April 16, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

Today, we celebrate Emancipation Day, a historic milestone for the District and our nation. On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which ended slavery in Washington, DC, and freed more than 3,100 people. The signing came eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in the South.

This holiday feels especially poignant this year. We are in a time where the rights of the District and our ability to govern ourselves are under siege. This reminds us why the fight for DC Statehood is so critical today. The District’s history is built on the culture and leadership of our Black neighbors, and that legacy continues to drive our fight for self-determination today. Progress is not a straight line, but it is heartening to see diverse neighbors from every background standing together to protect and expand our rights on this holiday. I hope you will join the celebration this weekend at the 21st Annual DC Emancipation Day Parade and Festival. It will take place Sunday, April 19, at 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW, starting at 1:00 p.m.

While we celebrate our history, we are also looking toward our future. This week, the mayor presented her proposed $12.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027. We are officially entering "budget season." This is a difficult year, as we face fiscal outlooks that project a $1.1 billion gap. The goal of this budget is growth, but my job on the Council is to make sure that "growth" is fair. We cannot pass a pro-growth budget at the expense of our most vulnerable neighbors, or the core services residents rely on.

There are good things in the mayor’s proposal. I am encouraged to see efforts to spur economic development, public safety, and the continued funding for our libraries and recreation centers. However, there are also many proposed cuts that concern me. As the Ward 3 councilmember and chair of the Committee on Human Services, I believe we must balance fiscal responsibility with a compassionate safety net. We cannot solve a budget gap by simply managing existing cases while the need in the District continues to grow. Read more about important dates in the budget process and learn how residents can engage in the articles below.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

The budget process is one of the most important things the Council does. It determines how the District invests in your priorities like education, public safety, housing, and transportation. Now that the mayor has shared her proposal, the Council begins its work to review, edit, and vote on the final plan.

I recently posted a video on my social media channels explaining this process and how you can get involved. I encourage you to watch it and follow the updated schedule closely. Your voice is essential during this time.

Key Dates for the FY27 Budget:

• April 20 – May 12: Agency budget oversight hearings (This is the best time for public input).
• May 13: Budget legislation hearing.
• May 18, May 20 – 22: Committee mark-ups (When committees make their specific changes).
• May 27: Councilmember budget work session.
• June 9: First budget vote.
• June 23: Second budget vote.

You can view the full schedule here. The hearings will also be posted on the Council calendar, and residents will be able to sign up to testify at lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings.

As the chair of the Committee on Human Services, I will be leading several weeks of hearings. We will be looking at the budgets for agencies that provide vital support to DC residents. We will also hold a hearing on the "Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026”.

Committee on Human Services Budget Schedule:

• Wednesday, April 22 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.): DC Public Library (DCPL)
• Friday, April 24 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.): Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)
• Tuesday, April 28 (12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.): Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME)
• Thursday, April 30 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.): Department of Human Services (DHS) - Public Witnesses
• Monday, May 4 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.): Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG)
• Wednesday, May 6 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.): Department of Human Services (DHS) - Government Witnesses
• Thursday, May 21 (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.): Committee Mark-up

You can watch all these hearings live on my YouTube channel at @CMFrumin. If you would like to share your thoughts on these agency budgets, please sign up to testify via the Council hearing calendar.

iGaming Bill Hearing – May 4

On Monday, May 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Committee will hold a hearing on the Internet Gaming & Consumer Protection Act. The bill was introduced by Councilmember Felder and referred to the Committee on Human services, which has oversight of OLG. The bill would authorize, regulate, and tax internet gaming (“iGaming”) in the District of Columbia. Online casino-style games like blackjack, poker, and roulette played on mobile devices or computers are already accessible to District residents through unregulated and offshore platforms. These games operate without meaningful consumer safeguards or regulatory oversight, creating risks for residents and limiting the District’s ability to respond to any issues arising from them. This legislation would establish a comprehensive framework administered by OLG to regulate those games.

The bill would also establish a Community Reinvestment Fund, prohibit unlicensed sweepstakes gaming and similar dual-currency gaming products, and make conforming and administrative changes necessary to implement safe iGaming in the District. It restricts the playing age to 21, imposes a tax on the adjusted gross gaming revenue produced by these apps, and dedicates funding to problem gambling prevention and assistance. The hearing information, including registration to testify, will be posted on the Council calendar.

Our next "Workday in the Ward" is coming up soon on Thursday, April 23. These monthly events are a great way for my team and me to meet you where you are. We will be setting up in Woodley Park at Open City (2331 Calvert St NW) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I will be there in the morning for "Coffee with the Councilmember." This is an informal time to chat, ask questions, or share concerns. Throughout the rest of the day, my legislative and constituent services staff will be available. We will also have several District agencies on-site to help you with specific issues.

