July 31, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

The DC Council passed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget on Monday. This has been one of the most difficult budget years in recent memory. Although there are challenges that were not fully addressed, I believe we’ve managed to strike a thoughtful balance, and I’m proud of many of the things we were able to achieve in this challenging environment. I appreciate Chairman Mendelson and my colleagues for working together through difficult choices to land where we did.

On Monday, the Council also considered the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act, which passed on first reading. This very consequential bill originated from the mayor’s office, then was revised by the Committee on Housing under Chair Robert White, and then further revised in ongoing consultation with others on the Council. It would make significant changes in our existing housing regulations. 

Also this week, the Council held two public hearings on the District’s proposed deal with the Washington Commanders to redevelop the RFK stadium site, hearing from public witnesses on Tuesday and from the Commanders and the Executive on Wednesday. Thanks to all who came out to testify and/or have reached out to express opinions about the proposed deal. The first vote on the deal will be Friday. 

To say it has and will be a big week is an understatement to say the least. Read more about the entire FY26 budget as well as the specific work of the Committee on Human Services, the RENTAL Act, and the RFK hearings below.

Beginning next week, the Council will be in recess until September 15. While this means the Council will not meet formally as a body, my staff and I will still be working throughout the recess, and August will be busy. Among other things, I will conduct school readiness tours at all of our Ward 3 public schools to ensure facilities are prepared to welcome students for the new year. We will also be preparing for the legislative session in the fall and I will be catching up on meetings with various stakeholders on issues, including and perhaps particularly, housing. 

Meanwhile, our office will still be open, including the phone lines. My excellent Constituent Services team will remain available to assist residents with navigating District government programs and services, and they will also be attending National Night Out on August 5, so residents can meet them in person.

The Ward 3 Newsletter will continue to go out every other Thursday with the latest developments, and residents can continue to stay updated by following @CMFrumin on Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

On Monday, July 28, the DC Council approved the $22.06 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget, concluding one of the most challenging budget cycles in recent memory. Those challenges were exacerbated by Congressional and federal administration actions. The mayor’s proposed budget was delayed as the District tried to navigate Congress freezing local funds in addition to damaging cuts to jobs and the regional economy, which led to a decrease in projected revenue. The mayor’s initial budget made valuable investments in schools, public safety, and economic development, but it fell short in key areas such as human services, healthcare access, and housing stability. The Council worked together to strengthen the budget to reflect more closely the values and needs of all District residents.

This budget still reflected painful cuts, but the Council was able to address many of the issues in an effort to protect our most vulnerable residents. 

We were able to secure key wins for residents, including:

• $19.5 million for Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP) to ensure preschool seats for 3- and 4-year-olds in community-based settings. 
• Funding for housing initiatives, including affordable housing preservation and emergency rental assistance programs, and more than $100 million for the Housing Production Trust Fund.
• Investments in early literacy, educator pay equity, and increased per-pupil funding (UPSFF) to ensure every child has the resources to succeed.
• Support for our seniors, including $1.2 million for Senior Villages, $500,000 for Iona’s Dementia Navigators, and funding for the Sibley Memory Club, programs that help our aging residents remain independent and well-supported.
• $19 million for the Access to Justice program to protect tenants and survivors of domestic violence from losing access to legal representation.
• $30 million for violence prevention and victim services, now coordinated through the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE).
• Protected investments in Main Street programs to sustain support for small and local businesses and commercial corridors.
• $6 million to implement Ranked-Choice Voting (Initiative 83) in time for the June 2026 elections, a step toward more representative democracy.

I focused on projects and services that directly impact our neighborhoods in Ward 3, such as:

• MacArthur (soon to be John Thompson) High School: I secured an amendment for MacArthur High School to provide a Communities in Schools staff member, recognizing that wraparound support is as important as academic instruction for our students to thrive.
• Friendship Heights Revitalization: A new Clean Team will help maintain public spaces.
• Affordable Housing: A tax abatement for So Others Might Eat (SOME) will help bring new affordable housing units to Ward 3, an essential step toward maintaining our neighborhood’s diversity and accessibility.

