November 6, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

This edition of my newsletter highlights my office’s work to strengthen the District’s financial stability, advance affordable housing, and ensure the safety of residents. You’ll also find updates from the Committee on Human Services, including how the District stepped up to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits during the federal shutdown, and new legislation to protect benefits and support stable housing.

I was particularly proud last week to join residents and community partners to celebrate the opening of The Louise on Western at the Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home in Ward 3. This new development adds more than 90 high-quality, affordable homes for older District residents and is the first project in Ward 3 funded through the Housing Production Trust Fund. As a former chair of Lisner’s board, I worked closely with community leaders and city partners over many years to help make this vision a reality. The project is a showcase of what’s possible when we invest in our seniors, and in the belief that every resident deserves an opportunity to age-in-place in a dignified, affordable place to call home.

Today we held a marathon joint hearing with the Committee on Health about challenges in the permanent supportive housing voucher program. For years, residents have raised issues with this program, hoping for its success but deeply concerned about its apparent shortcomings. ANC 3F and various tenant associations have been particularly active on these issues, forming a working group in search of solutions. Our hearing brought together a cross section of stakeholders including the creator of the Housing First model. It also proved to be a fortuitous demonstration of the Heisenberg Principle – the act of observing can change the phenomenon observed. The Department of Behavioral Health announced today that they have created a hotline for neighbors and landlords and will assign specialists to address issues at eight buildings in the Connecticut Avenue corridor. There is a lot of work to do in this area and the conversations are inevitably difficult but today was a positive day. Many thanks to all those in the community who have devoted a lot of time, energy and caring to try to make this program better. 

This week marked two defining anniversaries in DC’s fight for representation. On November 3, 1964, Washingtonians voted in a presidential election for the first time since 1800, and on November 4, 1974, the District elected its first Home Rule Mayor and Council in more than a century. These milestones remind us that our pursuit of full rights and self-determination is ongoing. As we continue to see during the federal shutdown, the actions (or inaction) of the federal government can often have negative consequences for DC, and the District must act independently to protect residents. Our current challenges should also be a powerful reminder that Home Rule matters deeply and full statehood must be our goal. Just as past generations fought for DC’s political voice, we continue that work today, advocating for equity, opportunity, and true representation for every Washingtonian

As we approach Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to honor those who have served our nation in uniform. Veterans represent every corner of our community, every background, and every belief. Their service is a reminder of our shared responsibility to build a community worthy of their sacrifice: one rooted in care, justice, opportunity, and peace. To all veterans and military families in Ward 3 and across the District, thank you.

The World War I Memorial in Downtown DC

Meanwhile, today, thousands of dedicated public servants, are facing challenges from the government shutdown and turmoil in the federal government. Residents seeking information and assistance regarding government and community programs and services can learn more on the Resources page on my website.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

At the November 4 Legislative Meeting, the Council took action to protect the District’s fiscal health by voting to decouple parts of our tax code from the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” If we hadn’t acted, the District would have lost more than half a billion dollars in local revenue over the next four years. In partnership with Councilmember Zachary Parker, I introduced an amendment to use part of that previously unobligated revenue to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and reestablish the District Child Tax Credit (CTC). I also pushed for a provision to change how interest on out-of-state municipal bonds is taxed to protect the retirement savings of many older District residents. While the municipal bonds measure was unsuccessful, I am proud that the Council ultimately voted in favor of the final bill that included the expansion of the EITC and restoration of the CTC. Together, we delivered meaningful help for residents with the greatest needs. In combination, these measures strengthen our revenue base while directly investing in working families and children at a time when so many District residents are facing real financial pressures. In the meantime, I will continue to look for solutions that can pass on the out-of-state municipal bonds issue. While we did not cross the finish line this week, we did build support for a solution, and will keep trying. 

