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Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to the October 1 edition of our Ward 3 newsletter. As we continue into this fall, my team and I remain focused on advancing legislative priorities, chairing Committee on Human Services hearings, and delivering results for Ward 3.
I have heard from a number of residents that they want ample time to review the surplus and disposition legislation relating to the redevelopment of the Chevy Chase Civic Core. While I had hoped that legislation would be filed before the summer recess, it came to Council when our legislative session resumed on September 16. I have scheduled a hearing on the bill for November 12, 2026, providing close to two months between introduction and the hearing.
From the start, I have laid out clear criteria for this project, including appropriate transitions to the neighborhood, adequate affordable housing, ample green space, and parking. I have been heartened by the way the project has evolved from the initial proposal to the introduced package, which has been responsive to those criteria. The biggest change in the filed legislation is that workforce affordable housing was added back into the proposed project, increasing the affordable component to 50 percent of the total 177 units proposed. Previously, the overall height of the building was reduced and a floor removed; the introduced legislation retains this change.
I have also been heartened by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and DC Public Library’s (DCPL) proactive approach to seeking community input on the library and community center, a process that is ongoing. Fall is ribbon-cutting season in the District, and I have recently visited a number of new facilities and seen how the city has done magical things with often difficult spaces.
I recognize there are residents with strong feelings about this project, both for and against, and I look forward to hearing and taking into account their feedback, particularly at the hearing on November 12. The hearing information will be posted at lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings, and we expect it to appear on the calendar in the coming business days.
In This Newsletter
In this edition, I discuss recent Council votes and new domestic violence legislation, key initiatives in my committee, upcoming public hearings, and local news and updates from Ward 3 and the District.
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Matt Frumin
Ward 3 Councilmember
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Transparency and Ballot Initiatives: The FAIR Act
During our September 22 meeting, the Council passed on first reading the Fairness and Accountability in Initiative Reform (FAIR) Amendment Act of 2026, previously known as the FILTER Act. I voted in support of this legislation. Ballot initiatives give DC residents a direct voice in our democracy, and I strongly support that right. However, we must ensure the process is clear and fair for every voter.
The key change included in the legislation is to require that ballot initiatives focus on a single subject. A number of people suggested that the one place where this has been an issue is in Initiative 83 (I-83) – launching ranked-choice voting and allowing independent voters to participate in primaries. I strongly supported both elements of I-83. But there were residents who supported one but not the other. They, however, faced an up-or-down vote on both. Unlike complex Council legislation that undergoes debate, public hearings, and committee amendments, a ballot initiative presents voters with a simple "yes" or "no" choice. Requiring initiatives to cover a single subject prevents bundled, potentially confusing measures, and ensures voters know exactly what they are deciding on.
Furthermore, the bill establishes a more transparent process by extending timelines for public deliberation and formalizing good administrative practices already used by the Board of Elections. Some advocates continue to claim that some of the things required are already done as a matter of practice and others could be unduly burdensome. I will continue to consider those concerns as this process moves forward. To date, we have successfully removed potential "poison pills" from the original proposal, such as provisions that would have allowed a single lawsuit to freeze an entire initiative's progress. As passed on first vote, this bill may not solve every challenge with ballot initiatives, but it adds common-sense guardrails that protect the vital right of DC residents to bring initiatives to voters, while making the process more transparent and thoughtful for everyone.
Improving Local Parking Enforcement: The Strategic Parking Enforcement Enhancement Act
The Council also approved on first reading the Strategic Parking Enforcement Enhancement Act, which I supported. This bill allows local universities, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and event organizers to fund voluntary off-duty Department of Public Works (DPW) parking officers to help manage high-traffic zones.
Importantly for Ward 3, the bill clarifies that campus police departments, such as American University and UDC's special police, have authority to issue DC parking citations on public roadways within their campus or that are bordered on both sides by properties they control. This is a very limited authority focused on enabling traffic and parking management in limited areas important to the operation of the universities.
Meanwhile, authorizing BIDs to fund overtime for parking enforcement officers can help enable enforcement in areas, particularly nightlife areas, notorious for disregard of the rules. None of us like getting a parking ticket, but disregard of the rules creates compounding problems with traffic and potentially with emergency service access.
Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
While citywide homicides have decreased, domestic violence incidents have unfortunately risen, including in Ward 3. To respond urgently to this crisis, I co-introduced the Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse Amendment Act of 2026, led by Judiciary Committee Chair Brooke Pinto.
This critical legislation will:
- Create a specialized Domestic Violence Response Unit within the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
- Clarify and strengthen laws regarding how firearms must be surrendered under civil protection orders.
- Protect victim privacy by keeping body-camera footage of domestic violence offenses exempt from public record requests.
- Expand hotline support for survivors experiencing financial and economic abuse.
The Judiciary Committee will hold a public roundtable on domestic violence and sexual abuse and will include discussion on this bill on October 27. I look forward to hearing testimony as we refine this law to better protect domestic violence survivors.
