December 18, 2025

Dear neighbors,

After a year of many challenges in DC, this holiday season is a chance for residents to recharge with friends and family before another busy year ahead. This newsletter includes updates from the Council’s final legislative meeting of 2025, as well as a Committee on Human Services hearing on my bill to increase access to e-books and audiobooks. I also include updates and resources on leaf collection, Pepco bills, grant opportunities for small businesses, and more.

I am pleased to share that roadwork related to DC Water’s Soapstone infrastructure project in Forest Hills is complete. I know for many nearby residents it seemed, at times, this work would take longer than building the pyramids or putting a man on the moon. But it is finally done, and that is something worth celebrating.

On behalf of everyone on my team, I want to extend a note of thanks from our office – pictured featuring “51” sweaters knitted by my wife, Lena.

Wishing a happy Hanukkah to those celebrating this week, and happy holidays to all in Ward 3 and across the District. I hope you and your loved ones get a chance to attend one of the many free, family-friendly seasonal events in the ward. I recently shared a short holiday greeting that is airing on DCC local access television if you’d like to watch it. May this time bring light, togetherness, and hope for the coming year. I look forward to the work ahead. 

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

Council Legislative Meeting – December 16

The Council held its final legislative meeting of 2025 on December 16. My bill to protect benefits like SNAP and TANF from theft, the Public Benefits Security Amendment Act, passed unanimously on first reading. The bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to transition to more secure, microchipped benefits cards and reimburse residents when benefits are stolen through skimming or other fraud. It also extends the DC Flex rent subsidy pilot for one year while we await a full evaluation of the program.

The Council also took up the Energy Efficiency Financing Debt Cap Emergency Amendment Act of 2025. This program supports energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water-saving upgrades in private buildings, using private financing that property owners repay through their tax bills. The District is not financially obligated, and this program does not affect the District’s own borrowing capacity. Demand for green improvement projects has grown significantly, and the DC Green Bank expects the program to support major redevelopment projects, including the RFK campus. The legislation removes an outdated statutory cap that limited the program’s ability to meet demand. The Council approved the emergency measure, allowing this private financing tool to continue supporting climate goals and sustainable development.

The Council also voted on a disapproval resolution regarding a DPR funding reprogramming request. I supported the measure because it would have prevented the reprogramming of funds specifically dedicated to meeting net-zero environmental standards in the Council’s budget passed earlier this year. The resolution, however, did not pass, as it became wrapped up in a separate debate over whether a pool or a splash pad was more appropriate for a particular site. The failure of the disapproval resolution, in turn, mooted other legislation designed to lower environmental standards. The debate on these two matters highlighted the challenges of strategically locating recreational infrastructure to meet demand while also complying with stringent environmental requirements, particularly in complex projects like indoor pools. Both issues are likely to return during the upcoming budget season.

The Council also rejected a measure that would have delayed the implementation of ranked-choice voting. Voters approved this electoral reform by referendum in the last election in all eight wards. As my “no” vote reflects, I remain opposed to efforts to postpone it.

To see the full recording, agenda, votes, and legislation from the meeting, visit the Council’s hearing page. The next Council legislative meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Hearing on E-Book and Audiobook Access – December 18

Earlier today, the Committee on Human Services held a hearing on the Library E-Book Pricing Fairness Amendment Act of 2025, which I introduced along with Councilmembers R. White, Nadeau, Lewis George, Allen, Pinto, Felder, Henderson, and Parker. Residents increasingly rely on libraries for digital materials, but publishers often charge libraries far more for e-books and audiobooks than for physical books. They also limit how often titles can be loaned, driving up wait times for readers.

My bill would prevent DC Public Library (DCPL) from entering contracts that impose unreasonable pricing or lending restrictions on digital materials. Like similar efforts underway in other states, the bill would take effect only after enough states adopt comparable laws, ensuring a coordinated national approach. Witnesses testified that this bill would help DC join a growing national effort to push for fairer pricing and lending terms in publisher contracts. The goal is to ensure increased access to digital materials at fair prices so that the DC Public Library can meet demand without incurring unsustainable costs. We are proud to be part of a national movement to make this happen. Find more details and watch the hearing on the Council's website.  

DCPL Recognized as a Top Innovator

I want to congratulate DCPL on being named a 2025 Top Innovator in Library Operations and Management by the Urban Libraries Council. This national recognition honors DCPL’s new code of conduct, which was shaped by more than 2,800 residents and over 200 staff across all 26 library branches. The process reflected DCPL’s core values of welcome, respect, and fairness, and resulted in clear, consistent expectations that support safe, quiet, and welcoming spaces for everyone. This award recognizes what DC residents already know: our libraries work best when they listen to the community and lead with commitment and care.

