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Dear Neighbors,
On Monday, October 12, the District recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This day is an important opportunity to recognize, uplift, and honor the history, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous peoples. We acknowledge the original stewards of the DC region, including the Piscataway, Anacostan, and Pamunkey peoples, and celebrate the ongoing presence of Native communities in our capital. The holiday also makes for a wonderful long weekend at a lovely time of year, I hope you and your families were able to enjoy it.
Our fall legislative session is in full swing, and it has been a busy time at the John A. Wilson Building. This newsletter recaps my recent work, including votes on utility discount programs and parking enforcement from the October 6 legislative meeting, as well as hearings on classroom technology, family support services at the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, and developments planned for the Fletcher-Johnson campus and Georgetown Boathouse.
In the last week, I also introduced a series of bills to address targeted gaps affecting a number of our communities, including measures to:
- Require continuing education on Alzheimer's and related dementias for medical professionals.
- Support unaccompanied refugee minors by clearing legal pathways to safe foster care.
- Ensure students receive free, multi-use IDs that double as library cards and recreation center passes.
While each of these measures are modest in scope, they can make a real difference.
You will also find information on my upcoming Workday in the Ward and notice regarding new sidewalk installations in Ward 3, as well as community events.
As always, thank you for reading and staying engaged in our community.
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Matt Frumin
Ward 3 Councilmember
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Expanding Utility Discount Programs
The Council unanimously approved the first vote on a bill introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen to automatically enroll eligible low-income residents in utility discount programs. Currently, around 30,000 households that qualify for programs like SNAP or Medicaid have to reapply every year to get discounts on Pepco, Washington Gas, and DC Water bills. This bill removes that paperwork burden and could save qualifying families hundreds of dollars a year.
While I support helping neighbors in need, I also asked questions during our debate about how this program impacts everyone else. When discounts are given, those costs are absorbed elsewhere. I asked for clear data, for example, on how much non-qualifying, middle-income households might see their monthly bills go up. We must be careful not to nickel-and-dime hardworking families who are already stretched thin. If we increase costs, even if modestly, they effectively work as a form of a tax. We should only do so while acknowledging the tradeoffs. This is not to say any tradeoff will not be worth it. It may significantly benefit low-income residents, while the cost to others, spread over a very large group, has a more minor impact. But whatever the tradeoffs, we should be aware of them.
Parking Enforcement and Fines
We also considered a bill that authorizes local entities, like Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), universities, and businesses, to contract with the Department of Public Works (DPW) to hire off-duty parking enforcement officers for additional enforcement in high-traffic areas. I ultimately voted Yes on the bill, which ultimately passed final reading on a 7-2 vote, with four councilmembers voting present.
During the debate, Councilmember Robert White proposed an amendment to cut all DC parking fines in half. While I understand the intent, as everyone is feeling the pinch of rising costs and nobody likes paying very high parking tickets, a last-minute amendment on a second reading is not the right way to make such a major policy shift. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) estimated this change would result in a $10 million to $20 million revenue loss for the District.
That said, I agree that it is worthwhile to take a closer look at our parking and moving violation fines. We need a thoughtful, broader conversation about fairness and traffic safety.
Finding the Right Balance for Classroom Technology and AI
On Friday, October 9, the Committee of the Whole held a public hearing to examine how technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and screen time are used in DC Public Schools and public charter schools. With over 150 parents, educators, and advocates testifying, it was clear how deeply people care about this topic.
What struck me most was the remarkable consensus in the room. Everyone agrees that nothing can replace the human connection of a teacher and student. Warm, supportive school environments remain the key. There was also broad consensus that digital tools, if used properly, can be effective to support and assist teachers. Moreover, technology is not going away and will only become more prevalent in society. Our kids need to be ready for the world they are joining, so equity in access to positive technical tools is critical. At the same time, we all share real concerns about how rapid changes in technology. Over-dependence on technology in learning can adversely affect our children’s focus, privacy, and well-being.
We must provide clear guidance on how these tools are used in classrooms to ensure they foster genuine, long-term learning rather than delivering quick, illusory benefits. The DC Council will be using this valuable feedback as we review the District’s Comprehensive Technology Plan and work with agencies to protect student privacy and safety.
