June 25, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

On Tuesday, June 23, the Council cast the final vote on the District’s budget. I am very proud of and happy with where we landed. We navigated a challenging fiscal environment with the primary goal of achieving a "soft landing": systematically and thoughtfully reducing spending while meeting key needs. 

This budget reflects months of collaborative work. Our journey began in January, when I hosted a resident forum and held meetings with community associations, school leaders, Ward 3 organizations, and our local business community to hear your priorities. Those conversations informed my oversight of the agencies under the Committee on Human Services, including Department of Human Services (DHS), Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME), and DC Public Library (DCPL), as we conducted performance oversight hearings in February and March, assessed the mayor’s budget proposal in April, and then held rigorous budget hearings and marked up the budget through May.

We faced tough choices. To balance the ledger without relying on a last-minute major tax increase, we drew $150 million from the District’s billions of dollars of reserves. The CFO has been critical of this decision. While I understand his institutional concern, I am convinced we did the right thing to protect critical programs in a very difficult time. Moreover, current economic data suggests we will be able to replenish the reserves at the start of the fiscal year, before we even begin to make the draw. The CFO’s concern is focused on access to cash during brief periods in 2028, shortly before income and property taxes are received. But the District has ways before then to smooth our cash flow, and if it looks like it could be an issue, we can address it in a variety of ways. I can assure you, I and others will be watching the data closely to ensure that we navigate any challenges smoothly.

As we move forward, the Council has positioned ourselves to consider thoughtfully all options in the coming year. Rather than embrace a tax increase now that could have felt like it came out of the blue to many, the Council will hold a hearing in the fall to consider potential tax proposals, which will include opportunity for resident feedback. Meanwhile, we must use the oversight process to scrutinize ways to secure savings. All of this methodically builds a foundation for stability and helps set the stage for the incoming administration.

I want to thank all who engaged with me throughout the budget process. My team and I appreciate the time residents took from their busy schedules to give their perspective on how DC should move forward through emails, letters, phone calls, and meetings. It is my priority to ensure the voices of Ward 3 residents are elevated and heard, and this budget includes major wins for Ward 3 and the District thanks to the determined advocacy of so many in our community.

Below, you will find a summary of the legislative meeting, the budget wins, and the path forward. This edition of the newsletter also includes updates on celebrating Pride Month in DC, the Safe Routes to School community survey, as well as other updates from DC government and community events.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

On June 23, the Council of the District of Columbia held our 32nd legislative meeting and cast the final vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act. I joined my colleagues in voting to pass the budget, marking the conclusion of a lengthy process of weighing tough tradeoffs in a difficult budget year. While the budget presented to us initially required significant work to protect District residents, I am proud of the work we did together to pass a strong, fiscally responsible plan that balances our immediate needs with a sustainable path forward.

A significant portion of the debate focused on the implementation of semi-open primaries, a provision of Initiative 83 that District voters approved overwhelmingly. Under this provision, registered independent voters will be able to participate in the primary process. I voted in favor of a budget amendment to fund implementation, which will enfranchise the tens of thousands of District residents who choose not to affiliate with a political party. These residents contribute deeply to our public life, pay taxes, and deserve a meaningful voice in the primaries that shape the District’s future.

The Council as a whole took significant action on issues critical to the safety, health, and rights of District residents.

Ward 3 and Neighborhood Priorities

Our neighborhood libraries and commercial corridors are essential community anchors. We secured funding to ensure these spaces remain clean, accessible, and vibrant.

Committee on Human Services

As chair of the Committee on Human Services, my goal was to ensure that no resident is left behind as DC grows. In this budget, we prevented severe contractions in our housing and shelter networks, modernized our public benefits infrastructure, supported our libraries and creative economy, and expanded legal support for vulnerable residents. For example, we secured $173 million over the financial plan to support 659 housing vouchers, specifically targeted to assist families exiting rapid rehousing. We also restored more than $2 million in funding for youth homeless services to prevent cuts across the youth system, preserving a youth drop-in center, crisis intervention services, and extended transitional housing. For more about the work of the Committee on Human Services on this budget, see the “From the Chair” section in my May 28 Newsletter.

