Neighbors,

Last week, I celebrated the one-year anniversary of my election to the DC Council. With the Thanksgiving weekend approaching, I want to take a moment to share my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as your Ward 3 Councilmember. Collaborating with neighbors to pursue a safer and more supportive Ward 3 for all has been a meaningful experience, and there is more work to be done to further our shared goals of expanded economic opportunity, fully funded schools, and safe communities. Your partnership will be critical in this continued endeavor.

At the Council’s November 7th legislative meeting, I voted to confirm Pamela A. Smith as Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, as well as voting to confirm permanent directors of the Dept. of Buildings, Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Protection, and Dept. of Youth Rehabilitation Services. Additionally, the Council passed the Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act, which I co-introduced, to establish a free Master of Social Work program at UDC and help address the shortage of social workers in our city. The Council also preserved $20 million in funding that it had previously earmarked for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, disapproving a mayoral request to reallocate that essential funding.

This edition of my newsletter includes information about my work to support MPD’s response to crime and constituent services updates. My newsletter is biweekly, so follow me @CMFrumin on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more frequent updates.

Best,

Matt Frumin

Councilmember for Ward 3

The District’s public safety crisis demands action. As the Mayor and our public safety agencies address crime, the Council is prioritizing responsible, evidence-based actions to keep residents safe.

Last Tuesday, November 7, I voted to confirm Pamela A. Smith as Chief of Police, the first Black woman to permanently hold the position. Chief Smith brings an impressive background to MPD, with decades in law enforcement informing her strategy to improve the District’s public safety response. I have met with Chief Smith on several occasions since her appointment in July, including recently to discuss the proposed Addressing Crime Trends (ACT) Now legislation, and I believe her focus on a data-driven solution to this crisis will be impactful. View Chief Smith’s strategic plan for MPD.

On November 7, I attended the Cleveland Park Community Association's public safety town hall and shared updates with neighbors about my public safety-focused work on the Council. My staff also attended a meeting with Chevy Chase neighbors where they shared information about the District's coordinated public safety efforts. Hearing directly from the community is central to my Council work. Through these conversations, I am working to foster strengthened police-neighbor relationships that are proven to improve crime prevention.

On November 8, the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety held a hearing on the Addressing Crime through Targeted Interventions and Violence Enforcement (“ACTIVE”) Amendment Act of 2023. I heard thoughtful testimony from public and government witnesses about ways our city can keep residents safe. Several advocates and experts expressed concern over provisions that would require individuals on probation, supervised release, or parole for firearm offenses to submit to warrantless searches. Multiple DC Superior Court judges spoke out against this provision; this suggests the need for rigorous review of their concerns.

A comprehensive public safety approach must include many elements, including strengthening accountability. Our foremost goal, however, must be to prevent crime before it occurs.  I am working with colleagues on several legislative proposals pending before the Council intended to stem violent crime.

On Wednesday, November 15, I joined the 2D MPD Citizens Advisory Council for its annual awards banquet, where I was glad to honor officers and other MPD personnel for their outstanding service to our community. I presented the MPD 2nd District Station with a ceremonial resolution passed by the Council commemorating their brave work in responding to the insurrection on January 6, 2021. On that day, the officers of the 2nd District mobilized, utilizing a WMATA bus to transport officers and equipment to defend the US Capitol. They are deserving of recognition and thanks for their courage.

The Thanksgiving season can be especially difficult for seniors who often struggle with loneliness and food insecurity in the colder months. I meet quarterly with representatives from senior villages to learn more about how the District can serve the unique needs of older adult residents.

Below are resources to support Ward 3 seniors in the fall and year-round.

Villages

Villages are neighborhood-based nonprofits that help older adults age-in-place safely and actively. Villages host social events and activities, provide transportation and assistance with home repairs, and connect members to other useful services. Ward 3 is home to four villages: Palisades, Glover Park, Cleveland & Woodley Park, and Northwest Neighbors (AU Park, Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights, Forest Hills, Tenleytown). Get involved with a Ward 3 senior village.

Iona Senior Services

Iona Senior Services, located in Tenleytown, provides wide-ranging services for older adults and their families. The organization connects seniors to social activities and arts and wellness programming, as well as care management and support for people with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Iona also operates a helpline that answers aging and caregiving related questions. Call Iona’s helpline specialists on weekdays from 9 am – 5 pm or click here to learn more about Iona’s work.