Care for Our Seniors: Supporting Dementia Education
Today, I introduced the Dementia Readiness and Awareness in Continuing Education Amendment Act of 2026, along with cointroducers, Councilmembers Charles Allen, Anita Bonds, Wendell Felder, Janeese Lewis George, Brianne Nadeau, Zachary Parker, and Trayon White, Sr. As our senior population grows, with more than 90,000 District residents now aged 65 or older, it is vital that our healthcare providers have the proper training to serve them. This is particularly important in this space with an increasing pace of promising new therapies that, if implemented early, can make a real difference for our patients and their families.
Right now, there is a real gap in detecting and treating Alzheimer’s and related dementias, with only about half of cases being diagnosed, and therefore losing the potential benefit of new therapies. Studies also show that Black and Hispanic older adults face higher rates of Alzheimer’s but are much more likely to be underdiagnosed or diagnosed at later stages.
This legislation creates a simple, one-time, one-hour continuing education requirement for medical professionals who treat adults in clinical settings. By keeping our medical professionals up to date on early detection, research, and modern treatments, we can ensure older residents get the quality care and support they deserve right here in DC.
Important Tax Policy Hearing Tomorrow
Tomorrow, Friday, October 16, the Committee of the Whole will hold a critical discussion on tax policy. As the District continues to face budget constraints, we need to carefully examine how we can manage costs, look for savings, and potentially add revenue. This discussion will include several tax policy considerations, including sales tax, real property tax, business activity tax, and more. Among those proposals is my Pied-à-Terre Property Tax Amendment Act of 2026, which residents can read more about in the official release. The hearing will feature invited subject matter experts. Residents can watch and submit written testimony through the Council’s hearing page. This is a vital discussion, and I encourage residents to watch the hearing and share their feedback.
| | FROM THE CHAIR: COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES | | |
Making It Easier for Students to Access Libraries and Rec Centers
On October 7, alongside Councilmember Christina Henderson, I introduced the Expanding Access for Student Identification Empowers Readers (EASIER) Act of 2026.
Before the District retired the DC ONE card program, students had a convenient, all-in-one card that doubled as a student ID, library card, and recreation center pass. Since that program ended, some schools have struggled to provide IDs out of their own tight budgets, leaving many students without them.
While Councilmember Henderson previously advanced legislation to ensure every middle and high school student receives an ID, the EASIER Act takes the next common-sense step. It requires that these student ID cards be provided free of charge and integrate the following features:
- Library Access: Full integration as a DC Public Library card so students can easily check out books and resources.
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Recreation Access: Entry access to Department of Parks and Recreation facilities.
- Support Services: Clear, easy-to-read information on how to contact the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
By streamlining these services, we can make it simpler for youth to connect with community resources and safe spaces after school.
Protecting Vulnerable Youth: The Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Placement Amendment Act
Today, alongside Councilmember Zachary Parker, I introduced the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Placement Amendment Act of 2026. This legislation addresses a critical gap in our local laws to help children who arrive alone in the United States while fleeing persecution or abuse.
The federal government runs a program to place these vulnerable youth into safe foster care instead of group shelters. However, due to narrow wording in District law, our local agencies cannot always accept these children who do not fit our traditional definition of a "neglected child." Last year alone, local organizations had to turn away more than 200 children who desperately needed help.
Our bill fixes this by updating the “neglected child” definition so children can be safely placed in foster care, receive proper support, and access legal help. It also protects family members back home by avoiding potentially dangerous overseas contact requirements during legal proceedings. This is a practical, compassionate step to ensure DC does its part to provide safety and stability for vulnerable young people.
Ensuring Fairness and Transparency at Virginia Williams Family Resource Center
On Thursday, October 8, the Committee on Human Services held a public oversight roundtable to examine the eligibility determination process at the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center. Operated by the Department of Human Services (DHS), the center serves as the central point of entry for DC families seeking emergency food, shelter, and housing assistance.
During the hearing, we heard testimony about the real-world barriers families face, including restrictive documentation requirements that can delay or prevent people from getting immediate shelter. We also reviewed homelessness prevention programs and safety protocols for domestic violence survivors. DHS Director Rachel Pierre testified on how the agency is working to balance rules with effective service delivery.
