With school out for summer and outdoor pools open on weekdays, the District fully settled into summertime vibes this week. This also means the Council’s work on the FY27 budget is drawing to a close. We took our second vote on the budget, maintaining the investments I shared with you in recent newsletters (here and here) and advancing a few changes.
One significant vote we took on Tuesday was an amendment to the budget that would provide funding for semi-open primaries in the District. In 2024, DC voters overwhelmingly supported Initiative 83. The initiative had two parts: ranked choice voting and semi-open primaries. While I previously voted to support ranked choice voting, I was skeptical of semi-open primaries as a strong proponent of my own party and believer that only declared party members should be able to choose their nominees.
It is rare for elected officials to acknowledge when they previously landed in the wrong spot, but that’s what I did this week. Persuaded by the feedback I have heard from constituents, I am now convinced it’s important to allow DC’s roughly 85,000 registered independent voters to vote in DC’s most consequential election (the primary). I am most moved by the federal employees, journalists, and other District residents for whom party registration creates serious professional risks as well as those who have to switch back and forth between parties just to have their voices heard. As we fight for DC Statehood, it is imperative that we embody the ideals of a more perfect democracy. While I originally had reservations about semi-open primaries, I was proud to support Tuesday’s amendment (which passed!) and join the push to make DC more democratic and representative.
As always, check out a more thorough recap of all the votes and amendments from Tuesday’s Council meetings in Neferteria’s Nook below.
Update on Langston Golf Course
You may remember that late last year, the National Links Trust received a notice from the federal government of termination of their 50-year lease at three public DC golf courses, including the Langston Golf Course. This created serious concern for the National Links Trust, my office, and neighbors about the future of the course and the Carver Langston community’s legacy.
After meeting with the National Links Trust (NLT) this week, I am pleased to share that there is progress on an agreement with the Department of the Interior and they expect to have a new 50-year lease soon. Once that is finalized, NLT will be able to get back on track with their planned renovations and restoration of the historic Langston Golf Course, keeping it as the treasured and accessible amenity that it is, open to all. If all goes smoothly, course improvements would be completed in 2030/2031. Stay tuned for more!
Carver Langston Town Hall
Relatedly, I know the Carver Langston community has faced significant challenges amid sweeping changes in the city—the closure of the CVS and Safeway grocery store bringing the loss of two pharmacies and food access, the termination of DC Streetcar service, the threats to the Langston Golf Course, ongoing construction on Education Hill, and imminent development at the RFK Stadium site. In collaboration with ANC 5D Commissioners and several District agencies, I am holding a Carver Langston Community Town Hall on Wednesday, July 15 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Langston Golf Course Clubhouse to address these and other issues for the neighborhood. I hope to see you there! Register here to let us know you’re coming and share your priorities and questions ahead of time.
