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Friend –

Right off the top, I want to wish the Washington Spirit best of luck tonight as they take on New York Gotham in the NWSL Championship match! Where are you watching them play? If they can bring even a fraction of the speed and hustle they had last Saturday in their dominant semi-final win at home, I think they'll have a great result. Let's go, Spirit!

I hope you've gotten to enjoy the fall colors a bit before they're gone (picture from the gorgeous ginkgos on Duddington Place)! And nothing says the holidays are around the corner like the wreaths going up at Union Station. Yes, there are important issues that need our attention, but I also hope that over Thanksgiving week, you have time to unplug and be with your family and friends (and travel safely, if you're headed out of town!). I've included info on some Thanksgiving meal giveaways below, as well as a host of issues and updates, including how to shop local this holiday season and public safety updates after the latest attempt by Congress to cosplay as the DC Council.

If you're ready to get into the holiday spirit, join me and neighbors TONIGHT for the annual Capitol Hill Tree Lighting at Eastern Market Metro Plaza at 5:30 p.m.

Before you start brining that turkey (or Tofurkey), let's get to the newsletter updates below.

Miss the last newsletter? We covered how legislation we just passed at Council will help working families get a raise, shared a sneak peek at the new Cobb Park plus other DPR updates, highlighted some street safety improvements, and tips on how to report that rat hole you found in the alley through 311! Read it here.

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Sign up today.

Celebrate Ward 6 at the 'Brickie' Awards!

I hope to see you at this year's Ward 6 "Brickie" Awards on Thursday, Dec. 4, at Skyline 609! I'm thankful to everyone who nominated a neighbor, business, or group for this year's awards, and I can tell you we have a great lineup to recognize (look out for the winners to be announced soon!).

I hope you'll come ready to celebrate them, and, of course, enjoy the food. Here's a taste of some of the many incredible local restaurants and businesses we're excited to welcome:

Please RSVP by Monday, Dec. 1, and I'll see you there!

Public Safety Update

This week, the US House of Representatives passed two bills that undermine and limit DC's policing and public safety tools, and if passed in the Senate, will make us less safe.

Several years ago, DC passed a comprehensive law with a number of commonsense reforms to improve policing, including by banning the use of chokeholds and military weapons on our streets by law enforcement, empowering the Chief of Police by giving her the ability to fire an officer found guilty of breaking the law or committing serious misconduct (every Chief of MPD had been asking for that change for years), and requiring law enforcement to identify themselves on their uniforms. The House's repeal of our law – ironically – would also eliminate the expansion of our MPD Cadet program, a significant local recruitment pipeline of high school students into a career as an officer (during a nationwide low in police recruits).

But their efforts aren't about the substance – they're all messaging. If the House were serious about improving public safety, they'd realize that these laws have all been in place during DC's sustained drop in every category of crime over the past few years, and they've played a significant role in improving public safety by building trust between MPD officers and the community. And finally, the House voted to overturn a decades-old law about who gets held in jail pre-trial. Today, that decision is based on someone's risk to public safety. But with the House's action, it would be made by the size of your bank account, not public safety, and clearly take us backwards. I fully agree with the joint statement of opposition issued earlier this week by Council Chairman Mendelson, Mayor Bowser, and Attorney General Schwalb.

Public Safety Hearing: On Thursday, Dec. 4, the Council's Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety will hold a hearing on four bills and also the broader topic of "Public Safety in DC." For neighbors who want a place to publicly testify about a wide range of issues, including concerns around MPD's cooperation with ICE and other federal agencies, this is a space to share those views with the Council and hear responses from MPD. Learn more, and sign up if you're interested.

There have been two shootings of DC residents by federal officers in the last month -- officers unaccountable to any local oversight body and who don't follow the same laws in place for MPD. This 51st article is a good source for more information about the incidents.

SW Community Meeting and NE Safety Walk: This week, I joined neighbors in Southwest for their regular Police Service Area meeting to talk with community members and MPD First District officers. And on Tuesday, I joined neighbors and MPD leaders from the 5th District to discuss some public safety needs in their alley. We focused on improved lighting, recent burglaries in the area, slowing down speeding drivers, and addressing illegal dumping. Thank you to 6C01 Commissioner Jeremiah Foxwell, neighbors, and 5D officers who braved the cold rain.

