Public Meetings - Washington, District Of Columbia

On April 22, 2026, the Council of the District of Columbia's Committee as a Whole, chaired by Chairman Phil Mendelson, held a public hearing on the Mayor's proposed fiscal year 2027 budgets for DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the DC Public Charter School Board. The hearing began at 10:22 a.m. and featured testimony from nearly 100 registered public witnesses, including school principals, teachers, parents, students, and advocacy organization representatives. The discussion focused on funding equity between DCPS and charter schools, special education funding, early childhood aid, out-of-school time programs, high-impact tutoring, educator professional development, facilities funding, and the structural challenges of the city's four-year financial plan. Public Comments & Testimony - Amanda Delabar, Principal of Tubman Elementary School (DCPS) – Reported a 4 percentage point increase in ELA proficiency and an 8.8 percentage point increase in math proficiency, attributed to a co-teaching model and wraparound services. She noted that the school's budget was workable despite a decline in projected enrollment, and that the school operates as both a community school and a DCPS Connected School. She expressed concern about the impact of federal immigration enforcement on attendance and enrollment, losing families on a weekly basis, and two educators stuck in visa renewal processes who may have to leave the country. - Carolina Brito, Principal of Oyster-Adams Bilingual School (DCPS) – Highlighted academic gains for English language learners (15.5 percentage points in math, 12.1 in ELA) and economically disadvantaged students (19 percentage points in ELA). She noted that the school's budget is right-sized but that the student population has shifted as immigrant families flee the city due to federal immigration enforcement, compromising the school's mission. She also mentioned that the green card program termination is a disincentive for international educators. - Katrina Owens, Executive Director of DC Scores – Thanked the Mayor for continued investment in out-of-school time (OST) but asked the council to protect OST funding. She noted that DC Scores serves 3,500 poet-athletes across 68 schools, with 2,500 in DCPS, and has a waitlist of 20 schools. She urged the council to require schools to partner with community-based OST providers to ensure public dollars reach experienced organizations. - Danielle Robinette, Senior Policy Attorney, Children's Law Center – Raised concerns about parity between DCPS and charter schools, noting that shifting DCPS fixed costs to the Department of General Services (DGS) undermines the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF). She also highlighted a lack of detail in public budget documents regarding special education funding, specifically a $21.3 million increase in personnel costs for school special education but a $9.2 million cut in the Office of Teaching and Learning, which includes specialized instruction. She urged the committee to clarify how special education investments will meet student needs and called for a Level 5 special education add-on as recommended by the DME's adequacy study, which would provide more sustainable funding for St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School. - Ariel Johnson, Executive Director, DC Charter School Alliance – Emphasized the 30th anniversary of DC charter schools, which serve nearly 48,000 students. She argued that the proposed budget shortchanges charter students by approximately $2,000 per student compared to DCPS peers, citing $96 million in DCPS operating costs funded outside the UPSFF. She also noted that the charter facilities allotment is frozen through FY30 while DCPS capital funding increases by $72 million, and that rising utility costs (20% increase in the past year) force schools to shift money from classrooms. - Gabriela Silva, Senior Program Manager, PAVE (Parents Amplifying Voices in Education) – Advocated for protecting $3 million in funding for high-impact tutoring (HIT), citing data that students receiving HIT through City Schools Collaborative gained the equivalent of 59 additional instructional days in math, and 92% of lower-achieving students achieved 138% of expected growth in math and 133% in reading. She also urged investment in educator professional development, especially in the science of reading, and called for equitable funding across sectors, noting that charter schools receive about $2,000 less per student. - Michael Rodriguez, CEO, St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School – Described a funding crisis, stating that the school expects to enroll 21 additional students requiring one-to-one support in FY27, costing $1.6 million. He requested $2.7 million in supplemental funding, noting that the council's previous $1.2 million covered only about 50% of the need. He said the lack of a Level 5 funding weight creates a systematic, recurring shortfall, and that the district has knowingly failed to meet its legal obligations to adequately resource students with severe disabilities. - Russ Williams, CEO, Center City Public Charter Schools – Testified about the new makerspace in Ward 5, the first of its kind in DC, serving both charter and DCPS students. He urged the council to equitably fund all charter and public schools by channeling funds through the UPSFF rather than using outside budgeting mechanisms. - Simon Rodberg, Executive Director, Lee Montessori Public Charter Schools – Stressed the need to pay educators better and noted that the lack of a facilities increase, lack of comparable funding for DGS-covered costs, and lack of teacher compensation funds to match DCPS impact bonuses make it impossible to close the compensation gap with DCPS. He said teacher retention is above the city average but is threatened by inadequate funding. - Ebony Rose Thompson, Ward 7 Representative, DC State Board of Education – Argued that the budget does not present a unified strategy to address chronic truancy, which remains high, especially in high schools. She noted that the community schools grant program is zeroed out in the proposed budget, which would harm schools in Wards 1, 5, 7, and 8. She called for a coordinated approach to attendance and safety. - Keith Harris, Board Vice Chair, DC Scholars Public Charter School – Highlighted the inequity of the proposed budget, noting that DCPS receives $560 million in facilities funding while charters receive $187 million, despite serving roughly the same number of students. He asked the council to ensure all education funding flows through the UPSFF, maintain the 3.1% annual charter facilities allotment increase, and preserve funding for school nurses, mental health clinicians, and safe passage programs. - Ursula Ware, Parent and Student at Community College Preparatory Academy – Spoke as a mother of two children at KIPP DC public charter schools, advocating for adequate supports and materials for students. She