Hello Neighbors:
This week the Council voted on the second reading of the Local Budget Act. I’m proud of the great work we did in this budget. We were handed a budget that was balanced on the backs of our most vulnerable residents, and my goal was to make sure that we evened that out a little bit – that we made sure to restore the holes in the social safety net.
Some of that I was able to do in my committee, by funding millions of dollars of nutrition and human services programs, and some of it we did as a full Council, with funding identified by Chairman Mendelson and our budget office, restoring many of the gaps created in the Mayor’s budget.
The budget also includes much-need investments for Ward 1, including:
- $1.0 million to enable the Rosemount Center to purchase its building
- $15 million over four years to renovate the Park View Recreation Center
- $3 million over four years to build new park facilities and improve small parks in the Lower Georgia Avenue Cluster
- Funding to implement the Place-Based Substance Use Disorder Outreach Act
- $200,000 in FY 2028, and $600,000 over the Financial Plan, for business grants to support pedestrian activation of 18th Street
- $241,000 to support ongoing senior programming at the VIDA Senior Center
- Funds to implement the Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant Vision Framework for public realm design in Ward 1
I’m especially pleased – and thank Chairman Mendelson for his support – that the capital plan now fully funds an outstanding budget gap so we can finally break ground on the Bruce Monroe New Communities site. We are more than a decade into this effort to deliver on promises to replace all public housing units at Park Morton, expand affordable housing options and move forward a catalytic investment in Lower Georgia Avenue. We are finally fulfilling that promise.
At the end of the day, one big thing we didn’t do – which I still want to work on with colleagues before the end of this year – is the wealth proceeds tax. I believe we really do need to have a more suitable tax system here in the District of Columbia.
My proposal would levy a 3 percent tax on the passive income of households making more than $500,000 a year, which really is not the working class. That very small surtax would raise nearly $200 million in the first year and more than $100 million every year after, based on an early rough estimate by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. That could fill a huge gap in our budget.
It’s not about funding particular things in this moment – it’s about how we’ve balanced our budget this year with one-time money and created a “cliff” for next year – when we’ll need even more but won’t have the extra funds we were able to capture this year.
The wealth proceeds tax is also good progressive tax policy. We are still operating in the shadow of a tax revision commission that failed to do its job, and for too long, this Council has buried conversations about revenue and long-term financial stability and a more progressive taxation system.
We should be taxing passive income as much or more than we tax people for the income they work really hard for. If we keep suppressing legislation that proposes a better tax system, future councils will continue to have no choice but to try and address revenue shortfalls through the budget process. I thank Chairman Mendelson for planning a tax and revenue hearing this fall and will be pressing hard for my Wealth Proceeds Tax at that time.
I’m not going to be here next year. I want the new Council and the new mayor to have an easier time – working on the priorities they share and not having to start from scratch every year, as we’ve had to do with the current mayor.
I know that if we give our next mayor a strong revenue stream, she will spend it on the people who need it. I am still excited about the wealth proceeds tax and I will introduce the legislation before Council recesses for the summer.
Read more, including my full budget remarks.
COUNCIL UPDATES
Appreciation for Jubilee Housing
Like much of the nation, and perhaps more so than elsewhere, the District is facing a shortage of housing unlike any in decades.
Earlier this month I was honored to receive a Justice Housing Award from Jubilee Housing, for which I am, of course, incredibly grateful. But I want to use that recognition to highlight and thank Jubilee Housing for its incredible work in the community, and to showcase how we can make a difference in the success of affordable housing production when we all work together.
How we treat our most vulnerable residents is a measure of how well the District is doing. Far too many of our neighbors struggle with excessive housing costs and displacement. Unless we preserve and build new affordable housing, the District’s growth comes at the expense of pushing out low-income families and people of color, particularly the communities that have made Ward 1 so vibrant and resilient.
As chair of the Council’s Human Services Committee for six years, I spearheaded legislation and pushed for funding to ensure a path to safe and affordable housing for every District resident, including through my amendment to the Homes and Hearts Act in 2021, which helped house more than 2,400 households in the District.
There is so much we have done together – Jubilee and I – in the 11 years I have been on the Council, from the very first bill we did together to preserve 64 units of affordable housing at the Maycroft project (I was soooooo green) to TOPA legislation and working with angry neighbors, delayed permits, and archaic regulations and code.
I am so proud of what Ward 1 has accomplished in terms of housing. In fact, no area of the city this side of the Anacostia has been seen more growth in housing than the planning area that includes most of Ward 1. And our work together is a huge part of that.
The Girl Scout in me knows that I will be leaving this place better than I found it, because that has always been my promise and my focus.
I am not going to finish the work. Nor will the current leadership of Jubilee Housing, who will be around longer than I am Councilmember. But we have an obligation to do what we can when we can, while we can.
I know that Jubilee will help the next Councilmember – demand of them – that they also commit to the work, even if they will never fully finish it.
Largely because of Jubilee Housing, and my trial by fire from the start, I am 100 percent clear on what is possible for our great city if we all continue to come together. And while I will not be Jubilee’s go-to Councilmember anymore after this year, I’ll still be a partner and friend to Jubilee, and the greater work of ensuring dignified housing for everyone in our Ward.
BRIANNE IN WARD 1
It was great to join the community to unveil the sign for Henry E. Baker Alley and an honor for me to introduce the legislation to rename the alley.