Iona also operates Around Town DC, which compiles events and offers programs for people ages 60 and older. The event directory connects older adults to wellness and recreation programming in Northwest DC.

Sibley Senior Associations

Sibley Senior Associations offers events and programs for people 50 and older, including fitness and mindfulness classes. For a nominal fee, seniors can access courses, health screenings, support groups, and informational webinars. Click here more information.

The Osher Lifelong Institute at American University

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at American University serves neighbors who seek continued learning and academic experiences. The courses, which are based on peer learning and teaching, cover diverse topics including languages, literature, and social issues. Click here for information about OLLI.

DACL Future of Aging Project

Future of Aging is a new project from the Department of Aging and Community Living aiming to improve accessibility and awareness of the department’s programming for seniors and people with disabilities. DACL seeks community members to participate in workshops, listening sessions, and other activities. Learn more and share your interest here.

Pepco Residential Aid Discount

Ensuring affordable electric bills is more important than ever. The Pepco Residential Aid Discount program provides eligible customers a monthly credit for their distribution charges. Customers who meet income requirements and are certified by the District Department of Energy and Environment are eligible for this discount. For a single-member household, the maximum annual income is $84,400; for a household of three, it is $108,500. These generous household income limits mean many residents can take advantage of this program. Residents can apply online here; recent utility bills, government-issued photo ID, and proof of income and social security cards for all residents are required.

DDOT Clear Lanes Enforcement

Clear Lanes program enforcement begins this month. The program uses cameras mounted on Metrobuses to identify vehicles illegally operating, parking, standing, or stopping in dedicated bus lanes and bus zones. Phase 1 enforcement began on November 15. Drivers illegally parking, standing, or stopping in a bus zone may receive a $100 fine. DDOT will announce a future date for dedicated bus lane enforcement as part of Phase 2 enforcement. This program is critical for improving bus travel times and enhancing bus stop safety and accessibility.

Leaf Collection

Leaf collection is in progress. Residents should rake leaves into the tree box, or the curb in front of the home if there is no tree box, on the Sunday before collection begins in their area. DPW will notify residents on Fridays about leaf collection for the following week. Call the DPW Leaf Line (202)-671-LEAF (5323) or sign up for their newsletter for additional information. Residents can also download the MyDPW app to receive customized alerts about leaf collection in their neighborhood. Residents whose leaves have not been collected by eight business days after DPW moves to the next section should call 311 (202-737-4404) or visit 311.dc.gov to open a “Leaf Collection Missed” service request. My office will be happy to assist you with this request; contact my constituent services team here.

Leaf Blower Regulations

DC law prohibits the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District. Companies or individuals that use gas-powered leaf blowers are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense. Residents can submit a Consumer Complaint Form to report a violation of the ban here; complaints must be submitted within seven days of the alleged violation. Learn more about the enforcement process here.

DC Smart Street Lighting Project

The District is modernizing its streetlights by converting them to LED technology. If you have concerns about the brightness, dimness, or condition of the light on your street, whether it has already been replaced or not, please submit a request to 311 for street light repair. Learn more here.

MPD Winter Coat Drive

The Metropolitan Police Department 2nd District is hosting a Winter Coat Drive for men and women experiencing homelessness. Residents are encouraged to donate gently used adult winter coats by placing them in a collection box in the lobby of the MPD 2nd District station at 3320 Idaho Avenue NW. 

DC Hypothermia Season

November 1 marked the beginning of the District’s hypothermia season. Support for residents experiencing homelessness during cold weather is critical. Low barrier shelter sites operate 24/7 year-round and transportation to these sites is frequently available. Call the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or click here for the full list of shelter availability.

MySchool DC EdFEST

My School DC is hosting EdFEST events from November 1 through December 9. Join My School DC to learn more about the My School DC lottery process and the diverse school options available for your child. To learn about schools serving PK3 through Grade 9, attend EdFEST on Saturday, December 2, from 10 am to 1 pm at the DC Armory. To learn about schools serving Grades 9 through 12, attend EdFEST on Saturday, December 9, from 10 am to 1 pm at Eastern High School. For more information and to register, click here.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

(202) 724-8062