The Council also voted to extend the juvenile curfew, which I supported. The previous curfew, which expired on October 5, resulted in no arrests, a sign that its purpose was being fulfilled. Part of what prompted the extension were recent large gatherings of youth in specific areas that were intentionally organized on social media and unfortunately have included fighting, disrupting car traffic, and most concerning, gun violence. These include last Friday’s incident in Navy Yard that was broken up by the National Guard and resulted in arrests, as well as the incident the Friday before near Howard University’s homecoming events where five people, including a minor, were tragically shot. The curfew is meant to keep young people safe, not punish them. We know keeping our kids safe requires more than curfews, however, and this is a short-term solution. We must confront the deeper underlying causes that put youth at risk: online harms and disinformation, access to guns, the glorification of violence, inadequate access to quality mental health care, limited safe transportation, and a lack of meaningful enrichment opportunities. Real safety is about creating hope and belonging - that’s the work ahead.

I also supported the Private Vehicle-for-Hire Operator Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 because it was a straightforward step to protect consumers and uphold public safety. The bill reinforces a recent court finding making it unambiguous that a to-date unregulated rideshare company operating without background checks, vehicle standards, insurance, or accountability, putting riders at real risk must either register and adhere to regulations to ensure safety or shut down. Residents have reported unsafe conditions, reckless driving, and drivers misusing personal information in both official testimony and meetings. This legislation reaffirms the Department of For-Hire Vehicles’ authority to regulate all paid ride services, ensuring every driver is licensed, insured, and accountable, while not affecting good Samaritans who offer informal rides outside an app requiring user info or agreements – like, for example, individual community members assisting older residents with transportation to and from grocery stores. It protects residents, preserves fair competition, and prioritizes safety over profit. The Council passed the bill unanimously.

The Council also considered a resolution disapproving the mayor’s request to reprogram $5.5 million from the Office of Unified Communications and the Department of Corrections to the Metropolitan Police Department to “address year-end spending pressures.” DC Auditor Kathy Patterson alerted the Council at a recent breakfast about challenges in this area. That led to three Council hearings on Budget Execution and Agency Overspending convened by Chairman Mendelson at which I was an active participant. Getting control of our spending and ensuring our budgets are binding are high priorities for me. The hearing provided meaningful clarity on shortcomings in our current oversight systems and pointed to ways in which we can improve them. Chief Financial Officer Lee pledged to work closely with the Council and my committee specifically to improve real time oversight going forward.

Chairman Mendelson put forward his disapproval resolution to highlight these issues. I argued that while the issue is serious, the better approach - given the strong progress made over the past month thanks to Auditor Patterson and Chairman Mendelson - was to withdraw the disapproval resolution for now, but make clear that if the new tools discussed at the recent hearing don’t resolve these problems in the coming year, the Council should be ready to move forward with a disapproval next fiscal year. Chairman Mendelson ultimately chose to take that route. While no resolution was ultimately passed, the process itself - and the strong message it sent - represented meaningful action on a critical issue.

On October 28, the Committee on Housing held a hearing on my Rent Stabilization Protection Amendment Act of 2025, which would eliminate the ability of landlords in rent-stabilized buildings to charge higher rents to voucher holders than to non-voucher tenants. Housing vouchers are a critical tool for supporting more than 20,000 low-income District households. My bill does not change DCHA’s payment standards or its ability to place voucher holders in high-opportunity neighborhoods. Instead, it simply requires DCHA to comply with rent stabilization when approving voucher leases, making sure that if a unit is rent-stabilized, it remains so regardless of a tenant’s source of income. 

Under current law, rent-stabilized units become exempt from rent limits when leased to voucher holders, allowing some housing providers to charge DCHA substantially higher rents than permitted for non-voucher tenants. This creates a financial incentive to favor voucher holders over lower-income renters without vouchers, effectively encouraging one form of affordable housing to cannibalize another. The recent $700,000 settlement between the Office of the Attorney General and Petra Management underscores how these rules can lead to real-world discrimination against residents who don’t hold vouchers. 

By removing this exemption, we’ll stretch our housing subsidy dollars further and help fund more vouchers for families in need, while maintaining a fair and balanced housing market. The bill also includes revisions made in response to feedback from housing providers, ensuring the sector remains financially healthy. I’m grateful to Chairman Robert White for holding this important hearing and look forward to continuing to work with advocates, providers, and my colleagues to see this bill become law. 

