April 10, 2025

Dear neighbors,

As I discuss in more detail below, the Council is currently waiting for the mayor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 26) budget due in part to uncertainty at the federal level. As we wait for the budget process to begin officially, my staff and I continued to meet with agency officials, issue advocates, and community stakeholders in preparation for the budget. The Council also held a legislative meeting last week, during which we advanced several priorities for the Committee on Human Services, which I discuss further below.

With the weather warming up, I also had the pleasure of marking several milestones in the Ward, including opening day of Capitol City Little League, a new season for the Cleveland Park farmers’ market, and cutting the ribbon at a new grocery store in Van Ness. There are also many more upcoming events to look forward to which are included in this newsletter, including Emancipation Day, Old People are Cool Month, and neighborhood celebration days in Ward 3.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge that in recent months many things have been very troubling to many in our community, and several specific episodes have particularly touched nerves. One example occurred at the US Institute of Peace (USIP) on March 17, and was troubling given the involvement of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). While many have suggested MPD had little choice in taking the actions they did, the episode raises questions and underscores the need to examine appropriate protocols going forward. 

Individuals inside USIP were the first to call MPD, but it remains unclear what action MPD took related to that call. Once MPD arrived at USIP, in response to a call from the US Attorney’s Office, they were presented with documents purporting to show the designated new USIP president’s legal authority. This clearly put MPD in a difficult position, and, absent a court order to the contrary, it may not be reasonable to expect them not to respect those documents. Still, I would have hoped MPD would have entered the building first, without those seeking entry, and spoken with individuals inside to hear their side of the story. The episode might still have ended with the new president entering and others being forced to depart; however, the perception that MPD partnered with the Department of Government Enforcement as opposed to serving as a neutral arbiter and enforcer of the law would have been lessened. I have heard different things regarding this incident and fully expect to continue to probe on it through the Council’s oversight process.

This incident raises important questions regarding how MPD can and should respond if similar situations arise in the future. This was a hectic first episode that shocked all of us. None of us can be quite as shocked if or when it happens again. MPD may well have adhered to all existing protocols, but we are in new and particularly challenging circumstances. MPD must plan for how it will address similar issues should they arise, including how it can do so while maintaining the full confidence of District residents. I assure you the Council will closely work with the department to ensure that happens. 

As ever, during these challenging times, there is much to celebrate as District residents. This week, the Washington Capitals’ own Alexander Ovechkin became the National Hockey League’s all-time leading goal scorer, recording his 895th goal and surpassing Wayne Gretzky, who was at the game to congratulate him. Ovechkin has spent his entire 20-season career in DC, won three Most Valuable Player awards in 2008, 2009, and 2013, and led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

Join fellow Washingtonians in congratulating Ovechkin and celebrating breaking the NHL record this Friday afternoon at Union Station from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. The free fan event is open to the public.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

The District’s annual budget process remains in limbo. To recap, in March, the House of Representatives mistakenly included a provision in the federal budget continuing resolution (CR) that treats the District of Columbia as a federal agency, thereby freezing spending in our current Fiscal Year (FY25) at FY24 levels. For federal agencies, this could make sense as they do not have an FY25 budget and they spend federal dollars. However, the District passed a balanced FY25 budget, which was already subject to Congressional review, and has been operating under that budget since October 1, 2024. Further, like any other municipality or state, the District’s budget is comprised of locally raised funds. Freezing District spending at FY24 levels would not save the federal government a single dollar, and it would require cutting $1.1 billion in the last six months of the fiscal year. Clearly, this makes no sense. 

The Senate, while it could not fix this in the CR, unanimously passed a parallel fix. It now falls to the House to endorse the Senate’s measure. President Trump has urged them to do so, as have significant Republican leaders in the House. Unfortunately, the House is not slated to take up this matter before it goes on recess for two weeks at the end of this week.

The uncertainty around the CR and its impact on the District has delayed the mayor in delivering her FY26 budget proposal to the Council, which was originally anticipated on April 2. Given the further delay in House action, the executive and Council are in discussions on how to proceed. Do we wait an additional two weeks before starting our budget process? Or does the mayor finalize a budget, accounting for the CR restrictions, and submit that budget to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for certification and then to the Council? I anticipate we will have clarity soon.

Even before recent events, this was going to be a very challenging budget year. The CFO’s February revenue estimate, to which we must balance our budget, showed decreasing revenues of around $350 million a year for the next three years, signaling the need for even more acute belt-tightening.

I was in a meeting recently during which a senior DC government official said: “It is not 2019 anymore.” The import was that there was a time not so long ago when there were way fewer hard choices. This year feels like they are all going to be hard choices. While I would have loved to have been in this seat during the salad days, I feel privileged to be at the table at this moment and am deeply honored to be able to bring all my life experiences to bear to find solutions for Ward 3 and the District.

