Public Meetings - Washington, District Of Columbia

The Council of the District of Columbia held a legislative meeting on June 9, 2026, at 5:24 PM in Room 500 of the Johnny Wilson Building, chaired by Chairman Phil Mendelson. The meeting began with a moment of silence and a quorum call. The consent agenda was adopted unanimously, followed by passage of the fiscal year 2027 local budget and budget support acts. The primary debate centered on a disapproval resolution for the iReady (Curriculum Associates) contract, which was ultimately withdrawn after extensive discussion and commitments from DCPS. Consent Calendar - Three ceremonial resolutions were adopted unanimously by consent without objection. - Councilmember Parker clarified that Councilmember Trayon White co-sponsored the LGBTQI+ resolution but missed the deadline; that co-sponsorship was noted for the record. - Councilmember Bonds expressed concern about a delivery fee in the BSA but did not move to remove items from the consent agenda. Discussion Items - Bill 26-659, Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026 – Councilmember Pinto and Councilmember Felder expressed unease about an additional fee on grocery and food deliveries, citing rising costs and impacts on drivers and the restaurant industry. Neither voted against the bill. The bill passed first reading unanimously. - Bill 26-661, Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 – Passed unanimously without discussion. - Proposed Contract Disapproval Resolution (iReady/Curriculum Associates) – Councilmember Henderson moved the resolution, citing thousands of complaints from families and educators about excessive screen time, lack of clear usage guidelines, data privacy litigation, and questionable effectiveness. She noted that DCPS recommends 30–45 minutes per week but 17 schools exceed that; some use iReady for over an hour weekly in literacy and math. Henderson stated that DCPS initially refused to meet until June 15 (two days before contract approval) but a meeting occurred after the resolution was filed. - Councilmember Lewis George supported the concerns, emphasizing the need for limits on screen time for young learners and transparency on data protection. - Councilmember Allen, a DCPS parent, shared frustrations from educators that iReady hides wrong answers from teachers and does not help diagnose specific skill gaps. He noted the timing of contracts (June/July) makes replacement difficult. - Councilmember Robert White echoed concerns about repetitive testing and lack of evidence of effectiveness, but acknowledged DCPS committed to a one-year contract only and reevaluation. - Councilmember Fruman called for a fall hearing on technology in schools, noting the pendulum shift and need for broader policy. - Councilmember Nadeau quoted teachers who said iReady should not be canceled without a replacement plan. She supported a fall hearing. - Chairman Mendelson read six commitments from a June 6 letter from the Chancellor, including new guidance on screen time, shorter diagnostics, monitoring usage, approved alternatives, parent university, and reevaluation. He committed to a fall Committee of the Whole hearing on technology and iReady. - Councilmember Parker noted that DCPS had previously cut the ANET contract and urged a global view of assessment strategy. - Councilmember Henderson withdrew the resolution after expressing that the conversation must continue and concrete changes are needed. She noted proposed legislation may be introduced. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda and both budget bills (26-659, 26-661) passed unanimously. - The disapproval resolution for the iReady contract was withdrawn by Councilmember Henderson after DCPS provided written commitments and promised a reevaluation. The chairman scheduled a fall hearing on technology in schools. - The Chairman thanked his Committee of the Whole staff for their work on the budget. - The meeting adjourned at 5:53 PM; upcoming meetings: additional meeting June 23, regular meeting June 30, 2026.

The Committee on Transportation and the Environment, chaired by Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6), held a public hearing on June 4, 2026, to consider Bill 26-565 (Strengthening Air Pollution Permitting Amendment Act of 2026) and Bill 26-571 (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study Amendment Act of 2026). Over 50 public witnesses testified, with strong support for both bills from residents, community groups, and environmental organizations. The committee also heard from government witnesses from the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and DC Water. Public Comments & Testimony - Daniel Aaron Price (ANC 5F Chair) testified in strong support of B26-565, detailing a 646-day delay in DOEE’s review of a Fort Myers asphalt plant permit, during which the plant continued operating. He urged transparent community notification, expanded air monitoring, adequate staffing for DOEE, and environmental justice protections. - Zoe Poindexter (Ward 5 resident) supported the bill, describing her neighborhood as a “sacrifice zone” and emphasizing the need for cumulative impact reviews and a public dashboard for complaints. - Anthony David Jr. (Empower DC) highlighted community barriers in accessing permit applications, noting that facilities can submit classified permits and that DOEE has never denied a permit based on community input. He called for real accountability mechanisms. - April Avant testified in favor of B26-571, linking climate change to mental health and urging the study to quantify costs of extreme weather. - Giovanni Jagannath (Empower DC attorney) supported B26-565, citing that Ivy City and Brentwood experience 89% more pollution than other U.S. census tracts. He recommended an interagency task force and fence-line monitors within 300 feet of polluting sources. - Carol Spring (Ward 4 resident) supported both bills, noting that winter Storm Fern alone cost DC over $50 million—seven times the budgeted amount—and that redlining has created urban heat islands in Black and brown neighborhoods. - Cody Austin (Sierra Club) urged