Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  At the beginning of the week, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced a joint lawsuit against three federally licensed gun dealers for illegally selling dozens of firearms to a straw purchaser who then trafficked the weapons, mainly into the District. These firearms showed up at several DC crime scenes, including one in Ward 5. I…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  On Monday, the District will celebrate Labor Day. The holiday is a reminder of the power of workers coming together and organizing for labor rights, better working conditions, equitable pay, and more. If you plan to enjoy this long weekend, thank a union! Last year, I joined the picket line with…

On Monday, August 26, DC Public Schools and many public charter schools will welcome students back for the 2024-2025 school year. As a former educator, I always love the energy of this time of year as schools fill back up with students and fresh school supplies. Investing in our Ward 5 schools is how we build healthy…

For nearly two years, I have served alongside Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. on the Council of the District of Columbia. During this time, I have witnessed Councilmember White’s passion for his constituents and his strong advocacy for improving public safety in Ward 8 and throughout the District. Given this background, the recent arrest and allegations…

As we continue to experience the joy of summer, we must also stay vigilant about significant challenges that confront the District. I trust that with your support and through coordinated government action, we will successfully navigate these issues together. A significant portion of the District’s housing stock faces financial instability due to high levels of…

This week’s newsletter is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Joseph L. Bowser, a beloved leader in Ward 5 and a dedicated advocate for North Michigan Park. Joe, who passed away last Friday, wore many hats: devoted husband to Joan Bowser, father to Mayor Muriel Bowser, reliable neighbor, ANC commissioner, community leader, and passionate activist…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  We are experiencing another scorching week, with temperatures soaring above 95 degrees and expected to remain high. The District’s Heat Emergency Plan has been activated, and residents and visitors are encouraged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Those without air conditioning should seek relief in air-conditioned buildings and cooling centers.…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  The redevelopment of the Providence Hospital campus in Ward 5 has been a long time coming. I, along with neighbors, want to seize the opportunity to reimagine the campus. That’s why I wrote to Attorney General Scwalb this week, urging him to help move the Providence redevelopment project forward. As I outlined in…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors, Earlier this week, I announced new legislation aimed at reviving DC's storied history of cooperative economics and worker-owned businesses. The Opening Worker-ownership: a New Economic Resilience Strategy (OWNERS) Amendment Act of 2024 focuses on preserving legacy shops and businesses that meet our communities' needs. The bill also aims to expand worker cooperatives in…

This morning, I sent off a letter to WMATA with my office’s Ward 5 Bus Network Task Force recommendations on the Proposed 2025 Bus Network. Riding the bus is one of the cleanest and safest ways to get around, and advances key equity and transportation goals. Making DC's bus network more accessible to Ward 5 neighbors…