Every quarter, I include an update on the latest public safety data. DC Crime Cards is now updated with statistics from the first three months of 2025, allowing us to step back and measure our progress. The data points to improvement, but I also recognize there is skepticism that exists in the community and many residents feel like crime is more frequent. Numbers are important to level-set, but we must continue to do more to prevent crime and ensure all residents feel safe in their neighborhoods.

Citywide, year to date, violent crime is down 26 percent, including:

• 31% decrease in robberies
• 50% drop in carjackings
• 12% reduction in assaults with a dangerous weapon
• 14% drop in homicides

Additionally, property crime is down six percent, including a 12 percent drop in theft and a six percent decline in theft from auto. DC has also seen an 80 percent decrease in roadway fatalities. Further, Metro’s Q1 crime rate was its lowest since 2018, at 2.99 crimes per 1 million trips.

In Ward 3 specifically, the numbers from the first three months of this year show some very positive improvements, as well as some crime trends that we need to focus on addressing. As the numbers in the chart below show, violent crime is down compared to last year, pre-pandemic, and a decade ago. Property crime, while up over last year, remains below pre-pandemic levels. Unfortunately, Ward 3 has seen a significant increase in theft from autos compared to last year when there was a notable decrease. However, that number is still lower than pre-pandemic levels. Ward 3 has also seen a steady increase in Theft/Other, which includes shoplifting, over the last decade. These theft numbers show that we must take steps to turn those trends back in the right direction.

In my recent budget letter to the mayor, I emphasized that one of my top priorities is continuing our commitments to public safety. In the letter, I urged the mayor to allocate sufficient resources to MPD to allow them to recruit and retain officers and expand community policing. I also encouraged enhanced funding for the Private Security Camera Rebate Program to include monitored alarm system installation, hardware, and monitoring services as eligible for rebates.

This summer, I will host another Public Safety Forum to bring stakeholders together, including residents, MPD, and other District agencies, to facilitate a community conversation on the latest crime trends, recent initiatives and efforts to reduce crime, and hear feedback from constituents. Details are being finalized, so stay tuned for a confirmed date and event details.

Last week, the Council voted on first reading to advance a markup of the “Emergency Rental Assistance Program Reform Amendment Act of 2025.” The bill realigns the policy incentives around ERAP to protect both affordable housing providers and eligible tenants. This was a positive step in the process, and there will be a second vote at the next Council legislative meeting.

The Council also unanimously approved confirmation resolutions for the reappointments of Antonio Williams (Ward 4), Andrew Trueblood (Ward 8), and Maria Peace (Ward 7) to the District of Columbia Public Library Board of Trustees.

In a win for the committee, my staff and I were able to follow up on testimony received during the oversight process to improve processes for residents. The Economic Security Administration (ESA), which handles public benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), operates service centers that process residents' benefits applications. Residents often drop off required documents for their applications or recertifications at drop boxes in the service centers. If documents are lost or processed incorrectly, however, residents may not be able to provide receipts to show they were dropped off. Thanks to my committee’s advocacy in response to feedback heard during oversight hearings in early March, the Department of Human Services (DHS) clarified the drop-off process to residents and empowered them to obtain receipts; this modest but highly impactful measure came at no cost to the department. The new notice photographed below is now part of an improved document drop-off process, and points people to how they can obtain a receipt. This had been an issue reported by residents, and I am glad to have made progress on addressing it.

The committee has oversight over DC Public Libraries (DCPL), and this week is National Library Week. Our wonderful libraries are spaces to explore your passions, expand your skills, and build community. Check out your neighborhood library and encourage a friend to get a library card this week. Visit DCPL’s website to learn more.

More information about the committee can be found on my website at mattfruminward3.com/committee.

My office’s next Workday in the Ward will be held at the Palisades Farmers Market, located at 48th Place and MacArthur Blvd NW, on Sunday, April 27, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Come by the farmers market to meet with me and members of my staff to discuss legislation, constituent services, and more.

DMPED Public Disposition Hearing on Chevy Chase Civic Site

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) conducted a public disposition hearing regarding the Chevy Chase Civic Site to get community input on the proposed use of the site on Saturday, March 29. Presentations  are now posted to the project website. Residents can offer written comment while the record is open until May 28. Comments can be emailed to daniel.lyons@dc.gov, or mailed to:

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317

Washington, DC 20004

Attention: Daniel Lyons

DMPED will take the feedback they receive and make a selection, which will then be presented to the Council for approval. The timeline for this process is not certain, but a Council vote would likely not come until the fall of this year. Residents can contact Daniel Lyons with DMPED at (202) 445-9765 or daniel.lyons@dc.gov if you have questions.

