April 24, 2025

Dear neighbors,

It is wonderful that it feels like spring is finally upon us. Alas, to the extent we have storm clouds, they continue to come from the actions of the federal government. 

Yesterday brought news of Moody’s downgrading of our triple-A bond rating. The District has a solid record of fiscal management. The change in our bond rating is not linked to any action by the District, but rather to the fact that the District is operating in a very uncertain economic environment given the actions of the federal government. Meanwhile, our budget process continues to be delayed as the mayor and her team work to both turn around the restrictions on our current fiscal year budget flowing from the Continuing Resolution (CR) recently passed by Congress and, at the same time, craft a supplemental Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget that accounts for the required cuts. 

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget process was supposed to start on April 2 with the transmission of the budget by the mayor to the Council, followed by 70 days of Council hearings and deliberations to finalize the budget. As it stands now, the best we can hope for is that when the House comes back into session on April 28, they will promptly take up and pass the Senate's fix to the CR. If that happens, we can avoid draconian cuts from now to the end of the fiscal year on September 30. If that does not happen, I expect the mayor to submit to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) a supplemental FY25 budget calling for significant cuts in the balance of the fiscal year and a proposed FY26 budget reflecting projected fiscal challenges. Once the CFO completes his review, the budget will come to the Council, and the Council’s 70-day clock will begin to run. In the ordinary course, our budget process would have been completed sometime in June. Now, it likely will be sometime in July.  

In many ways, this budget will be one of the most difficult ones we have faced in many years. (The FY21 budget crafted at the start of the COVID era being a strong contender). This budget will be filled with hard decisions. I encourage you to let your voice be heard in the upcoming consequential debate. 

In the meantime, enjoy the miracle of spring (even if it also brings pollen). 



It all puts me in the mind of a visit with the author and poet Jim Harrison many years ago. We were standing at his kitchen sink eating cold pizza for breakfast and looking out across a field on his farm as his horse ran back and forth. He said something like: “Sparky runs from place to place to get away from flies, oblivious to the fact that flies are everywhere.” Current events remind us all too acutely that there are hard things everywhere in the face of beauty. We are a resilient people. We are going to make our way through this, together. 

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

Earth Day was on Tuesday, and the District is proud to be a national and a global leader on the environment. As we celebrate that achievement, it is important to take note that significant credit for moving into this position goes to my predecessor, Mary Cheh. Mary was a global leader on these issues, and we are all better for it. 

The District has cut citywide emissions by more than 35 percent since 2006 thanks to efforts such as the greening of the electric grid, decreased energy use intensity in commercial buildings, and improvements in vehicle fuel economy and standards. The District holds itself to high standards, as DC government is 100 percent powered by renewable energy. The District is at the forefront of the movement to build sustainably, with new projects meeting LEED certification. DC is renowned for its abundant green spaces including our top-ranked park system. Thanks to efforts at DC Water and efforts to clean our rivers, the District is optimizing water. DC boasts many ecofriendly dining options, offers many farmers markets and other sustainable and locally sourced food providers, and residents take advantage of recycling and compost services. The District is also known for multimodal transportation, and provides environmentally friendly options including bike, walking, or public transportation. We also have ambitious goals for the future, striving to create a more sustainable urban environment.

As we recognize Earth Day and the importance of environment, DC has much to be proud of when it comes to its accomplishments and ambitions for sustainability. These are just some of the ways the District is setting the standard for sustainability. Visit my website here and check out the reel on my social channels to learn more about how DC is leading the way.

The Committee on Human Services will hold a public roundtable on the Community Services Block Grant (CSGB) program at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 29. The roundtable will be held in a hybrid format, in both Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building and on the Zoom virtual platform. The CSBG program is a federally funded anti-poverty block grant operated through a state-administered network of community and faith-based, not-for-profit organizations. The program seeks to address the causes of poverty by implementing programs and services that empower low-income families and individuals, revitalize low-income communities, and improve the economic self-sufficiency of low-income customers.

The Committee invites the public to provide oral and written testimony. Members of the public may sign up to testify using the Hearing Management System at https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/. Online registration will close two business days before the roundtable, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025. If you cannot register to testify online, please contact Dan Passon, Committee Director, at dpasson@dccouncil.gov or (202) 702-9323. The record will close for all forms of testimony at the end of the business day on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Watch live at youtube.com/@cmfrumin.

The Committee continues to engage stakeholders on 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. The Council anticipates holding a second vote on the bill at the May 6 legislative meeting; however, that date is not final.

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.

Every May, the Administration for Community Living within the US Department of Health and Human Services leads a national observance of Older Americans Month to honor the independence, integration, and inclusion of older adults throughout all aspects of life. The Old People Are Cool project was created to confront harmful ageism that prevents communities from reaching their maximum potential by combatting ageism and raising the profile of the senior care industry. Earlier this year, the Council unanimously passed my ceremonial resolution declaring this May once again as “Old People Are Cool Month.”

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.