Soapstone Valley Sewer Project Complete

After years of effort, the major infrastructure work of the Soapstone Valley sewer project is complete. Albemarle Street NW is now fully reopened to traffic. Crews are completing final cleanup, fencing removal, and demobilization. Remaining tasks include restoring a streetlight, replacing 19 trees, and installing protective fencing along the rock wall. Thank you to residents for your patience throughout this long and necessary upgrade.

Wilson Aquatic Center Temporary Closure

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation announced that the Wilson Aquatic Center will be closed for scheduled annual maintenance starting Monday, December 22. DPR expects the facility to reopen January 3, 2026. DPR will conduct routine maintenance to keep the pool safe and reliable. I know this facility is very important to the community and any closure can be frustrating given how popular it is. During the closure, residents can find information on alternate indoor pools at dpr.dc.gov/IndoorPools. Questions can also be directed to DPR’s Customer Care Center at (202) 673-7647 during regular business hours or by email dprcustomercare@dc.gov.

My School DC Lottery Is Open

The My School DC lottery for the 2026–27 school year is now open. My School DC is the common application and common lottery for the District's public school options. The lottery helps ensure a fair and transparent process for school placement across the District. Families are encouraged to create or update their My School DC account early to explore options, attend school events, and meet deadlines. To learn more and get started, visit the My School DC website.  The deadline for High School (Grades 9-12) is February 2, 2026, and the deadline for PK3-Grade 8 is March 2, 2026.

Fall Leaf Collection Continues

DPW’s fall leaf collection continues through mid-January. DPW has notified residents that leaf collection Section D has been delayed due to weather, and they will begin collection in Section D on December 22. A reminder that leaves should be placed in tree boxes or at the curb, not in the street. Only paper bags are accepted. Plastic bags will not be collected. Schedules and guidelines are available at dpw.dc.gov or by calling 311.

Retail Grant Open & Upcoming Small Business Grant Info Session

The FY 2026 Robust Retail Citywide Grant is now open. This program supports existing DC-based, brick-and-mortar retail businesses and offers up to $10,000 per business through a reimbursement grant awarded by lottery. Businesses appreciate this grant for its straightforward application and flexibility in how funds may be used.

Eligible businesses must be District-based, for-profit retail establishments operating in a physical storefront. Applications are due January 20, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Details and application materials are available at: https://dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant.

In addition, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development will host a virtual information session on District grant programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The session will cover available funding, eligibility, and how to apply. It will be held on January 7, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Join the session on Teams.

Pepco Winter Preparedness and Assistance

Pepco has prepared its grid for winter demand and encourages residents to prepare as well. Simple steps like sealing drafts, adjusting thermostats, and using LED bulbs can lower energy costs. Residents are also encouraged to assemble storm kits and sign up for outage alerts. Pepco offers bill assistance and energy efficiency programs for eligible customers. More information is available at pepco.com/EnergyAssistance.

Holiday Spirit Events in the Palisades

On December 6, I spent time with neighbors at the Palisades holiday breakfast and cookie exchange at Key Elementary School. I returned on December 14 for the 20th Annual Palisades Toy Drive. Together, these events reflected the generosity and strong civic spirit of the Palisades community.

Main Street Holiday Celebrations

Throughout early and mid-December, I visited holiday celebrations hosted by Cleveland Park, Van Ness, and Glover Park Main Streets. These events brought neighbors together and supported local businesses across Ward 3.

Events DC’s Winter Wonderland

On December 13, I attended Winter Wonderland, Events DC’s annual holiday celebration and toy distribution serving youth from all eight wards. Hundreds of children and families enjoyed activities, entertainment, and gifts, reflecting the District’s commitment to youth and equity.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings 

ANC3A: Tuesday, January 20, 7:00 p.m., McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom  

ANC3B: Thursday, January 8, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3C: Tuesday, January 20, 7:00 p.m., Zoom  

ANC3D: Wednesday, January 7, 7:00 p.m., Zoom   

ANC3E: Thursday, January 8, 7:30 p.m., Zoom  

ANC3F: Tuesday, January 13, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

ANC3/4G: Monday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., Zoom  

DC Holiday Hunt Continues

The DC Holiday Hunt runs through January 3. Residents can complete missions across the city, discover local businesses, and keep holiday spending in our neighborhoods. Ward 3 participants include Cleveland Park Main Street, Van Ness Main Street, and the Friendship Heights Alliance. Tenleytown Main Street is also hosting a Yeti Scavenger Hunt. Full details and rules are available here.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062