Council

“Councilmember Matthew Frumin introduced the “Pied-à-Terre Property Tax Amendment Act of 2026,” to address a reality that certain owners of luxury second homes strategically avoid paying DC income taxes.”

By Prince Of Petworth

photo by Clif Burns

From the office of Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin:

“Councilmember Frumin Introduces Legislation to Address Income Tax Avoidance Strategy and Raise Over $130 Million for District Services

On September 16, 2026, Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin introduced the “Pied-à-Terre Property Tax Amendment Act of 2026,” to address a reality that certain owners of luxury second homes strategically avoid paying DC income taxes.

“Across the District, there are homeowners who are careful to live here for one day less than the 183-day statutory residency test and instead establish residency in a low- or no-tax state,” said Councilmember Frumin. “These wealthy owners benefit from District infrastructure, services, and amenities for nearly half the year, but pay zero income tax to DC. This tax avoidance strategy shifts the financial burden onto resident taxpayers. This bill ensures that those who use DC as a part-time residence pay their fair share.”

The bill establishes a new Class 1C property tax category that applies to select non-owner-occupied residential properties that carry an assessed value of $2.558 million or greater and for which the owner does not claim the District’s homestead deduction.

Key Features of the Bill: (more…)

And Concluding Our Rat Coverage, God Help Us, with “Councilmember Henderson Introduces Legislation to Increase Rodent Abatement Efforts”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the office of Councilmember Henderson:

“On Monday, June 22, Councilmember Henderson introduced the Rodent Education and Management Yields Results (REMY) Amendment Act of 2026. The bill targets eliminating food sources for rodents while protecting residents from health risks associated with untrained application of rodenticides. (more…)

“Council Gives Initial Approval for Councilmember Allen’s Bill Banning Large Buildings from Charging Predatory ‘Common Area Utility’ Fees”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the office of DC Councilmember Charles Allen, Ward 6:

“The DC Council voted unanimously to initially approve Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen’s Fair Housing Practices Amendment Act of 2026, which bans property owners and managers of multifamily buildings from separately charging tenants additional monthly fees for the utility costs associated with the building’s common areas and vacant units. In recent years, these fees have varied greatly from month to month and been more frequently used to tack on hundreds of dollars in additional costs beyond the rent amount in a lease agreement. (more…)

Cool Event Alert for DC History Buffs – “Council to Convene Historic Panel with Early Councilmembers to Discuss Tumultuous Eight Years When the District Had Three Different Forms of Government”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the DC Council:

“In commemoration of the District’s 51st year of Home Rule government, the DC Council will convene a panel discussion of key figures from the critical eight years (1967-1975) when our local government transitioned twice between three entirely different forms of government. We are lucky enough to hear about our history from the people who made history through their work.

Questions to reflect on: What is it like to create a new form of government from scratch? How do you run a government in its infancy? How do you shut down a defunct form of government? And what lessons from those early days carry through to the unique challenges we are facing today?

Who: Open to the public, all are invited to attend

When: Thursday, March 26 at 5:30PM

Where: Council Chambers, 5th Floor, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Panelists (more…)

“Legislation to Install Rodent-Resistant Trash Containers Through Capital Projects”

By Prince Of Petworth

Either we release WAY MORE hawks or…

From the office of Councilmember Christina Henderson:

“Yesterday, Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced the Public Trash and Recycling Container Budgeting Act of 2026. This bill would require proactive budgeting for replacing public trash and recycling containers around the District by including the cost of modernizing trash containers in future capital projects.

“We need a different strategy when it comes to waste collection in our public spaces. Between overflowing containers due to infrequent collection and the current design of our containers – which does nothing to deter rodents or illegal dumping – our public waste problem is quickly becoming a public health problem,” stated Councilmember Henderson.

Currently, the District’s standard container is called a Victor Stanley SD 42 which does not have a lid or rodent resistant liner. (more…)

“The bill would enhance resources for the District’s emergency response telecommunications system”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Lorie Shaull

From the office of Councilmember Christina Henderson:

“Councilmember Henderson introduced the E911 Modernization Amendment Act of 2025. The bill would enhance resources for the District’s emergency response telecommunications system, with the goal of creating a safer and more responsive public safety system.

“Each year, the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) handles hundreds of thousands of emergency and non-emergency calls which are supported through the District’s Emergency and Non-Emergency Number Telephone Calling Systems Fund,” said Councilmember Henderson. “While this fund has provided a critical foundation for OUC, across the country jurisdictions are transitioning to Next Generation 911 (NG911), which enables voice, text, photos, video, and precise geolocation. These capabilities are essential for ensuring residents can reach emergency services using communication methods they rely on every day and require our 911 services to evolve to match the pace of the nation.”

The proposed legislation would modernize 911 and 311 telecommunication systems, helping the District remain a leader in emergency response technology and service delivery by ensuring critical upgrades that require dedicated funding are met.

Specifically, the E911 Modernization Amendment Act of 2025 would: (more…)

“Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau Announces she will not run for a Fourth Term”

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Ward 1 and the District for the past 11 years as Councilmember, and before that as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. Together, in the most vibrant and diverse Ward in DC, we have built affordable housing, ended homelessness for thousands of residents, expanded childcare, improved our schools, built new parks, supported our youth and seniors, fought for our immigrant neighbors, addressed public safety comprehensively, and made investments in every neighborhood in Ward 1. And while there is still so much more to do, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.

I have made the very difficult decision not to seek a fourth term as Councilmember. I have always believed that these positions should not be lifetime appointments. That those in leadership should cultivate others to carry on the work. It’s not easy to step away, especially at such a difficult time for our community and our country. But I do believe that it is the right time for me, for my family, and for Ward 1.

This will be the first time in 43 years that Ward 1 has had an open seat, (more…)

“Councilmember Charles Allen Announces New Legislation to Stop Credit Card Companies and Banks from Profiting Off Sales Tax and Gratuities”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by kristenstake

From a press release:

“Councilmember Charles Allen joined Shawn Townsend, President and CEO of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, to announce the Fair Swipe Act – a bill that would prohibit banks and large credit card companies from including sales tax and gratuities when collecting swipe fees. (more…)

“ATTORNEY GENERAL SCHWALB SUES THREE MARYLAND DRIVERS FOR FAILING TO PAY DC OVER $90,000 IN FINES FOR DANGEROUS DRIVING VIOLATIONS”

By Prince Of Petworth

HELL YES THIS IS AN ALL CAPITAL HEADLINE – FINALLY!!

From the office of the DC Attorney General:

“Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced the first lawsuits filed by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) under new authority granted by the DC Council to bring civil enforcement actions against dangerous drivers with large numbers of unpaid tickets for speeding, reckless driving, and other traffic violations. Under the Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility (STEER) Act, OAG can hold these drivers accountable for their repeated illegal conduct by securing monetary judgments against them wherever they live, meaning that OAG can sue dangerous drivers who flout District traffic laws even when they live outside the District.

OAG filed today’s lawsuits against:
Andre E. Bowman, who owes the District $36,986 for 135 traffic infractions, including 94 for speeding.
Earl D. Curtis, who owes the District $27,882 for 115 traffic infractions, including 52 for speeding.
Leon L. Carter, who owes the District $30,666 for 84 traffic infractions, including 80 for speeding.

(more…)

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