Glover Park Community Center Gym Temporarily Closed

The gymnasium at Glover Park Community Center (Stoddert Elementary School) at 4001 Calvert Street NW, will be closed from Monday, April 7, to Friday, April 18. It is expected to reopen on Monday, April 21. Residents are welcome to contact DPR's Customer Care Center at 202-673-7647. The call line is open during regular business hours (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), Monday through Friday, and is closed on weekends and holidays. You may also contact them via email at dprcustomercare@dc.gov.

Get Tax Assistance Over the Phone

Do you have questions about filing your taxes? The DC Office of Tax and Revenue is holding special Customer Call Center hours this Saturday, April 12, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, to support taxpayers before the filing deadline. A representative can be reached at 202-727-4TAX (4829).

New Online Catalog Coming to DC Libraries in April

On April 16, DC Public Library (DCPL) will transition to a new online catalog with an updated look and feel, as well as enhanced features, offering a streamlined search experience and improved access to DCPL’s collection.

To accommodate the transition, the current online catalog will be offline on April 14 and 15. While you may browse DCPL’s collection online and in the DC Public Library app, you will not be able to place holds on physical materials. Residents can still visit one of DCPL’s branches in-person to check something out during that time. This offline period will only affect physical materials and not online resources such as Libby/Overdrive, Kanopy, PressReader, etc.

For more information and a full FAQ about the upcoming catalog transition, please visit DCPL’s website. 

MOCRS Office Hours in Ward 3

Do you have topics you want to discuss with Mayor Bowser’s office? The Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS) will host office hours on April 25 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the Palisades Library. Kendall Gibson, Ward 3 Manager, will be onsite to meet with Ward 3 residents.

Weigh In on Improvements to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway

To enhance safety and improve operations, the National Park Service (NPS) is developing a Multimodal Safety and Operational Improvements Plan for the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. NPS values community involvement in shaping this project, and residents are invited to submit written comments either online or by mail during the 30-day public comment period which is open until May 2. Visit the NPS site to submit online comments, or mail them to:

Superintendent 

Rock Creek Park 

Attn: RCPP Multimodal 

3545 Williamsburg Lane NW 

Washington, DC 20008 

DC Health Link Federal Workers Event and Small Business Summit

DC Health Link will host a pop-up event at the Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW, on April 18 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm to help impacted federal workers enroll in quality, affordable health insurance.

DC Health Link will host its annual POWERUP DC Small Business Summit on May 6 from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. This year’s collaborative summit is themed, “Empowering Small Business for Success in a Changing Landscape” and will feature workshops, funding sources, access to capital and procurement opportunities, tools for self-employment, networking and one-on-one consultation with business experts, an award luncheon, and business expo. 

Learn more at DCHealthLink.com.

Construction Trades Hub at Phelps ACE High School

DCPS is expanding opportunities for students to take courses in the construction trades. Phelps ACE High School will serve as a Construction Trades training hub for DCPS students. Rising 11th grade students from other DCPS schools who are interested in enrolling in one of the trades programs will have the opportunity to do so at Phelps with up to 10 spots in each construction pathway available. This is a pilot program and DCPS hopes to expand the availability to more students in the future. Interested students should complete the Interest Form by May 1, 2025.

DOB Series in Greater Greater Washington

The Department of Buildings (DOB) is publishing informative columns in a series for Greater Greater Washington entitled, “Budling Connections.” DOB provides the infrastructure for property inspections for both tenants and landlords. The serial column explores numerous aspects of enforcement policy at DOB. Topics so far include background on DOB, illegal construction enforcement, and vacant buildings. The latest is on housing and property maintenance inspections. Read the series here.

Weigh In On DC 2050 Plan

The DC Office of Planning is working alongside DC residents, community organizations, businesses, and elected officials to develop DC 2050, the District's next Comprehensive Plan.

DC 2050 will guide where and how we build new housing, grow job opportunities, connect neighborhoods, preserve our rich history, and invest in important services. As our city evolves, DC 2050 will align land use policies and investments to make the District more equitable, affordable, and resilient.

Residents can complete the Vision Survey at DC2050.com, and share ideas at community events. For more information, contact the DC Office of Planning at DC2050@dc.gov, 202-442-7600.

Resources for Recently Unemployed Residents

Save the date for the DC government’s “Spring Into A New Career” hiring event on May 15. Final information is still pending, and when available, all details will be posted on the Department of Human Resources site.

Residents can visit the resources page on my website to find more information about programs like unemployment and health insurance, as well as assistance for homeowners, students, and more. DC government has also created a website FedSupport.dc.gov, which also includes information and support for recently unemployed residents.