The alley renaming recognizes the contributions of Henry Edwin Baker for his pioneering efforts in documenting and publicizing the achievements of Black inventors and innovators. Thanks to his dedication, the names of many remarkable Black innovators have been preserved, allowing us to properly recognize their contributions today. The Columbia Heights community celebrates his extraordinary work and legacy.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Enjoy a safe July 4!
As we head into the holiday weekend, I want to share some helpful information about staying safe with the resources we have available across the District.
Wishing everyone a safe and fun Independence Day weekend.
July 4 Road Closures and Transit
You may see temporary road closures, parking restrictions, or restricted access points during the July 4 holiday weekend. Check the latest MPD traffic advisories or sign up for AlertDC to receive real-time updates.
Beginning at 5 pm on Saturday, July 4, Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess will be free to ride until the system closes at 2 am.
Fireworks safety
Fourth of July is a time to celebrate, but it’s also the time with the most complaints about illegal fireworks. Most fireworks are illegal in D.C. You can report the use of illegal fireworks or fireworks related complaints to 311 or fill out the Fire Marshall’s Illegal Fireworks Report form. Here are FAQs and safety tips from FEMS:
Don’t buy or use illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks include: firecrackers or fireworks that explode, such as cherry bombs, bottle rockets, salutes, Roman candles, floral shells, and artillery shells.
Any person found engaging in the use or possession of illegal fireworks in the District of Columbia will have the products confiscated and could face fines and penalties starting at $2,000 and/or arrest.
Only buy approved legal fireworks from a licensed retailer or vendor. Legal fireworks include: sparklers less than 20 inches, torches, box fire, fountains, cones, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelty items, colored lights, and paper caps. A list of approved fireworks is available from the Fire Marshall.
Tips on how to safely use legal fireworks:
- Always read and follow label directions.
- Always have an adult present.
- Only ignite fireworks outdoors.
- Always have water or sand nearby to extinguish fireworks after use.
- Never experiment or attempt to make fireworks.
- Light fireworks one item at a time.
- Never relight malfunctioning of dud fireworks.
- Store fireworks out of the reach of children.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Never throw fireworks at another person.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Stand at least 15 feet from burning cones and fountains.
- Do not light fireworks near combustibles, such as gasoline, newspapers, etc.
- Do not ignite fireworks that have been wet and then dried.
- Do not light fireworks at any place other than the fuse.
- Do not use illegal fireworks.
- Only use items that have the label clearly listing the manufacturer’s name, address, and warnings.
Stay safe as temperatures rise
On days that the heat index forecast reaches 95 degrees, DC Government opens cooling centers. Find a cooling center near you.
Ready DC advises everyone to stay hydrated, wear loose clothing and sunscreen, and check on seniors, neighbors, and pets.
For unsheltered residents in need of free, accessible transportation to a day center or low-barrier shelter, call the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311.
If you see an animal left outside or in a vehicle on a hot day, call the Humane Rescue Alliance’s Humane Law Enforcement team at 202-888-7387 ext. 1.
All adult outdoor pools operate on individual summer schedules, six days a week. Children’s pools are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Find full hours and location information.
Check DPR SPLASH for real-time updates on pool closures and at-capacity locations.
Workers – know your rights!
DC Jobs with Justice, with support from the Office of the Attorney General, is sharing information for workers including on tipped employee pay, overtime compensation, employee rights, and paid sick days. More info at knowyourrightsdc.org.
Events DC community grants applications
For fiscal year 2027, Events DC will provide funding for the Community Grant program in the amount of $750,000, distributed in two cycles of $375,000 each. The program provides financial support to qualifying D.C. non-profit organizations that are dedicated to supporting children and youth through sports, performing arts and cultural arts programming in the District of Columbia.
Learn more about the grant program and apply.
IN THE NEWS
CITY CAST
Ally Wants Investigation of Campaign Finance Office that Fined JLG
THE INFORMER
The Collins D.C. Council Report: In First Reading, Council’s FY27 Budget Partially Restores Key Programs
NOTUS
D.C. Council Votes to Restore Social Services, Defying Bowser Cuts
CALENDAR
Council Legislative Meeting
Tuesday, June 30, noon | online and in person
Committee on Public Works & Operations Hearing
Monday, June 29, 10 am | online and in person
Consideration of B26-0670 – District of Columbia Government Data Privacy and Protection Act of 2026
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1C Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, July 1, 7 pm |
Council Offices Closed in Observance of Independence Day
Friday, July 3
Council Legislative Meeting
Tuesday, June 7, 11 am |online and in person
Final vote on the Budget Support Act
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B Monthly Meeting
Thursday, July 9, 7 pm
Ward 1 Day at the National Building Museum
Friday, July 10, 2-5 pm
CONTACT US
Brianne K. Nadeau | Councilmember | [email protected]
Abigail Boshart | Deputy Committee Director | [email protected]
Nicole Bramstedt | Senior Legislative Assistant | [email protected]
Amanda Chulick | Senior Legislative Assistant | [email protected]
David Connerty-Marin | Communications Director | [email protected]
Sean Cuddihy | Committee Director | [email protected]
Kara Dunford | Communications Manager | [email protected]
David Meni | Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director | [email protected]
Maricela Nava | Deputy Chief of Staff & Scheduler | [email protected]
Sabrin Qadi | Deputy Legislative Director | [email protected]
Norma Rivera | Constituent Services Specialist | [email protected]
Niccole Rivero | Chief of Staff | [email protected]
Eliza-Roche Robinson | Constituent Services Specialist | [email protected]