February 19, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

I know many residents have experienced frustrating delays in trash and recycling collection following the January 25 snowstorm. My office is actively escalating cases and working closely with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and others in the Executive to restore full service and ensure missed pickups are addressed as quickly as possible. If your trash, recycling, or compost still has not been collected, please contact my office so we can help push for resolution. See below for more information.

Constituents have also asked about the sewer pipe collapse near Cabin John that led to sewage entering the Potomac River. First, please know that drinking water remains safe. DC’s drinking water comes from an intake location that is upstream of the spill. Residents should continue to avoid contact with the river.

In terms of the spill, at a briefing to the Council on Tuesday, DC Water reported that the situation is now under control. A temporary bypass system is successfully diverting wastewater around the damaged pipe and safely carrying it to the Blue Plains treatment facility, preventing additional sewage from entering the river. No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported since February 9.

As the region continues responding, Mayor Bowser has declared a local public emergency and requested a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration to secure federal support. The request includes federal coordination, technical assistance, environmental monitoring support, and long-term resilience investments to protect our drinking water system and waterways. DOEE has conducted additional testing and reports that E. coli levels in the District are below EPA thresholds for recreational contact, though precautions remain in place.

The focus is now shifting to remediation, permanent repair, and prevention. Until remediation occurs, there will continue to be some risks, particularly during very heavy rain, but the major breach has been addressed. There are many questions that flow from this event, including why this weakness was not addressed earlier and what must be done to prevent anything like this from happening again. The Council will be conducting vigorous, ongoing oversight as we track remediation and repair efforts.

Meanwhile, we once again find ourselves buffeted by irresponsible federal actions. In the middle of tax season, the House and Senate passed a Joint Disapproval Resolution of a local DC bill, which affects this year’s taxes. The President signed the resolution yesterday. This action creates significant uncertainty and could disrupt filing timelines and create increased, unnecessary challenges for the District. I share more detail below and will continue providing updates as the situation and District response develops.

Below, you will find updates on these issues and others affecting Ward 3, including rising utility bills and available assistance, performance oversight hearings, DC Tuition Assistance Grant increases, community events, and opportunities to engage with local government.

I hope everyone had a restful Presidents Day. I extend my warm wishes to Ward 3 neighbors celebrating Lunar New Year and wish those observing Ramadan and Ash Wednesday peace and reflection in the weeks ahead. Ward 3’s strength comes from the many traditions, cultures, and perspectives that make up our community.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

Ward 3 residents have experienced delays in trash, recycling, and food waste collection following the recent snow and ice. Reliable sanitation service is essential, and I share the frustration with the disruptions constituents have faced. While many households have had service restored, some residents are still waiting, and recovery efforts remain ongoing. There are no two ways about it - for those who have gone without service for weeks, this has been incredibly frustrating and at this point not defensible. 

DPW has activated escalation teams and additional crews to restore service and address missed collections across the District. These teams are now operating seven days a week and running dedicated routes focused specifically on households that experienced missed pickups. DPW has also brought on seasonal employees to increase capacity and speed up response times.

I understand the concerns and have been actively advocating for Ward 3 residents throughout this process. Our constituent services team has fielded hundreds of requests for service, passed them on to the relevant agencies, tracked them and followed up as needed. I have been in serial communication with senior officials in the Executive to press for action and answers. Over the weekend, I drove through parts of the Ward reviewing addresses on our constituent services list to check on missed collections and followed up directly on locations where trash or recycling had still not been picked up. We are doing all we can but join residents in feeling exasperated that we are still dealing with this. 

If your trash or recycling has not yet been collected, I encourage you to submit a 311 service request and contact my office so we can help escalate the issue. Thank you for whatever patience you can muster as crews continue working to restore full service. I will continue monitoring the situation and advocating to ensure Ward 3 residents receive reliable and timely collection. I will continue to share updates on my social channels and on my website at mattfruminward3.com/winterstormresources.

Congress passed, and yesterday the President signed, a disapproval resolution to overturn a District law adjusting how DC’s tax code interacts with recent federal tax changes. This action creates uncertainty during tax filing season. This could disrupt filing timelines and has significant implications for the District’s budget, including the potential loss of more than $600 million over four years that had been dedicated to local priorities such as the DC Child Tax Credit. The Chief Financial Officer has warned that filing systems and forms may need updates, which could delay processing. District leaders are evaluating next steps and working to minimize disruption. My office will continue monitoring impacts and providing updates. Residents with questions about their individual tax situation should consult a qualified tax professional.

Last week, our Ward 3 community experienced a heartbreaking act of domestic gun violence in Glover Park that claimed a mother’s life and forever changed the lives of her children. My heart is with them, their loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragedy. Earlier this week, community members gathered at the apartment building to support one another and honor the victim. That moment reflected the compassion and strength of Ward 3, and the importance of coming together in times of grief.

I was in contact with the Metropolitan Police Department immediately after the shooting and am grateful for their swift and coordinated response, including their work to safely locate a missing child of the decedent and ensure there was no ongoing threat to the community. I have also been in touch with nearby school leadership and appreciate the steps taken to support students, staff, and families during this difficult time.

