Category: Public Works & Operations

I am chair of the Committee on Public Works & Operations, which has oversight of more than 20 District agencies, offices, and advisory committees that do the unsung but critical work of delivering everyday services that residents and businesses count on, including the Department of Public Works, responsible for trash collection, recycling, snow plowing, parking enforcement, and more.

Diverting waste from incinerators and landfills is a commitment of mine; I’m focused on composting and recycling, especially, as part of that effort.

DPW is also responsible for parking enforcement, which is a critical piece of improving road safety and public safety. Enforcement is about changing behavior and protecting residents, not just collecting fines. I added positions to the booting and towing teams and I’m working with DPW to prioritize the most egregious drivers and increase their use of technology, such as license plate readers.

Other agencies under my Committee’s purview handle business and other licensing, manage the city’s contracting processes, regulate taxis, ride-shares and limousines, and handle LGBTQ affairs.

Trash Talk: DPW Oversight Roundtable

Trash Talk: A lot more folks than usual have been experiencing delays in trash and recycling collection in the past couple months – enough that I asked DPW to come talk about why that is and their plans for improving service. There’s some encouraging news in their answers.

Remarks at hearing on possible rights violations resulting from coordination with feds

Below are the opening remarks made by Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, D-Ward 1, at today’s roundtable on incidents since January that involve D.C. government coordination with federal entities or joint enforcement activity that may violate D.C. human rights laws.

DPW Oversight Remarks

DPW is one of the District’s most public-facing agencies, and one of the most important agencies in this committee. When DPW does its job well, there are fewer rats, fewer scofflaw vehicles on the street – cleaner, safer, and more vibrant neighborhoods.

CP25 Committee on Public Works & Operations Activity Report

This report highlights some of the major legislation moved through the Committee and some of the oversight activities undertaken by the Committee during Council Period 25.

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.

Protecting neighborhoods from the harms of illegal dumping

"Businesses and individuals who dump illegally create untenable environmental, health, and economic harms in our communities. We can do more to protect our neighborhoods."

The Council voted unanimously on first reading to enhance the District’s ability to enforce its ban on illegal dumping and expand the list of illegal items to include frequently dumped items such as appliances, mattresses, and tires.

The Plan for Achieving Zero Waste

I convened a public oversight roundtable today to discuss the role of the Department of Public Works in the implementation of the Zero Waste Plan. I and my Committee wanted to learn from the agency about the measures it has implemented, priorities for the upcoming year, its timeline for the plan, and what funding or additional legislation would enable DPW to fulfill its responsibilities under the plan.

Nadeau Announces Committee Vote on Investigation Into Ride Hailing App Empower

Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, D-Ward 1, today announced that the Committee on Public Works & Operations, which she chairs, will vote today to launch an investigation into the unauthorized operations of the ride hailing app Empower, citing its lack of compliance (or lack of proof of compliance) with numerous laws and regulations that protect the safety and security of consumers.

Pilot Holds Scofflaw Drivers More Accountable

Traffic safety is public safety. Working together with DPW, we are making it harder to be a dangerous driver in D.C.

Advancing Inclusivity, Accessibility & Efficiency

As our Public Works & Operations budget oversight hearings for the FY 25 budget have continued this week, the trend of troubling cuts has likewise continued.