December 4, 2025

Dear neighbors,

These continue to be challenging times for the District. I was heartbroken by the assault on members of the National Guard and the death of a young Guardsman. Political violence is abhorrent and has no place in our society. At the same time, actions like these must never be used as a pretext to target and villainize people, including those who have risked their lives for this country. If this season should teach us anything, it should be that we must peacefully stand up for each other. In that spirit, I am heartened by the advocacy of CASA and other community organizations that resulted in the recent federal court ruling that blocked warrantless immigration arrests in DC. That work and result capture the spirit of this season and of our community.

We also enter a moment of transition. Mayor Bowser announced she will not seek another term. I congratulate her on her years of service to her beloved hometown. Mayor Bowser has navigated the District through both good times and extremely challenging ones with skill and dedication. We all have much to be grateful for in her decades of service to the District as an ANC Commissioner, Councilmember, and Mayor. I have been grateful for our partnership and look forward to working with her in this coming year.

Mayor Bowser is far from alone in her commitment to our community. There are many in all corners of the District who show extraordinary devotion. As just one example shows, last week, a DC government employee from Ward 3 was recognized for his extraordinary passion and purpose. I encourage you to explore the collection of profiles celebrating remarkable Washingtonians here. These stories offer needed perspective. They are a reminder that progress is often made one person at a time, and usually away from eye-catching rhetoric or headlines.

The Council and DC Government also continue to work for progress. In this newsletter, you’ll find updates from this week’s Council meetings and hearings, including on streateries, public safety, student transportation, and recreation spaces. I also share updates from the Committee on Human Services, EdFEST school fairs, DDOT’s Ward 3 bikeways workshop, leaf collection tracking, winter preparedness resources, and community events in Ward 3.

Speaking during the Wilson Building Holiday Reception and Tree Lighting on Wednesday, December 3.

Yesterday, we celebrated the holiday season with fellow District residents as a community at the Wilson Building — the symbolic home of that resilience in the spirit of DC. Faith leaders from different traditions reminded us that despite our various backgrounds and theologies, we share a common humanity. The District has many pressures bearing down on it, but we take care of each other. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership. There is hard work ahead, but I remain confident and hopeful about what we can accomplish together.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

December 2 Legislative Meeting

The Council held a legislative meeting on Tuesday. During the breakfast prior to the meeting, the Council discussed the implementation of ranked-choice voting, which voters approved last year and is scheduled to begin in the 2026 primary. A proposal to require a needs assessment by the Board of Elections was introduced but later withdrawn after questions arose about potential costs and timing. Ranked-choice voting will proceed under the current implementation plan. I am hopeful that this innovation will strengthen our democracy and ensure our elections more fully reflect the will of the electorate. 

The Council also passed temporary legislation extending the enhanced juvenile curfew until April 15, 2026. The extension maintains a universal 11 p.m. curfew for youth 17 and under and allows curfew enforcement in designated areas. The Council imposed the curfew after a series of troubling episodes in which large groups of juveniles wreaked havoc. Those episodes stopped with the curfew but when the curfew briefly expired, once again there were a series of unfortunate episodes. Clearly, we need better, long-term solutions. But under the circumstances, the case for extending the curfew was powerful. An amendment adopted at the meeting limits the mayor’s authority to impose a curfew to 30 days at a time and requires the Council to review youth programming investments before the temporary law expires next spring. I will continue to monitor how curfew policies interact with broader supports for young people, including out-of-school time, workforce programs, and behavioral health services.

The Council unanimously approved emergency legislation modifying the District’s Streatery Program. The measure lowers participation fees, clarifies design rules, and delays enforcement of new requirements to mid-January 2026. The goal is to give restaurants more time and certainty as they adapt to long-term regulations for outdoor dining structures originally introduced during the pandemic.

To see the full agenda, votes, and legislative text from Tuesday’s meeting, visit the Council’s hearing page here.

OSSE DOT Roundtable

On December 3, the Committee of the Whole held a public roundtable on the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Division of Student Transportation (OSSE DOT). Families and school leaders have been very clear. Our current system does not yet provide reliable, on-time transportation for many students with disabilities.

Parents shared stories of late buses, missed routes, and long rides. School leaders described the impact on learning and on families’ trust. OSSE DOT officials were asked about the status of the promised GPS and routing system, the timeline for getting it in place, and how they will communicate with parents when delays occur. Reliable student transportation is a basic part of access to education. I will continue to urge OSSE DOT to communicate clear timelines, milestones, and regular public updates as they work to resolve these challenges.