Ways to Be Safe this Holiday Season: A timely reminder that every MPD District station offers both Amazon lockers to receive package deliveries and a Safe Exchange Site where you can meet if you're making a purchase with a stranger in person. Info for both here.

COG & Metro Boards Endorse $460M Plan to Transform the Region's Transit

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and WMATA's Metro Board officially endorsed the DMVMoves Task Force's recommendations that call on regional leaders to advance funding solutions to support Metro’s long-term modernization and strengthen coordination among the region’s 14 transit operators, including Metro, MARC, VRE, and local bus systems.

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, those recommendations include:

$460 million annually beginning in 2028 for WMATA (with an annual growth rate of 3%)
Fully automated train operations
Aligning the 14 transit services we have in the region to improve service and rides (like accepting the same payment methods or aligning the fares)
Better coordination to install bus lanes in inter-jurisdictional corridors and to adopt VRE and MARC expansion plans

I'm grateful that everyone involved came together to agree on this commonsense approach to better support the systems that make our region a good place to work, live, and visit.

We know regional transit is vital, and we now have a full-picture plan for the necessary improvements. What's next? The work falls to local governments to make this happen within their budgets.

Why's My Bill So High?! The Big Decisions Behind Big Electric Bills

If high electric bills already have you feeling the squeeze, I’ve got bad news for you. Without a change from the nation’s largest energy grid operator, PJM, DC residents could see an increase of as much as $70 per month as early as 2028! This is thanks to a combination of significant demand increases from new data centers and PJM’s extremely slow process for adding new power sources, particularly renewables. Some projects have been waiting since 2021 to connect and begin providing a new power supply. But that data center in Loudoun or Prince George's County you see in the news... it's costing you money every single month. So DC needs to speak up.

This past week, I joined legislators from Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, and Delaware to urge the members of PJM, including Pepco, to vote in favor of our Protect Ratepayers Proposal, which would avoid these significant increases for the 67 million people who live in PJM’s service area in costs by requiring data centers bring their own power before being allowed to connect to the grid. When PJM's stakeholders met on Wednesday, they didn't agree on a single proposal or path forward. This is disappointing, but not surprising, given that the PJM voting members have known these supply and demand issues have been coming for several years and haven't taken steps fast enough to head off the crisis. That's in part because many voting members have an interest in limiting new projects that could provide power and compete with them (PJM's voting members are a mix of companies that generate interest, such as power plants, and grid operators like Pepco). PJM will still have to submit a plan to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the coming weeks, though there will be little transparency into how they land on that proposal.

Is this issue dense? Yes. Is it interesting? For most people, no. Does it impact your monthly budget? Absolutely! Learn more in my explainer video I shared this week.

Constituent Services Win: Reduced Solar Interconnection Fee!

Related to the note above, DC has its own interconnection issues when homes try to connect their rooftop solar installations to the grid. Most of the time, the process is fairly straightforward. But every once in a while, Pepco tells the resident that it will cost tens of thousands of dollars because it requires an upgrade to the nearby grid. That's almost always the end of the project, as that cost isn't justifiable for most homeowners. Now, I know that adding more solar to the grid does impose a cost on Pepco. But there's very little rhyme or reason to their bills, and without more transparency or a clearer plan to handle these costs, homeowners are left feeling burned, and DC loses out.

Recently, a resident came to our office with a $40,000 interconnection fee! Connor, on my committee staff, worked with Pepco and the homeowner to reach a more reasonable solution, and, to Pepco's credit, it rescinded the entire fee and got the home connected! Now, as happy as I am that we could help, that's not going to work for everyone. That's why I'm going to introduce legislation soon that establishes a more formal way to handle this interconnection headache, spreading the cost appropriately among residents and Pepco. Stay tuned!

Related: As you might have heard, the federal government has adopted a much harsher posture toward clean, affordable energy like solar, and will end a solar rebate at the end of the year. To claim the last of the federal tax credit toward a new solar project, you need to have yours finished before the end of 2025. To help with that, the Department of Buildings is starting instant permits for homeowners of one- and two-family dwellings to install solar panels. Learn more.