When the federal shutdown jeopardized SNAP and WIC benefits, leaving families uncertain about how they’d buy food, the District made the right decision to use local funds to cover the gap. That choice ensured that tens of thousands of residents - including nearly 50,000 children - would not go hungry. It was an act of both fiscal and moral responsibility, grounded in the belief that no one in our city should face food insecurity because of federal partisan gridlock. I was in constant close contact with the Executive to ensure that: they were prepared for every scenario, they placed a high priority on avoiding a disruption in benefits, the District kept residents informed, and we act swiftly to protect those who rely on these benefits. While the District is doing the right thing under difficult circumstances, I am profoundly frustrated that local governments are being forced to shoulder a federal responsibility just to keep families fed due to the federal government’s willful inaction.

On October 30, the Committee on Human Services held a public hearing on two bills I introduced aimed at improving how our safety net serves residents:

• The Flexible Rent Subsidy Program Amendment Act of 2025, which would make the DC Flex program permanent, providing flexible, predictable support that helps families stay housed and avoid homelessness.
• The Public Benefits Security Amendment Act of 2025, which requires DHS to issue microchipped EBT cards to prevent benefits theft and mandates the reimbursement of stolen funds.

That same day, the Committee advanced Rachel Pierre’s nomination as the permanent Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS). In her time as Acting Director, I have appreciated her collaborative leadership and look forward to working with her on key challenges: reducing homelessness, connecting beneficiaries to meaningful work, improving program integrity, and strengthening accountability.

Today, I co-chaired, with Councilmember Christina Henderson, a Joint Public Oversight Roundtable on Behavioral Health Supports in Local Housing Voucher Programs. The roundtable examined how our Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs can better serve residents living with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, and how DHS, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and community partners can better coordinate care.

During the roundtable, DBH announced two initiatives focused on improving living conditions in buildings with high numbers of voucher holders along Connecticut Avenue. First, DBH has partnered with Community Connections to create a hotline for residents and landlords to report concerns before they escalate to crises. The number is 202-281-2911. DBH has also placed additional case managers in eight buildings along Connecticut Avenue with high numbers of reported incidents. These case managers are on site Monday through Friday to engage with residents, coordinate with property management, arrange care for residents experiencing crises, and assess whether residents need more support than a housing voucher can offer. 

I am heartened by DBH’s announcement. Throughout my time in office, but especially since becoming Chair of Human Services in January of this year, I have been advocating for the new hotline resource and for additional resources to support voucher tenants with behavioral health and substance use challenges. I am grateful for the responsiveness of the Executive and its willingness to try new things to make our communities safer and stronger for all residents. I also know that this positive change might not have happened without years of hard work from the leadership of ANC 3F and community advocates like Commissioner Courtney Carlson, Tracy Zorpette, Marlene Berlin, Harry Gural, Kim Farmer, Faith Mullen and many others. There is much more to do in this space, but today was a positive day. 

As part of our ongoing work to strengthen housing stability and support residents facing emergencies, I want to share an important update from the Department of Human Services (DHS) on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for Fiscal Year 2026. Beginning November 20, 2025, residents can schedule appointments to apply for ERAP by calling 202-507-6666 or visiting the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (64 New York Ave NE). DHS is moving to an appointment-based system to improve transparency, speed up processing, and ensure applicants know the status of available funds before applying. This change is designed to make the program more efficient and responsive for residents in crisis. Applicants will still need to provide standard documents like proof of residency, ID, income, and evidence of an emergency. More information is available at erap.dhs.dc.gov.

On October 29, I was thrilled to join residents, community partners, and city leaders for the ribbon cutting of The Louise on Western, the newest addition to the Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home in Ward 3. The Louise provides 90 new affordable, high-quality homes for older District residents, supported by the Housing Production Trust Fund, the first project in Ward 3 to use this important tool. As a former chair of Lisner’s board, this project is personal to me. It represents years of collaboration and a deep belief that every senior deserves to age in place in a safe, caring, and vibrant community.