Mom’s Organic Market is Open in Van Ness

On Friday, April 4, I had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon alongside President Maurice Edington of UDC, ANC 3F Commissioner Courtney Carlson, and the team at Mom’s Organic Market to officially welcome the new grocery store on Connecticut Avenue to the neighborhood.

FreshFarm Cleveland Park

On Saturday, April 5, I joined local farmers and producers to ring in the main season at the farmer’s market in Cleveland Park at 3400 Connecticut Ave NW. Established in 2016, the Cleveland Park market was originally established as a program of the Cleveland Park Business Association, and operations were transferred to District Bridges in 2020 after the launch of the Cleveland Park Main Street. The market provides fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods every Saturday morning.

Palisades Eggstravaganza

It was a joy to attend the Palisades Community Association’s Annual Eggstravaganza & Potluck Breakfast at Hardy Recreation Center. I enjoyed breakfast, coffee, and great conversation with residents. I also teamed up with Officer Anthony McElwee for the egg toss, and we managed to win, although on the last return toss, the egg did not break my way. It was a great event for the community.

Capital City Little League

Little League baseball season has officially begun. Last Sunday, I threw the first pitch at the opening day of Capital City Little League at the baseball field in Chevy Chase Park. The day featured Mayor Bowser, food and drinks, inflatables, and more. Thanks to Capital City Little League for hosting such a great event.

DC History Conference

Understanding our past is critical to navigating our present and future. Last weekend, I attended several presentations as part of the DC History Conference. The conference is an interdisciplinary community conference considering the District's past, present, and future. It is needed now as much as ever to share the stories of the District, and the conference brought people together to learn more about the perspectives and experiences of DC residents. Thanks to the DC History Center, DC Public Library, and HumanitiesDC for hosting such an important forum.

Speaking with Residents at Woodley Park Towers

Thanks to the residents at Woodley Park Towers for hosting me on Tuesday this week for a great discussion on some of the most important topics in Ward 3. I talked about some of my top priorities, including supporting programs for seniors, expanding supportive services with housing assistance, protecting DC Home Rule, and continuing our commitments to public safety.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings

ANC3A: Tuesday, April 15, 7:00 pm, McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, April 10, 7:00 pm, Zoom

ANC3C: Monday, April 21, 7:00 pm, Zoom 

ANC3D: Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 pm, Zoom 

ANC3E: Thursday, April 10, 7:30 pm, Zoom 

ANC3F: Tuesday, April 22, 7:00 pm, Zoom

ANC3/4G: Monday, May 12, 6:30 pm, Zoom

DC Emancipation Day

On Sunday, April 14, DC will host this year’s Emancipation Day Parade, concert, and fireworks. Free festivities begin with the parade, followed by the DC Emancipation Day Concert on Freedom Plaza. There will be live radio broadcasts throughout the day, along with interactive activations and food trucks. For a full lineup of performances and more, visit dcemancipationday.com.

DC Emancipation Day became a Public Holiday on April 16, 2005, through legislation authored by DC Council Member Vincent Orange. President Abraham Lincoln signed the DC Emancipation Compensation Act freeing the 3,100 enslaved persons on April 16, 1862, for one million dollars paid to the enslaved owners. Nine months later, President Lincoln executed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the enslaved persons in the Confederate States of the United States on January 1, 1863.

Van Ness Famers Market Returns

On April 19, the farmers market at Van Ness in front of the UDC Student Center returns. The market is open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm every Saturday until December 6.

Old People Are Cool Walk & Roll

The fifth annual Old People Are Cool Walk & Roll (formerly Relay) to celebrate Older Americans Month will be on Thursday, May 1. The event will meet at 1:00 pm at The Fillmore parking lot as the starting line (located at 1801 35th Street NW) and make its way to the finish line at Forest Hills of DC (4901 Connecticut Ave NW). Click here to learn more and register.

Tenleytown Health and Wellness Day

On Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Tenleytown Main Street will be holding a Health and Wellness Day for the community at Janney Elementary School in coordination with Janney’s Beautification Day. Local Health and Wellness programs and small businesses will be there for a fun day of activities, education, and presentations about your health and well-being. The event is free and intended for all ages. Visit the event page for more information.

Upcoming Neighborhood Celebrations

Tenleyfest

TenleyFest will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 3-5 pm featuring music and art in small businesses throughout the Tenleytown corridor. More information will be posted to tenleytownmainstreet.org.

Glover Park Day

Glover Park Day will also be held on Saturday, May 31, throughout the day. Shop the wares of local artists and crafters, listen to live music, enjoy great food, learn about community service groups, and more. See more details on the event page.

Cleveland Park Day

Save the date for Cleveland Park Day on Sunday, June 8, from 12:00 to 5:00 pm along Connecticut Avenue NW. The event is free and open to all, and includes live music, performances, features and specials at local businesses, and more. Find more information here.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062