Hello Neighbors:
There’s a lot to unpack in the Mayor’s proposed budget for FY27, but the overall and very disturbing theme that comes across clearly is that she has gutted the social safety net while not asking anything of the District’s wealthy residents.
The Mayor is proposing cuts to critical programs like permanent supportive housing vouchers, rapid rehousing, and emergency rental assistance. These are cuts to existing programs with people in them, meaning they will lose their housing subsidies. And I don’t know what happens then, because the budget doesn’t have a plan for that.
With this budget, the Mayor is destabilizing—all at once—our social safety net. It undermines people’s ability to get back into the workforce, jeopardizes people’s ability to pay their rent and stay in their homes, and makes it harder for them to access and afford childcare – necessary for them to be successful in the workforce. It hits our vulnerable residents the most, for no other reason than to hit an arbitrary target for cuts.
This is not how we treat people in the District of Columbia.
It’s time we ask our wealthiest residents to pitch in just a little bit more.
I ask you to join me in the fight. This is your budget, and you can—and should—make your voice heard. I encourage you to sign up to testify at the Council’s Budget Oversight Hearings.
COUNCIL UPDATES
Curfews-first approach fails to support our youth
Council gave initial approval to a permanent bill that will allow the District to declare 8 pm teen curfew zones on an 8-5 vote. I did not support the measure, as I can’t in good conscience vote for something that is tried and proven as bad policy. I have not supported the youth curfews from the start. This is a rebranded version of the tough-on-crime laws of the past – a curfews-first approach that’s ineffective because it fails to support our youth.
Read my full remarks from the legislative meeting.
BRIANNE IN WARD 1
Meet with me at Emmy French Corner
Join us on Thursday, May 14 for our next Brianne on Your Block event. My team and I will meet 1-on-1 with individuals and groups at Emmy French Corner (1250 U Street NW) from 6 – 8 pm. Registration is encouraged.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Apply for arts & humanities funding – deadline approaching!
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is now accepting applications for the General Operating Support Grant Program. This program provides funding to non-profit organizations whose main mission is in the arts, humanities, or arts education.
Applicants must show how their ongoing work supports CAH’s goal of encouraging diverse artistic expression and learning opportunities for all DC residents and visitors. Strong applications will clearly demonstrate the organization’s leadership, history of programming, and commitment to serving the community.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 5 at 5 pm.
Get up close with the vehicles that keep D.C. moving
D.C.’s annual Truck Touch event comes to RFK Stadium, Lot 8 (2400 East Capitol Street, SE) this Saturday, May 2 from 8 am – 2 pm. Kids can climb aboard fire trucks, honk the horn on a snowplow, and more. Food and drinks will be available for kids of all ages.
Now Hiring: DC Department of Parks & Recreation summer positions
D.C.’s Department of Parks & Recreation is hiring for hundreds of summer positions across the District and there’s something for everyone!
Opportunities include working at a pool as a lifeguard, pool operator, or customer service rep; engaging youth through Roving Leaders, Teen Division, and Boost Camp programs; leading summer camps like Discovery Camp, Sports Camp, and Therapeutic Recreation Camp; and supporting operations as a Park Ranger, HR Assistant, Food Monitor, and more. Interested in overnight camp? Camp Riverview in Southern Maryland is also hiring!
Not yet a certified lifeguard? DPR will train you, for free! Browse positions and apply.
IN THE NEWS
WTOP
What were the major safety issues flagged in DC’s 911 center?
“In 2024, Ward 1 Council member Brianne Nadeau sent a letter to the city administrator and OUC, requesting daily staffing statistics, a list of agency mistakes, changes to correct systemic failures and a private briefing. It came after Nadeau said her constituents shared examples of their 911 calls being dropped or never answered.”
STREET SENSE MEDIA
What Bowser’s proposed budget means for people experiencing homelessness
CALENDAR
Committee on Public Works & Operations Budget Oversight Hearing: Department of Public Works & Operations
Thursday, April 29, 9:30 am | online and in-person
Council Legislative Meeting
Tuesday, May 5, 12 noon | online and in-person
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1C Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, May 6, 7 pm | online
Committee on Public Works & Operations Budget Hearing: Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration
Thursday, May 7, 9:30 am | online and in-person
Committee on Public Works & Operations Roundtable
Thursday, May 7, 12 pm | online and in-person
Nomination of James Turner to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B Monthly Meeting
Thursday, May 7, 6:30 pm | online
Committee on Public Works & Operations Budget Hearing: Office of Human Rights
Tuesday, May 12, 12:30 pm | online and in-person
Committee on Public Works & Operations Public Hearing
Tuesday, May 12, 12:30 pm | online and in-person
The Committee will hear testimony on Councilmember Nadeau’s bill to amend the Language Access Act of 2004 to include enforcement and relief provisions for violations of the act (B26-0570 – Office of Human Rights Rulemaking Authority Amendment Act of 2026).
Brianne on Your Block
Thursday, May 14, 6 – 8 pm | Emmy French Corner, 1250 U Street NW
CONTACT US
Brianne K. Nadeau | Councilmember | [email protected]
Abigail Boshart | Deputy Committee Director | [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]
Niccole Rivero | Chief of Staff | [email protected]
Eliza-Roche Robinson | Constituent Services Specialist | [email protected]