Payne Elementary School Third-Graders Get a Peek Inside the Council

It was a privilege to host Payne Elementary School's third-graders on a tour of the Wilson Building this week! DC public schools teach civics and government studies as a core curriculum, so we talked about the branches of government, the role of a Councilmember, and DC’s history and flag. I took them on a tour of our historic building and popped into a hearing underway, being chaired by my at-large colleague Councilmember Robert White. I was so impressed by their questions, and I was once again reminded how lucky we are in Ward 6 to have the best elementary schools in the city.

'Better Together': A Great Way to Shop at Local Ward 6 Businesses for Small Business Saturday

Next Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and I hope you'll check out the "Better Together" promotion from Capitol Hill businesses, where you can get great deals this holiday shopping season. There are a host of reasons why shopping local is the best choice: Staff at these stores can help you find the perfect gift, they know the neighborhood, and your money stays local.

Here's how Better Together works: Today through Dec. 7, when you shop at a participating small business, you'll get a gift card to another local spot. It's a good way to support your favorite business, find something new you weren't expecting, and, you know, get out and be part of your community. Hill Rag has a good write-up on how this will work and the history behind it.

Related: One of those small businesses that organized Better Together is led by Kathleen Donahue of Labyrinth Games and Puzzles, who's celebrating 15 years of business on the Hill! If you've been, you know this space is full of seemingly countless opportunities to work your brain and find some friendly competition with your friends. I'm proud to have introduced a ceremonial resolution on this important milestone to remind folks that their packed store is more than a retail space – it's a community gathering spot where customers can meet new friends, be creative, and find their next favorite game. Congrats, Kathleen, and thanks for all you do! (Jeff Bezos doesn't notice when you browse Amazon, but Kathleen and her team will greet you and have plenty of ideas to help when you walk through the door!)

UK Announces Plan to Ban Any Profit on Ticket Resales

I've written recently about my legislation, the RESALE Act, which will make it more affordable to get tickets to a live music show in DC. It does this in a few ways, including by banning the sale of tickets for shows where the ticket hasn't yet been released, requiring bulk resellers to register with the city, and placing a 10% cap on how much a ticket can be resold for above face value.

That last part is interesting because a lot of people paid by Stubhub and their various lobbying arms (you can always tell someone is sticking up for the little guy by how many paid lobbyists and paid social media ads they use) testified at the hearing last month that the UK was a great example of how ticket resales should work, specifically because they didn't have a price cap.

I'm telling you all of this because just this week, the United Kingdom announced a plan to ban any profit, as in a zero percent cap, on the resale of a ticket – more here from the BBC. There's no cap on the face value, or initial sale, but this is a big recognition that the technology is allowing scalpers to outpace regular people and artificially drive up the cost to go to a show. I'm glad to see this kind of leadership from our friends across the pond.

Another Way to Honor a Purple Heart Award

Last week, I celebrated Veterans Day at the American Legion Post 8 in Ward 6 with veterans from every branch of service. A few days later, I chaired a hearing on legislation to create DC's first-ever Purple Heart License Plate, which would require the DMV to issue special license plates to Purple Heart recipients. It was an honor to hear directly from people who served our country and proudly wear the Purple Heart. Their testimony was a powerful reminder of why a Purple Heart license plate matters. It may seem simple, but as we heard, this visual recognition can spur conversations with everyday people to learn more about those who’ve made great sacrifices for our country.

It'll Take Action by the Council to Save Streateries

For at least the last year, DDOT has been working on final rules for streateries. This is a good thing, as the program has been operating much the same since it was introduced as a lifeline during the pandemic. Today, streateries play a different role. At their best, streateries create a far more active and vibrant street life. They're an easy way for restaurants – an industry with famously narrow margins – to reasonably serve more diners each night. They can reduce traffic speeds and improve public safety with more eyes on the street.

But DDOT's final rules put a lot of those benefits at risk. When DDOT announced its final rules, I heard from a lot of restaurants in the Ward and across the city immediately – so much so, that I held a roundtable on the issue last week. Both Washingtonian and The Washington Post have stories following the roundtable. No one disagrees that there should be final rules and a cost associated. Right now, there are also plenty of streateries that are falling apart, an eyesore, and a poor use of public space. Assigning cost – any cost – will get those removed.

