Thank you to the community advocates, DC Parks and Recreation, and DC Department of General Services for all of the hard work that has gone into creating the 11th and Bark dog park! I was excited to join you last week for the feedback session and to kick off the project, set to start construction this spring. We’re no strangers to the hard work of creating new parks in Ward 1. I’m thrilled that we – including and especially the dedicated members of the 11th and Bark Board – are working to improve our public spaces and preserve this particular space for our furry friends!
WARD 1 UPDATE
Hello Neighbors:
This week the Council voted unanimously to renew emergency and temporary legislation that would allow retired firefighters to take jobs as 911 call takers and dispatchers without financial penalty to their retirement benefits. This is an important tool in recruiting more employees to the severely understaffed agency.
The Council is doing what it can to address the many deficiencies at the Office of Unified Communications (OUC). I introduced legislation that would separate fire and emergency medical calls from police calls to improve dispatch and services for residents. Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced the retired firefighters bill.
I joined Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who chairs the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, in introducing a bill to require public after-action reports following 911 failures. She will also hold a series of oversight hearings this fall, including one jointly with me and the Committee on Public Works and Operations, which I chair, on the topic of emergency dispatch technology. The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) comes under my committee’s jurisdiction.
Next week my committee will make a recommendation on the Mayor’s nominee to head OCTO, and I will be pressing hard for questions about OCTO’s role in the technology outages that have contributed to the critical failures at OUC this year.
What I’m not seeing is the same sense of urgency from the executive branch – and they are, in fact, the ones responsible for running OUC. They are not leveling with the public and not being transparent about the problems. We’ve seen tragedies and near-tragedies, dropped calls, misdirected responses, poor training for call takers, wrongly classified emergencies, understaffing, technology issues, and long waits – often minutes – for 911 calls to be answered – routinely, not just occasionally.
Despite all of it, the executive has found excuses and refused to share data and facts.
I’m encouraged by Councilmembers Henderson’s and Pinto’s legislation and efforts, and oversight and attention from other members of the Council, as well as my own. My hope is that we’ll see steps from OUC and the Mayor to match.
Phase out of Circulator service and what comes next
Circulator bus service will be phased out in the coming months and the plan announced last week by WMATA and the D.C. Department of Transportation leaves a significant and unacceptable gap in crosstown service for the Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, and Woodley Park neighborhoods. I am working to fix that.
In the days after the announcement of the plan, I immediately reached out to D.C.’s representatives on the WMATA board and I’ve spoken directly to officials at DDOT and WMATA to make sure that, at minimum, when WMATA’s Better Bus Network redesign launches next July, appropriate bus service will return to the neighborhood.
The sunsetting of D.C.’s Circulator service was announced by the Mayor in the spring. It was not ideal, but we agreed to the cut with the assurance that WMATA service would be enhanced to make up for the lost service as part of the WMATA Better Bus Network redesign. We did not anticipate that during the nine-month transition we would lose important connectors like those between Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, and the Woodley Park metro station.
Robust transit service is critical to the District’s workers, residents, and economy. Especially so in Ward 1, which is compact and where proportionally more residents use public transit than elsewhere in the region. I encourage residents and business owners to contact WMATA and DDOT to share their concerns and the need for critical crosstown and cross-ward service. Please feel free to copy me on any correspondence, which will also help me in making the case.
Read more about what I’m doing on this issue.
COUNCIL UPDATES |
Regarding the Council investigation of Councilmember Trayon White
This week the Council met for the first time to discuss the federal bribery charges against Councilmember Trayon White and authorize outside counsel to begin an investigation. The ad hoc committee has until December 16 to deliver a report on our findings and recommendations, which could include reprimand, censure, or expulsion. Councilmember Trayon White will then have 30 days to prepare a defense before the Council votes on the committee’s recommendations.
The Council also voted to dissolve the committee previously chaired by Councilmember Trayon White and to establish two new subcommittees to take up its work on recreation and community affairs, and libraries and youth affairs. The subcommittees will be chaired by Councilmember Matt Frumin and Councilmember Zachary Parker, respectively, and I will sit on the Subcommittee on Recreation and Community Affairs.
These are serious charges that are harmful to public trust in government; I expect the committee to work diligently and with integrity to conduct a fair, thorough, and independent investigation.
Read my previous statement on this matter.
Upcoming hearing on Harmonious Living legislation
On Tuesday, September 24, my Harmonious Living bill to set soundproofing standards for new residential construction in mixed-use corridors and entertainment districts will receive a hearing in the Committee of the Whole. A companion bill introduced by Chairman Mendelson addresses resident and business concerns about amplified public performances and was referred to my committee. I’ve been grateful for the partnership of the Chairman as we move both pieces of legislation in tandem. Together, these bills protect the vibrant musical and cultural history of neighborhoods while also giving relief to the residents who appreciate that culture while seeking reasonable protections from excessive sound. Register to testify at Tuesday’s hearing.
Enhancing public life in Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant
Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant are two of the vibrant neighborhoods that make up our ward, and the public spaces here are an asset for both residents and visitors alike. A refresh to the sidewalks, plazas, parks, and other public spaces can foster economic growth and support local businesses – that is why I funded a much-needed series of studies in the FY24 budget to understand how public space can better serve our community.
The first step of that process, a “public life study” found that while these neighborhoods are highly dense and attract a lot of foot traffic, most people are merely passing through rather than using the community spaces, so the study is exploring improvements such as weekend street closures, more street trees and seating, pocket parks, and more. The preliminary findings will be further developed into a final set of recommendations in the next several months. Learn more.
Rally to end solitary confinement in D.C.
