September 25, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

This month has been a vivid reminder of the challenges and opportunities we face as a District. In Congress, harmful bills continue to threaten our autonomy, and a recent House Oversight Committee hearing on the District of Columbia again painted an unfair and inaccurate picture of our city. At the same time, our representatives at the recent hearing comported themselves with dignity in a difficult setting and we continue to press forward on meaningful actions, including passage of the Robert F. Kennedy Stadium Campus Redevelopment Act and the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act.

The contrast could not be clearer: while Congress debates ways to weaken DC, the DC government is taking real steps to improve housing stability, grow the District’s economy, and expand opportunity.

In the spirit of seeking to build a stronger District, I visited a men’s shelter to see some of the innovative ideas we are working on as a city including to help our unhoused residents get connected to and maintain employment. Looking ahead to fall, I remain focused on advancing stronger protections for residents. This week, I introduced two bills in the Committee on Human Services related to timely replacement of stolen public benefits, and the continuation of an innovative shallow rent subsidy program that has shown promise as a pilot in enabling families to stay in their homes.

To those observing this week, I wish you a sweet and meaningful Rosh Hashanah – La Shana Tova. This is a time to be grateful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you, and I take pride in the resiliency of our city.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

Last Thursday, I joined fellow DC leaders in attending the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on the District of Columbia, at which Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chairman Phil Mendelson, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Gregory Jackson, Jr., a DC resident and former Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, testified. While the stated intention was to discuss potential solutions to public safety challenges in DC, much of the hearing unfortunately consisted of members of Congress amplifying negative portrayals of our city and overlooked the work we are doing to reduce crime, improve services, and strengthen communities.

The hearing followed a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform mark up of legislation that would further strip away the rights of DC residents. Both reinforced what we already knew: the people of DC should make decisions about how our city is run. While I was not proud of our Congress, I walked away very proud of our District representatives who handled a challenging situation with grace, making a compelling, positive case for the District.

Last week, the Council held its first legislative meeting following the summer recess, taking up key legislation, including emergency legislation on vaccine rules, on the development of the RFK Campus, and housing development and accountability.

Recent federal actions led to considerable confusion around who can qualify for COVID-19 vaccines and where and whether they could be administered without a formal prescription. In response, the Council approved emergency legislation ensuring continued access to COVID-19 vaccines, allowing the DC Health director to authorize vaccines endorsed by recognized medical or public health groups, and allowing pharmacists to keep providing them without prescriptions. The legislation was passed last week and should solve the issues as it is fully implemented, and my office will closely track implementation. You can learn more about getting a COVID-19 vaccine on the DC Health website. If you face issues in securing a vaccination, please reach out to my team. 

In a historic move, the Council passed the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025, launching a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redevelop the 180-acre RFK stadium site. The deal allows the Washington Commanders to build a new stadium while also creating housing, commercial space, community recreation facilities, and improved access to the Anacostia River. It also establishes funds for transportation upgrades, environmental protections, and long-term maintenance of the site.

From the beginning, I have emphasized that this project must deliver far more than a football stadium. It must create housing, good jobs, environmental safeguards, and community amenities that serve residents across the city. That is why I introduced an amendment to strengthen accountability and ensure that the housing and mixed-use development are built on time. My proposal would have tied rent increases and financial penalties directly to construction delays. While the Council did not adopt my amendment, I believe it was important to push right up to the final buzzer for stronger protections.

In the end, I voted in favor of the legislation. I wish we had secured stronger protections, but we did secure many other important concessions. In the end, the project is going to move forward, and I believed it was useful to rally in support of what will be a critical partnership with the potential to generate billions in long-term economic activity, deliver much-needed housing, and create a vibrant civic destination for the District and the entire region. My vote reflects both my belief in that potential and my ongoing commitment to hold the Commanders and the District accountable as the project moves forward. Now that the deal has passed, I join residents across the city in rooting for the Commanders’ success on the field and in building out the stadium and mixed-use development our community deserves.