District Development Hearing
Yesterday, I chaired a hearing to evaluate surplus property declarations and proposed dispositions for two key sites in the District:
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Fletcher-Johnson Campus (Bill 26-0720) would declare surplus and authorize the disposition of the former middle school campus on Benning Road SE, which has sat vacant for over 15 years. This legislation would pave the way for a mixed-use redevelopment of the campus with 800 units of housing, a public park, community focused retail, and a freestanding emergency department.
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Georgetown Boathouse (Bill 26-0740) would declare surplus and authorize the disposition of a key plot along the Georgetown waterfront. Under development for decades, this project would enable Georgetown University to develop a boathouse for its rowing team and build a public access dock for the community as well, with other public facing amenities. The plan includes a three-way land swap, with a parcel moving from Georgetown to the National Park Service, and jurisdiction of another going from NPS to the District. The current Key Bridge Boathouse, from which many residents rent kayaks and enjoy the Potomac, will move west a few hundred feet. The area just east of Key Bridge will be improved and added to the Georgetown Waterfront Park.
The Committee on Human Services and the Committee on Facilities will still need to mark up these bills before the full council votes on them, hopefully later this fall.
Upcoming Hearing Schedule:
| | WORKDAY IN THE WARD - OCTOBER 22 | | |
Save the date for my next Workday in the Ward on Thursday, October 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Tenleytown at Coffee Nature (4224 Fessenden St NW).
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Open Office Hours: I will be present in the morning from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for drop-in visits to share your questions, ideas, or concerns.
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Agency Support: My staff and District agency representatives will also be present at scheduled times throughout the day.
Whether you need help navigating a city service issue, want to discuss policy, or just want to say hello, please stop by.
To help accommodate attendees, residents are asked to complete this 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. Stay tuned for a final schedule of District agency attendees.
Schedule for the Day:
- 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.: Coffee with Councilmember Frumin.
- 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.: Ricardo Garcia (Constituent Services Coordinator), Kevin DeGood (Legislative Director), and Kevin Caudill (Communications Director).
- 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Trisha Kondabala (Legislative Assistant) and Shantise Wynn-Brown (Constituent Services Specialist & Scheduler).
- 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.: Nora Charles (Legislative Assistant)
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Notice of Intent: Sedgwick Street Sidewalk and Safety Updates
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI # 26-292-PSD) for new sidewalks in ANC 3D along the south side of Sedgwick Street NW, the east side of University Avenue NW, and the south side of Wesley Circle NW. At Sedgwick and 47th Streets NW, the project includes a curb extension and marked crosswalk designed to preserve large heritage trees while adding "daylighting" (removing nearby parking to improve driver and pedestrian sightlines). A 30-day public comment period runs through November 27, 2026. Residents can send written comments to DDOT Transportation Specialist Misgana Lemecha at misgana.lemecha@dc.gov. Residents can view the full plans online on DDOT’s NOI portal.
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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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St. Coletta Community Leadership Award
Yesterday, I was humbled and honored to receive the Community Leadership Award from St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School. The school is a non-sectarian, non-profit educational institution, serving around 250 intensive special education students with 24 hours or more of special education. St. Coletta is an incredible institution serving students with profound, specialized needs. As I said in my acceptance remarks, the real honor belongs to the educators, therapists, dedicated classroom aides, and families doing the hard work every day. We have more work to do in the District to fully meet the needs of these students and bridge existing gaps. I am committed to making sure every child with special needs in the District is served and given the opportunity to thrive.
| | 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, November 12, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
ANC3C: Monday, October 19, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
ANC3D: Wednesday, November 4, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
ANC3E: Thursday, November 12, 7:30 p.m., Zoom
ANC3F: Monday, October 26, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
ANC3/4G: Thursday, October 15, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
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Van Ness Music in the Park – October 24
On Saturday, October 24, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Van Ness Main Street is hosting Music in the Park in Forest Hills Park. This event is free to all, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the performance. Residents can reserve a spot on the event page.
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Van Ness Main Street Spooktacular - October 25
Van Ness Main Street is also hosting a free and family-friendly Spooktacular on October 25. There will be activities for kids at the Forest Hills Playground from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There will also be trick or treating along Connecticut Ave NW from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Residents can RSVP on the event page.
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Councilmember Matt Frumin
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 408
202-724-8062
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