Thank you to the Unlock the Box coalition for inviting me to speak about the ERASE bill, legislation I filed to ban the use of solitary confinement in D.C. for any reason with the exceptions of short-term suicide prevention and medical isolation.
Solitary confinement is a dangerous and tragic practice that has a direct and negative effect on public safety and creates a community health problem. If the goal of incarceration is to rehabilitate future returning citizens and to make the community safer, then the practice of solitary confinement is the exact wrong tool to use. It is both inhumane and counterproductive. The Committee on Judiciary & Public Safety must hold a hearing on this legislation so that for the safety and dignity of future returning citizens and for a safer and more just community for all of us, we can take the next step toward ending solitary confinement in D.C.
BRIANNE IN WARD 1 |
We met up with families from across the city at Alethia Tanner Park for the D.C. Family Bike Fest. We rode in the Petworth contingent, led by ANC Commissioner Aman George, and had a great time enjoying the park and making new friends. We even bumped into Councilmember Charles Allen and his daughter Cora. So grateful to the organizers of this annual event and everyone working for safer streets!
At Mary’s Center Annual Home Visiting Cookout & Graduation Ceremony I pulled raffle tickets, caught up with the nurses in the Nurse Family Partnership, Ward 1 advocate Claudia Schlosberg, and Representative Dr. Oye Owolewa. I have fought for more programs and more funding for home visiting since joining the Council. Mary’s Center delivers these services to families across the District.
Parkwood Place Patriarch Ernest Johnson and State Board of Education representative Ben Williams hosted a rocking block party and backpack giveaway. Thank you both for your dedication to Ward 1 kids!
I enjoyed bumping into constituents, friends, and the Adams Morgan BID team at Adams Morgan Day! So many great artists & businesses represented. Thanks to the organizers for another great festival!
Such a warm welcome from Mount Pleasant Village as they kickoff their 10-year anniversary celebration. The village is a gift to our city, rooted in community, service, and love. I’m the luckiest Councilmember to have you in my ward!
DC SCORES, CVS Health, the Washington Spirit, and Leveling the Playing Field are supporting our youth by ensuring they have access to resources so they can thrive on and off the field! It was great to see them in action!
We had so much fun at Juernes last week! Thanks District Bridges for all you do for the Columbia Heights community! Be sure to check their website for upcoming events.
The 4th Annual Mi Pequeño El Salvador Festival in Mt Pleasant was filled with delicious food, wonderful music & lovely people. Thanks to the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs for hosting!
COMMUNITY UPDATES |
Meet with Brianne, on Your Block
On Tuesday, September 24, from 6-8 pm, Councilmember Nadeau will meet one-one-one with residents at Beau Thai, 3162 Mount Pleasant Street NW. Request help with a specific issue or share your ideas. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
New streatery pilot program in Adams Morgan
You may have seen construction of new streateries on 18th Street. It’s part of a DDOT pilot program with Adams Morgan BID to bring fresh, colorful, and more uniform streatery design to the neighborhood. The new structures, designed for increased safety and accessibility as well as aesthetics, should be completed by September 27.
DPW Special Waste Collection
Dispose of hazardous waste, recycle electronics & shred documents this Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm at the Rock Creek (Carter Barron) Tennis Center. Register in advance.
Georgia Avenue NW Bus Priority Project – Concept Open House
DDOT will host a series of open houses to review the roadway design that will improve bus operations and safety along Georgia Avenue NW from Barry Place to Eastern Avenue NW. Provide input to DDOT staff about your challenges walking, taking transit, biking, and/or driving along Georgia Avenue NW. Your input will inform the preferred concept that can be utilized to improve bus service and increase safety on Georgia Avenue NW. Stop by at any time between 4:30 and 7 pm on one of the following days:
- Wednesday, October 2, Juanita E. Thornton/Shepherd Park Neighborhood Library
- Thursday, October 24, Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Library
- Tuesday, October 8, Petworth Neighborhood Library
IN THE NEWS |
WAMU POLITICS HOUR
The Politics Hour: U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau
WASHINGTON POST
D.C. bill seeks more oversight of beleaguered 911 call center
WTOP
DC Council member says she will start making surprise visits to the city’s embattled 911 call center
CALENDAR |
Committee of the Whole Public Hearing
Tuesday, September 24, 1 pm | in-person and online
The Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing on Councilmember Nadeau’s Harmonious Living Amendment Act of 2024.
Brianne on Your Block
Tuesday, September 24, 6 – 8 pm | Beau Thai, 3162 Mount Pleasant Street NW
Meet one-on-one with Councilmember Nadeau
Committee on Public Works & Operations Markup
Wednesday, September 25, 1 pm | online
The Committee will finalize recommendations on nominees to head the Department of For-Hire Vehicles and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1E meeting
Wednesday, September 25, 7 pm | online
Council Legislative Meeting
Tuesday, October 1, 12 pm | in-person and online
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1A meeting
Wednesday, October 9, 7 pm | online
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B meeting
Thursday, October 10, 6:30 pm | online
CONTACT US |
Brianne K. Nadeau | Councilmember | [email protected]
Ariel Ardura | Committee Director | [email protected]
Abigail Boshart | Legislative Aide | [email protected]
Amanda Chulick | Legislative Analyst | [email protected]
Jerry Clark | Constituent Services Specialist | [email protected]
David Connerty-Marin | Communications Director | [email protected]
Kara Dunford | Communications Specialist | [email protected]
Estelle McKinney | Constituent Services Specialist | [email protected]
David Meni | Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director | [email protected]
Maricela Nava | Deputy Chief of Staff & Scheduler | [email protected]
