Neighbors,

On May 30, 12 colleagues and I voted to approve the fiscal year 2024 Local Budget Act, which appropriates $19.7 for critical government services and infrastructure. At the beginning of the budget cycle in January, I called for a budget that prioritized intentional investments toward a more equitable city and a fair recovery for all Washingtonians. I believe that the final budget package responsibly uses our tax dollars to address crucial needs in the District.

Throughout the budget process, I conducted rigorous oversight of city agencies and worked with colleagues to rectify shortcomings in the Mayor’s initial proposal. The result is a people-first budget that reflects our shared values and addresses the needs of Ward 3 neighbors and the city as a whole.

The DC government is mandated to balance its budget, necessitating difficult choices about how to allocate our limited funds, Despite this sober economic atmosphere requiring measured spending, and the Mayor's initial budget that significantly shortchanged important social safety net programs, the Council was largely able to restore the government’s current level of service and invested in future-focused solutions. The final budget includes significant investments supporting access to stable, affordable housing; our public education system; neighborhood safety efforts; and economic opportunity for every resident.

This first budget season has been a learning experience. We relied heavily on input from constituents, generous advice, and counsel from colleagues. Our staff worked seamlessly to keep me prepared and in reaching out to other offices so we as fully as a possible understood the landscape as we navigated the budget process. Many thanks to those on the staff who led the way -- our Legislative Director Steven Palmer, Legislative Assistant Elias Benda, Communications Director Christian Damiana and Chief of Staff Leigh Catherine Miles. We did not achieve everything we hoped, but we did extraordinarily well our first time through this critical process. Thanks to all who helped make that happen.

My newsletter is biweekly, so follow me @CMFrumin on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more frequent updates.

Best,

Matt Frumin

Councilmember for Ward 3

A People-Focused FY 24 Budget

At the beginning of the budget season, I shared my commitment to a more inclusive, welcoming Ward 3 that meets the needs of all our neighbors. I am pleased that the fiscal year 2024 budget aligns with the principles of my “Ward 3 for All” framework, laying the foundation for expanded opportunity for education and entrepreneurship; improved safety and connectivity; additional support for seniors; and a strengthened local culture.

Fully Fund Neighborhood Schools

We must establish high-quality DCPS schools in every community, ensuring a predictable and accessible path from pre-school to high school. The FY 24 budget advances that goal, prioritizing well-resourced classrooms, modern facilities, support for teachers, and nutritious school meals. I am proud that the Council rectified shortcomings in the initial proposal to reverse devastating school-level budget cuts, support teacher wellness and retention programs, and proactively address school infrastructure maintenance and modernization. The final budget:

adds $6.2 million to the capital budget for Stoddert Elementary to enable a sensible addition that can fully meet the needs of the community
provides first-time funding to address the challenges of midyear mobility in DCPS schools -- many DCPS schools receive significant numbers of students after audit day and they should be braced for those predictable arrivals, an issue I have raised for close to a decade
enables significant pay increases for charter teachers to keep pace with DCPS while also adding significant transparency requirements on charter teacher pay.
Increased budgets for eight Ward 3 schools as part of Chairman Mendelson's citywide Schools First in Budgeting initiative. I remain concerned about the impact of moving as many dollars from the DCPS central office to schools and about the pace at which hiring using these new funds will occur, but am committed to making this program succeed.

Promote Affordable, Abundant Housing

Safe, stable, and affordable housing for all residents must be a priority for the District. Recognizing the impact of the housing market on our local economy and the hardships it can create for families and seniors, I called for investments in housing production and support for residents at risk of eviction. I was deeply concerned that the Mayor’s initial proposal could contribute to a perfect storm for vulnerable residents that worsened our homelessness crisis and led to a surge in evictions. To tackle these challenges, the Council made significant investments in emergency rental assistance, civil legal services, and housing vouchers that aid residents facing displacement.

Expand Economic Opportunity

The FY24 budget includes funding aimed at maintaining vibrant and opportunity-rich corridors amid changing economic dynamics. In addition to supporting the recovery of Downtown, the Council added critical new investments in Main Streets and Clean Teams to breathe new life into local business districts in Ward 3 and across the city. These investments, coupled with improved access to childcare and new channels for career development will expand economic opportunity for all DC residents.

Foster Safe, Healthy Neighborhoods

We all deserve to feel safe in our communities, and our FY 24 budget demonstrates that public safety is a top priority for the District government. I’m proud that the Council funded the Metropolitan Police Department's full hiring and retention request. This investment will enable MPD to expand its recruitment efforts and promote community-based policing goals. While law enforcement is a critical component of public safety, the FY 24 budget also addresses underlying drivers of crime by funding productive programming and employment opportunities for our youth.

Invest in Safer Streets and Accessible Transit

The final FY 24 budget invests in convenient, sustainable multimodal transportation options. It allocates funds for critical transportation projects in Ward 3 like the Arizona Avenue pedestrian bridge and connector and the future Palisades Trolley Trail, creating new opportunities for recreation and safe routes to school. The budget also funds 24-hour service for 13 Metrobus routes and restores Circulator routes, including the Woodley Park-Adams Morgan route.

Support our Seniors

Ward 3 is home to one of DC's largest senior populations, and I worked tirelessly to maintain existing senior services and secure new offerings. The final budget reflects this work, sustaining current programming and reviving initiatives like Around Town DC and dementia support programs. These additional resources will enhance quality of life for our seniors and support them as they age-in-place.

Strengthen Local Arts, Culture, and Recreation

Ward 3 is home to a close-knit community that thrives on local arts, culture, and recreational activities. The FY 24 budget meets this demand by expanding available athletic facilities for pickleball and supporting access to recreation for neighbors of all ages. I also secured funding for a new DC Archives facility and a grant to the DC History Center, helping to preserve and celebrate DC's rich local history and culture.

Need Help?

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or requests. Our Constituent Services team is here to help.

Contact our Constituent Services Team

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

(202) 724-8062