DPW employees are the heart and soul of the agency, and I remain committed to them as the most important asset DPW has to deliver on its promises to residents. I had a great afternoon this week celebrating their accomplishments, including recognizing including Ward 1 SWEEP inspector Justin Ingea, as Employee of the Year. Congratulations and thank you to all DPW employees. Photo Credit: DPW

Hello neighbors:

Over the past year, my Council colleagues and I have been laser-focused on improving public safety in the District. Every Ward 1 resident deserves to feel safe in their home and their neighborhood.

My comprehensive approach to public safety revolves around prevention, policing, and prosecution. In the past year, I’ve supported landmark legislation like the Secure DC Omnibus Bill to better equip police and prosecutors. I introduced the Reliable and Effective 911 Dispatch Act and the CADET Act to improve emergency response and hire more D.C. residents as police officers. And my Case Closure and Witness Support Act will help police close more homicide cases. In Ward 1, I’ve fought to secure millions in investments in violence prevention programs, substance use disorder outreach, traffic safety enforcement, and Safety Ambassadors.

Making our city safer takes collaborative work in many areas, from strengthening policing to getting the U.S. Attorney to prosecute more cases and intensifying our efforts to address the root causes of crime: housing, education, mental health and substance use disorders, and more.

I share more detail about these and other initiatives – some that I’ve led on and others that I’m supporting – in my latest public safety update.

Report on sexual harassment investigation released

Last week, I released the redacted version of the independent counsel’s review of the city’s earlier investigations into sexual harassment complaints against the Mayor’s former chief of staff and deputy mayor for planning and economic development. The review was required by legislation I introduced, and the Council passed unanimously in July 2023, because of concerns about the independence of the initial investigation.

Transparency and trust are essential to give employees confidence that they will be safe in their work environments and that when incidents arise, they can report them safely, knowing the allegations will be taken seriously, investigated properly, and acted upon.

This report gives the Mayor and the Council a to-do list to ensure that any future incidents are handled differently and that systems are in place that will better discourage sexual harassment and better respond if it happens.

The report will inform revisions to legislation I introduced to require independent third-party investigations in cases that involve the Mayor’s top officials. That legislation is working its way through the Council process.

I was so glad to join the DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Spring Symposium to address community violence & trauma. Thanks to Ward 1 resident Dr. Jessica Weisz for inviting me and to all the community leaders who participated in this important discussion.

Spring Fair at Bancroft was so much fun! Even in the rain, this community shines!

I loved stopping by the 826DC open house to see their beautiful space for kids 6-18 to express themselves through their writing.

I joined at-large Councilmember Robert White to speak to ANC 1D about the next steps in the FY25 budget process. We’re working to fund childhood education and human services as a priority. Thank you to the community members for great questions and conversation.

Thank you to Adams Morgan BID for sponsoring a pit stop for this year’s Bike to Work Day!

Thanks for hosting Africa on the Avenue, District Bridges! It was a fun celebration, despite the rain!

My little helper came along to the Kilbourne Place block party. Thanks to Frank Agbro who makes sure this community celebration happens every year!

I joined Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital this week for a mentoring luncheon to mark the 50th anniversary of the Congressional Aide program. I’m not only a lifelong Girl Scout, I’m also a Daisy Troop Leader. Girl Scouts lead the way!

Free local produce

The Department of Parks and Recreation’s free weekly veggie giveaway program has kicked off its 2024 season. In Ward 1, visit Powell Communal Farm (3149 16th St NW) every Thursday from 11 am – 12 pm from now until November to pick up free, fresh organic produce.

Information and other pick-up locations

Truck Touch 2024

On June 1, explore the machinery behind street cleaning, traffic management, waste disposal, snow removal, emergency services, and mobile healthcare at DPW’s annual Truck Touch event at RFK Stadium Lot 8. Free packed lunches will be available for attendees under 18.

Register

WUSA9
DC man says 911 sent help to wrong address for fire

FOX5
Council member releases redacted report on former DC deputy mayor’s sexual harassment investigations

DC NEWS NOW
Redacted report details sexual harassment allegations against former Deputy Mayor Falcicchio

WJLA
Independent report details sexual harassment claims against former DC deputy mayor

“We should be following national best practices here in the nation’s capital to make sure that our employees are safe and that they know when they go to work that we’re doing everything we can to keep them safe and protect them if something happens.”

WASHINGTON INFORMER
After Release of Independent Report, Nadeau and Bonds Set Sights on Legislation

Council offices closed in observance of Memorial Day
Monday, May 27

Council Legislative Meeting
Wednesday, May 29, 11 am | in-person and online

First reading of the FY25 budget

Jubilee Housing hard hat tour
Thursday, May 30, 2 pm | Adams Morgan

Councilmember Nadeau will tour the Kalorama Project, one of Jubilee’s newest affordable housing locations.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B
Thursday, June 6, 6:30 pm | online

Council Legislative Meeting
Wednesday, June 12, 9 am | in-person and online

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1A
Wednesday, June 12, 7 pm | in-person and online

Brianne K. Nadeau | Councilmember | [email protected]

Ariel Ardura | Committee Director | [email protected]

Abigail Boshart | Legislative Aide | [email protected]

Amanda Chulick | Legislative Analyst | [email protected]

Jerry Clark | Constituent Services Specialist | [email protected]

David Connerty-Marin | Communications Director | [email protected]

Kara Dunford | Communications Specialist | [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 | Legislative Assistant | [email protected]

Niccole Rivero | Chief of Staff | [email protected]