It didn't take long for the new presidential administration to start attacking life in DC. While not entirely unexpected, it has certainly been an unwelcome turn of events to start 2025. Nonetheless, we will endure and prevail.
Whatever happens with the ongoing federal government crisis, day to day life in DC and Adams Morgan will continue moving ahead. And there are encouraging developments in process, like much-needed safety changes being planned for the Taft Bridge on Connecticut Ave NW.
There are a lot of residents currently facing serious risk because of all that is going on. I'm particularly hoping to make sure migrants—regardless of migratory status—are able to be as safe and secure as everyone else in DC. If you or someone you know is looking for support as an at-risk migrant, have them contact me and I'll do my best to help. I speak Spanish and Portuguese, if language access is a concern.
Let's review January 2025, look toward February 2025, meet our organization + business in focus, and see this month's video briefing.
WHAT WE DID
Elected (7-0) new ANC 1C officers for 2025
I'm happy to share I was re-elected as chairperson
Supported (7-0) a safe use treatment facility endorsement for Wash Hydro
The new type of facility use will allow cannabis users a controlled, legal place to use moderate amounts of cannabis in order to disincentivize use in public spaces
Supported (7-0) a resolution calling on the implementation and funding of Initiative 83
This initiative, supported overwhelmingly by DC voters, would implement ranked choice voting and semi-open primary elections in DC
Attended informational overview and update on Taft Bridge railing improvement project
Construction is tentatively scheduled to take place from summer 2025–summer 2026
Signed petition in support of workers at several DC restaurants organizing to form a labor union
Signed petition opposing potential purchase of Line Hotel by Elon Musk
Asked CM Phil Mendelson on the WAMU Politics Hour if he is willing to stand up for DC residents in the face of threats from the Trump administration
Listen to my question and CM Mendelson's response beginning around 20:27
WHAT'S UP NEXT
February 5: ANC 1C general meeting (agenda here, link to attend here)
February 9: the Mount Pleasant public library will hold an event for the community before closing for several months for renovations
Various dates: DC Council is holding their annual performance oversight hearings for DC agencies
Send me any feedback—good or bad!—about specific agencies you may have from this past year
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
Organization in focus: Food Justice DMV
When they began: 2020
What they do: give food and household supplies to in-need migrants in the metro DC area
How you can help: volunteer to make deliveries or help with on-site distribution
Business in focus: Tattoo Paradise
Industry: Health and Beauty Care
Address: 2444 18th St NW
In Adams Morgan since: 2003
A pillar of 18th Street with a long list of artists, they provide tattoo and piercing services
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 February's video update! Always about 1 minute long; this month's topic is helping neighbors
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