January 22, 2026

Dear neighbors,

This week the Council welcomed Doni Crawford as our newest member. The Council voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Crawford to the vacant At-Large seat, and she was sworn into office that afternoon. Former Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie resigned the seat effective January 5. Crawford was selected from a list of more than 40 people who either nominated themselves or were nominated by others. Councilmember Crawford will fill the seat until a special election on June 16, the District’s primary election day. I greatly respected the work Ms. Crawford did as a committee director and look forward to working with her as a fellow Councilmember as we take on the significant challenges and opportunities facing the District. I also want to express my thanks to Chairman Mendelson who conducted this process collaboratively, as well as to those who stepped forward and offered to serve.

The Council also made committee reassignments to fill the duties of the former Committee on Business and Economic Development, which was chaired by McDuffie. I will be taking on additional oversight responsibilities for the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG). These agencies play an important role in economic growth, workforce development, and neighborhood vitality, and I look forward to working with colleagues, agency leadership, and residents on these issues. I will continue to serve as chair of the Committee on Human Services, which retains the agencies under its jurisdiction.

In this newsletter, I am sharing updates on the Chevy Chase Civic Core, the release of my 2025 annual report, opportunities for residents to weigh in on the upcoming budget, and what to expect as we move into performance oversight season. I am also including District updates on transportation, winter preparedness, and upcoming opportunities to provide public feedback on Metro’s 2027 Budget.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

This week, the mayor selected a proposal from Rift Valley Chevy Chase, LLC, to redevelop the Chevy Chase Civic Core. The site, which includes the Chevy Chase Library and Community Center, is District-owned and has long been identified for modernization. The selected proposal would deliver a state-of-the-art library and recreation center, ample public open space, additional surface and underground parking, and 177 new homes, including both affordable and market-rate housing. You can read my full statement in response to the announcement on my website.

I have heard from many residents who are disappointed by the level of affordable housing included in the proposal, particularly given the need for additional housing in Ward 3. As this project moves forward, I will be advocating for increased affordability while remaining attentive to community priorities around scale, open space, and neighborhood context.

The selection of a development team is an important milestone, but it is not the end of the process. The Executive will be negotiating with the selected developer over the final details of the proposal before bringing forward a package for Council consideration and a public hearing. If past is prologue, that negotiation will go on for multiple months before a final proposal is put forward. It is my hope and expectation that the Executive will hear from the community as they proceed down that path. Thanks to residents and community leaders for their sustained engagement throughout the process. I am committed to continued collaboration as the project moves forward.

My 2025 annual report is now available. The report highlights the work completed during the first half of Council Period 26, and I am grateful for what we have been able to accomplish through collaboration with residents, colleagues, and community partners. As we look ahead to the year to come, my focus remains on priorities including strong support for our schools, parks, and libraries, expanding early childhood education, increasing housing supply through mixed-income and mixed-use development, strengthening crime prevention, job training, and employment programs, supporting our seniors, and small businesses.

Read the report: MattFruminWard3.com/2025-annual-report

The Council is preparing for annual performance oversight and the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget process. I want to hear from you about your priorities for how the District invests in the programs that impact you most. Ward 3 residents are invited to join me for my annual budget listening session to share their thoughts and ask questions regarding the upcoming budget. The listening session will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A meeting link will be shared with registered participants. If you are unable to attend, you can email your comments to fruminoffice@dccouncil.gov or call my office at 202-724-8062.

Performance oversight hearings begin today and run through early March. Residents can find the full calendar and sign up to testify by going to the Council's hearing calendar. During performance oversight, committees request detailed information from agencies under their purview about operations, staffing, services, and spending in advance of hearings so Councilmembers can ask informed questions and identify areas for improvement. Additional materials are also submitted to support budget analysis. This is also an opportunity to hear from residents about where the agencies are succeeding, and where there is need for change and improvement. With the exception of hearings for government witnesses only, public witnesses are able to testify at the hearings.

Going forward, the budget process formally begins in February, when the Chief Financial Officer issues the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the annual audit of the previous fiscal year. At the end of February, the CFO issues a revenue estimate that will serve as the “ceiling” for expenditures in the coming fiscal year. During this time, the mayor reconciles agency requests, her vision for the District, and the available revenue to propose any cuts, increases, or changes in each agency budget. At the start of April, the mayor is scheduled to present her proposed budget to the Council. The Council committees will then initiate the second piece of the agency-by-agency review, holding hearings focusing specifically on each agency’s proposed budget. The Council is then scheduled to vote on the budget in late May and early June.

Performance Oversight

As chair of the Committee on Human Services, my goal during oversight is to ensure agencies are effectively meeting residents’ needs and to identify opportunities for improvement. That includes evaluating how existing programs are working and considering new strategies to address some of the District’s most persistent challenges.

The Committee on Human Services oversight schedule is below. Hearing dates for the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) will be announced soon.

• January 29, 2:00 p.m.: DC Public Library
• February 5, 9:30 a.m.: Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment
• February 26, 9:30 a.m.: Department of Human Services (public witnesses)
• March 6, 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 committee hearings on my YouTube Channel, @CMFrumin. More information about the committee can be found on my website at mattfruminward3.com/committee.

PSH and TANF Working Groups

Ensuring government programs are responsive, effective, and accountable is one of my top priorities. In addition to formal oversight, I am also currently engaged in stakeholder working groups focused on improving Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) voucher programs and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). These efforts bring together agencies, providers, advocates, and other community members to examine how programs are functioning and identify practical recommendations for improvement.

Rising Utility Bills This Winter

Many residents have contacted my office about higher electricity and gas bills this winter. These increases are being driven largely by rising wholesale energy prices, which make up about 60 percent of a typical residential electric bill and are set by regional markets outside the District’s control. Local distribution charges, which are regulated by the District’s Public Service Commission, account for about one-third of the bill and have increased more modestly.