passage of B26-571 via the Budget Support Act, citing that top 40 U.S. fossil fuel companies earned over $200 billion in 2025 while DC residents bear increasing costs from floods, heat, and storms. - William Washburn (NAACP DC branch) supported both bills, criticizing DOEE’s “black box” permitting process and noting Ward 7/8’s vulnerability to pollution from highways and methane stations. - Julia Headland (ANC 5F Commissioner) criticized DOEE for prioritizing business facilitation over resident health, citing a lack of restrictions on Fort Myers plant operations even after 500+ public comments. She highlighted the need for limits on poor air quality days and meaningful penalties. - Talia Parker (Ward 1 resident) supported B26-571, noting that Wards 5, 7, and 8 are most vulnerable to extreme heat, and that climate costs should fall on fossil fuel companies. - Tene Lewis (Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Board) supported both bills, emphasizing health disparities in environmental justice communities and the need for data to hold polluters accountable. - Ava Sedana (Sierra Club/Sunrise DC) shared personal experience running during extreme weather, arguing that climate resilience should be funded by major polluters. - Eduardo Seraphim (Ward 1 resident) supported B26-571, calling for polluters to pay a “climate tax” to avoid taxpayer burden. - Erwin Rose (Ward 3 Dems) endorsed B26-571, noting the study’s potential to inform investment in adaptation. - Justin Lopez Medina (Ward 5 resident) described his daily commute past idling trucks and industrial odors, arguing that pollution undermines neighborhood cohesion. - London Jones (UMD student) supported B26-571, recounting personal cost burdens from air conditioning failures and basement flooding. - Macy Brigham Hill (DC native) supported B26-571, noting thousands of dollars in repairs after storm-damaged trees. - Adam Crone (Earthjustice) highlighted that DOEE does not post permit applications online, unlike states like Louisiana and West Virginia. He supported B26-565’s transparency improvements. - Maria Hilfiker (Ward 1 resident) supported B26-571, citing her experience with the January 2026 snowstorm and climate change impacts. - Melody Marsh (Howard University graduate) supported B26-571, using cost examples: $67.2 million for snow cleanup, $20 million for Potomac Interceptor spill, and school closures from heat. She urged proactive planning. - Mark Galvan (ANC 5F Commissioner) supported B26-565, describing the odor and noise from Fort Myers plant and the difficulty for residents to afford mitigation. - Sammy Wines (Sierra Club) supported B26-571, noting that fossil fuel companies knew about climate change risks since 1978 and that a climate superfund is needed. - Sabrina Rhodes (Empower DC/ANC Commissioner) supported both bills, saying Ivy City residents have not been protected and that DOEE often engages communities only after decisions are made. - Sharon Edwards (Brentwood resident) supported B26-565, citing health effects from Fort Myers plant and a bus terminal, and lack of community engagement. - Dr. Steven Peterson (psychiatrist) supported B26-571, describing heat wave mortality risks for mentally ill patients and increased violence/hospitalizations due to extreme heat. - Kara Fulton (Ward 1 resident) supported B26-571, urging $200,000 funding for the study to break the cycle of underfunding climate programs. - Derek Hill (Ward 5 resident/CCAN volunteer) supported B26-571, citing $60 million snow costs and school HVAC failures. - Destiny Swanigan (Ivy City nurse) supported B26-565, noting difficulty accessing permit information and her own asthma worsened by industrial odors. - Dorothy Ann Stanley (Ward 2 resident) supported B26-571, noting the Potomac Interceptor spill and the need for a climate superfund. - Liana Steinberg Casper (Sunrise DC) supported both bills, recounting personal experiences with heat exhaustion and tornado warnings. - Michelle Mabson (Earthjustice) supported B26-565, highlighting National Engineering Products’ decades-long operation without an air permit and the need for ambient air monitoring in Ward 5. - Devin Simon (Ward 2 resident) supported B26-571, stating the study is essential to identify extreme risks and hold corporations accountable. Discussion Items - Chair Allen noted that the committee has already set aside $200,000 in the budget to fund the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study, and the bill will advance either through the Budget Support Act or as standalone legislation. - Councilmember Zachary Parker (co-author of B26-565) emphasized that the bill responds to community frustration with permitting delays, weak enforcement, and poor engagement. He committed to working with advocates on further improvements. - DOEE Senior Deputy Director Michael Somersall testified with concerns about the feasibility of B26-565’s timelines and resource requirements, but supported some provisions such as a longer appeals window (15 days is too short), annual manager training, and a public dashboard. He noted that DOEE has 3 permit engineers compared to 10+ in comparable jurisdictions. He questioned whether $200,000 is sufficient for the GHG study given Maryland’s similar study cost $500,000, and asked for a 24-month timeline instead of 15. - DC Water Vice President Nicholas Passarelli requested a full exemption for wastewater treatment facilities, arguing that permit expiration or operation curtailment during poor air quality days would lead to catastrophic sewage overflows. He cited Blue Plains’ continuous operation and 11 expired permits pending renewal. Key Outcomes - The committee will consider amendments to both bills based on technical comments from DOEE and DC Water. - The fiscal impact of B26-565 is still being assessed; Chair Allen committed to finding resources for implementation. - The record for the hearing will close on June 18, 2026; written testimony may be submitted via the Council’s hearing management system. - The next committee meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2026 (tentative), on transit planning for RFK redevelopment.

