October 9, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

As I write to you, we are facing a moment of real strain with the federal government shutdown still in effect and the reverberations being felt across the District and our region. I want to acknowledge upfront the hardship this causes for many individuals, families, and small businesses in Ward 3 and beyond, and to share how I am working to ensure that our local government remains responsive, resilient, and ready to support you.

A prolonged federal shutdown doesn’t just make national headlines; it has very real impacts here at home. In addition to the strain on our workers and their families and those relying on federal services, previous shutdowns have had significant financial impacts on the District; for example, the 35-day shutdown in 2018–19 cost the District about $47.4 million in lost local revenue. During that period, fewer federal workers on payroll meant less spending in shops and restaurants and declines in hotel stays and tourism rippled into the District’s tax base. 

Today, we are seeing similar pressures. Moreover, the uncertainty is hitting our residents directly: federal contractors or consulting firms may see delayed payments; federal employees living in Ward 3 may face pay interruptions that strain household budgets. Our social service providers, too, often operate with lean margins and depend on predictable funding and clients; when people pull back, needs increase while revenue falls.

I want to assure constituents that my office and the District government are open, and my team and I continue to serve residents. If you or your neighbors need help, whether for food, rent, small business assistance, or unemployment support, I want to direct you to the resources page on my website, where you’ll find updated information about District government services, programs, and contacts. My Constituent Services team is also available to help answer questions and navigate District programs and services. Residents can learn more and contact the team through the Constituent Services page on my website.

In light of the shutdown and other recent negative impacts on our economy, I had been braced for worst-case scenarios, but the latest revenue forecast from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer gives reason for at least some cautious optimism. In the September revenue estimate, the CFO projects that local revenue collections for FY 2025 are outpacing prior expectations. Collections through August are up by roughly 11.2 percent year-over-year. That strength is driven by higher-than-expected income tax (especially non-withholding) and corporate franchise tax receipts, which are offsetting weakness in other areas. As a result, compared with earlier forecasts, the estimates for all years in the financial plan, FYs 26-29, are up considerably. 

Until recently, many expected the District would need a supplemental budget this fall to address potential shortfalls. The Chief Financial Officer’s latest revenue forecast suggests that may not be necessary, which is welcome news. That said, our local revenue picture is closely tied to federal actions that could change the outlook in the months ahead, and whether DC tax policy should remain coupled with federal policies may be a question for consideration.

Meanwhile, underlying structural challenges remain. Over the coming years, the CFO expects continued contraction in federal employment, a trend that will strain withholding tax revenue, demand for local services, and office occupancy. Federal action (including, but not limited to, H.R. 1) could impose future pressures on our ability to raise local revenue or receive federal support. We also have rising demands on safety-net and human services programs if unemployment, housing stress, or healthcare pressures increase. In short, this remains a complex and challenging financial landscape for the District. Navigating it in a way that promotes both growth and fairness is a key priority for me. 

As we approach Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 13, I pause in respect to acknowledge the original inhabitants of the land on which we now live. Ward 3, and the broader DC/Maryland/Virginia area, lies in territories historically occupied by the Piscataway, Anacostan (Anacostin), and Nacotchtank peoples, among others. Their stewardship of this land, their cultures, and their resilience continue to echo through generations. May we take time to honor their heritage, strength, and ongoing presence.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

At our October 7 legislative meeting, the Council took up a wide-ranging agenda that reflected both the complexity and the urgency of the issues facing our city, from public safety and housing to small business support and even the issuance of marriage licenses during the federal shutdown.

The Let Our Vows Endure Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 ensures that couples can continue to receive marriage licenses even if the federal government shuts down. Because the DC Superior Court’s Marriage Bureau is federally funded, it has been unable to process marriage licenses since last week when the shutdown began, leaving couples unable to solemnize their unions under District law. This bill ensures that those who plan to marry in DC can still do so, even while the court is offline.