asked the council to understand what parents need to help schools receive proper support. - Laura Fuchs, President, Washington Teachers Union – Made seven points: maintain dedicated line-item funding for H1B visa and green card processing (currently $200,000–$300,000, but unspent by DCPS), ensure DCPS follows the WTU contract in accessing educators, find and eliminate major test contracts and AI, require DCPS to process grievances more quickly, fully fund home and hospital instruction, examine early childhood education budget changes, and add accountability measures that would put DCPS leaders' paychecks at risk for noncompliance with council laws. She noted that three grievances are currently active over accessing of instructional coaches. - Scott Goldstein, Executive Director, EmpowerEd – Called on DCPS to reassert leadership in community schools, cover permanent substitutes for high-need schools, expand the study abroad program (currently demand is 10 times availability), invest in international educators and multilingual students, and redirect funds from I-Ready (which he called a wasted contract) to personalized professional development and experiential learning. He also recommended a charter educator retention fund. - Christina Hughes, Parent of Shirley Chisholm Elementary School Student – Requested the council to maintain four kindergarten classroom aides for the upcoming school year, as the school is facing a reduction from four to two aides while also moving to a swing space for modernization. She argued that the reduction would harm young learners, especially in a dual-language program, and that the school's budget assistance request was denied despite being a unique situation for a school in swing space. - Alessandra Pinna, Impact Director, The Literacy Lab – Highlighted the need to professionalize the paraprofessional workforce, noting that nearly 3,000 paraprofessionals in DC public and charter schools lack consistent training, professional development, and career pathways, leading to high turnover. She urged investment in a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. - Multiple Witnesses on High-Impact Tutoring and Educator Professional Development – A series of parent leaders and teachers from PAVE, EmpowerEd, and other organizations testified in support of protecting $3 million for HIT and investing in science of reading and math professional development. They cited data on improved attendance and academic gains, and urged the council to maintain these investments. - Witnesses on Charter School Funding Equity – Numerous charter school leaders, teachers, and parents (including from DC Prep, Capital City, Washington Latin, Friendship, Two Rivers, and others) testified about the $2,000 per student gap, the freezing of the facilities allotment, and the impact on staffing, teacher compensation, and programs. They called for all education funding to flow through the UPSFF and for the 3.1% annual facilities increase to be restored. - Witnesses on Adult Education – Representatives from Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School and BRIA Public Charter School urged the council to increase the adult learner weight in the UPSFF from 1.0 to 1.3, increase the adult learner transit subsidy from $70 to $100 per month, and maintain social safety net programs. They highlighted the role of adult education in workforce development and family stability. - Witnesses on Shirley Chisholm Elementary School – Multiple parents and a teacher (Jenny Settlin, Robin Resch, Amber Williams, Stacy Lobatos) testified about the proposed reduction of kindergarten aides from four to two, emphasizing the importance of aides for small-group instruction, especially during the swing space transition and modernization. They noted that the school is a Title I school and cannot fundraise to fill the gap, and that the school's ELA proficiency has shown consistent year-over-year growth. Discussion Items - Chairman Mendelson's Remarks on the Financial Plan – Chairman Mendelson noted that the Mayor's proposed budget includes a 2.55% increase to the UPSFF for FY27, but that the four-year financial plan projects a reduction in the UPSFF after FY27, along with significant cuts to out-of-school time and other programs. He stated that the financial plan is "a mess" and structurally imbalanced, and that the council must decide whether to address the multi-year plan or continue with single-year fixes. He noted that the council filled gaps for St. Coletta in previous years but only covered about 50% of the need. - Discussion on Cash Flow and Charter School Advances – Chairman Mendelson raised the issue of the city's cash flow challenges, particularly the lump-sum payment to charter schools in July/August. He mentioned potential changes to the advance payment, possibly reducing the amount or spreading it out, and asked for feedback from charter school leaders. Ariel Johnson expressed concern that smaller schools rely on the full advance to hire staff and open on time, and that any reduction would be disruptive. - Discussion on Facilities and Equity – Several council members and witnesses discussed the disparity in facilities funding between DCPS and charter schools, with DCPS receiving $560 million in capital funding compared to $187 million for charters, despite serving roughly the same number of students. Chairman Mendelson acknowledged the policy issue and said he agrees that DCPS should not be funded outside the UPSFF. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken during this public witness hearing. The hearing was solely for receiving testimony from public witnesses; government witnesses for DCPS will be heard on May 1, 2026, and for the Public Charter School Board on April 24, 2026. - Chairman Mendelson indicated that the council will work to restore funding for schools that are underfunded according to the Schools First in Budgeting Act, and specifically mentioned Shirley Chisholm Elementary School as being near the top of the list with an estimated shortfall of $281,000. - He noted that the council will examine the special education funding details, including the $21.3 million increase in personnel costs and the $9.2 million cut in the Office of Teaching and Learning, and will ask the chancellor about these items during the May 1st hearing. - Chairman Mendelson committed to following up on the issue of Shirley Chisholm's modernization and swing space, and to working with councilmember Allen to improve communication between DCPS and the school community. - He also acknowledged the need to address the structural imbalance in the financial plan and to consider multi-year funding stability for out-of-school time, UPSFF, and other education investments. - The council will continue budget hearings on April 23 (UDC, DME, State Board of Education, Athletic Association), April 24 (Public Charter School Board and supplemental budget), and May 1 (DCPS government witnesses), with a final Committee of the Whole hearing on the entire budget legislation on May 13.