Standing at the ribbon cutting, I shared a thought inspired by the Beatles’ lyric, “All You Need Is Love.” That’s exactly what this new home embodies: love, community, and the kind of partnership that makes the District stronger. The Lisner Home is a model for what we can achieve when we invest in people, in compassion, and in the future we all want to share.

Expanding Opportunities for Students & Protecting Senior Swim

This fall, our office worked closely with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and DC Public Schools (DCPS) to address community concerns about scheduling at the Wilson Aquatic Center, and I’m pleased to share that we reached a great outcome for everyone involved. Thanks to strong advocacy from Ward 3 seniors and our collaboration with agency partners, DPR and DCPS developed a schedule that both protects our long-running senior swim class and accommodates the new third-grade swim program that’s expanding to Ward 3 schools.

I had the chance to see the program in action, and it was inspiring to see students learning, laughing, and clearly having fun. The coordination between staff, students, and community members was seamless. This is exactly how public facilities should work: balancing the needs of residents of all ages while making the most of our shared resources.

Beginning this winter, the senior swim class will continue three days a week, at 12:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, ensuring that older adults can maintain their fitness routines while local students gain life-saving swimming skills. I’m deeply grateful to DPR, DCPS, and the many community members who worked with us to make this possible. It’s a model of how thoughtful collaboration can turn competing priorities into shared wins for our Ward 3 community.

Fall Leaf Collection Is Underway

As the leaves begin to fall across Ward 3, I want to remind residents that the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) has begun its annual fall leaf collection, continuing through February 2026. DPW crews will make two passes through each neighborhood during the season to collect leaves that have been raked to the curb or tree box area. Residents should place loose leaves in bags where they are easily accessible to crews, avoiding blocking gutters or bike lanes.

You can track when crews will be in your area and view real-time updates through DPW’s Leaf Tracker at dpw.dc.gov/leaf. The website also provides neighborhood collection schedules, guidance on how to prepare leaves for pickup, and the option to sign up for email alerts and the DPW newsletter to stay informed throughout the season. Thank you for helping to keep our community clean, safe, and beautiful this fall and winter.

Snow Shoveling Exemption for Seniors and Residents with Disabilities

Winter weather is around the corner, and I want remind residents about the District’s Snow Sidewalk Shoveling Enforcement Exemption program. This program provides an exemption from enforcement for residents age 65 and older or with disabilities who are unable to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks, curb ramps, or curb cuts next to their property after a storm.

The exemption protects eligible residents from potential fines if they cannot clear their sidewalks due to age or disability. The application period is open through December 2, 2025, and once approved, exemptions remain valid for two years. Please note that this program does not provide snow removal services, it simply ensures that those physically unable to shovel are not penalized for noncompliance.

Residents can learn more and apply online or by contacting the Department of Public Works (DPW) through 311. This is one of the many small but important ways we can make government work better for everyone, especially seniors and residents with different abilities.

Help Shape the Region’s Transportation Future

I am currently serving as 2nd Vice Chair of The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB). TPB has opened the public comment period for its Visualize 2050 National Capital Region Transportation Plan, and I encourage Ward 3 residents to share their feedback.

The Visualize 2050 Plan outlines long-term investments to improve how people move throughout DC, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, covering everything from roadway maintenance and transit improvements to new mobility options and climate-focused infrastructure. The plan works hand in hand with the FY 2026–2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which details the specific projects set to receive funding in the near term, and with the Air Quality Conformity Analysis, which measures how those projects align with regional clean air goals.

Transportation planning affects every part of our daily lives, from how easily students get to school, to how safely cyclists and pedestrians navigate our streets, to how quickly buses move through traffic. Visit Visualize2050.org to review the materials, watch the overview video, and share your thoughts before the comment period closes on November 21.

Participate in DC 2050 This Fall

The DC Office of Planning is offering many options for residents to raise their voice for the District’s future this fall. You can attend a November workshop, stop by the agency’s table at events, explore Storymaps on the project website on your own time, or reserve time to chat one-on-one. Fall workshops (register for either event at DC2050.com:

• Thursday, November 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Office of Planning (899 N. Capitol St NE)
• Saturday, November 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Office of Planning (899 N. Capitol St NE)

DC 2050 will guide where and how we build new housing, grow job opportunities, connect neighborhoods, preserve our history, and invest in services. To learn more, visit DC2050.com or follow OP on Instagram, Bluesky, and X.