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Honoring Ward 3 Public Servant Jim Nathanson
This week, I introduced a ceremonial resolution honoring former Ward 3 Councilmember James "Jim" E. Nathanson for his 70 years of service to the District. Jim represented Ward 3 on the Council from 1987 to 1994, chaired key committees, and taught social studies for decades at Cardozo and Duke Ellington high schools. He has also been a tireless advocate for local seniors through his work with Iona Senior Services and AARP DC. Jim is moving to Massachusetts to be closer to family. We thank Jim for his decades of dedication to the District and wish his family the absolute best.
| | FROM THE CHAIR: COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES | | |
The Green Workforce Pilot Act: Protecting Benefits & Building Skills
Recent changes to federal law have expanded work requirements for public benefit programs. As a result, thousands of DC residents are at risk of losing their SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid coverage.
To protect our most vulnerable neighbors, I introduced the Green Workforce Pilot Amendment Act of 2026. This program will:
- Connect up to 250 residents with paid jobs maintaining green infrastructure, removing invasive plants, and caring for stormwater systems.
- Pay participants at least the DC minimum wage for 32 to 48 hours per month, fulfilling federal work requirements.
- Allow participants to access both federal and District Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) to support family stability.
- Exempt program earnings from local benefit calculations so participants do not lose housing vouchers or healthcare while building job skills ("the benefits cliff").
- Provide individualized job coaching to help participants transition into long-term careers.
This bill offers a compassionate, practical bridge to financial stability while keeping our city's parks and environment clean. The Committee on Human Services will host a public hearing on this legislation on October 22 at 11:00 a.m. More information is available in the full press release on my website.
Updating DC Public Library Rules
I introduced the Board of Library Trustees Technical Amendment Act of 2026 to update outdated administrative language for DC Public Libraries (DCPL). The bill aligns library rules with modern operations, lets the Board Chair serve two-year terms for continuity, and formalizes guidelines for hosting community events at library facilities.
Upcoming Public Hearings & Meetings
Mark your calendars for these upcoming Committee hearings. You can watch live or sign up to testify at lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings.
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Proposed New Rules for E-Bikes and Electric Scooters
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has issued proposed rules regarding how shared e-bikes and electric scooters operate and are permitted in our public spaces. Among other updates, the proposed regulations would require shared fleet companies to cap device speeds at 15 mph on roadways and 10 mph on sidewalks to help keep our streets and walkways safe for all pedestrians and riders. The public comment period closes on October 4, and residents can share their feedback by emailing publicspace.policy@dc.gov. Residents can review the full notice on the DC Register webpage.
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DC Week Without Driving
Did you know that about 40 percent of District residents do not drive? This week, I am proud to join transit leaders, fellow Councilmembers, and neighbors in participating in the Week Without Driving, organized by Greater Greater Washington and the DC Transportation Equity Network. The goal is to highlight the everyday experiences of non-drivers, including seniors, students, and residents with disabilities, and identify where our sidewalks, buses, and bike lanes need improvement.
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District Services & Events Calendars
Looking for upcoming dates for District services such as document shredding, household hazardous waste collection, or electronics recycling? Residents can view updated listings and track upcoming services directly through these official District resources:
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Department of Public Works (DPW) Events Calendar: Visit the DPW Events Page for dates and locations regarding household hazardous waste collection, paper shredding, and electronics recycling.
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Comprehensive District Calendar: Bookmark the DC.gov Citywide Calendar to explore public hearings, agency workshops, and community events across the District.
Residents can also subscribe to agency-specific communications, such as DPW newsletters and updates from other agencies, through the District of Columbia GovDelivery subscription page. Enter your email address (and phone number if you want SMS updates) and select which agencies you want to hear from and the topics you want to hear about.
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Rodman’s 71st Anniversary Recognition
On September 25, I joined District officials, the Friendship Heights Alliance, and the Rodman family to mark Rodman's Discount Food and Drug’s 71st anniversary. I was proud to participate as Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration presented an official mayoral proclamation recognizing this family-owned institution for its decades of service to Washington, DC. Rodman's flagship store on Wisconsin Avenue has anchored Friendship Heights since 1964, serving as a neighborhood staple and an active partner in local community initiatives. Celebrating milestone anniversaries like this highlights the vital role independent small businesses play in keeping Ward 3 commercial corridors vibrant and thriving.
| | HAVE A WARD 3 SERVICE REQUEST? | | | |
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Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or requests.
My Constituent Services team is here to help you.
| | | GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY CALENDAR | | |
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) Meetings
ANC3A: Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
ANC3B: Thursday, October 8, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
ANC3C: Monday, October 19, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
ANC3D: Wednesday, October 7, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
ANC3E: Thursday, October 8, 7:30 p.m., Zoom
ANC3F: Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
ANC3/4G: Monday, October 12, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
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Tenley-Friendship Library Movie Night – October 8
On October 8, at 5:30 p.m., Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library (4450 Wisconsin Ave NW) is hosting a free and family-friendly movie night with a screening of Monsters, Inc. Food, pillows and blankets are encouraged. More info is available on DC Library’s event page.
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Glover Park Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinic – October 13
Glover Park Village is hosting a Flu and COVID vaccine clinic on Tuesday, October 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert St NW). The clinic will be open to anyone 18 and older. Residents with questions can reach out to info@gloverparkvillage.org for more info.
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Councilmember Matt Frumin
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 408
202-724-8062
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