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, chaired by Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Ward 2), held a public hearing on the Mayor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONES), and the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ). The hearing began at 9:34 a.m. in Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building. The committee heard testimony from 30 public witnesses in person and virtually, followed by testimony from agency heads. Public Comments & Testimony - OAG Support: Multiple witnesses testified in strong support of OAG’s Consumer and Tenant Response (CTR) program, describing how it resolved disputes with companies (e.g., Vivid Seats, Adidas, Turo) that had ignored individual complaints. Witnesses also urged restoration of the Domestic Worker Employment Rights Program and Worker Rights Outreach Grants, which were eliminated in the Mayor’s budget. Testifiers noted that in FY2026, these grants (totaling $1 million) had reached over 6,000 workers and provided hundreds of trainings. Others supported the Child Support Improvement Amendment Act, the restorative justice program, and the Pathways program for returning citizens. One father described how OAG’s fathering court helped him communicate with his child’s mother. - ONES Pathways: Several graduates of the Pathways program testified about its life-changing impact, citing job placement, cognitive behavioral therapy, and supportive services. They requested a $10 million annual budget with $2 million for emergency housing to serve 100 ambassadors per year. One witness, a former participant, said the program “saved my life.” - Family Survivor Support: A mother who lost her son to gun violence in November 2025 testified that ONES family survivor support provided critical grief counseling and resource navigation. She urged continued funding. - Safe Commercial Corridors and Safe & Secure Nonprofit Grants: Representatives from Georgetown BID, Adams Morgan, and Jewish community organizations testified that these grants have reduced crime and enhanced security. The Georgetown BID reported a 69% reduction in burglaries and a 62.5% crime reduction during ambassador shifts. The Jewish community requested $1 million for the Safe and Secure DC grant program, noting increased anti-Semitic threats. - Other Programs: Testimony also supported OAG’s ATEND program for truancy, Legal Aid’s child support pass-through, and DC Safe’s domestic violence services. Several witnesses opposed cuts to juvenile curfew alternatives and called for moving Safe Passage to OAG or OSSE. Discussion Items - OAG Budget: Attorney General Brian Schwalb testified that the Mayor’s proposed $151 million budget (a 3.8% reduction) would eliminate 58 locally funded positions (56 filled), including all paralegals and legal assistants in civil litigation, public safety, and public advocacy divisions. He argued this would cripple prosecutions, consumer protection, and defense of the District, costing far more in lost revenue and settlements. The proposed budget also cuts $1 million in domestic worker/worker rights grants and sets $3 million in vacancy savings. Schwalb noted OAG’s actual FY2026 budget was $102 million after reprogramming, and the agency submitted a flat $106 million proposal for FY2027, which the Mayor did not submit to the Council as required by law. - ONES Budget: Director Quelly Sneed testified that the proposed $20.1 million budget (a 17% decrease) would reduce FTEs from 64 funded (of 88 approved) to 46. The Pathways program would see a $2.6 million cut, reducing cohort size from 30 to 15, duration from 10 to 8 months, and frequency of services. The Family Survivor Support division would be zeroed out, with functions absorbed by other agencies. Sneed emphasized that ONES is focused on evidence-based violence intervention and that gun violence is down 34% year-to-date. She acknowledged that 24 of the 88 approved FTEs were unfunded in FY2026 due to a March 2025 decision by the Mayor’s office. - DMPSJ Budget: Deputy Mayor Lindsay Appiah testified that the proposed $12.5 million budget (a 20% decrease) eliminates the Safe Commercial Corridors Grant Program and the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund, both of which had been funded for two years. She attributed the cuts to rising overtime costs across the public safety cluster, driven by 24/7 operations and staffing challenges. She defended the juvenile curfew zones as a tool to redirect youth behavior and prevent crime, noting that the city also provides programming. She stated that Safe Passage funding ($9.1 million) is maintained and that the BSA subtitle to remove the May 1 reporting requirement does not eliminate the program. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken during the hearing. Chairperson Pinto expressed deep concern about the proposed cuts and committed to working with the Mayor and Council colleagues to restore funding for OAG positions, ONES Pathways and Family Support, and DMPSJ grant programs. - The record will remain open until Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at close of business for additional written testimony. - The committee will continue budget negotiations with the executive branch and consider potential BSA subtitles to address overtime costs and hiring reforms.

The Committee on Human Services, chaired by Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Freuman, held a budget oversight hearing on the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 9:08 a.m. to 11:37 a.m. in Room 120 of the John A. Wilson Building and via Zoom. The hearing occurred during National Library Week and examined the Mayor’s proposed FY27 budget, which includes a $1.5 million cut to the operating budget (from $85 million to $83.5 million) and a $12.5 million increase in capital funding (to $47.5 million). Over a dozen public witnesses testified, followed by questions to DCPL Executive Director Richard Reyes Gavallan and his team. Public Comments & Testimony - Charles Austin Inko Taraya (self-published author, poet): described his unsuccessful efforts since 2021 to have his books carried by DCPL, despite being available in 16 other countries; urged the council to intervene. - Rebecca Lemos Sotero (Executive Director, Humanities DC): testified in strong support of the DC Oral History Collaborative, requesting restoration of $200,000 in funding cut last year; noted that demand for oral history programs far exceeds capacity (51 applications but only 14 funded for interview grants; 104 applications for heritage grants, only 13 funded). - Jasper Collier (Program Manager, DC Oral History Collaborative): described the collaborative’s impact and the loss of training, educator seminars, and public programming due to the funding cut; emphasized the value of democratized archiving in a time of uncertainty. - Yona Bromer Gaber (President, AFSCME Local 1808, representing DCPL employees): highlighted union priorities including a $500,000 career ladder investment, $250,000 for a library-specific employee assistance program, $36,000 for tuition reimbursement, restoration of $900,000 to the collections budget, and 16 additional FTEs for jail, mental health, and digital literacy services. Also stressed the need for funding to support pay raises for workers. - Zachary Israel (Ward 4 resident): for the eighth or ninth time, urged funding for a library on Kennedy Street NW; noted that DCPL has a “community commons pilot” concept but no budget allocation, and that previous council allocations went unspent. - Mark Patison (President, Friends of the Juanita E. Thornton/Shepard Park