The Council also took an important step in addressing the District’s housing crisis with the passage of the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act. This legislation is the product of significant consultation with many local stakeholders, including tenants, advocates, housing providers, and developers, who engaged with seriousness and good faith. For Ward 3 residents, where both tenants and housing providers have raised concerns about affordability and stability, the bill reflects the need to balance accountability with strong protections. While it makes it easier for housing providers to remove tenants who fail to pay rent or engage in serious criminal conduct, it also strengthens safeguards for some of our most vulnerable residents by ensuring continued protections for victims of domestic violence. Evictions can have lasting and destabilizing impacts on families and communities; nobody wants to see evictions. But if our evictions process does not function our whole housing system breaks down. I believe the RENTAL Act as passed strikes the right balance and can make a meaningful difference to strengthen our housing sector and protect both tenant rights and safety. 

In this debate, I worked to strengthen the ability of tenants to negotiate with prospective investors as part of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). TOPA is a District law that gives tenants the first chance to purchase their building when it is for sale, empowering residents to preserve affordability and improve building conditions.

I introduced two amendments to reinforce this balance. The first would have limited the proposed 15-year exemption to new buildings constructed after passage of the act. This would have encouraged continued housing investment without taking away the rights of existing tenants. Unfortunately, this amendment was not successful. The second sought to remove exemptions for buildings where the purchaser agrees to an affordability covenant, which I withdrew, because the concept was incorporated into a successful amendment from my colleague, Councilmember Nadeau, ensuring that affordability commitments cannot be used to short circuit TOPA protections.

The RENTAL Act is not perfect, but it is a step forward. It will help us encourage housing production, restore balance in landlord-tenant law, and continue the District’s effort to build a more stable and equitable housing future. I remain committed to working with my colleagues, advocates, and residents to build on this progress and meet the District’s pressing housing needs.

The Council also extended an emergency bill allowing MPD to impose temporary youth curfew zones in areas with recent crime or anticipated large gatherings. These zones, which begin at 8:00 p.m. and apply to groups of eight or more youth, have proven effective without resulting in arrests. The temporary bill, set for final passage October 7, will apply to youth under 18, up from 17 under the emergency version.

In addition, the Council ratified a collective bargaining agreement granting unionized police officers a 13 percent pay increase over three years, with two years applied retroactively. A parallel measure extends the same benefits to non-union police officials of lieutenant rank and above.

I appeared on Sunrise on the Hill to discuss the meeting and my votes, and the recording is available to watch on my YouTube page. Looking ahead, I will remain focused on key priorities for Ward 3 and the District, including strengthening housing stability, protecting the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP), increasing access to our library services and playing fields, and ensuring that legislation translates into real results for our communities.

This week I introduced two bills in the Committee on Human Services, building on my priorities of good governance, effective support services, and housing stability. These bills reflect a commitment to ensuring that District residents, including many here in Ward 3, can count on systems that work and programs that protect them when they need it most.

• Public Benefits Security Amendment Act of 2025: This bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to restore stolen benefits and transition from outdated swipe EBT cards to secure, microchipped cards. Benefits theft has stripped millions from our most vulnerable residents; 5,198 cases totaling more than $2.1 million in FY24 alone. EBT cards with chips could reduce theft by 90 percent, and residents deserve both stronger protections and timely replacement of their benefits when theft occurs. Having worked extensively on oversight of DHS, I have seen firsthand how delays and outdated systems erode trust in public services. This bill is about modernizing government, preventing avoidable harm, and making sure residents can rely on the benefits they have earned.

• Flexible Rent Subsidy Program Amendment Act of 2025: This bill makes the DC Flex shallow rent subsidy program permanent. DC Flex provides families with a flexible pool of funds they can use to pay rent when unexpected expenses or emergencies arise, or when their paycheck simply does not stretch far enough to cover the month’s rent. For example, if a family’s car breaks down or a medical bill arrives, DC Flex ensures they don’t fall behind on rent. Families can use the funds as needed, up to an annual amount. Since 2017, DC Flex has helped families avoid homelessness, with 88 percent of participants stably housed after one year. Permanency will reassure families that this lifeline isn’t going away, and it will help the District plan more effectively for long-term housing stability.