The problem for many restaurants is that DDOT has set the price too high to make the math work (DDOT's proposed cost is the same as it would be to open a streatery in New York's most desirable neighborhoods, boasting many, many more residents), and simultaneously put strict design restrictions on streateries that effectively limit their use during cold or rainy evenings. That's where the Council can, and should, step in.

I'm drafting emergency legislation that wouldn't delay the rules but would make them more affordable and give restaurants more flexibility. We don't want to regulate streateries into oblivion, and I worry that's what will happen within a few years if we don't get this right.

For a deep dive on the issue and the trade-offs in how we use public space, Greater Greater Washington has a good piece.

Finally: Safety Upgrades Coming to 3rd & H St NW

In my last newsletter, I shared a look at the soon-to-be-reopened, modernized Cobb Park – an area I've been working on with DDOT for years to better serve people walking around, and soon to, the park. I'm glad to finally share that we'll see some improvements to 3rd and H Streets NW! DDOT plans to move ahead with work this winter to make the corner safer and easier to navigate for everyone.

On the east side of 3rd & H NW:

A high-visibility crosswalk
New ADA-accessible curb ramps
A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon to help people cross safely
Left-turn hardening for drivers turning from H St onto 3rd to better guide vehicles and keep distance away from pedestrians

On the north side of 3rd & H NW:

Gore areas (triangular spaces where driving's restricted) on the north and west sides to reinforce the right-turn-only movement and cut down on those risky through-movements

DDOT will also launch a signal warrant study to see whether a traffic signal should be added as the area grows and Cobb Park opens. (We should expect to see the park space open in phases: around Thanksgiving, January or February, and the grand ribbon-cutting opening in the spring!)

Changes to Lime, VEO E-Bikes for Safety

In the past two weeks, DC has worked with Lime Bike and VEO, two of the approved companies providing e-bike and e-scooter rentals in DC, to make changes based on safety concerns. I've recently heard from a lot of folks who have experienced someone zooming by them on a sidewalk or even hitting them. These are heavy e-bikes, so they can do a lot of harm if there's a collision.

I worked with Lime directly following their initial plans. In response, they're now capping speeds for their e-bikes at no more than 18 mph. They're also adding in age verification checks and other tools to better ensure their bikes are being used correctly and to stop some of the misuse we've seen. One area where I pushed back on their proposals, however, was on the costs of their plan for lower-income residents. Their initial proposal would have made their low-income plan cost more than a full-price Capital Bikeshare membership, putting it out of reach for many. I worked with them on a middle ground, and I think where we came out is reasonable. My goal is to be sure we strike a balance where e-bikes are a viable and affordable way for people to get around the District and also to take proactive steps to head off dangerous behaviors.

Relatedly: It's no secret that bikes and scooters block sidewalks in DC, especially around the Capitol, as dockless devices aren't allowed to be parked on the Architect of the Capitol's property. That's why I've been asking DDOT to prioritize finding solutions in the area – the agency has tried installing corrals for parking micromobility vehicles in the street, rather than on the sidewalk, and has found success. So, next up, these are headed to the 100 block of C Street SE and the 400 block of South Capitol Street SE. You can get more details about the plans and respond with your feedback by Dec. 19 here.

Tap-to-Pay with a Credit Card Now Riding Metrobus

As of this summer, people have been able to tap their phones to not just use their SmartTrip card, but their debit or credit card to pay and use Metrorail.

Now, we can do the same to ride the Metrobus! If you're focused on using the SmartTrip card so you can relish some brag-worthy end-of-year stats, keep doing what you're doing. But this is also great for your friends coming to town!

Free Thanksgiving Meal Kits

Turkeypalooza returns to Nats Park next week! This annual event provides families with full holiday meal kits, which include fresh produce, classic sides like stuffing, mac and cheese, and a turkey. Each meal kit feeds 6-10 people and is provided at no cost to local community members. Limit one per family.

Considering a New Pet? Adopt for Free

Brandywine Valley SPCA, which handles DC's animal care and control services, just moved its headquarters to 4 DC Village Lane SW. With the grand opening came a free adoption promotion, and there's good news: Cute pups and cats are still available for free through Sunday, Nov. 23! The facility is full, which means a whole lot of furry friends urgently need loving homes. Get the details about the adoption process.

