Hi neighbors,

I hope it’s been a great summer so far! Late summer is a slow time for some, but there’s lots happening in Ward 1 throughout the month of July, and lots of ways to stay involved.

The DC Council goes on recess from July 15 to September 15, but work doesn’t stop. If anything, this is a time when I catch up on work and get ready for fall, which is always busy. During recess, the Council generally does not introduce new bills, hold hearings, or take votes (with exceptions for emergencies and some other circumstances). My constituent services team and I will be taking calls, closing cases, and helping neighbors in our communities all summer. 

Want to ask a question, raise a concern, or meet our new team members? Join us for July’s Brianne on Your Block at Amsterdam Falafelshop in Adams Morgan on Monday, July 11 from 6:30pm-8:00pm. I hope to see you there! 

Legislative Updates

Local Resident Voting Rights Act

We had the first hearing this week for the Local Resident Voting Rights Act, a bill I wrote to make permanent residents eligible to vote in the District. It would expand the definition of a “qualified elector” to include permanent residents, allowing them to vote in all District elections. It’s been co-introduced by several of my colleagues on the Council and has precedent in parts of Maryland, in California, and elsewhere. 

If this sounds like a familiar issue, it is. When he served on the Council, David Grosso introduced previous versions of this bill. I believe the issue’s become even more urgent since the pandemic began — after all, our neighbors and community members who cannot vote nonetheless have to live with the decisions of our elected officials every day. And as a city that prides itself on welcoming immigrants, they deserve to have a voice and full representation.

Hearing: Human Rights Sanctuary Amendment Act of 2022

Last month, I wrote and introduced the Human Rights Sanctuary Amendment Act of 2022 (click here for details) to protect human rights in the District: the right to contraception and reproductive healthcare and the right to live with, love, and marry whoever you please. Click here to get on the list to testify at the upcoming public hearing or submit your written testimony for the public record. 

Community Updates

U Street Safety Initiative (formerly U Street Nightlife Task Force)

Last month, I announced the formation of a U Street Nightlife Task Force to bring together neighbors, businesses, organizations, and government partners to create a roadmap for improved safety and vitality on this culturally important corridor. 

It’s been renamed the U Street Safety Initiative — both to distinguish it from MPD’s Nightlife Task Force and because I don’t want to limit our work. I want this to be an in-depth examination of the corridor and its uses, and commit to a real engagement and community research process.

There will be an advisory committee made up of residents, businesses, organizational partners and government agencies to guide the initiative, as well as multiple ways for all stakeholders to make their voices heard and to be part of the process of developing interventions. To learn more about the initiative, read the full post here.

There are some important upcoming opportunities to participate: 

• We have created a survey to assist in gathering a broad range of neighborhood voices. I hope you’ll take the time to fill out the survey and share it with neighbors. Click here to take the survey.

• There will be a virtual roundtable for residents on Saturday July 9 from 10:00-11:30 AM. If you would like to be part of that conversation, please click here to sign up. 

• On  Wednesday, July 13⋅from 2:00-3:30 PM, we will hold a virtual roundtable for businesses. Click here to sign up. 

Monkeypox Vaccinations

You may have heard about Monkeypox, a less common but still transmissible viral illness that’s confirmed to be here in the District. Unlike COVID-19, Monkeypox is only transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or bodily fluids, so it is not as readily spread. Still, over 50 cases have been reported, and while vaccine supply is still somewhat limited, DC Health is working to make vaccination appointments available as quickly as possible. Learn more about the illness and schedule a vaccination appointment here.

School Based Health Centers Are Offering Required Immunizations

DC Health’s school based health centers are now open in Ward 1 and across the District, offering vaccinations to students and families 3 and over, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Don’t forget that some immunizations are required for students to return to school in the fall. Click here to read more on school vaccination requirements.