September 11, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

Today, on September 11, we pause as a community and as a nation to remember the lives lost and the sacrifices made on that tragic day 24 years ago. I spent much of the day visiting fire stations to meet with fire and emergency medical service workers across Ward 3 to express my gratitude on behalf of residents, and I joined District leaders downtown at Engine 16 for a solemn ceremony, where we presented the Ceremonial Resolution I co-introduced with Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto to honor our first responders. I want to recognize my predecessor, Mary Cheh, whose leadership ensured that this annual commemoration remained an important part of our civic life in the District.

As I reflect on this day, I also look ahead to the commemoration of Lincoln-Thomas Day at Fort Stevens on Saturday. In the run-up to the Civil War, Elizabeth Proctor Thomas, an emancipated African American woman, owned a farm on the site of what would become Fort Stevens. When her farm was taken to build the fort, she was sitting under a tree with her six-month old-child, weeping. A person came up and said they knew it was hard, but she would reap a great reward. That person was Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln-Thomas Day, honoring Lincoln and Thomas’s roles and sacrifices, as well as the importance of Fort Stevens in defense of our country and democracy, was first celebrated in the 1920s as a counterpoint to the rise of the KKK in the 1920s. 

Whether commemorating the resilience of DC and our nation in response to 9/11, remembering those who sacrificed to defend DC from Confederate assault during the Civil War, or confronting modern-day incursions on our self-governance, on this beautiful autumn day, we are reminded that we are all called to stand together to protect the District and our country in this time as we have successfully done before. 

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

In the last month, our community has endured an escalating and unacceptable federal law enforcement presence in the District. The so-called “emergency” expired yesterday, but the enhanced federal law enforcement presence in the District goes on. Masked federal agents and National Guard troops have patrolled our neighborhoods and surrounded our civic spaces. Their presence has not made us safer; it has disrupted daily life, hurt our economy, and undermined our civic fabric. Small businesses have reported declines in revenue, workers have been unable to reach jobs, and families have struggled as school attendance and church participation dropped under the weight of road closures, intimidation, and uncertainty.

This is not what public safety looks like. Washingtonians know our city best, and we deserve the right to govern ourselves without interference from unelected federal authorities. Will we accept federal help? Yes. In the form it is currently being pursued? No. 

That’s why I have joined others in the DC government and community to take our message to Capitol Hill, meeting with members of Congress, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, to underscore the harm these actions are causing our residents. I have also joined neighbors at rallies, protests, and vigils across the District to make sure our collective voice is heard. Organizations like Free DC are organizing at events like the upcoming Ward 3 Kickoff Party & Free DC Open House on Saturday, September 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Columba's Episcopal Church (4201 Albemarle Street NW).

At the Council, we remain united in our response. On Monday, we sent a letter opposing the harmful congressional legislation that the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform marked up yesterday to further strip away the rights of DC residents. I echo Chairman Mendelson’s reaction; the House Committee’s markup is an attack on DC’s autonomy and a danger to public safety. Lawmakers with limited understanding of the District who were not elected by DC voters should not legislate for us. These bills would undermine law enforcement, harm our schools, and obstruct government functions. I, and my Council colleagues, will continue to provide information and press alongside our allies to protect Home Rule. We are also ensuring that residents have access to resources and Know Your Rights information so that every Washingtonian understands their protections under the law. Importantly, I join in the pushback from my colleagues and the Mayor against the deployment of masked ICE agents, which only serves to deepen fear and division in our communities.

The DC Office of the Attorney General (OAG) recently filed suit challenging the federal government’s deployment of the National Guard in the District without local consent. This legal action argues that the deployment undermines DC’s autonomy and exceeds lawful federal authority. I fully support the OAG in this effort, as it provides an important legal avenue to defend the rights of DC residents and to affirm that decisions about public safety in our neighborhoods must be made here at home, not imposed from outside.

We must also acknowledge the difficult reality that Congress has authority over the District, and our leverage in this fight is constrained. But that does not mean we are powerless. Our history shows that when Washingtonians stand together, whether to resist Confederate invasion or demand voting rights, we can bend the arc of history toward justice. I remain committed to working with District leaders, advocates, and residents across all eight wards to coordinate our response and protect our autonomy.