Together, these bills demonstrate an evidence-based approach to policymaking. We know that chip cards dramatically reduce theft in other jurisdictions. We know that flexible rent supports prevent evictions and reduce homelessness. By advancing reforms grounded in data and resident experience, we strengthen not only social services but the integrity of District government itself.

Seniors and families, including in Ward 3, have been affected by benefits theft, often left scrambling for food and necessities while they wait for replacements. Rent costs remain a major concern, particularly for residents on fixed incomes who are at risk of displacement.

Additionally, the Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Rachel Pierre, the Mayor’s nominee for DHS Director, on Thursday, October 9 at 1:00 p.m. Details, including how to testify, are available on the Council site.

On Monday, I visited the 801 East Men’s Shelter, where I spoke with staff and residents about conditions and services. Those conversations are vital to shaping my committee’s oversight work. The 801 East Men’s Shelter, which opened in 2022 on the St. Elizabeths East campus, provides low-barrier housing for men 18 and older, with special programs for seniors, those with medical needs, and men who are working or in training. Operated by Catholic Charities and DC agencies, it offers overnight shelter, meals, showers, laundry, transportation, and extended hours in cold weather. Beyond basic services, the shelter includes a daytime center, health clinic, case management, and job training to help residents move toward stability and permanent housing.

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.

Arizona Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Meeting

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday, September 30 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss final design of the Arizona Avenue pedestrian bridge and trail. Join here.

Hearst Park Field

After six weeks of rest, the Hearst lower field has reopened. It’s wonderful to see kids and neighbors enjoying this space again. Thanks to Friends of Hearst Park and community partners for their leadership, their work to get sod on the field, and ensuring it is maintained.

Ward 3 Outage Response

On August 1 and 2, an outage left hundreds of residents without power and caused significant appliance damage across multiple households. According to residents, the restoration process triggered severe voltage surges that damaged air conditioning systems, ovens, thermostats, televisions, smart meters, and other essential appliances. The Office of the People’s Counsel is petitioning the Public Service Commission for a full investigation into Pepco’s restoration process and claims denials. Accountability is essential, and I will monitor this closely.

Out-of-School-Time Survey

The Office of Out of School Time has launched a survey to shape programming for DC youth. Families of K-12 students can help strengthen afterschool and summer programs by participating. Take the survey here.

Commemorating Lincoln-Thomas Day

I was honored to speak at Lincoln Thomas Day at Fort Stevens. Lincoln-Thomas Day, first created in the 1920s by the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and revived today by the Military Road School Preservation Trust, honors emancipated farmer Elizabeth Proctor Thomas and her friendship with Abraham Lincoln, serving as a powerful celebration of justice and unity in the face of broken promises, racial violence, and ongoing struggles for equality. The history and resilience reflected in that event offer powerful lessons for today.

Community Celebrations Across Ward 3

I joined neighbors for Art All Night festivities in Glover Park, Cleveland Park, and Tenleytown. I also attended Chevy Chase Day Saturday, September 20. These gatherings remind me of the energy and creativity of our community. Thank you to the Main Streets and community and everyone who has welcomed neighbors in our Ward 3 community spaces.

Exciting Times at American University

On September 16, I had the pleasure of taking a hard hat tour of the Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance at AU, the first newly constructed athletics and health services facilities on campus in more than 30 years. The Meltzer center is AU’s first net zero building, and will be a state-of-the-art competition, practice, and training facility. Learn more about the project.

I also enjoyed attending AU’s Friday Night Films series on Friday, September 19 on the Quad. Thank you to Assistant Vice President Laura Marks and her team, and the Student Engagement Division of Student Affairs at AU for organizing the event. Find upcoming campus events on AU’s calendar.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings

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

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

ANC3C: Monday, October 20, 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, October 14, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

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

Cleveland Park Night Market

The next Cleveland Park Night Market has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 2, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The night market offers a space to reconnect, recharge, and support the heartbeat of our community, with local vendors and artisans. The last market for this year will feature artisan local vendors, learn more on the event page.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062