The DC Public Library will host the “We Are Your Neighbors” exhibit from May 1 to June 23 at the Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library (3310 Connecticut Ave NW). Presented by Cleveland & Woodley Park Village in celebration of Older Americans Month, the project features the faces and stories of eight long-time residents. Through dramatic portraits on the exterior of the building, engaging exhibits inside the library, and linked audio stories in the residents’ own voices, visitors will be introduced to the rich histories, wisdom, and accomplishments of older adults in the community. The exhibit’s opening reception will take place on May 1 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm in the First Floor Meeting Room. Click here to learn more and register.

Residents are invited to join my Constituent Services team on May 8 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Palisades Library (4901 V St NW) in the lobby. If you need assistance with a DC government service, our problem-solvers will be available in-person and eager to provide help. This event is your opportunity to:

• Learn about government services and upcoming projects in Ward 3.
• Ask questions and voice your concerns directly.
• Access information on valuable community resources and services.
• Engage with fellow community members.

Get to know your Ward 3 Constituent Services team and discuss services and requests that matter to you. For more information, visit the event page on my website.

DPR Wards 3 and 4 Project Updates Meeting

The Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting ward-by-ward meetings in communities across the District to provide updates on ongoing capital projects in each ward. The meeting for Wards 3 and 4 is tonight at 6:00 pm. Learn more about these update meetings and register to attend tonight’s Wards 3 and 4 meeting.

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.

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.

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 

Upcoming Real ID Deadline

As we gear up for spring and summer seasons of travel, a reminder to residents to make sure you are Real ID compliant. The Federal Real ID deadline is coming up on May 7, 2025. Take a look at your current ID and check for the star at the top right-hand corner. No star present? Visit your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location. Review the Document Verification Guide prior to coming to a service center to help you determine which documents you need to complete your transaction in one visit.

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.

Upcoming DC Government Career Hiring Event and Employment Resources

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. To request DCHR to participate in an event or inquire about a current and/or future event, please contact DC Department of Human Resources, Human Resource Solutions Administration via email at HRSA.Answers@dc.gov.

Residents who have recently lost employment 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.

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.

Speaking to Ward 3 Democrats

On April 14, I attended the regular meeting of the Ward 3 Democrats to speak to the ongoing challenges the District faces regarding the budget. I discussed how elected leaders came together to urge the Senate to pass a fix to the hole in DC’s budget created by the passage of the most recent Continuing Resolution. I provided updates on our budget process, and how 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. I also discussed how my staff and I continued to meet with agency officials, issue advocates, and community stakeholders in preparation for the budget.

Celebrating DC Emancipation Day

DC celebrates Emancipation Day on April 16 each year. I attended this year’s annual parade downtown on Sunday, April 14. DC Emancipation Day became a public holiday on April 16, 2005, through legislation authored by DC Councilmember Vincent Orange. President Abraham Lincoln signed the DC Emancipation Compensation Act freeing 3,100 enslaved persons on April 16, 1862. Nine months later, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the enslaved persons in the Confederate States of the United States on January 1, 1863.

Ward 3 Spring Cleanup

It was great to see so many neighbors volunteer their time during the eighth annual Districtwide Spring Cleanup on April 19. Thanks to all those who joined us in Ward 3 at Forest Hills Park to help keep DC clean and green.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings

ANC3A: Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 pm, McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, May 8, 7:00 pm, Zoom

ANC3C: Monday, May 19, 7:00 pm, Zoom 

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

ANC3E: Thursday, May 8, 7:30 pm, Zoom 

ANC3F: Tuesday, May 27, 7:00 pm, Zoom

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

Cleveland Park Night Market

The Cleveland Park Night Market is back tomorrow, Friday, April 25. The Night Market features local vendors on the Fourth Thursday of the month from April to September from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Visit the event page for more details.

DPW Truck Touch 2025

The District’s annual "Truck Touch" celebration will take place Saturday, May 3, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at RFK Stadium’s Lot 8. Attendees can explore nearly 30 types of impressive vehicles from DC government agencies, from street sweepers and snowplows to dump trucks, police cruisers, fire engines, and even mobile medical units. Hosted by the Department of Public Works, this free, family-friendly event invites kids to climb aboard big rigs while grown-ups get to test out equipment usually seen from a distance. The Department of Parks and Recreation will also have interactive games and activities, including tennis, basketball, and fitness challenges. Go to dpw.dc.gov/trucktouch to learn more.

Tenleytown Health and Wellness Day

On Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Tenleytown Main Street will hold 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. 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.

I am pleased to welcome my new Legislative Director, Kevin DeGood, to our team. Kevin has nearly two decades of experience working on urban policy. Prior to joining the Council, Kevin was the Senior Director of Infrastructure and Housing Policy at the Center for American Progress, working on transportation, housing, water, and climate change issues, among others. He holds a master’s degree in public policy (MPP) from the Price School at the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in political science from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a resident of Ward 3. Kevin can be reached at kdegood@dccouncil.gov.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062