On Wednesday, September 17, the Council will convene at noon for its first legislative meeting following the summer recess. We will hold the second and final vote on the “Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025”, consider the “Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act”, and vote on the new collective bargaining agreement with the DC Police Union. Each of these votes will have long-term impacts on housing stability, public safety, and economic development in the District. Residents can find meeting information, including how to watch, on the DC Council website.

Looking ahead, our fall legislative agenda will be both busy and consequential. Priorities include oversight hearings and legislation from the Committee on Human Services, new measures to expand access to affordable housing, and bills that will strengthen early childhood education by improving supports in pre-K and kindergarten. These issues go to the heart of what makes our city work for families, seniors, and everyone who calls DC home. More details are to come on the final dates for the schedule, and residents can follow the Council’s calendar online.

I hope you will join me for my office’s next Workday in the Ward on Thursday, September 25, at Bread Furst (4434 Connecticut Avenue NW). These monthly events are one of my favorite ways to connect directly with Ward 3 residents. They give you the chance to meet with me and my team in person, right in your neighborhood.

To help accommodate attendees, residents are asked to complete an online sign-up form to reserve a spot to meet with staff and agency representatives at Workday in the Ward. Reservations are not required and walk-ins will still be accepted.

As always, we will begin the day with “Coffee with the Councilmember,” and I will be at Bread Furst from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to chat with residents in an informal setting. This time is reserved for office-hours-style drop-in visits where you can share your questions, ideas, or concerns. District agencies will also be at Bread Furst at scheduled times to meet with residents. Members of my staff will also be on hand through the day to meet with you about constituent services, legislation, and communications. 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. I hope to see you there. Updates will be posted on the event page on my website.

Schedule for 9/25:

• 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. - Coffee with the Councilmember
• 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. - Ashlee Mercer (Senior Constituent Services Coordinator), Kevin DeGood (Legislative Director), Kevin Caudill (Communications Director)
• 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. - Metropolitan Police Department
• 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Trisha Kondabala (Legislative Assistant), Shantise Wynn-Brown (Scheduler and Constituent Services Specialist)
• 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. - Department of Buildings 
• 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. - Nora Charles (Legislative Assistant), Santiago Mendoza (Constituent Services Coordinator)
• 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. - District Department of Transportation 

Know Your Rights and Resources for Residents

I know residents have a lot of questions and concerns given recent events in DC. My website has a page dedicated specifically to resources including organizations can offer legal assistance and services for youth and families, migrants, unhoused individuals, and more. My office will continue to share additional resources and guidance through my website. Review the page at mattfruminward3.com/resources-for-residents.

There will be a Civic Empowerment for Youth & Families event on Friday, September 12, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Coolidge High School (6315 5th Street, NW) in the atrium.

This community event is designed to connect families with resources and opportunities that support civic engagement. Participants will be able to:

• Learn about different forms of identification, how to obtain them, and what steps may be needed*
• Access youth- and family-focused civic empowerment resources
• Register to vote, and get information on noncitizen voting and DC Statehood
• Receive help with Kids Ride Free transit cards and DC One Cards
• Meet local elected officials and community organizations working to support families

This is an opportunity for young people and their families to build connections and strengthen their role in our city’s civic life.

*Please note: volunteers will not be offering legal advice, but they will help participants understand available IDs, eligibility requirements, and action steps for obtaining them.

Back to School Reminders from DCPS and the Mayor’s Office

As we begin the school year, I want to share key updates from the recent DCPS and Mayor’s Office Back to School Info Session. These changes and reminders are important for keeping our students safe, supported, and ready to succeed. We want every student in Ward 3 to start the year with confidence the supports they need. View the full DCPS and Mayor’s Office Back to School presentation here.

Law Enforcement Presence and School Guidance

School leaders have received new direction on how law enforcement interacts with students on campus. Student records remain fully protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), meaning they cannot be shared without parental consent or a court order. Law enforcement actions at school require a valid warrant or court order, and administrators are instructed to notify supervisors and consult with the DCPS Office of General Counsel if officers are present. Importantly, MPD School Resource Officers are not involved in immigration enforcement, and no changes are anticipated in how MPD engages with our schools.

Talking with Students About Safety

Families are encouraged to talk with children about safe travel to and from school. Students should walk with friends or trusted adults, when possible, stay alert by avoiding phones or headphones while traveling, and stick to main roads. Please remind your student to arrive at school on time. In addition, the Kids Ride Free (KRF) program remains in place; students must tap their KRF SmarTrip card when entering and exiting Metrorail and when boarding Metrobus.