This measure is particularly important in a city where so many residents work for or rely on the federal government, and where a shutdown can have ripple effects on daily life. I supported this measure because government dysfunction in Congress shouldn’t prevent residents from celebrating one of life’s most joyful milestones. The Council unanimously supported the measure.

Housing policy again dominated much of our discussion. A proposed emergency bill sought to loosen – though not eliminate – green-energy and building efficiency requirements for affordable housing developers and other developers that receive financial assistance from the District. By easing the standard, the bill aims to make it less expensive to build or substantially rehabilitate affordable housing, which the District desperately needs. I, and other Council colleagues, felt that the measure needed additional consideration to strike the appropriate balance and pushed for it to be taken up at the next Legislative Meeting on October 21, 2025.

Last month, the Council passed the RENTAL Act (Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords), a bill intended to encourage investment in rental housing while reforming some tenant protections. At that meeting, the Council passed an amendment from the dais that exempted 2-to-4-unit buildings from the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), meaning that tenants in those smaller properties would lose their long-standing right of first refusal to buy if their landlord sells. On Tuesday, the Council revisited that provision to clarify the language and respond to community and legal concerns about its impact. During our morning legislative breakfast, several members, including myself, expressed frustration that the language still seemed ambiguous and potentially counterproductive. After considerable debate, the Council agreed to delay action until the next legislative meeting to refine the language.

It could be that a TOPA exemption for 2-to-4 unit buildings makes sense, but before making that change, I would have liked there to have been a hearing representing various perspectives and to have used that input to refine any proposed legislation. That did not happen here, and I expect legislation on the exemption will pass at the next legislative meeting. While it will benefit from two weeks of deliberation in the interim, this was not the right way to make such a change. 

The Council also considered a measure to extend the city’s juvenile curfew for another three months. The curfew, originally intended as a temporary tool to curb youth-involved violence, remains controversial. I have been supportive of the curfew given the current context in which we find ourselves, and because it has contributed to a noticeable reduction in youth-involved incidents without resulting in any arrests or other negative outcomes. I share community concern about both safety and the importance of constructive, community-based approaches that engage young people rather than simply restrict them. The proposal came before the Council as emergency legislation, which requires a two-thirds majority to pass. I supported it, but it failed to achieve the required nine votes, which must have come as a surprise to the proponents. Ultimately, a motion to reconsider was put forward and granted, and the bill was withdrawn to be reconsidered at our next legislative meeting. 

Many of the proposals at the October 7 meeting came in the form of emergency legislation, which are temporary laws that take effect immediately but expire after 90 days. While emergencies can be useful for addressing urgent needs, I continue to be concerned by how frequently they’re used to make policy decisions that deserve fuller deliberation and public engagement. Altogether, the October 7 agenda included more than a dozen such emergency measures, from housing and policing to licensing and public health. That volume underscores my ongoing concern: while emergencies can address immediate gaps, they are no substitute for the careful, transparent work of developing lasting, well-vetted law. I’ll continue advocating for more permanent solutions that give residents the chance to weigh in before changes take effect. Meanwhile, as described above, three bills were held over at this meeting for consideration at an Additional Legislative Meeting on October 21, 2025. More information is available on the DC Council website.

Over the past few weeks, the Committee on Human Services has continued its work to strengthen programs that support District residents and improve the effectiveness of the agencies under the Committee’s purview.

Last week, I was proud to join Attorney General Brian Schwalb and Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto in announcing a major change that will help more families keep the child support payments they deserve. Thanks to legislation passed by the Council and implemented by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Department of Human Services (DHS), families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will now receive a greater share of their child support payments directly. Previously, the District retained much of that support to offset the cost of public assistance. Now, the amount “passed through” to families has increased from $150 to the current allowable maximum of $200 per month. This change recognizes that parents know best how to meet their children’s needs, and it represents an important step toward family economic stability.