I voted against changes to the tipped wage and Initiative 82 (I-82). I understand the concerns about potential ramifications of the full implementation of I-82, but the objective data does not support the claims of a significant adverse impact to date. Restaurant employment is at its highest point on record, and we have more full-service restaurants than ever before. It may be that there is a compromise that could support restaurants as I-82 was to be more fully implemented, but I did not think the one on the table Monday was the right compromise. I also believe the Council should be very reluctant to overturn the will of the people as expressed in two referenda. 

The Council voted 7‑5 to amend the initiative to delay the tipped‑wage progression and set a new path with slower increases capped at 75 percent of the regular minimum wage by 2034. This tipped‑wage rollback is intended by its supporters to be a compromise. The amendment keeps the tipped wage at $10/hour until July 2026, then raises it to about $10.80 in 2028 (60% of the current $17.95 minimum wage), climbing every two years until it reaches roughly $13.45/hour in 2034 (75% of $17.95). Employers must still ensure workers’ total pay, including tips, equals at least the full minimum wage.

Source: Andrew Castro, PhD Candidate - University of Maryland

The Council also had a controversial vote on revenue. In candor, I worry what the landscape will be in the fall when we take stock of the impacts of all the changes at the federal level on the District. Under the circumstances, I thought the proposed revenue raiser was the wrong one at the wrong time, and the proposal intended to fund some things that were not the highest priority issues in the moment. I, therefore, voted no. 

This was a difficult, collaborative process, and I want to thank my staff, my fellow Councilmembers, and Chairman Mendelson for their partnership and tireless work. Together, we strengthened the budget, investing in education, and supporting our seniors, families, and small businesses. That said, there should be no sugar-coating it, challenges remain.

The next budget challenge will be in the fall when we have to address federal impacts. That will be inevitable because in some places our budget is linked to the federal budget, and as things change at the federal level, they have ramifications on our projected revenue. The expectation is that those changes will create a deficit and at a minimum we will need to “decouple” in order to maintain current projected revenue. Decoupling would not lead to a tax increase but preservation of the status quo. But there could also be new federal cuts to contend with. Navigating this period with a volatile federal partner is a challenge. But we will continue to try to do so with a steady hand and sense of fairness.

At Monday’s meeting, the Council voted on the first reading of the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act. This bill is an attempt to balance tenant protections with the need to spur investment in new housing. I supported the first vote because I believe it is critical that we move forward in addressing our housing challenges, but I also made clear that the bill still needs adjustments to fully protect tenants’ rights.

One important thing the RENTAL Act does is make it easier to evict a tenant who poses a safety risk to another tenant. Nobody wants to make these changes in an effort to see widespread evictions, but we do have to be able to act much more swiftly in these kinds of settings. I was grateful that we were able to make these changes that will lead to increased safety for tenants. 

The RENTAL Act also introduces an exemption from the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) for the first 15 years after a certificate of occupancy is issued. TOPA has long been a cornerstone of tenant rights in the District, giving tenants the first opportunity to purchase their building when it goes up for sale. The bill’s supporters argue that exempting new projects from TOPA for 15 years will help attract the early-stage investment needed to get housing projects built.

I understand this rationale: developers and early investors often take significant risks to stabilize new properties, and some believe TOPA has had a chilling effect on new investment. However, the bill also applies the exemption to existing buildings that received a certificate of occupancy in the last 15 years. 

During Monday’s debate, I introduced two amendments to strengthen tenant protections:

Prospective Application of TOPA Exemption:

The bill, as introduced, applies the 15-year TOPA exemption both to new projects going forward and retroactively to buildings constructed within the past 15 years. I opposed the retroactive application. Tenants currently living in newer buildings moved in with the understanding that they had TOPA rights. Taking those rights away would not encourage new investment – it would simply hand a windfall to current building owners, while stripping tenants of protections they relied on. My amendment would have ensured that the 15-year exemption only applies prospectively, protecting the rights of current tenants while still encouraging future development.