On June 4, 2026, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, chaired by Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6), held a public hearing in Room 120 of the John A. Wilson Building to consider two bills: Bill 26-548 (Washington Commanders Motor Vehicle Identification Tags Amendment Act of 2025) and Bill 26-619 (Eric's ID Amendment Act of 2026). The hearing lasted from 9:41 a.m. to 12:23 p.m. and included testimony from 24 public witnesses in support of the Eric's ID bill and no witnesses for the Commanders plate. The DMV Director also testified. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Jacques Patterson (President, DC State Board of Education) testified in support of Eric's ID, noting the board unanimously passed resolution SR 26-8 recommending amendments to include DC1 cards and student IDs, and funding for law enforcement training. - Ebony Rose Thompson (Ward 7, DC State Board of Education) shared a personal connection (her sister with hidden disabilities) and cited statistics: people with disabilities make up 20% of the U.S. population but account for 30-50% of police use-of-force incidents; 55% of Black people with disabilities have been arrested by age 28. She urged extending the indicator to DC1 cards. - Councilmember Kyla Clark (Laurel, MD) strongly supported the bill, noting 77,200 DC residents have disabilities and that Maryland’s law passed in September 2025 with no additional costs to the city. She emphasized the butterfly symbol as a voluntary, no-fee tool. - Delegate Kim Taylor (Maryland District 23) reported that over 21,000 Marylanders (later updated to 22,078 by Linda Carpenter Grantham) have added the butterfly to their IDs since October 1, 2025. She advised addressing potential privacy concerns and ensuring thorough training for law enforcement. - Linda Carpenter Grantham (mother of Eric) described the origin of the idea after George Floyd’s murder and noted the Maryland law was signed by Governor Wes Moore with bipartisan support. - Eric Carpenter Grantham (founder of Eric’s ID Law), a 21-year-old with autism, testified about the spiritual meaning of the butterfly symbol (hope, peace, freedom, change) and urged the committee to issue a favorable report. - Terrence King (CEO, National Children’s Center) supported the bill, stating it provides a voice for individuals who cannot fully self-advocate. - Tamara Holmes (public witness) shared personal and family experiences with hidden disabilities, including her daughter’s ADHD and developmental delays, and urged passage for safety. - Yovanda Wilkins (public witness) emphasized the bill’s role in fostering trust between law enforcement and the disability community. - Kimberly Bodie (public witness, living with lupus and other autoimmune diseases) testified about sensory sensitivities that could be misinterpreted during police stops. - Antoine Marshall (CWA local president) supported the law to prevent misunderstandings during stressful situations. - Lisa Haynes (General Vice President, Washington Teachers Union) urged passage to protect students with invisible disabilities. - Kirk Spells (parent of a 19-year-old with multiple disorders) noted his son is among the 22,000 Marylanders with the butterfly and praised MPD’s handling of a missing person incident. - Camden Cole (junior at Edmund Burke School) supported the law as a new driver to ensure safety for friends with non-apparent disabilities. - Patricia Stamper (Ward 7 resident) supported the law, noting barriers people with hidden disabilities face in obtaining ID and accessing services. - Navee Williams (10th grader at Anacostia High School) testified that the symbol can help officers understand behaviors like avoiding eye contact. - Tanae Dolphin (mother and Jack & Jill member) shared the fear of her son with autism being misunderstood by police. - Jade Moore (reading for daughter Saniah Bradley) highlighted that individuals with mental illness are seven times more likely to be killed by police, urging mandatory training. - Savannah Mitchell (8-year-old Jack & Jill member) simply explained the butterfly as a friendly reminder for patience. - Delegate Karen Tolls (Maryland District 25) advised working with the disability community, law enforcement, and the agency (MVA), and noted initial pushback from some disability advocates that was overcome by the voluntary, silent nature of the notation. - Mr. Jackson (public witness) testified about his own bill for free driving lessons, but acknowledged Eric’s success. Discussion Items - Councilmember Allen and Councilmember Parker (co-introducer) asked multiple witnesses about training costs, the symbol choice, and operational mechanics. Delegate Taylor and Councilmember Clark confirmed that adding training to existing curricula did not incur significant costs. - The State Board recommended extending the indicator to DC1 cards and student IDs so young people without driver’s licenses can opt in. - The symbol debate: The Maryland law uses a black butterfly. Eric explained the butterfly represents hope, peace, freedom, and change, with wing colors representing different hidden disabilities. - Director Gabriel Robinson (DC DMV) testified in strong support of both bills. For the Commanders plate, he noted the process would follow other team plates (Mystics, Wizards, Nationals) and take 3-6 months after design consensus. For Eric’s ID, he said the DMV already offers four specific disability indicators (on the back of the credential) and highlighted that Eric’s ID would be a front-facing butterfly, simpler than the current system. He recommended removing the requirement for written explanation on the back (matching Maryland’s design). He confirmed no medical documentation or fee is required to add the butterfly, though a duplicate ID fee may apply for current holders. - Councilmember Allen discussed the Purple Heart plate timeline, aiming for August 7, 2026. Key Outcomes - The committee heard 24 public witnesses and one government witness (DMV Director). No votes were taken; the hearing was for testimony only. - Councilmember Allen noted that Eric’s ID had 24 witnesses compared to none for the Commanders plate, signaling strong public interest. - The record for the hearing will close on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at LIMS.dccouncil.gov/backslash/hearings. - The next scheduled meeting of the committee immediately followed at 12:23 p.m. for two other bills. - Councilmember Parker formally requested that the State Board’s resolution SR 26-8 be incorporated into the committee print. - Director Robinson made a specific legislative recommendation: strike the line requiring a written notation on the back of the credential to keep the butterfly as the sole indicator. - The committee will consider amendments, including extending the indicator to DC1 cards and student IDs, and ensuring MPD training on the symbol.