Schedule for the Day:

• 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.: Coffee with Councilmember Frumin.
• 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.: Ashlee Mercer (Constituent Services), Kevin DeGood (Legislative Director), and Kevin Caudill (Communications Director).
• 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.: Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
• 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Trisha Kondabala (Legislative Assistant) and Shantise Wynn-Brown (Constituent Services Specialist/Scheduler).
• 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.: Department of Buildings (DOB)
• 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.: Department of Transportation (DDOT)
• 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.: Nora Charles (Legislative Assistant) and Santiago Mendoza (Constituent Services).

We ask that you RSVP using this form to help us prepare. Walk-ins are welcome. See the event page for more details.

Our office often has complimentary tickets available for Ward 3 residents to attend professional baseball games held at Nationals Stadium. Residents can express interest in receiving tickets by completing this Google Form. Limit to two tickets per game, first come first served, while supplies last.

Metro is hosting its first Metro Message Live: Bus Townhall on Tuesday, April 28 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Residents can connect in person at Metro Headquarters to discuss Metro Bus. The townhall will provide a forum for attendees to speak directly with Metro team members about their bus routes. Staff representing various Metro teams will collect feedback to strengthen Metro’s understanding of customer priorities. Attendees will also be able to tour one of Metro’s newest buses and learn more about the features and investments supporting a safer, more reliable ride. The event will take place at 300 7th Street, SW, First Floor Board Room. Registration is required, please use this Eventbrite link. If you have any questions, please email communityengagement@wmata.com.

PowerUp DC 2026 – May 5:

Small businesses are the heart of our community. As part of Small Business Week, the District is hosting the 2026 POWERUP DC Summit on Tuesday, May 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This year’s theme is Resilience, Survival, and Growth. It is a great resource for entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders. Learn more at dchealthlink.com/powerupdc.

Spring Services, and How to Contact DPW

DPW’s Spring Services have begun. These services include street and alley cleaning, grass cutting and mowing, graffiti removal, and more.  Street sweeping began on Monday, March 2. Street and Alley Collection Division teams will complete any remaining leaf collections during the transition to spring services. Parking Enforcement began issuing tickets for street sweeping in mid-March. For more details, visit: http://dpw.dc.gov/spring.

Do you need to contact DPW about a service issue or other matter? Residents can reach DPW’s Unified Communication Center at (202) 673-6833 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

My School DC Releases Lottery Results for the 2026-27 School Year

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education and My School DC announced the results of the public school lottery for pre-K to grade 12 for the 2026-27 school year. Families received lottery results for their students on Friday, March 27, and must enroll at their matched schools by Friday, May 1, to accept their lottery match. Families still interested in additional school options may submit a post-lottery application by visiting MySchoolDC.org. 

For more information or assistance with lottery results, enrollment questions, or other support, families can contact My School DC: 

• Email: info.myschooldc@dc.gov 
• Hotline: 202-888-6336, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Language interpretation available)

Ward 3 DDOT Notices Open For Comment

DDOT has published a new Notice of Intent (NOI) 26-106-PSD: 37th St PUDO Adjustment. This NOI is to address Sidwell Friends and Hearst Elementary challenges during pick-up/drop-off (PUDO) on 37th St NW. DDOT will adjust signage on both sides of the 3900 block of 37th St NW, as well as the west side of the 4000 block. Residents can access the NOI and leave comments on DDOT's NOI portal at noi.ddot.dc.gov. Comments are due May 13, 2026. There are now currently eight Ward 3 NOIs open for comment, and all are available for review on DDOT’s NOI portal.

Washington DC Economic Partnership Annual Meeting

On April 2, I spoke at the Washington DC Economic Partnership Annual Meeting about my role in oversight of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and the resiliency of the District’s economy. Despite recent challenges, this city is a place where people want to live. We must make disciplined policy and smart budget decisions that raise the quality of life for residents, especially in uncertain times. Continued growth depends on a wholistic view of budgeting, including investments in schools, housing, safety, and regional collaboration.

Wanda Alston Foundation Site Visit

Last week I visited the Wanda Alston Foundation, an organization providing housing, support services, and pathways to economic mobility for at-risk and homeless LGBTQ+ youth in the nation’s capital. Wanda Alston was a devoted community activist who tirelessly fought for the LGBTQ+ community. In honor of her memory, the Wanda Alston Foundation was formed in 2008, opening the District’s first housing program for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Since then, more than 100 young people have been housed and empowered with the tools necessary to achieve independence. As the chair of Committee on Human Services, I appreciate the opportunity to visit organizations that support DC residents.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings 

ANC3A: Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, May 14, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

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

ANC3D: Wednesday, May 6, 7:00 p.m., Zoom  

ANC3E: Thursday, May 14, 7:30 p.m., Zoom  

ANC3F: Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

ANC3/4G: Monday, April 27, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

Upcoming Community Clean-Ups

This Earth Month, District residents are invited to participate the 10th Annual Spring Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There are clean-ups and celebrations planned in all eight wards. The Ward 3 location will meet at Guy Mason Recreation Center (3700 Calvert Street NW). Neighbors are encouraged RSVP at tinyurl.com/DCSpringCleanup2026. 

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062