WARD 1 UPDATE
Hello Neighbors:
Finally, we can do something about cars with fake tags driving (and parking) dangerously with impunity. And food delivery vehicles that double park, drive dangerously, and interrupt traffic.
This week the Council gave initial approval to two bills I introduced: one to allow city parking enforcement to immediately tow vehicles with fake or obscured tags, and one that gives the Department of For-Hire Vehicles control over food delivery.
Both are examples of how I’m using my committee’s oversight of the Department of Public Works’ parking enforcement division and the Department of For-Hire Vehicles to take action to improve road safety.
Fake and obscured tags
Under current law, even a vehicle with no license plates cannot be towed unless it has two or more unpaid tickets. But if an automated traffic enforcement camera cannot identify a vehicle because of a fraudulent, expired, or obscured tag, it cannot issue a ticket, let alone two.
In a world where nearly all citations are from automated cameras, where many people choose not to pay their fines, and where there is little consequence to driving privileges, we must make better use of booting, towing, and impounding to get vehicles tied to dangerous driving off the road. The Fraudulent Vehicle Tag and Parking Enforcement Modernization Amendment Act of 2024 does that by making a vehicle with an obscured or fake tag eligible for immediate towing.
Many of us are frustrated and angry when we see people flouting the law by using counterfeit plates. But this isn’t just about fairness – it’s very much about protecting lives. Experience has shown that premeditated reckless driving is often associated with vehicles that have these kinds of tags, making this legislation even more urgent as we work to make our roads safer for residents and visitors.
Food and parcel delivery
The Carrier-for-Hire Oversight and Enforcement Amendment Act of 2024, which I joined Councilmember Charles Allen to co-introduce, gives the Department of For-Hire Vehicles the authority to regulate food and parcel delivery activities, including enforcement of traffic laws.
This industry, which includes restaurants, instant delivery of parcels, and groceries, has seen tremendous growth. Much like the advent of ride-hailing companies, this type of service requires regulation and oversight that it does not currently have.
The bill also sets stronger requirements for both vehicles- and carriers-for-hire to display a logo or insignia indicating what company the operator is providing service for – as a safety measure for passengers and to facilitate street enforcement by DFHV.
Traffic safety is a critical facet of public safety. As chair of the committee that oversees DPW and DFHV, I am always looking for ways to use our oversight of what appear to be rather mundane agencies to strengthen parking enforcement and focus efforts toward getting the most dangerous vehicles off of the road, so that our streets are safe for all users.
Both bills will come up for final votes by the full Council on December 17.
COUNCIL UPDATES |
Pushing OUC on technology issues
I’ve been pushing the Office of Unified Communications over the past several months over its systemic and technology-specific issues that are resulting in delayed and incorrect responses to 911 emergencies. If ever there were a situation in which we should demand near-zero-percent downtime in a technology platform, this is it.
This week, I joined Councilmember Brooke Pinto of the Justice & Public Safety Committee for a joint oversight hearing with my Committee on Public Works & Operations to ask about protocols for when the power goes out or a database goes down, what redundancies are in place, and what kind of training OUC employees have to handle 911 calls when the system is down.
Several technology failures over the past year have seriously hampered the ability of OUC to respond to calls quickly and accurately. OUC has at times lost access to the entirety of its computer-aided dispatching system, and separately to its location-tracking software.
I continue to be deeply concerned about serious and persistent issues at the Office of Unified Communications that impact the agency’s essential operations, as well as the lack of transparency with the public and the Council about these failures. But I was also encouraged to learn about some of the advances that are being made in technology, training, and protocols at OUC. I will continue to keep the pressure up with every oversight tool at my disposal.
Watch the video for a recap of the hearing and read my full opening remarks.
Creating a more equitable justice system at the Office of Human rights
The Council took action this week to strengthen accountability and fairness in addressing discriminatory practices. The Fairness in Human Rights Administration Amendment Act of 2024 would provide stronger protections for individuals, especially those complainants who represent themselves, and more options. In turn, this will create a more equitable adjudication process at the Office of Human Rights.
I introduced the bill in June 2023, along with co-introducers Councilmembers Robert White, Zachary Parker, and Janeese Lewis-George. It broadens the scope of unlawful discriminatory practices under the statute’s definition of sexual harassment to explicitly include those based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. It also grants an individual the right to withdraw their complaint at any time by filing a written notice of withdrawal with OHR.
The Council will take a second and final vote on the bill on December 17.
Judge orders Empower to cease operations
On November 26, a D.C. Superior Court Judge ordered ride-hailing company Empower to cease operations until it registers with the Department of For-Hire Vehicles as a for-hire service. Empower had been previously ordered by DFHV to cease operations and has racked up millions of dollars in fines.
The judge has confirmed what was plain from the start. Empower is a ride-hailing company and must follow the rules of ride-hailing companies. What’s most important here is that riders and drivers will be protected from the unscrupulous practices of a business that thought it should be unaccountable to anyone.
The Committee on Public Works, which has oversight of the Department of For-Hire Vehicles, and which I chair, will continue our investigation.