This was an additional meeting of the Committee of the Whole of the Council of the District of Columbia, held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 11:44 AM in Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building and broadcast on Cable Channel 13 and the council’s website. The purpose was to markup several measures for the regular legislative meeting later that day. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour 8 minutes, adjourning at 12:52 PM. Consent Calendar - Confirmations – Commission on Arts and Humanities (PR 26‑570, PR 26‑571, PR 26‑572): The council approved the reappointments of Janice Kim (Ward 3), Carla Sims (Ward 6), and Hector Torres (Ward 6) for terms ending June 30, 2029. All three resolutions were moved en bloc and passed unanimously. They were placed on the consent agenda for the legislative meeting. - Confirmations – Board of Zoning Adjustment (PR 26‑636, PR 26‑667): The council confirmed the appointments of Paul Goldstein (Ward 3, term through September 30, 2029) and Michelle Pourciau (Ward 4, term through September 30, 2028). Both passed unanimously and were placed on the consent agenda. - Revenue Bonds – Friendship Public Charter School Inc. (PR 26‑582): Authorized up to $90 million in tax‑exempt revenue bonds for refinancing and capital improvements across multiple school campuses, including potential acquisition of a Minnesota Avenue property. Passed unanimously and placed on consent. - Revenue Bonds – DC Preparatory Academy (PR 26‑660): Authorized up to $25 million for acquisition and renovation of a 42,000‑sq‑ft facility at 711 Edgewood Street NE (Ward 5). Passed unanimously and placed on consent. - Revenue Bonds – Food and Friends Inc. (PR 26‑670): Authorized up to $15 million for expansion of its headquarters at 219 Riggs Road NE (Ward 5). In 2025, Food and Friends served nearly one million meals to over 3,000 residents. Passed unanimously and placed on consent. - Revenue Bonds – Forest Hills of DC / Goodwin Living (PR 26‑704): Authorized up to $13.7 million to refinance debt and fund up to $3 million in facility improvements at 4901 Connecticut Avenue NW, serving 92 seniors. Passed unanimously and placed on consent. - Confirmation – Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (PR 26‑674): Reported from the Committee on Public Works and Operations, the council confirmed James Turner (former ANC commissioner in Ward 1). Placed on the consent agenda without objection. Discussion Items - Open Meetings Clarification Amendment Act of 2026 (Bill 26‑208): Introduced by all 13 members, the bill would exempt certain informal gatherings of council members (e.g., breakfasts, strategy sessions) from the Open Meetings Act, provided no official action is taken. It also makes permanent pandemic‑era virtual meeting provisions and exempts the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee. Chairman Mendelson argued the current law impedes needed confidential discussions, citing examples such as a closed briefing on Monumental Sports negotiations and a housing committee field trip. Several councilmembers expressed concerns about lack of transparency and potential for future abuse. Councilmember Allen proposed an amendment requiring post‑hoc notice of closed meetings, which was discussed but not yet finalized. After debate, the committee voted on the committee print: 5 yes (Mendelson, Bonds, Crawford, Felder, Pinto), 2 no (Allen, Lewis George), 6 present (Robert White, Trayon White, Fruman, Henderson, Nadeau, Parker). The report was also approved by the same tally. The measure was placed on the non‑consent agenda for first reading later that day. - Nomination – Board of Nursing (PR 26‑600): Councilmember Henderson presented the nomination of Brianna Jones (Ward 5, licensed nursing home administrator) for a term ending July 21, 2027. She noted the Board of Long‑Term Care Administration has been folded into the Board of Nursing. The chair stated the measure would not be placed on the agenda; no further action was taken. Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items were approved unanimously and placed on the consent agenda for the legislative meeting. - Bill 26‑208 (Open Meetings Clarification) was passed out of committee on a 5‑2‑6 vote and will receive first reading at the legislative meeting; an amendment for post‑hoc reporting is expected to be offered then. - The meeting adjourned at 12:52 PM to allow the regular legislative meeting to proceed.

Council Chairman Phil Mendelson held a press conference on Monday, June 1, 2026, ahead of the legislative meeting scheduled for June 2. He outlined the month's legislative agenda, discussed the status of the teen curfew emergency bill, and responded to questions about the budget, revenue estimates, and mayoral appointments. The Chairman expressed frustration with five council members blocking the curfew declaration and criticized the Chief Financial Officer's projections and liquidity concerns. Consent Calendar - Revenue bonds for four nonprofits: Friendship Public Charter School, DC Preparatory Academy, Food and Friends, and Methodist Home (doing business as Forest Hills) – described as non-controversial, no cost to the district. - Final reading on motor vehicle insurance modernization: Raises minimum insurance requirements for the first time since 1986, aligning with Virginia and other states. Discussion Items - Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) nominations: Two new members are expected to be confirmed, restoring a quorum after months without one. The Chairman noted the nominations were received April 21 and will be voted on June 2; the mayor must then appoint, likely adding another week. One nomination (Marquis Chapell) was withdrawn for unknown reasons. - Open Meetings Clarification: A first reading and markup will occur, moving the bill from emergency to permanent status. - Teen curfew emergency bill: No vote planned. Chairman explained that eight members support the permanent and emergency legislation, but five members refuse to vote for the two-thirds declaration needed for immediate enactment. He called the obstruction “inexcusable” and noted that the curfew is limited to special zones declared by the chief, applied to groups of eight or more, and has resulted in zero arrests in a year. - Budget and CFO dispute: Chairman addressed the CFO’s warning of a liquidity crisis by FY2028, calling it “alarmist.” He stated the city had $4.9 billion in cash as of September 30, 2025, including $2.2 billion in reserves and $1.7 billion set aside for future budgets. He accused the CFO of “hoarding cash” and said the CFO’s revenue estimates were over $800 million too low in FY2025. The Chairman plans to use $150 million in excess reserves to close budget gaps in education, public health, and core services without raising taxes. He also noted the CFO has not provided requested cash flow projections. - Tax increase proposals: Chairman discussed potential revenue raisers being floated by members, including a surcharge on income tax and a surcharge on passive income. He expressed concerns that the passive income proposal could harm rental markets and individual landlords. He does not currently support raising taxes, but said it remains an option if needed. - Tax Revision Commission: The commission expired after one year without issuing recommendations due to internal disagreements. The Chairman noted that some are “cherry-picking” revenue raisers while ignoring the accompanying tax reductions. - Foie gras ballot initiative: Chairman said he has not taken a position, but believes voters should be discerning before signing petitions. - Mayoral race: Chairman declined to endorse any candidate, stating he would not make an endorsement and that the council’s relationship with a new mayor will inevitably involve delays. Key Outcomes - No vote on teen curfew emergency – still lacks two-thirds majority; Chairman continues to pressure the five opposing members. - BZA nominations will proceed to a vote on June 2 – if confirmed, the board can resume meetings in June after months of inactivity. - Budget markup expected on June 7 (Monday before June 9 vote) – Chairman said the final report will be released 24 hours in advance, with many details still in flux. - Motor vehicle insurance modernization – final reading scheduled for June 2; expected to pass as part of consent calendar. - Revenue bonds for four nonprofits – approval expected June 2. - Open Meetings Clarification – markup and first reading on June 2; will move to permanent law.