Fiscal Responsibility

The Committee on Human Services delivered these crucial protections through a disciplined approach that balances our ledger without adding to the District's long-term economic strain:

• Tax Abatements: We aligned tax abatements for Downtown building conversions with actual demand, generating $14.65 million over the financial plan.
• Operational Savings: We delayed operating expenditures on a new bridge housing site until FY28, capturing $3.4 million in FY27 savings.
• Administrative Efficiencies: We identified approximately $1.5 million in administrative and operational savings across DHS and OCTFME.
• Strategic Transfers: We accepted strategic transfers from colleagues on the Health, Youth Affairs, Transportation, and Public Works committees.

On June 25, the Committee on Human Services voted to advance PR26-0736, a resolution that would amend the 2022 term sheet for the Hill East Phase 2, Bundle 2 development. Economic challenges, including rising construction costs and a tighter lending market, necessitated updates to the term sheet to ensure the project’s viability. I am pleased that we have moved forward on this project, which remains a key opportunity to deliver more than 1,000 residential units, including 30 percent designated as affordable housing, as well as a new hotel, and neighborhood-serving retail. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.

The Committee will hold two more hearings in the coming weeks:

• July 8: Board Of Library Trustees Confirmation Resolution Roundtable - more info.
• July 13: St. Elizabeths East Parcel 6 Surplus and Disposition, Parcels 7,8, and 9 Surplus and Disposition, and Parcel 13 Disposition Authority Extension and Term Sheet Amendment - more info.

These hearings will be available to watch online and open to the public to attend in person at the Wilson Building. See the links above for specific hearing information and to register to testify.

DDOT Safe Routes to School Survey

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Safe Routes to School program is gathering input from parents, caregivers, students, and school community members about how the trip to school could be safer for all. Each year DDOT works with schools to create Safe Routes to School Action Plans. This short survey will take about five minutes and will shape safety recommendations and improvements in Action Plans for years to come. Residents can learn more and complete the survey here.

SNAP Work Requirements Now In Effect

Effective June 1, there are new federal work requirements for certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. These rules apply to 'Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents' (ABAWD) who do not qualify for an exemption. If you are required to meet these new standards and do not comply, it may limit your eligibility to three months of benefits within a 36-month period. I encourage anyone who may be affected to visit the DHS website to review the new rules and exemption criteria.

Celebrating Pride in DC

It was a pleasure to walk in the Capital Pride Parade this past weekend. We celebrated the truly magical diversity of our District, reflecting on the vibrant resilience and rich history of the LGBTQ+ community in the District. I was proud to walk with residents as we uplift one another. Happy Pride!

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) Meetings

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

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

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

ANC3D: Wednesday, July 1, 7:00 p.m., Zoom  

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

ANC3F: Tuesday, June 30, 7:00 p.m., Zoom

ANC3/4G: Monday, July 13, 7:00 p.m., Zoom 

Cleveland Park Night Market Tonight

Tonight is Cleveland Park’s June edition of the Night Market, a lively evening filled with local vendors, delicious food, live music, and family-friendly fun on the Promenade along the 3400 Block of Connecticut Avenue NW. Discover unique finds, support small businesses, and experience the vibrant spirit of one of DC's most beloved neighborhoods. Night Markets are hosted every fourth Thursday of the month from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through September.

DPR Movie Night at Friendship Rec - June 27

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is hosting Roving Leader Movie Night at Friendship Recreation Center (4500 Van Ness Street NW) on Saturday June 27 at 7:00 p.m. Bring your blankets and chairs for a a showing of Bad Guys 2. For more information and to RSVP, visit the event page. Residents with any additional questions or concerns, please contact DPR's Customer Care Center during normal business hours at (202) 673-7647 or send an email to dprcustomercare@dc.gov.

Ward 3 Day at the National Building Museum – July 10

 I am excited to invite you to Ward 3 Day at the National Building Museum, which is dedicated to the fascinating worlds of architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. The museum will feature its new interactive installation the PLAYHOUSE that supports motion, exploration, and togetherness in an immersive environment. We will be sharing this special day with our neighbors from Ward 1 on Friday, July 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please mark your calendars and stop by!

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062