Library): raised concerns about the $1 million cut to the collections budget, the high cost of ebooks (three times physical books), and the continuing omission of a Kennedy Street library from capital plans; called for a “right to reread” movement. - Robert Oliver (President, Friends of Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library): described the impact of the $2.6 million non-personnel cut on equipment, supplies, programming, and maintenance; warned of worn furniture, stained floors, and reduced branch capacity. - Amari Kerrigan (library staff member at Anacostia Library): testified about the need for trauma support for staff, citing repeated gunfire striking the Anacostia Library (eight times between 2022 and 2023) and inadequate mental health response; also supported career ladders, additional FTEs, collections restoration, and tuition assistance. - Brandon Scott (ANC Commissioner, Ward 7C08): shared personal story of how libraries shaped his life, and how the Center for Accessibility helped his visually impaired son; urged continued investment in the Center for Accessibility, housing assistance for library employees to live in DC, and funding for braille and literacy programs for the visually impaired. - Will Augustin (recent immigrant): described how library programs (basic computer skills, job seeker workshops, English conversation circles) helped him build skills and confidence; expressed gratitude. - Travis Balle (Ward 7 resident): asked the council to protect the new Deanwood Library project ($20,000 SF replacement), maintain neighborhood library services, ensure reliable jail video visitation, and restore funding for the DC Oral History Collaborative. - Tripty Patel (ANC2A Commissioner): raised concerns about reduced after-hours access to the West End Library for ANC meetings due to staffing and overtime limits (meetings can no longer extend past 10:30 p.m.); requested budgeting for at least one monthly meeting until 11:30 p.m., and a report on ANC access to library meeting spaces citywide. Discussion Items Councilmember Freuman questioned DCPL Executive Director Richard Reyes Gavallan and his management team on the following topics: - Staffing: The library has hired 52 new staff since the start of FY26 and promoted 10, but still has about 100 vacancies (roughly 74 are fillable). No cuts to hours or branches are expected from the $1.2 million reduction in neighborhood library services, but the cut will degrade the in-library experience (fewer supplies, programs, furniture replacements). Hiring is slow due to limited recruiters and applicant pool issues; a June hiring fair targets recent college graduates. - Collections: The $1 million cut to the collections budget will result in approximately 53,000 fewer items and an estimated half million fewer checkouts. DCPL’s collection budget ($4.5–4.7 million) is low compared to peer systems (Denver, Columbus: $6–8 million). Ebook wait times average 31–35 days; print book waits are similar. - Downtown Activation: The elimination of $450,000 in downtown activation funds will severely impact popular programs at MLK Library (e.g., Art All Night, signature author talks, heritage month celebrations). The library will rely more on the DCPL Foundation (raises $2 million/year). - Youth Services: A $106,000 cut may jeopardize the Beanstack reading tracking subscription, back-to-school bashes, and professional development for school media specialists. - Southeast Library: Slated to open late summer 2026, but $527,000 in operating impact of capital (for custodial, security, technology) is not included in the budget and would need to be stretched from existing contracts. - Oral History Collaborative: The $200,000 cut limits expansion of the collection; DCPL can still process existing histories but cannot actively collect new ones. The Executive Director noted the difficult trade-off between this program and collections. - Capital Improvements: The $9.5 million increase in general improvements will fund full elevator replacements at Northeast and Tenley-Friendship libraries, concrete slab repair at MLK, and other deferred maintenance. However, a full renovation of Tenley Library is not funded, and the priority list exceeds available dollars. - Eckington/Edgewood Library: $9 million added to negotiate a long-term lease; negotiations will begin after budget passage. The total project budget ($24 million) may be insufficient for a full-service library in today’s dollars. - Congress Heights Library: Construction expected to start later summer, dependent on completion of the 13th Street Connector project by DDOT/DGS. Delays could increase costs. - Adult Learning Services: A $1.2 million cut from federal grants is expected to be restored subject to a council vote to authorize expenditure of the grant funds. - IT Modernization: Over $1 million for network switches and power equipment at MLK and Southwest libraries. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the hearing was for information gathering. - Councilmember Freuman expressed intent to work toward restoring funding for the DC Oral History Collaborative ($200,000), the collections budget ($1 million), and to include budget language authorizing the use of restored federal grant funds for adult learning. - The committee will follow up with DCPL regarding the Kennedy Street library and explore a dedicated fund for after-hours community use of library meeting spaces, while ensuring staff are compensated. - The committee will also raise the 13th Street Connector project timeline at the upcoming DDOT/DGS oversight hearing. - Written testimony for the record must be submitted by April 29, 2026, at 5 p.m.

The Council of the District of Columbia held an additional legislative meeting on April 21, 2026, to consider Bill 26-461, the Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act of 2026, and related emergency legislation. After extensive debate, the council approved the permanent bill on first reading (8-5) but voted to table the emergency extension to the next legislative meeting (7-6). Discussion Items Permanent Bill – Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act (Bill 26-461) Councilmember Pinto introduced the committee print, noting the curfew tool had been successful in keeping youth safe and preventing teen takeovers, and that violations do not result in arrests. She withdrew her amendment in the nature of a substitute after reaching a compromise with Councilmember Crawford. Councilmember Crawford then moved her own amendment in the nature of a substitute (ANS), which made several changes: streamlined authority, removed the ability for business improvement districts to petition for curfews, eliminated temporary citywide extended curfew hours, replaced the term “juvenile” with “youth,” strengthened notice requirements, established guardrails on enforcement (e.g., youth cannot be stopped or dispersed for being in small groups), and required youth programming when a curfew zone is in effect. She also moved an amendment to the ANS (circulated at 12:30 p.m.) that updated findings, reverted citywide curfew hours to midnight on weekends and summer, defined “extended youth curfew zone,” required online posting of notices instead of physical signs, allowed verbal warnings 30 minutes before curfew, and required the chief of police to consider youth-specific statistics before designating a zone. Both the ANS and the amendment were accepted without objection. Councilmembers expressed support and opposition: - Councilmember Allen supported the amended bill, stating it was what should have come out of committee originally, and praised the requirement for