New Mess, Same Resilience

It's no secret that DC is disproportionately affected when the federal government is mismanaged. That's especially obvious now that a federal government shutdown has forced many residents in Adams Morgan and elsewhere into further confusion. This has been harmful to local morale but also to DC's economic well-being. 



Residents and small business owners continue to reach out to me expressing worry, fear, and fatigue due to the Trump administration's relentless sabotage on life in DC. Those concerns remain extremely important, but it's also essential to acknowledge the positive things happening in our community. That includes many cultural events like the recent Fiesta DC celebration, Adams Morgan's next PorchFest, and numerous programs organized by DC's robust network of non-profit organizations (many of which I regularly highlight in this monthly email update). 



Whether through volunteering your time to a noble cause, or simply enjoying the work of DC's incredible artists, one way to support the fight for DC's future is to preserve what makes our city a great place to live in.

I joined other ANC commissioners and residents marching down 16th Street NW to protest the ongoing federal attack on DC's autonomy

Now let's review September 2025, look ahead at October 2025, meet our organization + business in focus, and see this month's video briefing.

WHAT WE DID

• Passed (6-0) resolution condemning federal intervention in DC

• Passed (6-0) resolution opposing specific amendments to the RENTAL Act weakening tenants' rights

  • Sadly, these amendments were not removed and the bill was signed into law

• Supported (6-0) proposed changes to liquor licenses for Queens Cafe, Wingos, and Shanklin Hall

  • Most of these proposed changes are subtle and aimed to improve revenue by adjusting the license's category on record (Queens Cafe), reviving a dormant license in order to begin commercial operations (Wingos), or increasing client capacity through a newly renovated upstairs space (Shanklin Hall)

• Supported (6-0) new restaurant liquor license application for Karma Hookah Bar

• Supported (6-0) request for Wash Hydro to move operations from basement unit to upstairs unit at 2318 18th St NW

• Approved streatery application for The Bottle Shop

  • This type of request is handled through the TOPS platform by the individual commissioner representing the relevant Single Member District

• Spoke with WTOP regarding DC National Guard offer to help with "neighborhood beautification"

  • This interview was also cited in the Daily Beast

• Signed letter with ANC commissioners across DC declining National Guard offer to collaborate with ANCs for neighborhood garbage collection efforts

WHAT'S UP NEXT

• October 8: ANC 1C general meeting (agenda here, link to attend here)

• October 9: Hola Cultura will host a site visit and panel discussion on Latino murals in Adams Morgan and DC

• October 18: Adams Morgan Apple Festival will be held near Unity Park

• November 1: Fall PorchFest returns to Adams Morgan

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

Organization in focus: Peer Forward

When they began: 1996

What they do: Originally in Adams Morgan operating as College Summit, they help high school and college students living in low-income communities advance academically

How you can help: become a volunteer or program supporter

Business in focus: La Grotta

Industry: Food & beverage

Address: 2309 18th St NW

In Adams Morgan since: 2024

Technically a few feet outside of ANC 1C03 in 1C07, residents recommend trying their pizza for takeout or dining in

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 October's video update! Always about 1 minute long; this month's topic is small businesses