Quality housing, healthy music, and harmonious neighborhoods
My Harmonious Living Amendment Act of 2024, passed by the Council this week, sets soundproofing standards for new residential construction in mixed-use corridors and entertainment districts. I believe we can protect and promote the sounds of the District as an essential part of our city’s culture while also giving relief to residents who seek reasonable protections from excessive sound.
A companion bill, introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson and passed by the Council out of my Committee on Public Works & Operations, establishes decibel levels for amplified sound, such as street performances, and creates a non-MPD enforcement process. That bill passed first reading this week and will get a final Council vote on December 17. These two pieces of legislation, separately and especially together, will help create an environment of quality housing, lively music, and harmonious neighborhoods.
BRIANNE IN WARD 1 |
It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood for a 1E community clean-up with our neighbors, ANC 1E Commissioner Josh Jacobson, and Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services Ward 1 Manager Anthony Robertson. Thank you all for your efforts!
My staff and I had a great time delivering turkeys to brighten people’s Thanksgivings. Truth be told: it brightened ours just as much!
COMMUNITY UPDATES |
Meet with me, on your block
Our next Brianne on Your Block event is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 6-8 pm at Eatopia Eatery, 1301 U St NW. Bring your ideas, concerns, and questions, and meet with me one-on-one. RSVPs are encouraged, but not required.
Share your input on the proposed Stabilization Center in Columbia Heights
The proposed Stabilization Center in Columbia Heights is an important step forward to address long-standing substance use disorder needs in our community.
Like many of you, I spend a lot of time in Civic Plaza, and I see this need, just as you all have. The Stabilization Center will build on the vital work being done by DBH, community navigators, and other partners. This new facility will help expand access to treatment and support.
I have long believed in a comprehensive approach to public health in all its forms, including in critical services for people living with substance use disorders. The health of our community relies on the good health of all of us.
Community voices are essential to this process, and last week’s DC Department of Behavioral Health forum was an important conversation. DBH provided key updates on the Ward 1 Stabilization Center, process and timeline moving forward; discussed community engagement strategies; and gathered input from stakeholders and community members. Watch the video of the forum (Spanish recording available).
Thank you again to all of our partners for your commitment and active participation. I look forward to continuing this important conversation and working together to make a meaningful difference in our community, as we work toward the opening of the Center in early 2026.
To share your input and engage in the process as it continues, please email DBH at [email protected].
Virginia Williams Family Resource Center relocation
On December 23, 2024, the Viriginia Williams Family Resource Center, the central intake office for all families in the District seeking assistance with their housing needs, will relocate from its current location to DC Department of Human Services headquarters located at 64 New York Avenue NE.
The other agencies and organizations currently co-located at the Resource Center that will also move to 64 New York Avenue NE include: District Alliance for Safe Housing, Child and Family Services Agency, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and Housing Our Newborns, Empowering You.
DHS will continue to provide in-person and virtual eligibility screening at the Resource Center, and services to District families will continue uninterrupted before, during, and after the relocation.
Free kids & family holiday craft fair at Mount Pleasant Library
On Saturday, December 14, the Mount Pleasant Library will host a free kid and family friendly craft fair from 11 am to 4:30 pm to kids ages 6-19 an opportunity to make and wrap gifts for their friends and family.
Craft workshops will be led by vetted local artists and experts. Workshops include glass magnets in a decorated box, printed bandanas with natural dye, ornament making, and candle making.
Register for EdFEST
With the launch of the public school lottery application on December 16 for the 2025-26 school year, this year’s EdFEST events will help families make informed choices. Students and families will be able to explore the city’s public and public charter school options and learn more about the public school lottery at the two grade-specific events.
Register for EdFEST (Grades 9-12)
- Saturday, December 7, 10 am – 1 pm
- Eastern High School, 1700 East Capitol St NE
Register for EdFEST (PK3 – Grade 8)
- Saturday, December 14, 10 am – 1 pm
- DC Armory, 2001 E Capitol St SE
IN THE NEWS |
WASHINGTON POST
Inside D.C.’s struggle to rein in ticket scofflaws
WASHINGTON POST
Judge orders ride-hailing company Empower to stop operating in D.C.
WJLA
DC Council moves to tighten regulations on moped delivery services amid safety concerns
WASHINGTON INFORMER
D.C. Council Gives Attorney General Go-Ahead to Bring Civil Suits Over Illegal Dumping
POPVILLE
Bills to Enforce Fake Tags and Regulate Food Delivery Pass Committee
CALENDAR |
Committee on Public Works & Operations Public Hearing
Wednesday, December 11, 9:30 am | online and in-person
The Committee will hold a hearing on B25-0922, the “Strategic Parking Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2024” and B25-0924, the “Opening Worker-Ownership: A New Economic Resilience Strategy (OWNERS) Amendment Act of 2024”
Brianne on Your Block
Thursday, December 12, 6 – 8 pm | Eatopia Eatery, 1301 U St NW #111
Meet with Councilmember Nadeau one-on-one and share your ideas, concerns or ask for support on a specific issue. RSVPs encouraged but not required.
Legislative Meeting
Tuesday, December 17, 12 pm | online and in-person
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1D Meeting
Tuesday, December 17, 7 – 9 pm | online and in-person
Council Winter Recess
December 23 – January 1, 2025
Our offices will be closed December 25 to January 1.
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]
