January 2, 2025

Dear neighbors,

A happy New Year to you; I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed a joyful and restful holiday season. I am filled with optimism, as today marks the beginning of a new Council Period. On this first official day back, I want to take a moment to provide some brief updates.

Earlier today, my Council colleagues and many Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) commissioners were sworn in for a new term. My congratulations to all those who assumed office today. I want to welcome the Council’s newest member, Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder, who will also be my neighbor on the dais and in the office next door for this Council period. These swearing in sessions are always inspiring. Serving on my ANC and now on the Council have been great honors and privileges. Public service can be a lot of work, but also enormously gratifying. At the swearing in ceremonies, a Convention Center hall is packed with talented, passionate people hoping to make a positive difference for their communities. It is a great way to start the new year. 

A special shout out to our unsalaried, and too-often uncelebrated, ANC commissioners. I served on my local ANC for over six years, and know the time and energy it takes to do the job. As a recent op-ed article noted, “ANC commissioners are the backbone of local self-government,” and I couldn’t agree more. My gratitude goes to all those ANC commissioners in Ward 3 and across DC for your service to your community.

In the coming year, I intend to continue my focus on ensuring that we adequately fund our schools, increase public safety, and make housing more affordable. I will also assume the chairmanship of the new Committee on Human Services, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Human Services (DHS), DC Public Libraries, and the Office of Cable Television, among others. DHS is focused on homelessness and food and rental assistance among other critical issues. My new role carries a lot of responsibility to try to make a difference on some of the most daunting challenges facing our city. I look forward to bringing all the talent and energy I can muster to working with the Administration and my Council colleagues to move the needle on some of the most pressing issues facing DC in 2025.

The first legislative meeting of the new year will be held next week on Tuesday, January 7. Shortly thereafter, as I noted in my previous newsletter, committees will kick off the performance oversight process in the coming weeks. Then, in addition to oversight season, the annual budget process will begin in February. Council hearings and roundtables are held at the Wilson Building, located downtown at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. You can watch Council proceedings on the DC Council Channel page here. Residents can stay tuned to the Council calendar for information about events, how to watch or attend, and how to submit testimony.

Constituents can get more information on my website at mattfruminward3.com, and follow @CMFrumin on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates.

Again, a happy new year to you and yours. I am looking forward to the coming year working together in partnership to make the District an even better place to live.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

My office’s next Workday in the Ward event will be held on Thursday, January 23, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at Bread and Chocolate, located at 5542 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015. This event is open to the public and is an opportunity for constituents to meet in person with me, members of my staff, and representatives from District government agencies. Residents can learn more about legislative issues, follow up on constituent service requests, or ask specific questions to subject matter experts. Stay tuned for the full schedule and final list of participating agencies.

It is a privilege to be named as a Vice Chair of The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) for 2025. The TPB approved its 2025 officers at the December 18 meeting, and Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw will serve as TPB Chair, and City of Gaithersburg Councilmember Neil Harris will join me as a Vice Chair. The TPB is the federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for metropolitan Washington and is housed at and staffed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). Learn more here.

Better Bus Network Resources

According to the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the agency will begin implementing the new bus plan, known as the Better Bus Network, in summer 2025. Residents can find the final WMATA Better Bus Network plan and resources on WMATA's website here. The resources include maps of routes, name changes, lists of old routes versus new comparable routes, and more. A reminder that the Circulator is no longer running, but WMATA implemented several changes in the Better Bus Network plan to try to accommodate those who previously rode the Circulator. Residents with questions can reach out to WMATA Customer Relations at 202-637-1328 or visit https://www.wmata.com/.

DPW Holiday Greenery and Leaf Collection

The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will collect holiday trees and greenery from January 2 through February 28 from DPW-serviced households, which includes single-family homes and apartment dwellings with three or fewer units. Trees and greenery collected during this time will be composted to support the District’s Zero Waste initiative.

Holiday trees and greenery will be collected from the front of the residence at the curb. If trees and greenery are not picked up seven days after being placed curbside, residents can call 311 and make a “Christmas Tree Removal - Seasonal” service request. After February 28, 2025, holiday trees and greenery should be placed at the normal point of collection for trash and recycling and will be collected as space permits in the truck.

Ward 3 residents can drop off holiday trees and greenery at Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert St NW) Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm until March 31, 2025). For more information on Holiday Reduce & Reuse Tips, please visit the Zero Waste DC website.

The second pass for leaf collection is ongoing in Section A, and Section B is up next, beginning Monday, January 6. Remember, when it is your section’s turn, rake leaves to the tree box or curb by the Sunday before collection. Visit http://dpw.dc.gov/leaf to learn about leaf collection and when DPW will be in your neighborhood. Residents can also view the real-time leaf collection tracker, and download the MyDPW App for leaf collection updates. A reminder that DPW launched the Unified Communication Center (UCC), and residents can reach out directly to DPW’s UCC for customer service needs at (202) 673-6833 (Monday through Friday); or by email at dpw@dc.gov. 

Health Insurance Open Enrollment Happening Now

Health insurance open enrollment season is going on now! Health insurance helps cover the cost of care like doctor visits, prescriptions, vaccines, and more. If you or your family members are uninsured, you could be responsible for paying big medical bills. You can apply to get covered with an affordable insurance plan to keep your family healthy and give you peace of mind. The deadline in DC is January 31, 2025. Residents can learn more at: http://DCHealthLink.com. 

Helmets for DC Residents While Supplies Last

DC Government is committed to the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, scooterists, and drivers. Drivers of motorcycles and motor-driven cycles must follow the rules of the road, including wearing a helmet. DC DMV has partnered with the DC Highway Safety Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to distribute helmets to DC residents. You can claim yours at all seven MPD District locations and DMV's Southwest Service Center starting January 1, 2025 while supplies last.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings

ANC3A: Tuesday, January 21, 7 pm, at the McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, January 9, 7 pm, Zoom

ANC3C: Monday, January 21, 7 pm, Zoom 

ANC3D: Wednesday, January 8, 7 pm, Zoom    

ANC3E: Thursday, January 9, 7:30 pm, Zoom 

ANC3F: Tuesday, January 14, 7 pm, Zoom  

ANC3/4G: Monday, January 13, 7 pm, at Chevy Chase Community Center & Zoom

DC Holiday Hunt Going on Now

The DC Holiday Hunt runs through January 5 in neighborhoods across the District. The Holiday Hunt is an interactive experience for DC residents and visitors. Travel throughout DC to accomplish as many tasks as possible for a chance to win prizes. The event gives residents an opportunity to try out new foods, meet new businesses, and experience DC. Main Streets and Corridors in Ward 3 participating include Cleveland Park, Tenleytown, Chevy Chase, and Friendship Heights. Learn more at dcholidayhunt.com

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062