Parks and Recreation Facilities Hearing

Also on December 3, the Committee on Facilities held a hearing on several bills related to parks, fields, and recreation centers. This is an area of strong interest for me. Maximizing support for youth and adult sports is important to quality of life and a sense of community in the District. Such activities are good for our health and work to bring us together.

The legislation and discussion focused on three main areas: distribution of permits, hours of operation, and programming access. These are issues I have engaged on for years and I look forward to working with the Committee to take on board input from the community, including at the hearing to strengthen our offerings in this important area. 

December 4 Judiciary and Public Safety Hearing

Today, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety held a hearing on several major public safety bills. More than 100 witnesses signed up to testify, and the hearing was still in progress at the time this newsletter published. The proposals address first responder retention, gun violence prevention, roadway barriers for special events, improvements to the Child Fatality Review process, and a proposed permanent version of the juvenile curfew. The version described above that passed earlier this week will last only until mid-April 2026. We now must consider whether to preserve the authority to impose curfews into the summer of next year and beyond. As we proceed, we will want to base or decisions on evidence, ensure that policies minimize harm and protect civil rights, and are balanced with other efforts on behalf of youth including expanding out-of-school programming, providing mental health supports and creating job opportunities for our young people. 

Looking Ahead: December 16 Council Hearing

The Council will hold its next legislative meeting on Tuesday, December 16. Stay tuned to the Council’s calendar for updates, including meeting information and how to watch.

December 10 Hearing on Benefits Security Bill

On December 10, the Committee on Human Services will hold a meeting on the Public Benefits Security Amendment Act. The bill would require DHS to use more secure, microchipped EBT cards and reimburse residents when benefits are stolen through skimming or similar fraud. No one should lose food or cash assistance because of weak technology. The public benefits bill will also extend a pilot program that provides a flexible rent subsidy, known as DC Flex, by one year. In that time, the Committee expects a report on the efficacy of the program.

December 18 Hearing on E-book Access Bill

The Committee will also hold a hearing on December 18 on the Library E-book Pricing Fairness Amendment Act of 2025. Residents increasingly rely on their libraries for digital materials, but publishers often charge libraries far more for e-books and audiobooks than for physical books. They also limit how many times a library can lend a title. These practices raise costs and lengthen wait times. Library systems around the country have complained about these practices and there is a growing movement to band together to push back. I introduced this bill to have the District join that movement. 

Like bills in other states, the bill would prevent DCPL from signing contracts that sharply restrict access or disproportionately raise costs of e-books and audiobooks. If passed, the bill would take effect only after enough states pass similar laws. This creates a national approach rather than leaving DC to act alone on a national problem. I was pleased that eight of my colleagues joined as co-introducers on this legislation. Access to information is a basic right and it should not be cost-prohibitive for libraries to meet demand. There is growing demand for e-books and audiobooks. This bill, and the movement it is a part of, can ensure such materials are increasingly accessible through DCPL.

EdFEST DC Public School Fairs

EdFEST is the District’s annual public school fair, and it is a great way for families to learn about school options for the upcoming year. You can meet representatives from DCPS and public charter schools and ask questions about school programs, support services, and extracurricular activities.

• The fair for Grades 9–12 will be on Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Eastern High School, 1700 East Capitol Street NE.

• The fair for PK3–Grade 8 will be on Saturday, December 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kraken Kourts & Skates, 514 Rhode Island Avenue NE.

You can find more information at myschooldc.org/events/edfest.

DDOT Ward 3 Bikeways Workshop

DDOT is developing its Strategic Bikeways Plan, and as part of that work, DDOT is hosting a Ward 3 public workshop on Wednesday, December 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the University of the District of Columbia. You can learn more, including dates for other workshops, on DDOT’s project website.

Winter Ready DC

The DC Public Service Commission is holding a Winter Ready DC event at the Tenley–Friendship Library on Monday, December 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to help residents prepare their homes for colder weather. You can pick up free home weatherization supplies and learn about utility assistance programs. You can register and find more details on the event page.

Fall Leaf Collection

DPW’s fall leaf collection continues through mid-January. You can find your collection schedule and guidelines at dpw.dc.gov or by calling 311. On the Sunday before your scheduled collection week, please rake leaves into the tree box area, not into the street. If your property does not have a tree box, place leaves at the curb directly in front of your home. Leaves placed in paper bags and set at the curb or tree box will be collected. Only paper bags are accepted. Plastic bags cannot be composted and will not be picked up.