alternative programming. - Councilmember Henderson supported the measure as a tool, noting her outreach to DPR and BIDs for teen programming, and called for DCPS to work with student governments on safe spaces. - Councilmember Felder supported the bill, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach including parental accountability. - Councilmember Robert White opposed the bill, arguing curfews are not working and that the budget cuts to DPR, DBH, and DHS while increasing MPD funding undermine prevention. He said he could not vote for a system that prioritizes consequences over prevention. - Councilmember Nadeau opposed, stating the policy is ineffective, harms children disproportionately, and that the mayor’s budget cuts programs that work while adding $90 million for MPD. She noted she introduced out-of-school time legislation in 2016. - Councilmember Lewis George opposed, citing dangerous interactions with police and National Guard, concerns about federal occupation, and research showing curfews do not reduce youth crime. - Councilmember Trayon White opposed, saying the city is not investing enough in youth and that past amendments for comprehensive plans were unfunded. - Councilmember Parker opposed, stating the curfew has not delivered long-term solutions and that government cannot substitute for parents. He urged a youth-centered agenda. - Councilmember Fruman supported the bill, arguing the curfew has worked to reduce negative gatherings and that the amendments improved it. He noted other jurisdictions struggle with similar takeovers. Vote on Permanent Bill (as amended) The bill passed first reading with 8 yes votes (Crawford, Felder, Fruman, Henderson, Mendelson, Pinto, Allen, Bonds) and 5 no votes (Lewis George, Nadeau, Parker, Robert White, Trayon White). Emergency Legislation – Juvenile Curfew Sunset Emergency Declaration Resolution (PR 26-586) Councilmember Pinto moved an oral amendment to remove the sunset for the Volunteer Services Act (unrelated but technical). The emergency version was needed to prevent a gap after the previous emergency expired on April 15 and the mayor’s public emergency expires May 1, before the next regular meeting. Chairman Mendelson moved to table the emergency to the next legislative meeting (May 5, 2026), arguing that further discussion would not produce progress and that the council should avoid self-inflicted wounds given external pressures. Councilmember Bonds moved to recess for 20 minutes to allow further deliberation, but that motion failed (voice vote, noes apparent). Vote on Motion to Table Emergency The motion to table to the next legislative meeting passed 7-6: yes votes from Fruman, Lewis George, Mendelson, Parker, Robert White, Allen, Crawford; no votes from Felder, Henderson, Nadeau, Pinto, Trayon White, Bonds. Key Outcomes - Bill 26-461 (permanent): Approved on first reading (8-5). It will proceed to a second reading at a future meeting. - Emergency extension (PR 26-586): Tabled to the next legislative meeting (May 5, 2026) by a 7-6 vote, leaving a potential gap in curfew authority unless the council acts sooner. - The council recessed after the votes; no further business was conducted.

The Committee of the Whole, chaired by Chairman Phil Mendelson, met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 12:47 PM in the Council Chambers of the Johnny Wilson Building. The meeting included markups of several appointment resolutions and bills, followed by reports from other committees on measures including juvenile curfew, affordable housing, medical debt, and disability-related Medicaid. A quorum was present. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved waiving the reading of the Secretary's Report and the Secretary's Log of Introductions and Referrals. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was received or noted for any of the items discussed. Discussion Items Appointment Resolutions (Consent) - PR 26-575 (Brad Belzak appointment to Metro Rail Safety Commission): Mr. Belzak was appointed by the Council to the Board of Directors of the Washington Metro Rail Safety Commission for a four-year term ending February 9, 2030. He has experience in security and risk assessment. No opposition was received. - PR 26-576 (Laura Hankins reappointment to OAH Administrative Law Judge Commission): Ms. Hankins was reappointed as a voting member for a three-year term ending April 30, 2029. She is General Counsel at the DC Public Defender Service. No opposition was received. - PR 26-577 & PR 26-578 (Whitney Miller and Carolyn Woods reappointments to the Citizen Review Panel): Both were reappointed as members of the Citizen Review Panel, which oversees DC's child welfare system. Their terms end April 11, 2029. No opposition was received. Bill Markups (All Placed on Consent Agenda for May 5) - Bill 26-419 (Youth Services Provider Background Check Amendment Act): Allows authorized covered youth services providers to independently conduct criminal background checks on applicants, employees, and volunteers, subject to FBI approval. Councilmember Henderson asked whether the FBI gave feedback on a similar measure in the 2026 Budget Support Act deemed insufficient; Chairman Mendelson said that was discussed with MPD and they believe this version meets federal standards. The bill is intended to be voluntary and no entity must conduct checks at its own expense. Unanimously approved. - Bill 26-430 (Education Code Adjustments Amendment Act): Combines two bills to reduce and simplify education-related reporting requirements across multiple DC Code sections. Councilmember Henderson noted her office reviewed hundreds of mandates; many were duplicative or assigned to defunct agencies. The bill preserves the DCPS technology draft plan requirement. Unanimously approved. Measures Reported from Other Committees - Bill 26-461 (Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act): Presented by Councilmember Pinto. Creates a permanent version of the juvenile curfew emergency legislation that has been in effect since July 2025. The curfew allows MPD to declare limited geographic zones for groups of eight or more unsupervised minors under 18, typically after dark, as a preventative tool. No arrests have been made for violations to date. The bill does not include provisions that led to reports of National Guard involvement or police actions seen in recent incidents. Councilmember Pinto condemned those incidents and noted they have been referred to the Office of Police Complaints. Councilmember Robert White questioned whether the curfew prevents gatherings if they occur before curfew hours. Councilmember Lewis George asked for empirical evidence and raised concerns about National Guard enforcement not being subject to local oversight. The measure will be on the non-consent agenda for the May 5 legislative meeting. - Bill 26-526 (LEARNS Act – Reentry Education Access): Presented by Councilmember Pinto. Requires the Department of Corrections to oversee education services for incarcerated youth, including special education evaluations and an online grievance portal. The bill bridges gaps for justice-involved youth and is the permanent version of previous emergency legislation. Estimated cost: $7.7 million in FY27, $26.7 million over four years. Placed on consent. - Bill 26-399 (Support Opportunity Unity Legal Relationships Act – SOUL Family): Presented by Councilmember Parker. Creates a new permanency option for older youth (ages 16–20) in CFSA care: a "soul family" that allows a care network (e.g., mentors, relatives) to have legal rights. Over 30% of older youth find existing options insufficient. The bill was