Submitting Excuse Notes in Parent Portal

DCPS has launched a new district-wide process for excuse notes using Aspen GO, the mobile-friendly Parent Portal. Parents and guardians can now submit excuse notes directly online, which will be reviewed by the school’s attendance team. While families won’t receive a notification about approval status, they can track all submitted notes. Remember: families have five days from a student’s return to submit an excuse note, and official documentation like doctor’s notes must still be provided directly to the attendance team.

Immunizations

DCPS requires all students to be up to date on immunizations at the start of the year. Students in Pre-K3, Kindergarten, 7th, and 11th grades who are not compliant may be excluded beginning December 8. Families will receive reminders this fall, and free pediatric clinics across the city can help students catch up. Hart Middle School will also host a Health Hub on September 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more details, visit dchealth.dc.gov/immunization or contact your child’s school health suite.

Mental Health Referrals

Families now have streamlined access to school-based mental health support. Parents and caregivers can submit a referral through a simple online form, available in multiple languages, and students also have the ability to self-refer by connecting directly with providers in their schools.

Transportation Updates

The Kids Ride Free program continues for SY25-26, including the option for students 13 and older to use a virtual KRF card on iPhone or Apple Watch. Eligible students are routed for transportation starting on Day 1, and OSSE continues to offer support through the Parent Stipend Program. WMATA implemented major bus route changes on June 29, 2025, so families are encouraged to review updated routes and test travel before the first day of school. Resources are available at wmata.com/betterbus.

Final Town Hall on Senior Wellness Centers

The final town hall for the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)’s Ward 2 and Ward 3 Senior Wellness Center Feasibility Study will take place on Tuesday, September 16, at 4:30 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church (1739 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001).

At this meeting, the study team will present their findings and outline the three recommended sites for each ward. This is an important opportunity for seniors, caregivers, and community members to learn more about the options being considered and to share your perspectives directly.

I strongly encourage Ward 3 residents to attend and participate. The future of senior wellness services in our ward will depend on community voices being heard, and I want to make sure your input is part of the conversation. You can register here.

Lincoln-Thomas Day and Its Legacy

Elizabeth Proctor Thomas, an emancipated African American woman, lost her farm to the construction of Fort Stevens during the Civil War but formed a bond with President Abraham Lincoln, who comforted her during the ordeal. She later became a respected community leader, remembered as the “Mayor of Brightwood.” Though Lincoln promised compensation for her sacrifice, she received little or none of it.

Her story inspired the creation of Lincoln-Thomas Day in the 1920s by the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, as a celebration of resilience and unity in the face of rising white supremacy and KKK activity. The holiday centered on readings of the Emancipation Proclamation by African American children and served as a symbolic act of hope and defiance. Revived in the 2010s by the Military Road School Preservation Trust – alumni of the Military Road School at which they celebrated the holiday as children, it continues to honor Thomas, Lincoln, and the values of freedom and justice.

I invite you to join me on Saturday, September 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Fort Stevens (3545 Williamsburg Lane NW) for the commemoration of the 101st anniversary of Lincoln-Thomas Day. This special event will honor the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and Elizabeth Proctor Thomas with a program of history, music, and community. Highlights include a keynote address by Dr. Brandi Brimmer on the experiences of Black women and the Civil War pension system, performances by the Montgomery Blair Choir and Annette Singletary, a wreath-laying ceremony, and family-friendly activities like the Junior Ranger program and book signings. This day offers us the chance to reflect on our shared history and celebrate the contributions of those who shaped it. Learn more here.

Sun Day in DC

Save the Date for Sun Day in DC, a District-wide celebration of clean energy, on September 21, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You are invited to visit sites across the District to learn about all the ways you can power your life with solar, batteries, and EVs. Residents at solar sites and vetted installers and experts at eight information hubs across the city will be there to answer your questions. Host a site, volunteer, sponsor, and register to attend at SunDayInDC.org.

Online Ward 3 Event Calendar for Older Adults

Cleveland & Woodley Park Village has created an online calendar that brings together all free activities designed for seniors in Ward 3, all in one place.