Excluding Affordable-Housing Properties from the Exemption:

I also proposed striking the TOPA exemption for buildings with affordability covenants. Tenants in affordable housing often rely on TOPA to negotiate meaningful improvements, better relationships with new owners, and long-term stability. In many cases, affordability covenants do not guarantee lower rents compared to what tenants can negotiate through TOPA. Removing their right to engage in the TOPA process could leave them worse off. Indeed, we have had a number of TOPA transactions in Ward 3 recently. In one, the tenants embraced a covenant approach and in another they did not. Tenant choice matters.

Unfortunately, neither amendment passed. However, I raised these issues because I believe tenant protections remain an essential counterweight to development pressures. TOPA has been a successful tool for decades, not only in preserving affordable housing but in empowering tenants to shape their communities.

There are a lot of moving parts to the RENTAL Act, and I did not get all I wanted. I want to thank Councilmember White for his openness to collaboration. I think we made progress Monday, but now we need to step back and closely review where we are, what is good, and what might be missing, and I am hopeful that by second reading we will come to an agreement that balances the needs of residents with the need for investment in housing.

As Chair of the Committee on Human Services, my focus this budget season has been to protect our most essential programs, restore critical services, and ensure that our human services agencies can deliver effectively for District residents. The committee oversees the Department of Human Services (DHS), the DC Public Library (DCPL), and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME). These agencies deliver some of the District’s most essential services, and although Mayor Bowser’s proposed budget cut nearly $63 million from them, the Committee on Human Services managed to restore much of that funding, as outlined below.



Ward 3 residents know the value of our public libraries as spaces for learning and connection. I identified $11 million in funding to keep the District’s public libraries open and well-maintained, ensuring they remain vibrant hubs for the community. That includes:

• $6.5 million to sustain operating hours and hire 75 library staff members
• $1.5 million to boost the budget for books
• $2 million for facility improvements

Housing stability was a top priority for my committee. Working closely with stakeholders, the committee secured significant investments to help families avoid homelessness and maintain stability:

• 100 new DC Flex shallow subsidies: Each provides $8,400 per year for working families to use flexibly toward rent, bridging short-term gaps without pushing families into crisis.
• 160 new Targeted Affordable Housing (TAH) vouchers: Targeted to families transitioning from temporary shelters, creating a pathway to stable housing.
• 20 new Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) vouchers: For residents with complex needs who require wraparound services.
• An additional $3.6 million for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): This will allow ERAP to serve hundreds more households facing eviction.
• Ensured $1.53 million for extended transitional housing, providing more young people with a secure place to stay as they transition to stability.
• $250,000 to provide furniture to families transitioning from homelessness to stable housing.
• $500,000 to restore cuts to housing services for survivors of domestic violence.
• $600,000 to reverse cuts to workforce development grants for homeless youth.
• Protected $921,000 to preserve affordable housing in Ward 3 in partnership with the nonprofit provider So Others Might Eat (SOME)

The District’s human services system has faced rising costs and pressure points. For example, the Family Rehousing and Stabilization Program (FRSP) saw spending rise from $53 million in FY2024 to a projected $134 million in FY2025, a 252 percent increase. Without reforms and targeted investments like DC Flex and ERAP, the system risks being overwhelmed.

One of the major debates this year involved the executive’s proposal to weaken long-standing protections requiring homeless families to be housed in private, non-congregate settings. My committee successfully removed provisions that would have allowed for families to be placed into congregate housing, maintaining a 20-year commitment to ensure families have private rooms with locking doors, on-site bathrooms, and a safe environment.

The committee also reversed the mayor’s proposed $7.5 million cut to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and rolled back other changes to the TANF program. Instead of rushing major policy decisions, my committee pressed pause for one year to allow for public hearings and a working group to evaluate the impacts. We also improved the child support pass-through, increasing the amount of child support that goes directly to families who receive TANF from $150 to $200 per month, which translates to $600 more annually for families who need it most.

The committee also expanded DHS’s promising Truancy Reduction Pilot to reach 10 schools, including the first middle school. The budget sustains key investments in the District’s arts and creative economy, including the Go-Go Support Program and the Film Rebate Fund, and ensures better transparency so these funds can continue serving artists and communities without interruption.