Today, the Committee held a roundtable to consider the nomination of Acting Director Rachel Pierre to serve as Director of DHS. This was an important opportunity to review the agency’s operations and priorities. In my work with Director Pierre to date, I have appreciated her collaborative approach and her commitment to partnering with the Council to strengthen services for District residents. As we move forward, I look forward to working with her on several key challenges including addressing spending pressures within the department, improving how DHS programs connect beneficiaries to meaningful employment, reducing homelessness, driving down the SNAP error rate, and fostering greater accountability within the department at all levels. A recording of the hearing will be posted on my YouTube page.

Later this month, on October 30, the Committee will hold a hearing on two bills that advance our commitment to effective, equitable human services programs. The Flexible Rent Subsidy Program Amendment Act of 2025 would expand an innovative approach to rental assistance that provides predictable, flexible support tailored to household needs, helping families stay housed and avoid homelessness. The Public Benefits Security Amendment Act of 2025 strengthens protections against identity theft and fraud for residents receiving public benefits, ensuring that families can rely on the supports they are eligible for without fear of losing them to fraud or error. More information on the hearing, including how to sign up to testify, is available on the DC Council website.

These efforts are central to my broader priority: to make the programs and systems under the Committee more secure, more effective, and more responsive to the real needs of District residents. I continue to work on building a human services system that reflects our values, rooted in dignity, efficiency, compassion, and committed to helping our residents achieve independence through access to employment.

Join me at my next Workday in the Ward on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Point Chaud (2300 Wisconsin Ave NW) in Glover Park. These events are one of my favorite ways to spend time in our community, working directly from Ward 3 neighborhoods, hearing from residents, and connecting people with District resources and support.

The schedule for the day is below. We’ll start the day with Coffee with the Councilmember from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. This is an opportunity to sit down with me one-on-one and talk about issues that matter to you, whether it’s neighborhood concerns, city services, or legislative priorities. Throughout the day, members of my legislative, constituent services, and communications teams will be on site at various times to meet with residents and provide assistance. We’ll also have representatives from District government agencies joining us at different times to help answer questions and take service requests.

To help accommodate attendees, residents are asked to complete this online form to reserve a spot to meet with staff and agency representatives. Reservations are not required, and walk-ins will still be welcomed. More information can be found on the event page on my website.

Pepco Resources for Federal Workers

With the federal government shutdown now underway, I know many Ward 3 residents, especially federal employees and contractors, are facing real uncertainty. Pepco is offering expanded support to ensure no one loses essential service. Impacted customers can access flexible payment plans up to 12 months, budget billing, and a 30-day waiver on late fees. Pepco has also simplified verification so affected workers can quickly get help without extra paperwork. Additional resources include the Assistance Finder and Single Stop tools, which connect customers with bill help, energy efficiency programs, and other benefits such as housing, food, and healthcare. Eligible households can also receive up to $300 in bill relief through Pepco’s Customer Relief Program. Federal workers can call 202-833-7500 or visit pepco.com/BillSupport to learn more. My office will keep sharing resources as we work together to support our neighbors through this shutdown.

Health Insurance Options for Residents

It is fall, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your health coverage for next year. Every Ward 3 resident deserves access to quality, affordable care. From October 16 through October 31, residents can get a head start by exploring 2026 health insurance plans through DC Health Link’s Window Shopping campaign. This “window shopping” period lets you preview your options before open enrollment begins on November 1. You can shop, compare, and save—so when enrollment officially opens, you’re ready to choose a plan that best fits your needs and your budget. DC Health Link offers 27 plans with a range of coverage levels and costs. The process is straightforward and entirely online, and expert help is available if you need it. Residents can visit DCHealthLink.com/windowshop before October 31. Remember, open enrollment runs from November 1 through January 31.