This calendar lists programs and events from organizations with dedicated senior outreach. Events on the calendar include fitness classes, lectures, or community meals.

You can access the calendar by visiting www.cwpv.org and scrolling down to the circle marked “Ward 3 Events – Free Events for Older Adults.” You’ll also see options to “Submit Event” - so organizations can add free senior programs - and “Subscribe” to receive updates directly.

This calendar also links directly back to hosting organizations’ websites for details and registration. I encourage seniors, caregivers, and community partners alike to take advantage of this new tool.

Wilson Pool Access

Many constituents reached out with concerns about changes to public access at the Wilson Aquatic Center during this school year to accommodate DCPS 3rd graders learning to swim. I am committed to advocating for the Aquatic Center to remain a truly shared space, with balanced access for both students and the community. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) confirmed in an announcement that the facility will be shared between public programming and student swim instruction. Only the leisure pool and family dressing room are closed for use by third graders from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The large pool will still be open to the public.

Student use during weekday hours will increase, which means some public programs and classes may be rescheduled or reduced. DCPS is developing a schedule that allows for students to share the facility with community members during the school day, with limited lane access for public use during the school day, and designated areas for student use. Based on that schedule, which DCPS will share, we also await DPR's final schedule for public recreational programming.

When the scheduling information is final and public, I will share it. In the meantime, residents are welcome to contact DPR's Customer Care Center at (202) 673-7647. The call line is open during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday, and is closed on weekends and holidays. You may also contact DPR via email at dprcustomercare@dc.gov.  

Update on Albemarle Sewer Project

Unfortunately, DC Water has informed my office that work on the manhole replacement at the intersection of Albemarle and 32nd Streets NW will not be completed by the previously projected September 11 deadline.

The delay stems from two unexpected challenges. First, crews encountered solid rock at a depth of 30 feet while digging toward the 42-foot mark needed for the project. They are now at 36 feet, and because blasting would require an additional permit and even longer delays, the crew has been jackhammering through the rock, an intensive but safer path forward. Second, an unidentified 10-inch lateral pipe connected to the Avalon property has slowed progress. DC Water is working closely with Avalon’s management team to resolve this issue, as the pipe is essential for controlling flow during the final stages of sewer lining.

While I know this is disappointing news, DC Water has assured me that they are pressing forward and anticipate completion shifting by four to five weeks, into mid-October, depending on the outcome of the pipe investigation. I recognize how frustrating ongoing construction can be for neighbors who live near the site, and I share your desire to see this project finished.

At the same time, I appreciate DC Water’s commitment to completing the work safely, in cooperation with property owners, and without cutting corners that could cause longer-term setbacks. My office will continue monitoring this project closely and ensure the community is kept up to date as the work advances.

Celebrating Woodley House: A Champion for Change

I want to congratulate Woodley House, a Ward 3-based nonprofit, for being recognized by CNN as one of its “Champions for Change.” For decades, Woodley House has provided critical mental health support and supportive housing for District residents living with mental health disorders.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Ann Chauvin, the organization has expanded its reach and set an ambitious goal: to double the number of people it serves by 2030. Chauvin, whose dedication is deeply personal, motivated by her uncle’s struggle with schizophrenia, reminds us that everyone deserves the support to live with dignity and to thrive.

Ward 3 is fortunate to be home to such a vital institution, and I look forward to continuing to support Woodley House’s mission as they build on this national recognition. You can watch the full segment on CNN’s webpage.

Commemorating 9/11 in DC

On this solemn anniversary of 9/11, I visited fire stations across Ward 3 to honor our first responders. I was proud to once again co-introduce and present our ceremonial resolution recognizing their service. These are traditions started by my predecessor, Mary Cheh, that I am humbled to continue. To our first responders who are there for us not just on that tragic day, but every day, thank you, thank you, thank you. We will never forget.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings

ANC3A: Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 p.m., McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, October 9, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

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

ANC3D: Wednesday, October 8, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

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

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

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

Art All Night in Ward 3

Art All Night is back in Ward 3 this weekend. On Friday evening, you can experience live performances, local art, and community activities in both Glover Park and Cleveland Park. Then on Saturday, the celebration continues in Tenleytown, where businesses and public spaces will transform into showcases of creativity and culture. I hope you’ll join me in supporting our local artists and enjoying these wonderful evenings that highlight the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.

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.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062