Celebrating at the Rock Creek Party in the Park

On October 23, I joined the Rock Creek Conservancy’s annual Party in the Park at the Carter Barron Amphitheater, a night of jazz, Shakespeare, and community under the stars. The event celebrated 20 years of work to protect our urban forests, clean our waterways, and make our parks accessible to all. Seeing hundreds of residents gather to support the Conservancy’s mission reminded me how deeply Ward 3 values open space, environmental stewardship, and community connection.

Fun and Community Spirit at the Murch Fall Fair

The Murch Fall Fair is one of those neighborhood traditions that captures the best of Ward 3: families, educators, and students all coming together to celebrate. From the book sale to crafts and games, the fair brought out the energy and joy that make our public schools so special. It was wonderful to see how this event continues to strengthen the partnerships that support our kids and their schools.

A Joyful Evening at the High Heel Race

I joined the crowd along 17th Street for the 38th Annual High Heel Race, one of DC’s most joyful and inclusive traditions. This event, organized by the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, celebrates creativity, diversity, and community pride. The energy was infectious. It’s one of those nights that reminds us what makes DC’s neighborhoods so vibrant and welcoming.

Halloween Fun at Friendship “Turtle” Park

It was great to spend Halloween at Friendship “Turtle” Park. The annual Turtle Park Halloween Parade brought out families, kids, and even a few costumed pets for pumpkin decorating, candy, and laughter. I enjoyed seeing generations of neighbors come together in one of our most beloved parks to connect across ages and traditions.

Celebrating Afterschool Programs at the Lights On Afterschool Fest

On October 30, I stopped by DC Action’s Lights On Afterschool Fest at Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS. The event highlighted the city’s out-of-school-time programs that help kids learn, explore, and stay safe after the school day ends. I’m grateful to the educators and program leaders who keep DC students engaged and inspired beyond the classroom. I continue to be an advocate for universal access to out-of-school time programming.

Honoring Service at the Palisades Fire Station Potluck

The Palisades Community Association’s Fire Station Potluck Dinner was extra special this year as Engine 29 celebrated its 100th anniversary. It was wonderful to see residents come together to thank our firefighters for a century of service and dedication.

Recognizing Leadership at the MPD 2D CAC Banquet

On November 5, I spoke at the MPD 2D Citizens Advisory Council Banquet, honoring officers and community members who work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe. Public safety depends on trust and collaboration, and I’m grateful to the residents and officers who build that partnership through open communication and shared commitment to our community’s well-being.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings 

ANC3A: Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 p.m., McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom  

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

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

ANC3D: Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 p.m., Zoom   

ANC3E: Thursday, November 13, 7:30 p.m., Zoom  

ANC3F: Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

ANC3/4G: Monday, November 10, 6:30 p.m., Zoom  

Ward 3 Library Events

Our Ward 3 libraries continue to bring neighbors together with free programs for all ages. For example, this week, there are movie nights, story times, coloring activities, and on Friday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m., the Cleveland Park Library will host Gentle Yoga for Seniors, a mat-and-chair class led by Iona Senior Services through the Around Town DC program. These events highlight how our libraries serve as vibrant community hubs - offering learning, wellness, and connection. Residents can explore more upcoming events by visiting dclibrary.libnet.info/events and filtering by library location.

I am pleased to welcome Ella Roth to the Committee on Human Services as our new Legislative Assistant. Prior to joining the team, Ella worked for the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP), where she provided technical support to state officials and led policy academies focused on increasing access to affordable housing with wraparound services, among other policy priorities. Ella graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021, where she received a BA in Health & Societies with a concentration in Health Care Markets & Finance and a minor in Economics. Residents can contact the Committee on Human Services by phone at 202-727-7905 or email fruminoffice@dccouncil.gov.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062