This additional meeting of the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Phil Mendelson, considered the report and recommendations on the fiscal year 2027 budget and corresponding Budget Support Act (BSA) subtitles. The meeting is step one of two; final adoption is scheduled for June 9, 2026. The committee discussed education and non-education agency budgets, a subcommittee report on local business development, and identified priorities for the full committee markup ("big COW"). Discussion Items – Education - DCPS: Increased funding for 15 schools consistent with the Schools First in Budgeting Act ($2.3 million). Added $292,000 for the New Heights program and restored three coordinator positions for pregnant and parenting students. Added $414,000 for three connected school managers in central office and $276,000 for managers at Cardozo Educational Campus and Jefferson Middle School. Provided $250,000 in FY27 capital funding for a microcenters design study and $6 million in FY28 capital for construction of early childhood microcenters in empty classrooms. Established a DCPS educator evaluation performance working group ($900,000 in FY27, $200,000 in FY28). Reduced the DCPS security contract increase from 30% to 15%, saving approximately $4.5 million. - OSSE: Added $10 million one-time local funds in FY26 for the child care subsidy program to cover projected costs and eliminate the wait list. Restored $400,000 for the Live It Learn It experiential learning program. Increased educator wellness funding to $300,000 in FY27 (from $200,000 proposed). Funded math task force recommendations ($70,000 for materials/tools and $133,000 recurring for a math specialist). Added $435,000 recurring for course data collection to support credit transfers and digital backpack. Funded two additional literacy coaches and testing vouchers ($281,000 recurring). Increased Adult and Family Literacy funding by $500,000 to $3.87 million. Proposed a community schools task force to evaluate the grant program (replaces mayor's proposed elimination of $2.4 million). - UDC: Restored roughly two-thirds of the mayor's cut and added $250,000 for workforce development and early childhood education. - BSA Subtitles: Extended the truancy pilot for one additional year due to limited data. Restored $2.7 million for St. Coletta's. Struck the mayor's charter facilities subtitle to preserve the prior agreement (facilities allotment percentage pause until FY29). Restored $25,000 cut from the State Athletic Association. Added $38,000 to DGS for AV equipment repairs at the Barry Building (State Board of Education requirement). - Councilmember Parker expressed support for many items but questioned the impact working group, stating concern that eliminating impact grants could be problematic. Chairman Mendelson explained the working group aims to improve the evaluation system, which is widely seen as punitive. - Councilmember Lewis George highlighted concerns about DCPS capital cuts, especially DGS's elimination of $11 million in HVAC preventative maintenance, which led to closures at Cardozo and Banneker. She emphasized the need to close that gap and continue the truancy pilot with proper evaluation. She also flagged the need for immigrant teacher visa support; Chairman noted DCPS is not spending current funds on H1B processing. - Councilmember Henderson thanked the committee for sustaining advanced technical center investments and the public school experiential grant. She questioned the $900,000 cost of the impact working group and the timing given the chancellor transition. Chairman defended the approach, focusing on expertise rather than the chancellor. - Councilmember Nadeau supported child care subsidy and community schools funding but raised concerns about eliminating the alternative school breakfast program. Chairman explained the funding was for equipment and schools already have it. Also asked about adult charter issues; Chairman noted transportation subsidy is in another committee. - Councilmember Bonds asked about microcenters and supported UDC's workforce development focus on elevator repair and HVAC. - Councilmember Robert White praised investments in special education, community schools, and youth mentorship. Questioned how the truancy pilot will be evaluated; Chairman noted self-selection and phased rollout limit data. Asked about the impact working group cost and whether it could wait for new chancellor; Chairman said work can start immediately. Discussion Items – Non-Education - Department of Buildings: Funded two FTEs ($307,000 recurring) for vacant property registration. Accepted transfers for five additional FTEs: three for the Harmonious Living Amendment Act ($397,000), one for housing code violations ($171,000), and one for permit expediting ($171,000). Increased nuisance abatement contract by $750,000 one-time. Nondepartmental: $200,000 for DROP Act implementation. - OCFO: Chairman attempted to cut seven vacant positions (vacant since September 2023) saving $595,000 recurring and a parking contract ($737,000 recurring) but OBP denied the cuts. Chairman intends to move these cuts at the full committee. Several councilmembers (Bonds, Parker, Henderson, Allen) criticized OCFO for holding vacancies and parking while cutting critical programs. - Economic Development Subtitles: Retained downtown building conversion support, WMATA tax abatement, federal property tax exemption, and others. Struck workforce housing opportunity tax abatement, federal properties tax fund, industrial revenue bond, and certificate of occupancy fee reduction subtitles. Chairman noted money from struck subtitles is reserved for councilwide priorities. - Councilmember Henderson supported the WMATA tax abatement but opposed increasing the medical cannabis sales tax from 6% to 10.5%, arguing it harms small businesses already disadvantaged by federal restrictions. - Councilmember Allen praised the child care subsidy restoration and community schools funding but expressed deep concern about cuts to pay equity, out-of-school time grants, and Commission on Arts and Humanities. He supported the impact evaluation task force. Subcommittee on Local Business Development - Councilmember Felder (chair, present virtually) presented the subcommittee report: no budget adjustments to DSLBD. Accepted transfers: $25,000 (judiciary) for Upper 14th Street Clean Team; $50,000 (Human Services) for Connecticut Avenue NW Clean Team; $100,000 (Human Services) for Friendship Heights Alliance BID; $50,000 (Executive Administration and Labor) for Benning Road Main Street; $50,000 (Facilities) for Tacoma Main Street. No changes to Art All Night or Golden Triangle BID subtitles. Two new subtitles: redesignate Capital Riverfront BID as Navy Yard BID and prepare Southwest BID for disposition of federal buildings. Items for Full Committee ("Big COW") - Chairman listed priorities for the June 9 markup: approximately $39 million for the child care subsidy program in FY27; $60 million for pay equity to maintain status quo; shift facilities costs from DGS to DCPS to reduce sector funding disparity; shift lead testing funding for charter schools to DGS (currently zeroed out each year); strike public services hotel occupancy fee subtitles (since the 1% hotel occupancy tax increase is made permanent); reverse proposed elimination of medical leave under paid family leave; strike the medical cannabis tax subtitles (increase from 6% to 10.5% sales tax on medical cannabis); allocate approximately $1.4 million per year for mold inspections at the Department of Buildings; restore $2 million in FY27 and $6 million in FY28 for the Commission on Arts and Humanities capital grants. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to approve the committee report and print, with leave for staff to make technical, conforming, and editorial changes. The next step is a work session on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, to prepare for the full committee markup and first reading on June 9, 2026.

