Hello Neighbors:
The Council passed two emergency bills this week that shine a light on federal agents patrolling in D.C. One requires the release of body-worn camera footage from MPD when they are with federal agents using deadly force and the other requires MPD officers to include the names of federal agents and their agencies in arrest reports in arrests involving force.
These are important for transparency, especially at a time when residents have lost trust in MPD and federal agencies due to their collaboration on immigration enforcement.
That tremendous loss of trust between residents and MPD was the most significant finding in a report the Committee on Public Works and Operations, which I chair, released in January on potential human rights violations due to the federal government intrusion.
The report was the result of hours of testimony from residents in October of last year and additional research by my team.
Despite vague assurances from the Executive that MPD did not collaborate with federal law enforcement after the 30-day federal takeover of MPD ended, many residents were not, and are not, convinced.
One recommendation in the report is that Council should exhaust all means to require that federal law enforcement officers are subject to the same restrictions imposed on MPD officers and that they provide identification.
The Council doesn’t have legal authority to direct federal agents not to wear masks or to provide identification. But the Council does have authority over MPD, and with this legislation we are adding some transparency to the actions of federal law enforcement. And we’re ensuring that MPD officers are not put into situations where they collaborate with and provide cover for federal law enforcement. This legislation is one step we are taking, and I hope it sets the department in motion to repair the breach in trust.
MPD collaboration with federal agencies is one of many things my team and I focused on in the past year. Our efforts will continue in the coming months. My 2026 Ward 1 Update details our progress and the work to come. I hope you’ll take a few moments to read and, as always, share your thoughts and concerns.
COUNCIL UPDATES
Digging in with DPW
This week I chaired a performance hearing with the Department of Public Works and got into the nitty gritty about everything from snow response to trash and recycling collection, parking enforcement, composting, and more. I’m confident that through this oversight work we’ll improve the agency and services delivered. Watch my video recap to learn more.
Streamlining contracting & procurement and increasing transparency
Everyone is frustrated at one time or another with the hoops that agencies and vendors must jump through and the pace of contracting and procurement. A transparent, efficient, and well-managed contracting and procurement process reduces delays, fraud, and abuse, while serving as a powerful tool to support small and local businesses. That’s the goal of my legislation, introduced last month, that would create a consolidated procurement portal and provide real-time tracking status. I welcome the submission of new legislation earlier this week by Mayor Bowser on the same topic. I will review the Mayor’s proposal to see where our two bills align with and complement each other. The District’s contracting and procurement process can be inefficient and frustrating for everyone, and we have the opportunity to change it for the better.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Join our team!
Are you looking for an opportunity to serve the residents and businesses of Ward 1? 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 two positions:
DPW spring services have sprung
Spring is here, and DPW is ready to help keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful.
Street sweeping began on March 2, and ticketing for failure to move vehicles for street sweeping will begin March 16.
More details on spring services are available on DPW’s website.
Get free tax prep help
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.
VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who generally make $69,000 or less
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
The TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
Find a site location near you and make an appointment. Locations in Ward 1 include Jubilee Jobs, DC Credit Union, and Howard University.
Share your input on the District’s future land use
The DC Office of Planning has developed proposals for how the District uses its land over the next several decades and is seeking your feedback to ensure the plan will address what you care about.
To share your input, attend a public workshop at MLK Library on March 18 at 6 pm or March 21 at 11 am.
Take charge of your clean energy future at the Healthy Homes Fair
Book your free ticket now for the Healthy Homes Fair on Saturday March 21 from 1 – 5 pm at Catholic University. This free, family-friendly expo helps residents learn how to improve health, increase comfort, and reduce emissions from their homes.
IN THE NEWS
DC NEWS NOW
DPW addresses issues with trash pickup following January’s snowstorm
“I think there’s lessons learned and I hear a willingness to improve and to do a better job communicating with the public,’ [Nadeau] said. ‘Everyone was working very hard, the public was willing to give the crews a lot of grace, but the communication needed to be better.”
CALENDAR
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1D Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, March 17, 7 pm | online and in-person (Mt Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St NW)
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1A Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March 18, 7 pm | online and in-person (LAYC, 1419 Columbia Rd NW)
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1E Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 7 pm | online
Committee on Public Works & Operations Public Hearing
Thursday, March 26, 9:30 am | online and in-person
The Committee will hear testimony on B26-0494 – Accountancy Practice Amendment Act of 2025.
Committee on Housing Public Hearing
Monday, March 30, 10 am | online and in-person
The Committee will hear testimony on Councilmember Nadeau and Councilmember Robert White’s legislation, B26-0597 – Housing Production Omnibus Amendment Act of 2026.
Council Legislative Meeting
Tuesday, March 31, 12 noon | online and in-person
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1C Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, April 1, 7 pm | online
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B Monthly Meeting
Thursday, April 9, 6:30 pm | online
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]