Neighbors,

I hope your new year is off to a good start. For me, it marked my first full year in office. I am incredibly grateful for this responsibility to serve all in Ward 3, and it is my privilege to work to make our neighborhoods even better places to call home. I look forward to sharing more with you soon about all we’ve accomplish in the last year.

Unfortunately, we also started the immediate new year learning of a tragic homicide in Friendship Heights. My office was in communication with MPD shortly after the shooting, and a day later, MPD 2nd District Commander Tatjana Savoy notified me that the department closed the case with an arrest, in addition to closing two other recent violent crimes in the ward. We must do all we can to prevent these crimes from occurring in the first place; however, I am grateful for the MPD's quick work in bringing these criminals to justice.

We face an epidemic of crime and gun violence in our city that impacts every resident, regardless of age, income, or ward, and we must work together to empower public agencies to stem the tide of violence. You’re part of that conversation: Please plan on attending my Ward 3 Public Safety Forum next Wednesday. 

Yesterday, my colleague Councilmember Brooke Pinto introduced the Secure DC Omnibus, a package of bills and initiatives aimed at taking action to address public safety. While I do not vote on the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, I have been actively engaged in the measures that comprise the omnibus. I met with Councilmember Pinto in advance of the bill's release and will be actively engaged in the debate going forward.

January marks the start of Performance Oversight Hearings, followed by the budget process. As I finalize my budget priorities, I want to hear from you. Saturday, January 20, we’ll have a virtual listening session to hear what you think is most important to you as we plan the next DC budget.

Keep reading below to see how you can join my office in the MLK Day Parade, learn what happened in the Council this week, catch up on neighborhood news, and meet my office’s new communications director.

As always, my office is open to you. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to see timely updates or reach out to my office for any concerns you may have.

Best,

Matt Frumin

Councilmember for Ward 3

Please plan to attend this important Ward 3 Public Safety Forum next Wednesday evening in Cleveland Park. I’ll be joined by MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith, US Attorney Matthew Graves, Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Office of Unified Communications Director Heather McGaffin to discuss how we can address crime in our city. Join us in person or register to participate virtually.

Wednesday, January 17 | 6 to 7:30 pm

Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Avenue NW

I’m seeking your feedback as I prepare for the city’s upcoming budget season. Share what matters most to you in the District and help shape the future of Ward 3.

Register for my second-annual budget listening session on January 20. If you’re unable to attend, you can email my office your thoughts or call us at 202-724-8062.

Saturday, January 20 | 10 to 11:30 am | Zoom

Monday, my office will head to Ward 8 to participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, and I'd love to have you join us. We’ll be walking through the neighborhood accompanied by the sounds of Crush Funk Brass, and you won’t want to miss it. Fill out this form to let me know we’ll see you there.

Monday, January 15 | 10:45 a.m.

Starting at R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, 2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE

The DC Council held its first legislative meeting of 2024 on Tuesday, January 9. As always, you can watch past meetings here, and learn how to watch future ones here.

• I was proud to support and co-introduce the Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility (STEER) Act of 2023, which strengthens DC’s laws against dangerous driving, focusing on repeat offenders and those committing egregious, reckless driving violations.
• The Council also voted unanimously to support the Medical Cannabis Program Enforcement Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2024, which empowers officials to penalize unlicensed marijuana gifting shops as we move from a grey to more regulated market.



Performance Oversight Hearings are opportunities for the DC Council and the public to ask questions of District agencies regarding the implementation and execution of their required programming, relevant legislation, and funded opportunities. Hearings begin soon: Review the schedule here.

The Wilson Aquatic Center Status

I share neighbors' frustration with the extended closure of the Wilson Aquatic Center. I continue to press both the Department of General Services and the Department of Parks and Recreation to complete repairs and reopen as soon as possible.

Below is the most recent update our office has from them:

“The Department of General Services (DGS) has worked diligently alongside the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) on necessary repairs at Wilson Aquatic Center, including providing short-term measures to address the HVAC system. This system is scheduled to be completely replaced this winter. 

“Unfortunately, the scope and impact of this replacement and other repairs will require the center to remain closed until they are complete. While we understand this development is frustrating, this closure will allow us to complete an in-depth assessment of the entire building and limit future closures for maintenance and emergency repair to meet community needs. DGS will continue to partner with DPR to ensure this beloved facility can continue to serve the community for years to come.”

Yard Waste Collection Is Now Year-Round

Residents must make an appointment for yard waste pickup by calling 311, using the 311 mobile app, or visiting 311.dc.gov. The Department of Public Works (DPW) only collects yard waste in paper bags, and they can take up to 20 bags from residences that receive DPW’s trash and recycling collection services.

What to Do with That Tree

If you have a holiday tree and receive DPW’s trash and recycling service, you can leave your tree at the curb for composting until March 2. Call 311 if it is not picked up after seven days.

Upgrades Come to Unemployment Insurance Benefits Systems

The DC Department of Employment Services is launching its Unemployment Insurance Benefits Systems Modernization project, scheduled to go live Monday, February 5. With this effort, all claimants will need to verify their identities through the new ID.me + DOES portal, which is open now. Claimants are encouraged to verify ASAP.

Yesterday I joined the MPD 2nd District roll call, where I talked with officers who serve our communities and spoke with Commander Savoy about recent crime in the ward. I appreciated the opportunity to get a firsthand look at how our leaders in MPD help set the tone for officers' shifts and ensure all are equipped to serve DC residents well.

I am proud to have been appointed to the Workforce Investment Council — which works to create a fully integrated, comprehensive workforce development system — and the Metropolitan Council of Government’s Transportation Planning Board — which coordinates future plans, provides data and analysis to decision makers, and coordinates regional programs to advance safety, land-use coordination, and more. I look forward to these opportunities that continue my service in expanded ways across the District.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

(202) 724-8062