New Site Helping DC Residents in Their Careers

This week, the District launched TalentCapital.ai, a new regional initiative to connect residents, especially recently displaced workers, with career opportunities that keep you here in DC. Through the platform, residents can access free personalized coaching and training programs in fast-growing fields like project management, data science, and artificial intelligence. Local partners, including University of the District of Columbia, Trinity Washington University, and George Washington University, are offering no-cost or discounted courses to help workers reskill and grow. I’m excited about what this means for Washingtonians who want to stay and thrive in our region. If you’re thinking about your next career move, visit TalentCapital.ai and explore the opportunities waiting for you.

Jobs Not Guns, Jobs Not Drugs: Citywide Recruitment Fair

The 2025 Jobs Not Guns and Jobs Not Drugs Citywide Recruitment and Resource Fair is now set for Thursday, October 16, at The Fields at RFK Campus (401 Oklahoma Ave. NE). Originally scheduled for September, the event was postponed when the DC Armory became unavailable due to the activation of the National Guard. There is now a new location. This fair connects DC residents with jobs, training, and support services that help build stable careers and reduce gun violence and drug use. It’s free and open to residents 18 and older, with a few exhibit tables still available on a first-come basis. Share the event, and let's keep building pathways to opportunity and safety across our city. Learn more at jobsnotguns.org.

Metro’s Strategic Plan and DDOT Transit Learning Opportunity

As we continue working to strengthen public transportation across the region, there are two important upcoming opportunities for Ward 3 residents to engage with Metro and DDOT.

WMATA Strategic Transformation Plan Update:

Metro is in the process of updating its Strategic Transformation Plan, a roadmap for the agency’s future priorities and service improvements. The updated plan will be published soon, and the public comment period will run from October 11 to November 4. Once published and the comment period opens, residents can share feedback online, by phone, or at a public hearing on October 30, which will be held in person, online, and by phone. Once community input is reviewed and incorporated, the updated plan will go before the Metro Board for approval. When the plan and comment portal go live on Saturday, October 11, residents will be able to learn more at wmata.com/strategicplanrefresh. Your feedback will help shape how Metro serves our community in the years ahead, and I encourage everyone to participate.

“Let’s Go! Travel Training” Event:

On Saturday, October 25, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., goDCgo, a DDOT initiative, along with Friends of the Bus Chevy Chase (FoBus), will host “Let’s Go! Travel Training” at the Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library (5625 Connecticut Ave NW). This free, hands-on session will help residents gain confidence using Metrobus and other sustainable transportation options. Attendees will learn how to plan trips, use transit apps, access senior and low-income discounts, and prepare for an easier, more affordable commute. Improving access to and understanding of our transportation network benefits everyone. I hope you’ll take part in these opportunities to make getting around our city even better. Please register in advance to attend by completing this form or by calling 202-299-2186.

Help Shape Afterschool and Summer Programs for DC Youth

As your Ward 3 Councilmember and a former DC Public Schools parent, I know how vital afterschool and summer programs are for our kids. They give students space to learn, grow, and connect beyond the classroom. The DC Office of Out of School Time has launched a survey to hear from families about what works and what’s needed to make these programs even better. Your input will help shape future opportunities for K–12 students across the District. I encourage Ward 3 families to take a few minutes to share their thoughts. Every response helps ensure DC’s out-of-school programs meet the needs of all our young people. Visit the Office of Out of School Time website to take the survey today and help us build stronger, more engaging programs for every child.

Celebrating 40 Years of Library Excellence

Last weekend, I joined neighbors and book lovers at the DC Public Library Foundation’s “Fall Into Books” celebration at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. We marked 40 years of library excellence and community connection, a milestone that reminds me just how vital our libraries are to DC. As chair of the Council’s Committee on Human Services, I’m deeply committed to keeping our libraries strong, modern, and accessible. They’re more than buildings, they’re spaces that empower residents, close opportunity gaps, and strengthen our sense of community. It was also an honor to salute the incomparable Kojo Nnamdi, a voice who has helped tell DC’s story for decades. Kojo has connected people across our city with his insight, warmth, and commitment to truth. Congratulations to him and to the Library Foundation on a wonderful celebration.