This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and gun violence, and of the importance of supporting those in crisis. If you or someone you know needs help, confidential support is available 24/7 through the DC Victim Hotline at 1-844-443-5732.

You can read my full statement here: mattfruminward3.com/statement-on-feb-11-shooting-in-glover-park.

The Committee is currently holding performance oversight hearings for the agencies under its purview. So far, the Committee has held hearings on the DC Public Library and the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment. You can watch these and all future hearings on my YouTube channel, YouTube.com/@CMFrumin. The Committee will host four more hearings through early March, including tomorrow’s hearing on the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED).

Upcoming Committee on Human Services Hearing Schedule:

• February 20 at 9:30 a.m.: Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
• February 24 at 2:00 p.m.: Office of Lottery and Gaming
• February 26 at 9:30 a.m.: Department of Human Services (Public Witnesses)
• March 6 at 9:30 a.m.: Department of Human Services (Government Witnesses)

Hearings are held at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Residents can sign up here to testify during an upcoming committee hearing. Residents can also search for legislation here, and watch live and past committee hearings on my YouTube Channel, @CMFrumin.

The Committee on Human Services now has a new dedicated email address. Residents can now reach out directly to the Committee staff by emailing humanservices@dccouncil.gov. Residents can also call the Committee office at 202-727-7905. More information about the committee can be found on my website at mattfruminward3.com/committee.

OCTFME Celebrates 50 Years of Go-Go In DC

I also want to recognize OCTFME as it marks the Sixth Annual Keep the Beat Week and the 50th Anniversary of Go-Go music. During Black History Month, it is especially meaningful to celebrate Go-Go’s deep roots in Black culture and its enduring role in shaping the identity of Washington, DC. As the official sound of the District, Go-Go reflects the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of generations of Black artists and community leaders. From live performances and film programming to panel discussions and televised events, this citywide celebration honors both the legacy and the future of a genre that remains central to DC’s cultural story. For more information, visit creativeaffairsdc.com/keepthebeat.

After careful consideration, I have decided that as of February 18, I will no longer actively post or engage on X (formerly Twitter). This decision follows growing concerns about how the platform is being used and whether it continues to meet the standards I believe are necessary for official communication.

Recent developments have reinforced these concerns. Last month, the D.C. Attorney General joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general demanding that X address its AI tool’s role in enabling the creation of non-consensual, sexually explicit deepfake images, which have been used to harass individuals, particularly women and girls. These concerns underscore the importance of strong safeguards, accountability, and public trust in the platforms used for official communication.

My account will remain online so residents can continue to access prior posts and to reduce the risk of impersonation. My team will also continue to monitor messages to ensure we do not miss outreach from residents.

You can read my full statement here: mattfruminward3.com/ending-use-of-x.

While no online platform is without challenges, X clearly no longer aligns with my values for official communication, particularly when it comes to preventing misuse of emerging technologies and protecting public trust. My office will continue to share updates and engage with the community through channels that allow for clearer communication and stronger safeguards, including:

• Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/cmfrumin.bsky.social
• Instagram: Instagram.com/cmfrumin
• Facebook: Facebook.com/cmfrumin
• YouTube: YouTube.com/@CMFrumin
• Website Newsroom: MattFruminWard3.com/newsroom

I remain fully committed to transparency, responsiveness, and keeping residents informed.

Potomac Sewer Break and DC Water Response

I share the concerns of residents who have reached out about the sewer pipe failure near Cabin John and its impacts on the Potomac River. The Council continues to receive regular updates from DC Water, and the situation remains under control.

A temporary bypass system is successfully diverting wastewater around the damaged pipe and carrying it safely to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported since February 9. Six of the seven high-capacity bypass pumps are operational, with the final pump expected shortly. Crews are continuing to test and optimize the system while performing preventative maintenance to ensure reliability.

Drinking water in the District remains safe. The District’s intake is located upstream of the affected area and continues to meet all federal and local safety standards. The District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), in coordination with EPA and Maryland environmental officials, has conducted additional monitoring. To date, DOEE reports that E. coli levels in the District are below EPA thresholds for full recreational contact. However, residents and their pets should continue to avoid contact with the river until longer-term sampling confirms continued safety.

As stabilization continues, the focus will shift to permanent repair and restoration. Once the enhanced bypass system is fully operational, crews will begin excavation around the collapse site to assess the damage, remove debris, and begin permanent repairs.

In response to the incident, Mayor Bowser declared a local public emergency and has requested a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration. The request seeks federal coordination through FEMA, additional technical and testing assistance, and engineering support. It also calls for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assessment of the Little Falls intake and Dalecarlia Treatment Plant to evaluate water quality protection, treatment capacity, backup power, and operational resilience.