In response to growing affordability concerns, the Office of the People’s Counsel has petitioned the Public Service Commission to open an investigation into energy affordability. The commission has approved a formal study to better understand the drivers of rising costs, including the role of large electricity users such as data centers in pushing up regional wholesale prices. While the commission’s authority is limited and it cannot directly regulate wholesale markets, this review is an important step in building a clearer public record and identifying options to protect residents, particularly those on fixed or limited incomes.

Residents may be eligible for energy assistance programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), utility discounts, or budget billing options that spread costs more evenly over the year, or Pepco assistance programs. If you are experiencing unusually high bills or financial hardship, I encourage you to contact your utility provider, the Office of the People’s Counsel, or call 311 to learn more about available support.

Winter Storm Preparedness

With a winter storm expected this weekend, residents are encouraged to review preparedness resources and stay informed. The District Snow Team website serves as the destination for District residents preparing for and navigating snowy conditions. It offers a comprehensive range of resources, including up-to-date information on DC government closures, ensuring residents are aware of any disruptions to services. The platform also provides details on available city services during snow events, aiding residents in accessing essential support. With guides on getting around safely during snowfall and practical snow safety tips, the website equips individuals with the knowledge needed to stay safe and prepared. Click here to visit snow.dc.gov.

The District advises residents to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, prepare emergency kits, and check on neighbors who may need assistance. Utility safety, heating precautions, and carbon monoxide awareness are especially important during winter storms. Updates and guidance are available through Winter Ready DC.

It is also important to be aware of resources, changing weather conditions, and emergency alerts to stay safe:



• AlertDC is the official communications system for the District that allows you to pick the type of emergency alerts, notifications, and updates you receive directly from D.C. public safety officials. View current alerts.
• Cold Emergency Alerts occur when the National Weather Service forecasts weather that presents a danger to residents, especially those who are outdoors and experiencing homelessness.
• DC HSEMA’s Winter Weather Map provides critical information during and after a winter storm, such as winter watches, warnings and advisories, a snowplow tracker, calls for services and power outages.
• Pepco’s list of current outages allows customers to report an outage, check your outage status and view Pepco’s outage map.

The District’s Snow Team Heroes program connects volunteers with seniors and residents with disabilities or access and functional needs who need assistance after snowfall. Volunteers are matched with nearby residents and provided with supplies. Learn more and sign up at snowteam.dc.gov.

Transportation Planning Board: State of the Commute Report

The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) released its State of the Commute report.  The TPB brings together local, state, and federal partners to coordinate long-term transportation planning across the region, including work on safety, air quality, and multimodal travel. I currently serve as Vice Chair. The report confirms that hybrid work has become the region’s new baseline. Nearly half of workers now telework at least part time, reducing daily commute trips but concentrating congestion midweek. Transit use has rebounded close to pre-pandemic levels, driven in part by improved reliability, while driving alone has returned to near pre-pandemic rates.

For the District, high rates of telework and transit use continue to shape travel patterns, particularly downtown. Commuter satisfaction is improving, and commute times remain stable despite fewer commute days. The findings reinforce the importance of reliable transit, safe walking and biking infrastructure, and regional coordination as travel behavior continues to evolve. Residents can read the full report online here.

Tree, Greenery, and Leaf Collection

DPW’s holiday tree and greenery collection runs through February 28. Trees should be placed curbside or in tree boxes with all decorations removed. Collected materials will be turned into mulch as part of the District’s Zero Waste initiative. Drop-off is also available at Guy Mason Recreation Center, 3600 Calvert Street NW, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on Holiday Reduce & Reuse Tips, please visit zerowaste.dc.gov/Holiday. 

DPW’s fall leaf collection continues, with the second pass underway in Section B. Leaves should be placed in tree boxes or curbside. Paper bags are welcome, but plastic bags should not be used. Collection schedules are available at dpw.dc.gov or by calling 311.

WMATA Budget Feedback Opportunity

Metro has opened public comment on its proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The proposal supports a $4.8 billion capital and operating plan focused on safety, reliability, and service improvements, with no fare increases. Proposed changes include targeted bus and rail frequency improvements, continued Better Bus Network refinements, and major capital investments across the system.

Residents can submit feedback through an online survey by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, or participate in one of the upcoming in-person and virtual hearings. Public input will be shared with the Metro Board before final budget decisions are made. Learn more, find hearing dates, and submit feedback at wmata.com/budget.

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.

Events DC's FY2026 Cycle 2 Community Grant Program

Events DC is accepting applications for FY 2026 Cycle 2 Community Grants, which support nonprofit organizations providing youth sports, performing arts, and cultural programming in the District. Applications are due February 2, 2026. To learn more about the grant program, find informational sessions , or apply, please visit Events DC's Community Grant page.

Workday in the Ward in Chevy Chase

Today, my team and I, along with representatives from various District agencies, were at Bread & Chocolate in Chevy Chase for this month's edition of Workday in the Ward. I want to thank all the residents who came out to meet with me and my staff to express their views on the issues that matter most to them. I hold these events once per month. Whether you’re navigating a city service issue, want to discuss policy, or simply want to say hello, this is a great opportunity to connect. Stay tuned for February's date and location. It will be posted to my event calendar on my website, and shared through my channels including this newsletter. I hope to see you at an upcoming Workday in the Ward.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings 

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

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

ANC3C: Tuesday, February 17, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

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

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

ANC3F: Tuesday, February 17, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

ANC3/4G: Monday, January 26, 6:30 p.m., Zoom 

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 Health Homes Fair event page.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062