This budget reflects extensive feedback from residents, advocates, and service providers. While we have made progress, there is more work to do. I remain committed to ensuring our human services agencies are well-managed, responsive, and focused on equity.

This week, the Council held two public hearings on the District’s proposed deal with the Washington Commanders to redevelop the RFK stadium campus, officially titled the “Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025.” I am excited by the potential investment in the redevelopment of the RFK site and appreciate the work that has gone into the deal. After the Chairman’s announcement of new terms last week, I remained concerned that what I had seen to that point did not fully address many of the issues that had been raised by my constituents and colleagues. I also believed it was critical that a deal of this magnitude be subject to the public hearing process to ensure the Council took into consideration the feedback of more than 400 residents who testified, and also to give Councilmembers an opportunity to ask questions and get more details from team representatives on the record to ensure that this deal is the best it can possibly be for the District and its residents. 

It is critically important to get it right, and I was listening for suggestions on what was needed to do that. Public testimony went late into the night, and I want to thank every resident who took the time to make their voices heard in this process. I believe the Commanders organization has operated in good faith and worked with me and my colleagues to try to find ways to improve the deal for the people of DC. The Council has also worked in return to hold hearings and a vote on a timeline that was more amenable to what the mayor and team envisioned. 

While there is real potential for new housing, jobs, and economic growth, we must ensure the final agreement puts the District’s interests first. Key priorities for me include strong accountability for delivering the promised mixed-use development and a clear commitment to sustainability. The project should set a high standard for green building and environmental stewardship, especially given its location along the Anacostia River. Transportation planning will also be critical. We need a comprehensive approach that prioritizes transit, reduces traffic impacts on nearby neighborhoods, and makes it easier for residents and visitors to access the site without overwhelming local streets. Equally important is clarity. 

In some ways, this process seems like it has dragged on, but in others, it is happening at warp speed. The Mayor negotiated an initial deal. Chairman Mendelson negotiated improvements that other members of the Council learned about in the last week. The vote is schedule for Friday, August 1. We have made a lot of progress to get to where we are. The Chairman added hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to the District. The Council has gotten the Commanders to put various oral commitments on paper. I wish it were not the case, but there is still work to do between now and the vote scheduled for noon Friday. Residents can find meeting information and how to watch on the Council’s website.

Higher Pepco Bills and Storm Readiness

Many Ward 3 residents are noticing a rise in their Pepco bills this summer. This is partially due to hotter weather and higher air conditioning use. However, there are several other contributing factors, and increased energy costs are a result of multiple regional and national trends affecting how electricity is sourced and priced.

Pepco encourages customers to explore bill assistance and energy-saving programs:

• Visit pepco.com/BillSupport for resources to manage your bill.
• The DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) also offers a Utility Discount Program and home improvement incentives to lower your energy usage.
• Community solar programs can reduce your bill by letting you subscribe to local solar energy, even if you can’t install panels yourself.

Pepco also recently launched the Pepco Customer Relief fund in partnership with the Salvation Army. The Pepco Customer Relief Fund is a one-time relief fund that provides financial support for those challenged by high energy costs. For additional information on the fund, eligibility, and how to apply, please visit the Pepco Customer Relief Fund webpage.

Be Prepared for Summer Storms

Recent severe thunderstorms have brought damaging winds and lightning to the area, increasing the risk of outages. Pepco crews are monitoring the grid and are ready to respond quickly to restore power when needed.

In the event of an outage:

• Report downed wires immediately at 1-877-PEPCO-62 or via the Pepco app or website.
• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
• Use generators safely; never operate them indoors or connect them directly to home wiring.

During restoration efforts, Pepco prioritizes:

1. Life-threatening emergencies and critical facilities like hospitals and fire stations.
2. Major power lines serving large groups of customers
3. Individual neighborhoods, homes, and businesses.