Standing Up for DC and Ward 3

I was proud to join neighbors at the Free DC Ward 3 event to celebrate everything that makes our community special and to stand together for Home Rule. Washingtonians deserve the right to make decisions about our own city without interference from Congress. That’s a principle that matters to every Ward 3 resident I talk to, whether we’re discussing schools, public safety, or local investment. Ward 3 is full of people who care deeply about the city we call home. Events like this remind me why I’m proud to serve and to keep working for DC’s autonomy and future.

Investing in Opportunity with Chase Bank

A strong local economy means opportunity for everyone. That’s why I was glad to celebrate the opening of the new Chase Bank branch in Ward 3 and its investment in the Palisades neighborhood and its future. Alongside consumer banking services, JPMorgan Chase has committed more than $1 billion to affordable housing and community development in DC. That’s the kind of private-sector partnership that can make a meaningful difference:  expanding access to capital, supporting small businesses, and helping families build wealth. I look forward to seeing this new branch become part of the fabric of the community and a partner in creating opportunity for all.

Supporting LGBTQ Youth at the SMYAL Brunch

I was honored to attend the annual SMYAL Brunch, where we came together to celebrate and support LGBTQ youth from across DC. SMYAL’s work, from leadership programs to safe housing, is changing lives and building a stronger, more inclusive city. Every young person deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. Our city’s strength lies in its diversity and in our commitment to stand up for one another.

Connecting with Neighbors at Paltober Fest

It was great to spend time with residents at Paltober Fest, a neighborhood celebration that brought together families, small businesses, and community organizations. Events like these are what make Ward 3 so special. We show up for one another, share ideas, and have a little fun along the way.

Reflecting on a Week Without Driving

During the DC Transportation Equity Network’s Week Without Driving campaign, I was reminded that not everyone in our city gets around by car, and that’s exactly why we must keep investing in safer, more accessible transit options. From sidewalks and bike lanes to bus routes and Metro service, DC is one of the most connected cities in the country. Still, we have work to do to make sure our transportation network truly serves residents of all ages and abilities. Accessibility isn’t just good policy; it’s a reflection of our values. I’ll keep working to ensure that every resident can move safely and confidently through our city, however they travel.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings 

ANC3A: Tuesday, October 21, 7:00 p.m., McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, October 16, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3C: Monday, October 20, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3D: Wednesday, November 5, 7:00 p.m., Zoom   

ANC3E: Thursday, October 9, 7:30 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3F: Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3/4G: Monday, October 27, 6:30 p.m., Zoom  

UDC Van Ness Farmers Market

Every Saturday through December 6, the UDC Van Ness Farmers Market transforms Connecticut Avenue into a vibrant community hub. From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., you can find local fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, artisan goods, and live entertainment — all while connecting with neighbors and supporting local growers. What started in 2013 with just a few vendors has grown into a bustling market that draws more than 1,000 visitors on sunny days. Learn more at udc.edu/news/2025/04/udc-van-ness-farmers-market-opens-on-april-19.

Palisades Farmers Market

There’s nothing quite like a Sunday morning at the Palisades Farmers Market. This grower’s-only market offers everything from seasonal produce and fresh-baked goods to flowers and farm products, all from local vendors. The market runs year-round, every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the intersection of 48th Place NW and MacArthur Blvd. Stop by on October 12 to enjoy the fall harvest and support our local farmers. Find more info at palisadesdc.org/event/palisades-farmers-market/2025-10-12.

Chevy Chase Art Walk

We’re just a month away from the Chevy Chase Art Walk. Every year, our community opens its doors to creativity, with 86 artists showcasing their work in 37 Chevy Chase homes. It’s a wonderful chance to explore our neighborhood, meet local artists, and support small businesses, all while enjoying a day full of art and inspiration. This year’s event will take place on October 18 and 19, from noon to 5:00 p.m. Learn more at chevychaseart.org/art-walk-2025-new.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062