m. at the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW)
The
Department of Small and Local Business Development presents one-on-one
consultations to explore DSLBD programs and resources to start,
operate, and grow your business. Book an appointment for the event.
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Music & Clothing Swap: Thursday, Sept. 25,
5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Southwest Duck Pond (900 6th St.
SW)
The Southwest BID brings music to the pond along with
a DOEE clothing swap and mending station. There will also be apple
tree fun for kids!
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Kingman Island Friends + Family Day: Saturday,
Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kingman and Heritage Islands (575
Oklahoma Ave. NE)
Join DOEE and partners for this
fifth-annual family-friendly event celebrating all the islands have to
offer as a unique space in the District. Expect paddling, music, and
nature-themed arts and crafts.
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Catch Some Fall Ball
This newsletter may be done, but the Nats are still rolling and
finally delivering some Curly W's! Reply to this email for a chance to
get tickets to see the Washington Nationals take on the Atlanta Braves
on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
See you around the neighborhood,
Charles Allen
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Councilmember Charles Allen · 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW,
Suite 110, Washington, DC 20004, United States
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