WARD 1 UPDATE
Hello Neighbors:
It’s been a busy month as I’ve pushed to ensure a path to safe and affordable housing for every District resident. Far too many of our residents struggle with excessive housing costs, and I recently introduced two bills to address our housing needs.
The first removes a requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings with up to six floors. This will increase the amount of space that can be built for residents, making it more economical and easier for builders to create more units or bigger units, which are good for families. This will also help reduce the cost to renters. And studies show that requiring two staircases, a vestige of a time long before today’s fire safety measures, is no safer in newer buildings than one central staircase.
The second, the Common Sense TOPA Reform Amendment Act of 2025, streamlines the TOPA process, which is good for owners, investors, and residents. The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act has been a bedrock component of tenant rights in the District since 1980 and its future is at risk (paywall).
TOPA is about more than giving tenants the first right to purchase their building. It gives them a seat at the table to derive community benefit – continued affordable rent, more amenities, or the right to stay in their home.
Follow along to stay updated on the process and how you can sign up to testify.
P.S. I hope to see you this Saturday at one of the 10(!) Ward 1 neighborhood cleanups as we celebrate Earth Month! Events will take place throughout the ward – find one near you!
COUNCIL UPDATES
Budget update
The U.S. House of Representatives still has not passed a budget fix for the mess they created in the Continuing Resolution both chambers passed in March, and they remain on recess until next week.
Without the fix, we will have to make substantial cuts to our FY25 budget. There does appear to be a legal workaround – one piece of good news – so the cut might end up being about half the originally projected $1.1 billion. This will still mean drastic changes and will have serious impacts across the District.
We are expecting the Mayor to submit a revised FY25 budget and her proposed FY26 budget soon. Stay tuned for updates.
Closing more homicide cases
Information provided by witnesses is highly valuable to law enforcement and comes with great risk to those who provide it. My bill, the Case Closure and Witness Support Amendment Act, which had a hearing yesterday and today, would help MPD solve more homicide cases by increasing rewards and providing protection and additional supports for witnesses. Closing cases is critical to breaking the cycle of violence. When perpetrators are not held accountable, it leads to a sense of impunity. By offering greater incentives, protection, and assistance to witnesses we can create safer communities and a safer D.C.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Constructions trades training opportunity for DCPS students
Phelps ACE High School will serve as a Construction Trades training hub for DCPS students. Rising 11th grade students from other DCPS schools who are interested in enrolling in one of the trades programs will have the opportunity to do so at Phelps with up to 10 spots in each construction pathway available.
Interested students should complete the interest form by May 1.
Truck Touch 2025
Hop in a dump truck, cheer on student EV racers, enjoy games and a free lunch for kids at Truck Touch 2025 on Saturday, May 3rd from 8 am to 2 pm at RFK Lot 8.
DPW spring services
DPW spring services are in full swing! Reminder to please move your car on designated street-sweeping days and dispose of yard waste in paper bags only. For more tips on keeping our community clean, safe, and beautiful, visit DPW’s dedicated website.
Take the DC 2050 Vision Survey
DC 2050 is the District’s next comprehensive plan, which will guide the city’s growth and development across all 8 wards. Get involved by taking the DC 2050 Vision Survey. Share your vision of D.C. 25 years from now and your opinion on what issues the District’s long-term planning should prioritize.
IN THE NEWS
WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL
D.C. Councilmember pitches counter to mayor’s TOPA reform bill, arguing it is a ‘fundamental right’ (paywall)
EARTHDAY.ORG
Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution: The Recycling Refund & Litter Reduction Act of 2025
THE 51ST
New bills: Ticket scalpers and tenant protections
WUSA9
‘We want to see the District taking this seriously’ | Parents concerned after lead is found in Northwest playground
CALENDAR
Earth Month Neighborhood Cleanups
Saturday, April 26 | Various times and locations in Ward 1
DC LGBTQ+ Community Center Opening
Saturday, April 26, 10 am – 7 pm | 1827 Wiltberger St NW
Council Legislative Meeting
Tuesday, May 6, 12 pm | online and in-person
Brianne on Your Block
Wednesday, May 21, 6-8 pm | Right Proper Brewing: 624 T Street NW
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]
David Connerty-Marin | Communications Director | [email protected]
Kara Dunford | Communications Manager | [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]
Sabrin Qadi | Senior Legislative Aide | [email protected]
Niccole Rivero | Chief of Staff | [email protected]