The Committee on Transportation and the Environment, chaired by Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6), met on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 1:11 PM in Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building and via Zoom to consider and vote on the committee's report and recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Chairperson Allen opened the meeting describing an "incredibly challenging financial environment" for the District, noting that with $11.3 billion in available resources and $12.4 billion required to maintain FY26 spending levels, the District faced an initial funding gap of $1.1 billion. The mayor's proposed FY27 budget makes nearly $469 million in programmatic reductions, including a $95 million cut to the Universal Paid Leave Program, a $60 million cut to early childhood educator pay equity, and significant cuts to environmental and sustainability programs. The committee voted unanimously to approve its recommendations, which include partial restorations to the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF), the DC Green Bank, stormwater management, and other environmental and transportation programs. Consent Calendar - The committee voted unanimously to approve the report and recommendations on the FY27 budget for agencies under its purview and the recommendations concerning the Budget Support Act. Discussion Items FY27 Budget Overview for Committee Agencies - The mayor's proposed FY27 operating budget for the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is $181.6 million, a 28.6% decrease ($72.6 million) from the FY26 approved budget of $254.2 million. Combined with FY26 cuts, DOEE's annual budget will have shrunk by $137 million (nearly 45%) over two fiscal years. - Key cuts include an $80.6 million diversion from the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF) to pay the District's energy costs, adding to last year's $70 million sweep for a total loss of $150.7 million in SETF funding. - The mayor's budget also misdirects $4.4 million in DOEE stormwater management funding to street sweeping and leaf collection at the Department of Public Works. - The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operating budget is $70.8 million, a 4% decrease. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) budget is $151.1 million, a $25.1 million (14.3%) decrease. - The FY27 Budget Support Act (BSA) proposes to extend the performance target deadline for the second cycle of the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), delay final net zero regulations for new construction by one year, and delay the deadline for government, transit, and large commercial fleets to cease buying gas-powered vehicles. Committee's Recommended Restorations and Enhancements - Chairperson Allen described the committee's recommended budget as centering on reducing energy costs and promoting sustainable redevelopment. - The committee adds $2 million in FY27 and $11.2 million across the financial plan to the SETF to support the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DC SEU). Chairperson Allen noted that every public dollar invested in the DC SEU yields a six-to-one return in energy cost savings for all ratepayers. - The committee identifies $1.5 million for the DC Green Bank to cover debt service on the District's first green bond. - The committee strikes the Net Zero Energy Code Amendment Act of 2026, which would have delayed net zero requirements for new construction by one year. - The committee adds $126,000 to DOEE for a new position to support condo and co-op buildings with solar installation and BEPS compliance. - The committee adjusts the stormwater fee for inflation (a $1.36 per month increase for the average resident, from the current $2.67) to generate an additional $6.6 million annually for stormwater management, addressing federal MS4 permit compliance and avoiding potential penalties of $25,000 per day. - The committee fully reverses the mayor's sweep of $600,000 from the Anacostia River Cleanup Fund, including full restoration of wildlife rehabilitation grant funding. - The committee fully funds the Tree Preservation Enhancement Amendment Act of 2026 and accepts a $200,000 transfer for a greenhouse gas emissions study. - The committee restores $250,000 for the Office of District Waterway Management and the Waterways Commission and identifies $132,000 for implementing the Youth Advisory Council on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation Establishment Act of 2025. RFK Campus and Transportation Investments - The mayor's proposed budget includes $320 million for transportation improvements around the RFK campus, with over $200 million across the CIP for roadways and bridges, and $27 million for a new fire station. - The committee approves $200 million in capital funding for roadway improvements, $18.2 million for bridge improvements, and $2 million for the bus priority project for a comprehensive east-west crosstown connection linking RFK to the Benning Road Metro station. - The committee approves $794 million to fully fund the District's portion of WMATA, including $6.3 million for bus service to fill gaps from the "Better Bus" redesign. - The committee adds $376,000 to increase the adult learner transit subsidy from $70 to $100 per month. - The committee provides $250,000 for e-bike rebates and $385,000 for expanding the DC Trail Ranger program. - Capital Bike Share funding is preserved; the program set a new ridership record in 2025 with nearly 6.7 million rides. - The committee allocates $600,000 in FY27 for grants under the Plaza Act (Public Life and Activity Zones Amendment) to support street closures for pedestrian plazas. - The committee approves an additional $9.5 million for the DMV's destiny replacement project and $1.6 million for a digital credentialing initiative. - The committee approves three subtitles extending EV tax benefits: extending the gas-powered-to-EV conversion tax credit and the alternative fuel tax credit from 2026 to 2035, and exempting EV infrastructure from personal property taxes. The committee also reduces the mayor's proposed five-year delay of the zero-emission vehicle requirement for public buses and large commercial fleets to three years, aligning with WMATA's electrification plan. Councilmember Statements - Councilmember Lewis George thanked Chairperson Allen for mitigating cuts to DOEE, noting that a 43% reduction over two years "points to something deeply troubling." She expressed concern about the SETF sweep, the need for lead pipe replacement, and support for the committee's restorations. She said she would vote yes. - Councilmember Parker thanked the committee for reversing "cynical cuts" to the SETF and DC Green Bank, citing rooftop solar at the Howard Theater and net-zero affordable housing on North Capitol Street. He highlighted funding for the Tree Preservation Act, the Youth Advisory Council, intersection improvements on South Dakota Avenue ($750,000), quick-build Vision Zero projects on Rhode Island Avenue ($750,000), and design for the Metropolitan Branch Trail connection ($430,000). He asked for confirmation on $6.3 million in WMATA bus service funding, which Chairperson Allen confirmed remains, noting that WMATA will reverse its board vote to strike the funds if the council keeps the funding in the budget. Parker also asked about the stormwater fee impact on apartment buildings; Chairperson Allen explained it is a $1.36 per month inflation adjustment based on impervious surface area. - Councilmember Henderson expressed joy at the report, highlighting the adult learner transit subsidy increase, reversal of the Anacostia River Cleanup Fund sweep, funding for Kingman and Heritage Islands, green bonds, Capital Bike Share, and the RESALE Act pre-funding. She raised concerns about DOEE's Lead Safe Division budget, which may not have funding to provide filters for child development centers if lead is found. She also flagged reports that DDOT is allegedly adding lanes to Pennsylvania Avenue SE for the Pennsylvania and Minnesota Avenues project, contrary to safety goals. Chairperson Allen noted he had heard from the ANC and that Councilmember Felder had already spoken with the DDOT director about the matter. - Councilmember Crawford commended the committee for RFK infrastructure investments ($200 million+), overnight metro bus service, the adult learner transit subsidy increase ($70 to $100 per month), the DC Trail Ranger program, and RESALE Act funding. She expressed concern about DOEE cuts, noting the cumulative impact on seniors and fixed-income residents. She asked if Chairperson Allen had received a letter from a business consortium opposing the net zero code delay and about their concerns of overlapping construction codes. Chairperson Allen confirmed he received the letter, expressed skepticism about the 2027 construction code timeline, and stated he does not believe the net zero requirements should be delayed, noting they have been predictable and expected. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to approve and block the report and recommendations on the FY27 budget for agencies under its purview and the recommendations concerning the Budget Support Act, with leave for staff to take technical, editorial, and conforming changes. - The committee's recommendations will now move to the full Council for consideration. - Chairperson Allen noted that further work remains on restoring SETF funds, continued engagement with WMATA on bus service, and addressing concerns about DOEE's lead filter funding and the Pennsylvania and Minnesota Avenue project design.

The Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, chaired by Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Ward 2), held a markup meeting on May 22, 2026, at 11:06 a.m. in Room 500 of the Johnny Wilson Building. The sole agenda item was the approval of the committee's Fiscal Year 2027 budget report and recommendations. The meeting included overview of the budget, discussion of Budget Support Act (BSA) subtitles, and a unanimous vote to approve the report and recommendations, with a subsequent revote to include Councilmember Anita Bonds. Discussion Items FY2027 Budget Recommendations Overview - Chair Pinto presented the committee's report, developed after months of hearings and public engagement, focusing on safety, justice, and sustainable peace amid fiscal constraints. The committee faced dramatic cuts in agencies under its purview, leaving tens of millions in gaps. - Key investments include: - $3.4 million over the financial plan to restore OAG personnel cuts. - $51 million for victim services grants at OVSJG; $20.1 million for justice grants supporting returning citizens. - $1 million in FY27 (and $1.2 million across the plan) for the Pathways program. - $1.8 million for domestic workers’ rights grants at OAG. - $4 million for Access to Justice. - $34.6 million for MPD and FIRE/EMS capital improvements. - $9.4 million for OUC hardware/software upgrades. - $30 million for the Department of Forensic Sciences (including $1 million for digital storage). - $3.2 million for the Office of Police Complaints; $1.2 million for the Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure. - $9.2 million for the Safe Passage Program in FY27 with additional funding to prevent sunset. - $2.6 million for TANF child support arrears pass-through. - $1.1 million for Safe Commercial Corridor grants; $1.8 million for Safe and Secure DC nonprofit grants. - $200,000 for extended DPR center hours in summer 2026. - The committee also urged the full council to restore $127 million for the Workforce Investment Fund, critical for public safety workforce pay increases. - Chair Pinto noted that despite these investments, major gaps remain: OAG needs $7 million in FY27 to restore 58 FTEs; Access to Justice has a $23.7 million gap; victim services, the Lead Up/Lead Out program, the Sentencing Commission, and violence interruption funding are underfunded. Budget Support Act (BSA) Subtitle Discussions - Limitations on Liability Against the District (Title I, Subtitle B): The committee strongly opposed the mayor's proposal to cap damages, calling it unfair and noting it was done without proper legislative process. However, lacking $22.5 million to strike it, the subtitle was retained in the report. The committee urged the full council to find funds to strike it. - Hotel Occupant Fee for OUC (Title III, Subtitle A): The committee disagreed with this policy but lacked funds ($6.7 million in FY27, $27 million across the plan) to strike it. The subtitle imposes an 80-cent per room per night tax to fund 911 systems. - Safe Passage Program Reporting Requirement: The committee recommended striking the mayor's subtitle that conditions reporting on available appropriations, as the committee restored some funding for FY28. - Senior Officer Eligibility Expansion: The committee recommended striking this subtitle, which would have allowed MPD to rehire officers with prior serious misconduct findings. All members supported this, citing integrity concerns. - MPD Training Academy College Credit Opportunity Amendment: The committee kept this subtitle, which allows recruits to enter the academy with no prior college credits and earn 60 credits through the academy. Chair Pinto and Councilmember Felder supported it as a recruitment tool; Councilmember Allen expressed reservations, preferring more debate. - Two New Committee Subtitles: - Enhanced funding for nonprofit security grants and safe commercial corridor grants, expanding eligible uses to youth safety activities. - Amendments to OAG’s litigation support and restitution funds to streamline recovery distributions to residents. Councilmember Comments - Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6): Praised the chair's work but expressed disappointment that the committee could not reverse more cuts. He highlighted drastic reductions in Access to Justice (86% cut), victim services, OAG paralegals, and firefighter pay. He questioned the pause on the private security camera rebate program and urged the administration to implement the law passed under Secure DC. He supported striking the liability cap subtitle and opposed the senior officer subtitle. He vowed to work on restoring ATJ, victim services, and OAG positions at the full council. - Councilmember Wendell Felder (Ward 7): Commended the chair for listening to his ideas, particularly on Pathways, safe passage, and the college credit change. He shared a personal story of a Pathways participant and emphasized the program's impact. He supported striking the senior officer expansion and the college credit change as a pathway for locals to become officers. - Councilmember Donnie Crawford (At-Large): Recognized the committee's efforts on DPR hours, safe commercial corridors, victim services, and OAG workers’ rights grants. He flagged remaining concerns about Pathways (risk of halving cohort size), Access to Justice, OAG cuts, violence interruption funding, and overtime pressures at MPD and DOC. He requested continued work at the full council. - Councilmember Anita Bonds (At-Large): Joined after initial vote, expressed full support for the report, highlighting domestic violence resources and youth investments. She moved to reconsider and recorded her vote. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved (by voice vote) the dais print of the FY2027 budget report and recommendations, including the BSA recommendations, with leave for staff to make technical corrections. - A subsequent motion to reconsider and revote was made to include Councilmember Bonds; the vote was again unanimous among all committee members present (Chair Pinto, Councilmembers Allen, Felder, Crawford, Bonds). - The committee formally urged the full council to: - Strike the liability cap subtitle by identifying $22.5 million. - Strike the hotel occupant fee subtitle by identifying $27 million across the financial plan. - Restore $127 million to the Workforce Investment Fund for public safety pay. - Close remaining funding gaps for OAG FTEs, Access to Justice, victim services, Pathways, OVSJG private camera program (potentially housed elsewhere), violence interruption, and other programs. - The committee also urged the full council to adopt a BSA subtitle (outside committee jurisdiction) protecting client confidentiality for domestic violence survivors in OVSJG grant agreements.