developed by youth leaders and was sequentially reviewed by the Committee on Youth Affairs and Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety. Councilmember Henderson asked about closure of neglect cases and eligibility effects; Parker noted closure occurs when permanency is established, as is standard in adoptions. Estimated cost: $385,000 in FY26, $2 million over four years. Placed on consent. - Bill 26-126 (Fair Housing Practices Amendment Act): Presented by Councilmember Robert White. Prohibits landlords from separately charging tenants for utility costs related to common spaces or vacant units; those costs must be included in base rent. Requires timely notice and dispute process before sending nonpayment to collections. Councilmember Lewis George asked about most common fees; Councilmember Allen cited vague common space fees and unpredictable swings of hundreds of dollars. Councilmember Fruman asked about interaction with rent stabilization laws; White said he would follow up. No fiscal impact. Placed on consent. - Bill 26-542 (Powering Local Utility Guidance and Housing Act): Presented by Councilmember Robert White. Creates a DHCD technical team to help affordable housing developers navigate utility coordination—a frequent source of project delays. Habitat for Humanity testified that every new construction in the last decade faced PEPCO-related delays. Requires data-sharing agreements among agencies and utilities. Estimated cost: $1.1 million in FY26, $4.7 million over four years. Placed on consent. - PR 26-548 (Funeral Directors Board – Casey Martin reappointment): Presented by Councilmember Henderson. Ms. Martin was reappointed for a term ending March 1, 2029. She has 23 years of experience and serves a variety of faiths. Councilmember Henderson noted that 55% of funeral directors will retire in five years. Placed on consent. - PRs 26-552 through 26-557 (Six Nursing Board reappointments): Presented by Councilmember Henderson. All nominees were reappointed to the Board of Nursing. Councilmember Parker asked about the board's role in staffing ratios; Henderson clarified their focus is on scope of practice and licensing, not hospital-specific staffing. No fiscal impact. Placed on consent. - Bill 26-356 (Prenatal and Postpartum Remote Patient Monitoring Clarification Act): Presented by Councilmember Henderson. Requires DC Health Care Finance to cover remote monitoring for blood pressure and glucose during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum. The 2020 law was never implemented; this bill narrows the scope to two specific conditions to enable implementation. The Council's Racial Equity Office issued a negative RIA, arguing narrowing could harm Black mothers, but Henderson countered that the original law was not implemented, so effectively no benefit exists now. Estimated cost: local cost $1.3 million in FY27, $4 million over four years; federal match $2.55 million in FY27, $7.8 million over four years. Placed on consent. - Bill 26-438 (Medical Debt Mitigation Act): Presented by Councilmember Henderson. Nearly 90,000 DC residents (20%) have unpaid medical bills. The bill requires hospitals to provide free care for patients under 200% FPL and reduced-cost care up to 500% FPL, with payment plans capped at 3% of monthly income. Prohibits reporting medical debt to credit agencies, wage garnishment, and property liens. Limits medical debt interest to 3%. Excludes elective procedures. Councilmember Parker noted the hospital association pushed for a narrower definition of medically necessary; Henderson said the committee's definition (from Illinois law) avoids subjectivity and administrative burden. Estimated cost: $307,000 in FY27, $882,000 over four years. Placed on consent. - Bill 26-463 (Judith Heumann Memorial Workers with Disabilities Amendment Act): Presented by Councilmember Henderson. Establishes a Medicaid buy-in program for employed people with disabilities who earn above current limits ($1,330/month for individuals). Participants would pay a monthly premium. Currently, 48 states have such programs. The bill removes the age limit and allows older adults to participate. Councilmember Lewis George noted that disabled workers often decline promotions to keep Medicaid. Estimated cost: net $2.6 million in FY27, $42.9 million over four years (local portion: $782,000 in FY27, rising to $6.7 million in FY29). Placed on consent. - Bill 26-157 (Langston Slater Surplus Declaration and Disposition Approval Act): Presented by Councilmembers Fruman and Lewis George. Authorizes the sale of two historic former elementary schools in Truxton Circle for a mixed-income development: 40 rental units (60% affordable) in the historic buildings and 12 for-sale condos (58% affordable) in a new infill building. Councilmember Lewis George expressed concern about the high per-unit cost (over $500,000) due to historic preservation requirements, noting the project will create only 5 deeply affordable units and 22 units affordable to those under 50% MFI. She called for reconsidering preservation costs relative to housing needs. Councilmember Bonds questioned the efficiency of using historic preservation for low-income housing. Councilmember Parker noted the community is anxious for progress. No fiscal impact. Placed on consent. Key Outcomes - All six appointment resolutions were approved unanimously and placed on the consent agenda for the May 5, 2026 legislative meeting. - Bill 26-419 (Youth Services Background Checks) was approved unanimously and placed on the consent agenda. - Bill 26-430 (Education Code Adjustments) was approved unanimously and placed on the consent agenda. - Bill 26-461 (Juvenile Curfew) was placed on the non-consent agenda for May 5. - All other reported measures (Bills 26-526, 26-399, 26-126, 26-542, 26-356, 26-438, 26-463, and 26-157, plus nursing board reappointments and funeral directors reappointment) were placed on the consent agenda for May 5. - The meeting was adjourned at 2:51 PM, with a legislative meeting to follow.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 5:23 PM, the Council of the District of Columbia's Committee of the Whole, chaired by Phil Mendelson, held a public hearing on Bill 26-625, the RFK Campus Small Area Plan Amendment Act of 2026. The bill would allow the future land use map for the RFK Memorial Stadium campus to be amended through a small area plan process rather than the full comprehensive plan amendment process, accelerating zoning for mixed-use development including a new stadium and 6,000 housing units. The hearing included testimony from four public witnesses and the Director of the Office of Planning. The record remains open until May 5, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - William Jordan (ANC 7F? – not confirmed by transcript, but he lives in Columbia Heights): Urged the council not to pass the legislation, arguing that the Office of Planning lacks credibility, the process creates a moral hazard by truncating community input, and past projects have failed to deliver promised benefits. He cited the Donatelli project as an example of $100 million in unspecified losses. - Parissa Naruzi (Executive Director, Empower DC): Testified in opposition, raising concerns about inconsistent application of small area plan rules (Ivy City was denied FLUM changes), lack of a racial equity lens at OP, missing anti-displacement strategy required by the 2021 Comprehensive Plan, and systemic failure to conduct environmental reviews. She noted 30% of residents in Ivy City are at risk of displacement. - Michael Rodriguez (CEO, St. Coletta of Greater Washington): Did not oppose the bill but asked that