Supporting Small Businesses: Great Streets and Emerging Retail Grants

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) is now hosting Great Streets Retail and Emerging Retail Grants information sessions for FY26. Small business owners and entrepreneurs can learn more about three grant programs: Great Streets Retail, Emerging Retail, and Locally Made Manufacturing. I encourage Ward 3 business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to attend to see if these tools can help you grow. RSVP for an upcoming session.

DOES Webinars for Workers Affected by Federal Workforce Changes

Many District residents work for the federal government, and recent layoffs have created real stress and uncertainty for some households. To help, the Department of Employment Services (DOES) is hosting biweekly webinars for affected federal employees. The virtual sessions run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will take place on December 5 and December 12. Residents can register online. Impacted federal employees can visit dcnetworks.org to file UI claims, fedsupport.dc.gov for broader District resources, and the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ page for more information.

Pepco Winter Readiness and Resources

Pepco is encouraging residents to prepare their homes for winter by taking simple steps that can reduce energy costs and improve safety during storms. Sealing windows and doors, improving insulation, and using programmable thermostats can help keep heating bills down. Pepco also reminds households to assemble basic storm supplies such as flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and needed medications, and to identify a backup location in case of an extended outage. Residents who rely on electric-powered medical equipment can sign up for outage alerts and priority notifications. Customers can search for bill assistance and energy efficiency resources through Pepco’s online Assistance Finder. A full list of programs is available at pepco.com/EnergyAssistance.

UDC Homecoming Tailgate and Basketball Games 

I visited UDC’s “The Nest” tailgate and attended the women’s and men’s basketball games against Virginia State at the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex as part of Homecoming 2025. The energy was high, and it was great to see students, alumni, and neighbors cheering together. Events like this strengthen UDC’s role as an anchor in Ward 3 and a point of pride for the whole District. 

Celebrating the Glover Park Senior Community 

I joined the Glover Park Senior Village celebration at Guy Mason Recreation Center on Friday, November 21. The event honored older residents who help make Glover Park a welcoming and connected community. Senior Villages play an important role in helping people age in place with dignity, and I remain committed to policies that support them. 

Safeway Feast of Sharing

Before Thanksgiving, I joined volunteers and families at the Safeway Feast of Sharing at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event brought thousands of residents together for a warm meal, winter coats, health screenings, and information on city services. It was a powerful reminder of how public, private, and community partners can work side by side to support neighbors in need.

Turkey Bowl

I also had the chance to attend the annual Turkey Bowl, DC Public Schools’ football championship game. This year’s game was an instant classic, with Coolidge High School winning a tight contest and securing its first Turkey Bowl title in decades. The pride on the faces of students, families, and alumni said it all. High school sports are about far more than the score. They build community, school spirit, and opportunity for our young people.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings 

ANC3A: Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m., McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, December 13, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3C: Monday, December 17, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

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

ANC3E: Thursday, December 4, 7:30 p.m., Zoom  

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

ANC3/4G: Monday, December 8, 6:30 p.m., Zoom  

UDC Annual Holiday Concert – December 10

The University of the District of Columbia invites residents to its Annual Holiday Concert on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Theater of the Arts (Building 46E, Room C01). The performance will feature the UDC Chorale, directed by Professor Johnny Butler III, and the UDC Jazz Ensemble, directed by Professor Allyn Johnson. This free, public event is a festive way to celebrate the season and support local musicians.

Upcoming Main Street Holiday Events and Small Business Support

From November 23 to January 3, residents can take part in the DC Holiday Hunt, a citywide scavenger hunt designed to highlight small businesses and encourage people to shop local. As you complete missions across the District, you will discover new stores, revisit old favorites, and help keep holiday spending in our neighborhoods. Ward 3 participants include Cleveland Park Main Street, Chevy Chase Main Street, and the Friendship Heights Alliance.

Van Ness Main Street's Holiday Pop-Up Market on Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be more than 20 local artisans and makers along Connecticut Avenue. See the event page for more details.

Also on Saturday, December 13, from noon to 5 p.m., Cleveland Park will host its Winter Market and Festival. The market will feature gifts from local businesses and vendors, along with a full afternoon of activities. There will be yoga in the morning, families can take photos with the Grinch from noon to 3 p.m. and Santa from 2:30 to 5 p.m., and then decorate ornaments or cookies, play games, browse used books, and enjoy a hot chocolate.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062