In Defense of Dignified Neighborhoods

As congress has returned to performing their basic, taxpayer-funded duties, DC and Adams Morgan have been full of activity. Throughout everything going on, two main areas have stuck out to me this past month: public safety and local businesses. The former came to light as MPD officers have revealed (in Adams Morgan and elsewhere in DC) that ICE personnel are among the federal agents riding with MPD officers as they patrol in their official vehicles. Considering the strong Latino population in and near Adams Morgan, as well as how DC more broadly is a proudly international city, this collaboration reduces public safety for many Washingtonians.



The latter topic—streateries—has gained much attention lately. That's because DDOT has created new rules dictating how streateries can and cannot operate. In return, many business owners and elected officials (including me) have voiced warning that these new rules would effectively push most streateries out of existence. Multiple councilmembers proposed emergency legislation to temporarily delay these rules from being implemented, allowing time to modify them to support—rather than penalize—small businesses that want streateries. It is unclear what will come next as many businesses have already begun taking down their streatery infrastructure.

Dozens of volunteers and I prepared the Mariposa Garden in Kalorama Park for winter, followed by a small potluck gathering next to the flowerbeds.

Now let's review November 2025, glance toward December 2025, meet our organization + business in focus, and see this month's video briefing.

WHAT WE DID

• Approved (7-0) testimony for roundtable on streateries

  • In addition to this commission-approved testimony given ANC 1C05's Commissioner Olesen, I testified on behalf of ANC 1C03

  • I also spoke with NBC4 Washington on the future of streateries in DC

• Heard presentation from Adams Morgan Community Alliance on plans for Adams Morgan Day 2026

  • They have started planning early in hopes of getting mayoral approval to close 18th St NW to car traffic during the event

• Helped prepare the Mariposa Garden in Kalorama Park for colder winter weather

  • Some of my comments were included in a piece at The Wash on the garden's value for Adams Morgan residents

• Asked Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie on the Politics Hour what he will to to prevent streateries from being priced out of existence in DC (starts around 40:20)

WHAT'S UP NEXT

• December 2: DDOT will host a Ward 1 Strategic Bikeways Plan public workshop

• December 3: ANC 1C general meeting (agenda here, link to attend here)

• December 11: DPR will hold a construction update for Ward 1 & 2

  • These virtual meetings occur regularly across the city

• Ongoing: initial construction has begun on pedestrian railing improvements to the Taft Bridge

  • Final construction is expected to be completed by November 2026

  • Thank you to everyone who helped me advocate for these important safety changes over the past few years; the lives lost on that bridge will be remembered

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

Organization in focus: Safe Shores

When they began: 1995

What they do: provide support, advocacy, and services for children and families affected by physical and sexual abuse

How you can help: volunteer, donate, and sign up for one of their upcoming trainings

Business in focus: Garlic Girl Vintage

Industry: Furniture & home furnishings

Address: 1830 Columbia Rd NW

In Adams Morgan since: 2025

Brand new to Adams Morgan, they are located in the space formerly home to Miss Pixie's and 1830

If you would like to nominate an Adams Morgan business or DC organization (including your own!) to be featured in a future month's update, message me here

See a reference or abbreviation you don't understand? Look it up in my ANC key term index

Don't miss December's video update! Always about 1 minute long; this month's topic is scams