any planning process include enforceable pathways for community participation, especially for people with disabilities. He highlighted the contrast between rapid development and the ongoing underfunding of St. Coletta's students. - Richard Villemane (Pan-African Community Action): Testified in opposition, arguing that the bill weakens transparency and public accountability by allowing FLUM changes through a more limited process. He called for binding community control over land use decisions. Discussion Items - Chair Mendelson questioned the witnesses, noting that the council already approved the development framework in 2025 and that further community input will occur through the small area plan, zoning hearings, and community benefits agreement. He expressed skepticism about claims of rushing and displacement without quantification. - Anita Cozart (Director, Office of Planning) testified in support of the bill, explaining that the RFK campus FLUM change is needed because the site is currently designated as parks/open space. She outlined a timeline: master plan release for 45-day public comment in June 2026, transmittal to council in September 2026, and zoning completion by October 2027 (versus October 2028 under the comprehensive plan rewrite). She detailed community engagement efforts including town halls, open houses (300+ attendees), community walks, and meetings with ANCs. She stated that the master plan will address design, garage siting, and massing, but not transit decisions. - Chair Mendelson asked about the rules governing small area plans and FLUM changes. Cozart acknowledged that current law does not allow discrete FLUM amendments via small area plans but said the administration is exploring that for future DC 2050 process. - Cozart responded to racial equity concerns by citing OP's racial equity action plan (2024-2026) and disaggregated demographic data collection. On the anti-displacement strategy, she said it is underway and she would provide a completion date by the end of the week. On environmental review, she stated that a federal environmental analysis is being conducted jointly with the National Park Service due to the federal land transfer. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken; the hearing was informational. - The record will remain open for written testimony until 5:00 PM on May 5, 2026. - OP Director Cozart committed to providing (1) a date for the anti-displacement strategy report and (2) the lead agency for the environmental analysis at RFK.

During a press availability on April 20, 2026, a District of Columbia Council member fielded questions from reporters on a range of pressing issues, including pending emergency and permanent curfew legislation, the mayor's proposed budget cuts to child care subsidy and the pay equity fund, the RFK campus zoning bill, police transparency, and the ongoing dispute with the Chief Financial Officer over withheld revenues. The respondent expressed optimism about passing the emergency curfew and high confidence for the permanent version, advocated for restoring funding to child care and pay equity programs, and characterized the RFK zoning bill as a procedural next step. Discussion Items - Curfew Legislation (Emergency and Permanent): The respondent stated support for both the emergency (needs nine votes) and permanent (needs seven votes) curfew bills. They noted ongoing conversations with colleagues and the mayor, describing themselves as “optimistic” about the emergency vote and having a “high level of confidence” for the permanent passage. They linked the need for curfew to large social-media-facilitated gatherings not seen in prior years. - Budget – Child Care Subsidy & Pay Equity Fund: The respondent explained that the council overwhelmingly wants to restore the pay equity fund (which had been proposed for elimination) and adequately fund the child care subsidy. The mayor’s proposed child care subsidy funding is about $10–15 million short of current year spending. The pay equity fund provides salary parity for credentialed early child educators (approximately $60 million for salaries, with $12 million for health care budgeted but not the salary portion). The respondent emphasized that child care is early education, not just babysitting, and that the subsidy makes it affordable for working families. - CFO Revenue Dispute: The respondent detailed that the CFO’s revenue estimates were $850 million too conservative last year, that an additional roughly $240 million from decoupling from the federal tax code has not been recognized, and that reserves stand at 66 days of operating expenses (above the 60-day goal). Total city cash at fiscal year-end was $4.9 billion. The respondent argued these funds should be accessible for budgeting and criticized the CFO for withholding them. - RFK Campus Zoning: The respondent described the upcoming hearing on the RFK zoning bill as procedural – necessary to update the Comprehensive Plan from “open space and parks” to allow the approved redevelopment (6,000 residential units plus commercial and retail). No significant pushback was expected, noting the prior 11-2 vote for the stadium. - Empower (Ride in Power): When asked about threats or pressure from Empower, which has been repeatedly declared illegal in court, the respondent said they were unaware of any threats and are not intimidated, adding that “we all have to comply with the law.” - Capital vs. Operating Budget: A reporter raised resident frustration over spending on stadiums while social services face cuts. The respondent countered that capital investments like RFK are funded by site-generated revenues, not operating dollars, and that such investments will generate future revenue for programs like SNAP, TANF, and child care subsidy. The bulk of stadium spending is years away. - Ticketmaster Antitrust Ruling: The respondent had not been briefed on the recent judgment and could not comment on its impact on pending ticket resale legislation. - Delegate Race Politics: The respondent declined to comment on specific accusations in the delegate race, stating a preference for positive campaigning rather than attacking opponents, and declined to answer whether a candidate should resign. - Police Transparency – 4th District Hanging: Concerning a body found at the 4th District headquarters on April 13, 2026, with MPD not issuing a statement for three days, the respondent said MPD should have “gotten ahead of” the issue, especially given the evocation of historic lynchings. They noted the cause of death (suicide or murder) may take time to determine, and urged transparency. - Ward 8 Fair Share: Asked about ensuring Ward 8 receives its fair share now that its council member no longer chairs a committee, the respondent noted that all five at-large members represent Ward 8 and that they personally will examine capital projects and social service needs. They added that Ward 8’s lower-income population makes social programs a priority for the entire council. Key Outcomes - Curfew Vote Outlook: The respondent stated high confidence that the permanent curfew legislation will pass, and optimism (but not certainty) that the emergency version will secure the needed nine votes. - Budget Priorities: The respondent intends to vote to restore the pay equity fund and fully fund the child care subsidy, and expects the council to do the same. - RFK Zoning: The hearing on the zoning bill will proceed as scheduled, with the respondent expecting passage. - No decisions were announced on other topics; the respondent deferred or declined to take positions on the Ticketmaster ruling, the delegate race, and Empower litigation.

The Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, chaired by Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Ward 2), met on April 9, 2026, at 4:19 p.m. via Zoom. The committee had a quorum with Councilmembers Wendell Felder (Ward 7) and Anita Bonds (At-Large). Two bills were considered: Bill 26-526 (Learns Amendment Act) and Bill 26-461 (Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act). Both were moved and passed unanimously. Bill 26-526: Leading Education Access for Re-entry and Necessary Success (LEARNS) Amendment Act of 2026 Chairwoman Pinto introduced the bill, which aims to permanently shift responsibility for providing special education services at the DC jail to the Department of Corrections (DOC). The bill has four main components: (1) requiring DOC to contract with a qualified education provider to ensure a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for eligible students in custody; (2) requiring DOC to evaluate students for special education services if they were not previously evaluated; (3) strengthening the grievance process at DOC by establishing an online portal for residents, staff, and families to submit and track grievances in real time; and (4) incorporating non-germane technical amendments to make permanent emergency and temporary legislation regarding mandatory reporting, probate proceedings, and CJCC report deadlines. The dais print was updated to include a subject-to-appropriations clause and to clarify that the technical amendments are not subject to funding. There was no discussion. The bill passed unanimously. Bill 26-461: Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act of 2026 Chairwoman Pinto explained that this bill is the permanent version of emergency and temporary bills that have been in effect since July 2025. It addresses the rise in unsupervised youth gatherings (often promoted via social media) that have led to fights, robberies, and violence in areas like The Wharf, Navy Yard, and U Street. Key provisions: (1) establishes a citywide curfew of 11 p.m. every day for youth under 18; (2) extends the curfew to 17-year-olds; (3) authorizes the chief of police to designate extended curfew zones (starting as early as 8 p.m., lasting up to four consecutive days) that apply to groups of eight or more unsupervised youth under 18; and (4) establishes a process for the mayor to authorize an emergency curfew. Chairwoman Pinto emphasized that no arrests have been made for curfew violations. She noted that the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) is anticipated before the April 21 legislative meeting. Councilmember Bonds expressed support, highlighting the targeted nature (unsupervised groups of 8+, specific zones, and start time of 11 p.m. instead of midnight). Councilmember Felder supported the bill but called for more parental accountability and suggested expanding the curfew citywide. The bill passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Bill 26-526 (Learns Act): Passed unanimously with leave for staff to make technical, editorial, and conforming changes. Next step: full council vote. - Bill 26-461 (Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act): Passed unanimously with leave for staff to make technical, editorial, and conforming changes. RIA expected before full council vote on April 21, 2026. The committee recommended MPD continue youth advisory councils, ensure equitable policing, and provide ongoing officer training on youth engagement.

The Committee on Executive Administration and Labor, chaired by Chairman Mendelson, held a public hearing to consider the Mayor's nomination of Anthony Hood for reappointment to the Zoning Commission for a term ending February 3, 2030. The hearing featured testimony from community members, the nominee, and questioning by Councilmembers Mendelson, Parker, and Lewis George. The record remains open until April 22, 2026, for additional written testimony. Public Comments & Testimony - Ahaj Monty Leo J. Thorpe Jr. (former Shaw ANC Commissioner, president of Shaw East Central Civic Association) expressed strong support, praising Hood's ethical leadership, community connections, and fair treatment of all parties. - William Jordan urged Hood to withdraw, arguing that during Hood's tenure, zoning decisions (especially PUDs) have contributed to the displacement of black families, citing over 50% population loss in Ward 1 and specific cases (e.g., Highland Park, Park Morton, Bruce Monroe). He called Hood to join community efforts instead. - Harry Sinaruzzi (Executive Director, Empower DC) testified in support “with expectations.” He acknowledged Hood’s openness to reform but called for systemic changes: meaningful anti-displacement planning, stronger racial equity tools, changed order of operations for development approvals, and increased funding for deeply affordable housing. - Mr. Hawkins (former Prince George's County Council Chair) testified in support, citing Hood’s 45 years of community activism, 2,000+ hearings, and regional expertise. - Ra Meen (ANC Commissioner 5B04) testified in support, noting Hood’s consistent, fair leadership and ability to keep stakeholders negotiating, resulting in community benefits in PUDs. - Gloria Hightower testified in support, highlighting Hood's reliability, accountability, and customer-friendly service, especially for black and brown communities. Discussion Items - Chairman Mendelson asked about time commitment, conflicts of interest (Hood stated he recuses when necessary), and what has changed since his last contentious confirmation. Hood responded that he re-evaluated his approach, listened to critics, and remains committed to due process, law, and community participation. He acknowledged concerns about the racial equity tool and promised a roundtable to refine it. He also committed to pressing the Office of Zoning on order backlogs. - Councilmember Parker asked about the trend toward matter-of-right development and balancing housing growth with community input. Hood emphasized the need to strike a balance, ensure public input is not lost, and consider community weight in decisions. He also addressed tensions between building housing and preventing displacement, stating he wants on-site relocation and deep affordability. - Councilmember Lewis George asked about the Zoning Decision Appeals Amendment Act (Hood opposed limiting public input but acknowledged concerns about frivolous appeals), ex parte restrictions, conflicts between hearing testimony and surveys (Hood evaluates all evidence by law), and changes under different mayors (Hood noted non-interference by mayors). On displacement prevention, Hood supported lower MFI targets and mentioned he once proposed 0% AMI units. Key Outcomes - The hearing was informational; no vote was taken. - The record will remain open until 5 p.m. on April 22, 2026, for additional written testimony (note: the transcript later mistakenly states April 2, but based on the April 8 meeting date, the correct close is April 22). - Chairman Hood committed to holding a roundtable on the racial equity assessment tool and to improving public engagement and order timeliness. - Hood reaffirmed his focus on following the law, due process, and balancing community input with housing needs.