The Committee on Human Services, chaired by Councilmember Matt Freuman (Ward 3), met on May 21, 2026, to consider and vote on its recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2027 local budget. The committee oversees the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCFAME), and the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG). The mayor's proposed budget included $130 million in reductions from FY26, with the rationale that social services do not grow the economy. The committee's markup aimed to restore critical safety net programs, invest in economic development, and address gaps in homeless services, public benefits, libraries, and the creative economy. The committee also advanced several budget support act subtitles. Discussion Items - Homeless Services: The committee restored most reductions in homeless services, including $1.56 million for up to 90 new bridge housing beds at the Aston (using existing district-owned space) and preserved $25 million in capital and $3.4 million in operating funds for a future 100-bed bridge housing site using a PSH+ model of care. The committee also restored $1.5 million in transitional housing for youth, $500,000 in domestic violence services grants, and nearly $200,000 for the Interagency Council on Homelessness staff. Funding was restored for drop-in centers operated by Everyone Home and Sasha Bruce Youth Work, and $250,000 was directed to Friendship Place's AIM Hire program. - Public Benefits: The committee invested $3.75 million for the Public Benefit Security Act (stolen benefits restoration and microchip cards) and advanced the Child Support Improvement Act of 2026, which limits child support withholdings from TANF families. This act requires $162,500 in FY27 and $650,000 recurring transferred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety. The committee also expanded TANF eligibility to single people in their second trimester of pregnancy (funded by $120,960 recurring) and expanded supportive services for participants in the POWER program. - Libraries: The committee restored over $3 million in cuts to DC Public Library, including $1 million for the collection budget, $106,000 for the youth summer reading program, $143,000 for custodial services, $1.25 million in adult education services (via a federal grant), and $527,000 from the Committee on Transportation and the Environment to support the reopening of the Southeast Library. - Creative Economy: The committee preserved full funding for the Go-Go Fund and the Film Rebate Fund, and advanced subtitles requiring fair, transparent rules for Go-Go funding and clarifying amounts for film rebate applicants. A new position at OCFAME was funded to address errant cable wires. - Economic Development: The committee expanded the Office to Anything Tax Abatement program to include non-residential conversions and authorized tax exemptions for former federal properties. It directed $1 million in retail grants to Rhode Island Avenue NE, 12th and Monroe Streets NE, and Lower Georgia Avenue corridors; supported businesses impacted by construction on Pennsylvania Avenue; funded studies for Mount Vernon Triangle and 8th Street NE BIDs; directed $100,000 recurring to Friendship Heights retail activation and $50,000 recurring to the Connecticut Avenue Clean Team. The committee restored $1 million recurring to Nourish DC and $200,000 to the DC Community Anchor Partnership (DCAP). - Internet Gaming (iGaming): The committee introduced a subtitle establishing a fund for potential revenue from regulating iGaming, but did not pass permanent legislation. The intent is to protect residents already participating in an unregulated market (estimated $700 million wagered annually). If a permanent bill passes, the fund could receive $20.3 million in FY27 and $74.6 million over four years. - Transfers to Other Committees: $210,000 to sustain senior villages, $110,000 for a hotline attorney at Legal Counsel for the Elderly, $250,000 in FY27 (and $380,000 recurring) for the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund, and $511,000 for the Safe Passages program in Tenleytown starting FY28. - Truancy Reduction Pilot: The committee extended the pilot for one year and will evaluate its efficacy with a report covering two full school years. There was discussion about potentially expanding to cover all 9th and 10th graders in Wards 7 and 8. Key Outcomes - Vote: The committee unanimously approved (all in favor, none opposed) the FY2027 local budget act recommendations, the budget support act recommendations, the budget report, and the ledger of committee actions, with leave for staff to make technical changes. - Remaining Gaps: Chair Freuman noted two significant gaps: $26.9 million needed to maintain existing housing vouchers (including $22.5 million for rent) and $20.5 million to delay TANF changes that would end benefits for thousands of children. These gaps were not filled within the committee and are expected to be addressed by the full council. - Statements of Support: Councilmembers Parker, Henderson, Felder, White (Robert), and White (Trayon) all commended the committee's work in restoring critical programs despite deep cuts. Several expressed concerns about the need to further address TANF and housing voucher funding at the full council level.