August Pet Adoption Event

The District contracts with Brandywine Valley SPCA to administer animal welfare services. BVSPCA is excited to be teaming up with NBCUniversal for its annual Clear The Shelters adoption event on Saturday, August 2. Join them at either of their locations, 1201 New York Ave NE or 4 DC Village Lane SW, where adoption fees for all pets will be waived. You can learn more about Brandywine Valley SPCA and its services at bvspca.org/dc. To report an animal in distress in the District, please call BVSPCA at (202) 888-PETS.

DC State Fair on September 6

The DC State Fair is a free annual event to celebrate the District's homegrown agricultural, artistic, and culinary talents. This year's fair will be on Saturday, September 6, at Bryant Street NE, right off the Rhode Island Ave Metro. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and deep-fried foods—the DC State Fair honors what makes the District unique.

Registration for DC State Fair contests is now open, which includes everything from best apple pie to funkiest looking vegetable. If you are interested in registering for any of the contests, please read more in the contest guide here. Contest registration is free and closes August 15. Winners will be announced at the fair. See you there!

Supporting DC Physical Therapists

On July 23, I had the pleasure of joining local physical therapists and community members at an event hosted by the American Physical Therapy Association at Nanny O’Brien’s in Cleveland Park. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with these dedicated professionals and recognize the vital role they play in improving the health and well-being of our neighbors across DC, including our older populations and residents with disabilities. I am grateful for their commitment to helping residents recover, stay active, and live healthier lives, and I look forward to continuing to support their important work in our community.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings

ANC3A: Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, September 11, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

ANC3C: Monday, September 15, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3D: Wednesday, September 3, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3E: Tuesday, September 11, 7:30 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3F: Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

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

Dedication of “Girl Scouts Way”

Constituents are invited to gather with neighbors, local leaders, and inspiring Girl Scouts on Tuesday, August 5, at 8:45 a.m. for the official unveiling of “Girl Scouts’ Way,” a symbolic street designation honoring Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital’s remarkable 113-year legacy of empowering young leaders and strengthening our community.

The celebration will include remarks from me, Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau (a proud Gold Award Girl Scout), Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital CEO Kim R. Ford, and local Girl Scouts sharing their stories.

When: Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 8:45 a.m.

Where: 3000 block of Veazey Terrace NW (adjacent to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital headquarters)

This special event highlights our community’s dedication to youth leadership and civic engagement. All are welcome, so bring your family and friends and help us honor history while inspiring the next generation.

National Night Out

On Tuesday, August 5, celebrate National Night Out at Guy Mason Recreation Center from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. This annual event brings together community members, local officials, and law enforcement to strengthen neighborhood spirit and promote public safety. Hosted in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department, National Night Out is a chance to enjoy an evening of connection, food, and family-friendly activities, all while showing that our communities are united and looking out for one another.

Ward 3 Day at the National Children’s Museum

The National Children’s Museum is excited to invite Ward 3 residents to the museum for a free day of play with DC Ward 3 Day on Saturday, September 6. There will be free admission to the museum for residents of Ward 3. Visit nationalchildrensmuseum.org for more information.

Community Group Meeting on the New Bus Network

Residents are continuing to adjust to the new Better Bus Network, the most significant overhaul of our Metrobus system in 50 years. To help with the changes, WMATA’s Trip Planner reflects the new routes. You can also sign up for the Better Bus Dispatch newsletter or view past issues for more information.

On Wednesday, August 13, beginning at 7:00 p.m., community members with the Friends of Bus Transit (FoBus) are holding a meeting on the new network at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, at 3630 Quesada Street NW, in the Parish Center. The event is open to all, and the group will mostly focus on areas west of Rock Creek Park. Please RSVP to fobus-input@groups.io to give the group an idea of the number of attendees, and so they can contact attendees if the date changes. For more information and to verify the date, visit the CCCA website.

Chevy Chase DC Day

Mark your calendars for Chevy Chase DC Day on Saturday, September 20 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. This annual celebration is a fantastic way to enjoy the heart of our Chevy Chase community, with festivities taking place around the Chevy Chase Commons, including the Library, Community Center, and Connecticut Avenue. It’s always a great day filled with local flavor, family-friendly fun, and neighborhood pride. Celebrate everything that makes Chevy Chase such a special part of Ward 3. More details to come, so stay tuned.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062