Dear Ward 5 neighbors,
The region is facing what is being called one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history with the failure of the Potomac Interceptor in Maryland. Neighbors are rightly concerned about how this will impact our environmental goals and public health. Early this week, the Council received a briefing with the opportunity to ask questions about DC Water’s response and what neighbors can expect moving forward. Today, the Mayor gave a full situational update with agency leaders.
My primary concerns have been around communication and safety. While DC Water acted swiftly to stop the spill and divert sewage with measurable success, the communication about what was happening and what impacts this has on residents was very delayed. You can track the latest updates from DC Water, including water testing, repair status, and more here.
The important headlines for residents at this time are that 1) your drinking water is safe (our drinking water and wastewater systems are separated and the sewage spill occurred downstream of the Washington Aqueduct’s intake at Great Falls), and 2) residents should avoid all recreation on and around the Potomac River until the current advisory is lifted.
Moving forward, I am focused on learning more about DC Water’s plans for long-term remediation. I want neighbors to know that this will be a focus of the Council’s upcoming performance oversight hearing with DC Water on March 2.
Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson
This week brought the sad news that civil rights leader and DC’s first Shadow Senator, Rev. Jesse Jackson, passed away. I grew up under the tremendous influence of Rev. Jackson in Chicago, and feel deep gratitude for the countless paths he paved in securing civil rights legislation, championing Black elected leaders, and calling the United States to live up to its founding ideals. There will be funeral proceedings for Rev. Jackson in the District and you can learn more here.
Rally for DC Families
On Wednesday, I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with many neighbors and community organizations as we rallied for DC families, making it clear that we will not accept an austerity budget that puts low-income and working-class families on the chopping block. At the recent Mayor-Council breakfast, the Mayor previewed many of the challenges she anticipates in this year’s budget. However, the two programs she proposed for cuts as a result are two of our most important social safety nets: healthcare and childcare subsidies. I believe this is a false choice. While cuts may be needed, I believe we can look elsewhere, and that the District’s most vulnerable shouldn’t be the first to hurt when the fiscal belt is tightened.
Thank you to SPACEs in Action, Bread for the City, DC Action, DC Fiscal Policy Institute, Fair Budget Coalition, EduCare DC, Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid, LIFT-DC, Mothers Outreach Network, UPO, and the Washington DC Poor People’s Campaign for standing with us and demanding that we advance a fair, equitable budget that lifts the economic floor for all Washingtonians.
Ward 5 Wave Podcast
This week on the Ward 5 Wave, I was joined by several adult learners and advocates from some of DC’s adult charter schools. They shared their stories of the essential support and opportunities these schools provide for adult learners, and how our continued investment in these schools helps build a thriving District. I hope you’ll tune in to hear their powerful testimonies! In this episode, I also discuss the recent Mayor-Council breakfast and anticipated budget challenges, and I reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or click here.
This edition of the Ward 5 Weekly also includes public safety updates; the Ward 5 Budget Survey; the nominations form for this year’s Ward 5 Awards; the Ward 5 Leadership Gathering on February 24; information about the Riggs and South Dakota Park Community Meeting on February 26; details about the Mayor’s Budget Forum in Ward 5 also on February 26; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; legislative updates in Neferteria’s Nook; updates from the Committee on Youth Affairs; programs to benefit from including the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program with applications open now; and community events including the District’s annual Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday.