Bread for the City Issues Recall on Turkeys Distributed

Out of an abundance of caution, nonprofit Bread for the City has issued a recall of Jennie-O turkeys it distributed between Nov. 3-7. If you received a turkey, do not consume it, as it may not be safe to eat due to circumstances beyond Bread for the City's control.

Come to My Next Neighborhood Office Hours!

You're invited to drop by Tango Pastry (408 H St. NE) between 8:30 and 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, to talk directly with me and my staff. RSVP, and I'll see you then!

Upcoming Events

Nesso Plaza Clothing Pop-Up, H Street Biz Event: Today, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23, from noon to 6 p.m. behind 1339 H St. NE
A few of the businesses on the 1300 block of H Street NE are activating the fantastic alley on the south side with a vintage clothing pop-up and fall market. It's also a great excuse to explore the alley, which includes alley homes and Providencia, an alley restaurant.
Garfield Park Re-Opening Littles Ride: Today, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon, starting at Eastern Market Metro Plaza (225 7th St. SE)
We're all happy to see Garfield Park reopen, and Hill Family Biking is celebrating with 0.5-mile and 0.8-mile on-street rides for 3- to 6-year-olds. Little ones on trikes, balance bikes, training wheels, and their first pedal bikes are welcome with their families.
Canned Food Drive: Today, Nov. 22, 8 a.m. to about 7 p.m., at the Dubliner (4 F St. NW)
The Notre Dame Alumni Association hosts this food drive to benefit the Shepherd's Table. Food should be donated by the end of the school's football game, which starts at 3:30 p.m.
Capitol Hill Tree Lighting: Today, Nov. 22, starting at 5:30 p.m., at Eastern Market Metro Park (701 Pennsylvania Ave SE)
See the tree in Eastern Market Metro Park get lit for the holidays for the 19th year! There will also be hot cocoa, doughnuts, and live music as we light the tree that was planted to honor the late George Didden III for his contributions to the community.
Novemberfest Jazz Café: Sunday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., at Eastern Market's outdoor market (7th St. & North Carolina Ave. SE)
Eastern Market Main Street presents free, local jazz – enjoy while shopping or take a break at bistro tables.
Safeway Feast of Sharing: Wednesday, Nov. 26, starting at 9 a.m., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW)
Safeway's 26th Annual Feast of Sharing holiday celebration includes: a health and resource fair, a meal, and a coat and personal care giveaway.
Yeti Crafts & Parade: Sunday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the North Hall of Eastern Market (225 7th St. SE)
Welcome back the local beloved cryptid Betty the Yeti from her hibernation! Kids can make their own yeti masks, then join for the yeti parade at noon.
Strategic Bikeways Public Workshop: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW)
DDOT is working on its Strategic Bikeways Plan, which will define the District's priorities for future transportation projects that enhance safety and service for bicyclists of all ages and abilities. This is your chance to let them know your needs when it comes to riding your bike in DC – safety concerns, gaps in the network, whatever it may be. RSVP.
DC Department of Employment Services Federal Webinar: Friday, Dec. 5, noon to 1 p.m., online
DOES is hosting a Federal Webinar Series on its programs and unemployment insurance to assist former federal employees.
Dec. 6: EdFEST, Grades 9-12: Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Eastern High School (1700 East Capitol St. NE)
DC's annual public school fair returns, starting with all the options for high schoolers.
- Save the date for the PK3 – Grade 8 fair on Dec. 13
MVT Santa Celebration: Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to noon, at the FRESHFARM MVT Market (499 I St. NW)
Join the Mount Vernon Triangle CID when the market turns into Santa Claus Lane with a visit from the big man himself.
Holiday Boat Parade & Party: Saturday, Dec. 6, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Wharf (35 Sutton Square SW)
The 33rd-annual Holiday Boat Parade at the Wharf is a great way to kick off the holidays along the Washington Channel.

Start December with Basketball

Thanks for reading the latest Ward 6 Update! If you and a friend want to see the Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks Saturday, Dec. 6, reply to this email for a chance to score free tickets!

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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