Hello Neighbors:
We are now almost two weeks out from one of the most challenging snow events I have seen as a Councilmember, with its unique mix of snow, sleet, and below freezing temperatures. Residents have been understandably frustrated by District government’s response to the storm. While I appreciate the challenges this storm presented, I am also frustrated with the response – and especially with the lack of communication from the executive about what to expect during the early stages of the cleanup.
As Chair of the Committee with oversight of the Department of Public Works, I plan to dig into this. I encourage you to share your experiences, not just with this storm, but with DPW’s services year-round, at the performance oversight hearing on Thursday, Feb. 12, starting at 9:30 a.m. You can sign up to testify at the hearing or submit written testimony on the Council’s website.
DPW crews continue snow-clearing operations across the District to support safe travel conditions and collection of trash, recycling, and food waste. Check the DPW website for updates on household collection schedule and status.
COUNCIL UPDATES
Digging in to agency performance
Protecting the health of our most vulnerable residents
In a hearing last week, I asked the Department of Health Care Finance why the extra $21 million I made available for DC Health Care Alliance is not being used for the services we promised to those who cannot get other coverage. I’ll follow up with the Mayor at next week’s Mayor-Council meeting.
This week, I asked the Department of Behavioral Health about progress on the stabilization center coming to Columbia Heights and the community navigators pilot, which we’re working to make permanent.
Performance oversight hearings continue all month – you should testify!
Ride-hailing, food delivery and more
We had a great public panel digging in on some of the issues facing delivery drivers. We talked about the much-anticipated proposed regulations for carriers-for-hire (small-time food and parcel delivery, primarily), which we expect to see later this month. I’m looking forward to working with the agency on implementation – not just enforcement, but how to better support drivers and protect consumers.
I was glad to see Director Rogers promote the need for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV’s). I really enjoyed his video on the topic! As one participant in the hearing noted, we can’t make accessibility an afterthought to regulations for ride-hailing services – that just guarantees slower and less effective implementation.
The Department of For-Hire Vehicle is tasked with managing a constantly evolving industry and I appreciate the Director’s thoughtful approach.
You should testify
Hearing from residents informs our decisions as councilmembers, helping us better understand what’s working and what’s not, and, as we enter the budget season later this spring, where further resources may be needed. Performance oversight hearings continue all month.
I encourage you to testify or submit testimony at one of the hearings in the Committee on Public Works & Operations or any of the many other Council public oversight hearings.
- Tuesday, February 10, 11 am: Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration
- Thursday, February 12, 9:30 am: Department of Public Works
- Wednesday, February 18, 9:30 am: Office of Human Rights, Office of Contracting and Procurement
- Tuesday, February 24, 11 am: Office of Administrative Hearings, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
- Friday, February 27, 9:30 am: Office of Risk Management, Office of the Chief Technology Officer
Same space, more housing
It was great to hear from the DC Department of Buildings, code experts, architects, and others in support of the One Front Door Act I introduced last year at a recent hearing on the legislation in the Committee of the Whole. Read my full remarks.
There’s no silver bullet to our housing crisis but updating our building code allows for more, larger, and more livable family-size units at lower cost. Modernizing our code as NYC, Seattle, and other cities have done allows more housing for the same amount of space. With modern fire suppression and design, small multifamily buildings with single entry are just as or more safe than buildings with two stairs.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Join our team!
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve the residents and businesses of Ward 1? Would you like to manage the review, analysis, and evaluation of legislation referred to the Committee on Public Works & Operations, chaired by Councilmember Nadeau? Do you have experience or interest in policy related to the District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration?
Consider joining our team! We are hiring for three positions:
Meet with me at Sankofa on Wednesday
Meet with me on Wednesday, Feb 11 at Sankofa Video and Book & Cafe from 9 – 11 am for our monthly Brianne on Your Block event. My team and I will meet with residents one-on-one to answer questions, offer support, and address concerns. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Meet your ANC 1A commissioners (new date!)
ANC1A serves as Columbia Heights’ direct link advocating to District government and agencies. Come meet the commissioners, share your ideas or concerns for the neighborhood, and learn how you can get involved on Sunday, March 1 from 4:30 – 6 pm at KooKoo Restaurant and Lounge.
Artistic and athletic opportunity for kids
The National Cherry Blossom Festival invites D.C. residents in grades 5–8 to participate in its Blossom Kicks for Kids Program.
Blossom Kicks for Kids empowers young creatives to explore their passion for art, fashion, and design by creating original soccer cleat designs inspired by the beauty of cherry blossoms and the spirit of international friendship. This year’s theme, “Art of The Game,” encourages students to transform cleats into wearable art that reflects their connection to cherry blossoms and soccer.
IN THE NEWS
WASHINGTON POST
Slow snow and ice removal frustrates residents across D.C. region
“D.C. Council Member Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward 1), who has oversight of the Department of Public Works, said in a statement Wednesday that she planned to dig into the city’s snow response in an upcoming oversight hearing — including the administration’s communication to concerned residents.”
CALENDAR
Committee on Public Works & Operations Performance Oversight Hearing: Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration
Tuesday, February 10, 11 am | online and in-person
Brianne on Your Block
Wednesday, February 11, 9-11 am | Sankofa, 2714 Georgia Avenue NW
Committee on Public Works & Operations Performance Oversight Hearing: Department of Public Works
Thursday, February 12, 9:30 am | online and in-person
Council Offices Closed in Observance of Washington’s Birthday
Monday, February 16
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1D Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 7 pm | online and in-person (Mt. Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St NW)
Committee on Public Works & Operations Public Roundtable
Wednesday, February 18, 9:30 am | online and in-person
The Committee will convene a public roundtable to consider Proposed Resolution 26-0454, the “Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs Julian Purdy Confirmation Resolution of 2025”.
Committee on Public Works & Operations Performance Oversight Hearing: Office of Human Rights, Office of Contracts & Procurement
Wednesday, February 18, following roundtable | online and in-person
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1A Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, February 18, 7 pm | online and in-person (LAYC, 1419 Columbia Rd NW)
Committee on Public Works & Operations Performance Oversight Hearing: Office of Administrative Hearings, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Tuesday, February 24, 9:30 am | online and in-person
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1E Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, February 25, 7 pm | online
Committee on Public Works & Operations Performance Oversight Hearing: Office of Risk Management, Office of the Chief Technology Officer
Friday, February 27, 9:30 am | online and in-person
CONTACT US
Brianne K. Nadeau | Councilmember | [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]
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]
Eliza-Roche Robinson | Constituent Services Specialist | [email protected]