The Mayor’s request also addresses long-term resilience. It calls for accelerating capital improvements to the Washington Aqueduct, supporting DC Water’s Clean Rivers Project, collaborating with federal agencies to remediate impacted portions of the C&O Canal and adjacent federal lands, and restoring funding for flood protection improvements at the Blue Plains facility. These investments are critical to protecting both District and federal infrastructure.

Prevention remains a top priority. The pipe that failed was more than 50 years old and had been slated for reinforcement as part of DC Water’s capital improvement program. During the Council briefing, I asked DC Water about inspection protocols and how similar vulnerabilities will be identified across the system. They are continuing inspections, monitoring, and infrastructure upgrades to strengthen long-term reliability.

Information about the Potomac Interceptor Collapse, including all updates and water quality sampling results is available at: dcwater.com/potomac-interceptor-collapse.

Protecting our waterways and ensuring resilient infrastructure is essential. The Council will continue vigorous oversight to ensure full remediation, accountability, and proactive investment moving forward. The DC Water performance oversight hearing will be held on Monday, March 2 at 9:30 a.m. Additional hearing information is available on the Council's hearing page.

I will continue sharing updates on my website as more information becomes available.

Rising Utility Bills This Winter

DC residents are experiencing significantly higher electricity and gas bills this winter. I understand how concerning and difficult these increases have been, particularly for residents on fixed incomes or managing tight household budgets.

These higher bills are being driven primarily by two factors. First, this winter has been one of the coldest in recent years. December and January were both among the coldest months of the past decade, and prolonged extreme cold increases heating demand. Even when thermostat settings remain unchanged, heating systems must work harder during extended cold periods, resulting in higher energy usage and higher bills.

Second, wholesale energy prices, which make up about 60 percent of a typical residential electric bill, have risen significantly. These wholesale prices are set through regional energy markets outside the District’s direct control. Local distribution charges, which are regulated by the DC Public Service Commission, account for about one-third of the bill and have increased more modestly.

The District is actively working to better understand and address these rising costs. The Office of the People’s Counsel successfully petitioned the Public Service Commission to open a formal investigation into energy affordability. This study will examine the causes of rising energy costs, including the impact of regional market forces and large electricity users, and identify potential policy solutions to protect residents. While the District cannot directly regulate wholesale energy markets, this investigation is an important step in building accountability and identifying ways to reduce cost burdens on residents.

Pepco has also confirmed that while energy usage increased due to the extreme cold, their electric system continued to perform reliably. They have emphasized that assistance programs are available and have encouraged customers experiencing financial hardship to seek support.

If you are experiencing difficulty paying your utility bills, there are several assistance options available. These include the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Pepco customer assistance programs, payment plans, and budget billing options that spread costs more evenly throughout the year. These programs can provide meaningful support for eligible residents.

My office will continue monitoring this issue closely and supporting efforts to improve energy affordability and transparency. If you are struggling with utility costs, I encourage you to contact your utility provider, the Office of the People’s Counsel, or call 311 to learn more about available assistance programs.

DCTAG Student Tuition Help Increase & Applications

The application for the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) is now open. DCTAG helps college-bound DC residents pay for college by covering the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public colleges. Students must be District residents for at least one year to apply. The deadline to apply is August 21. You can find more details or apply at dconeapp.dc.gov. 

In a major victory for DC students, the House of Representatives passed a measure championed by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton that includes the first increase in award caps since the program’s inception in 1999. It would increase the maximum annual grant from $10,000 to $15,000 and raise the lifetime cap from $50,000 to $75,000. Additionally, the bill restores the family income eligibility limit to $750,000 (up from $500,000), ensuring more middle-class families can access these funds. With $40 million in total funding, this is a critical step in making higher education more affordable for our residents.

Palisades Community Association Mardi Gras Celebration

I was glad to join the Palisades Community Association for their Mardi Gras celebration on February 12. It was wonderful to see neighbors come together to celebrate, connect, and support one another.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings 

ANC3A: Tuesday, March 17, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, March 12, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3C: Monday, March 16, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3D: Wednesday, March 4, 7:00 p.m., Zoom  

ANC3E: Thursday, March 12, 7:30 p.m., Zoom  

ANC3F: Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

ANC3/4G: Monday, March 9, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

Woodley Park Main Street Community Clean-Up – March 21

Join Woodley Park Main Street for a Community Clean-Up on Saturday, March 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. along the Woodley Park commercial corridor. Volunteers will meet on the patio outside Yours Café (2619 Connecticut Ave NW), and all supplies will be provided. Space is limited and RSVP is required by emailing info@WoodleyParkMS.org. See the event page on Facebook for more info.

Healthy Homes Fair

Save the date for the Healthy Homes Fair. This is a free, fun, family-friendly event that helps residents and businesses increase the health and energy affordability of the homes of the DC region. It is the largest consumer-facing home decarbonization event in the country. 

The fair will take place on Saturday, March 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Catholic University of America. It includes an Expo of 100 exhibitors and an Academy with sessions for professionals, homeowners, and renters. See a recap of last year here. New this year, there will be a companion event Power Shift: A DER Showcase which will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Find more information on the Healthy Homes Fair event page.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062