DC Government

“Mayor Bowser Unveils Transformational Growth Agenda” including “restoring DC’s previous tipped minimum wage law”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled her economic growth agenda that will be included in her Fiscal Year 2026 budget. With the city facing economic uncertainty caused by a shrinking federal presence, including the possible loss of 40,000 jobs, the Mayor’s budget invests in a bold, proactive growth agenda to attract new businesses, create new jobs, generate new tax revenue, and quickly grow the local economy.

“I want Washingtonians to know that this growth agenda is about our future. In FY26, we’re not standing still; we’re being bold and making catalytic investments that will bring new jobs and new revenue into DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “We know that our economy is shifting, and we know the challenges we are facing. Thousands of Washingtonians have already been impacted by those challenges. This is a budget that recognizes that we can’t just sit on our hands and hope something changes – we’ve got to make change happen.”

Investing in Downtown (more…)

“the 6-year anniversary of the work order to fix the torn net approaches”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

As the 6-year anniversary of the work order to fix the torn net approaches, DPR has continued to refuse to address this dangerous situation. I am attaching DGS Oversight Hearing Testimony (PDF) I submitted at a February oversight hearing. Having received no response to my questions, last week I contacted the Office of Risk Management. Less than 24 hours later, the Tort Liability Program Administrator and Assistant Deputy General Counsel in the Office of Risk Management responded (this is a direct quote with names omitted):

“I learned about this issue late in the day yesterday…[names omitted]…We all agree this is a safety issue that must be repaired.”

Unfortunately, (more…)

About all the police/media outside Orbit DC on 18th Street, NW yesterday

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I saw at least half a dozen cops, including one undercover and some in bulletproof vests make a huge scene out of shutting down Orbit DC and Hip Hop Museum on 18th street today for marijuana licensing. There were maybe 8-10 vehicles, camera crews and the Commissioner of ABCA ready to give an interview right away. The entire effort seemed like a press opp.

The lovely woman who works there is a neighborhood gem and was handcuffed and taken away. I’d love to know if anyone is aware of the charges against her and if there are any efforts to support legal fees for her. I believe she’s a documented immigrant and know she has made the neighborhood safer for everyone by sitting outside, giving out dog treats, and even being a witness for a bike accident.”

From ABCA:

“Today, April 24, 2025, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and Metropolitan Police department closed and padlocked Orbit DC located at 1919-1921 18th Street NW marking the District Government’s 50th illegal cannabis shop closure in DC.

Illegal shop closures have taken place across the city with 17 in Ward 1, 10 in Wards 2 and 6, seven in Ward 4, three in Ward 5, and one in Wards 3, 7 and 8 each respectively. (more…)

“The Restricting Egregious Scalping Against Live Entertainment (RESALE) Amendment Act of 2025 proposes capping the amount a ticket can be sold for on the secondary market at face value plus up to 10%.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the office of Councilmember Charles Allen:

“DC Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6), backed by a coalition of local venues, artists, and national independent music organizations announced legislation targeting scalpers and secondary ticketing platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, Ticket Center and SeatGeek by putting in place a price cap on resold tickets, banning speculative ticket sales, and requiring individuals and businesses selling more than 50 tickets a year to register with the District.

Joining the announcement were I.M.P. and 30 local venues and music industry organizations, including the National Independent Venues Association (NIVA), local musical artist CJ Johnson of Oh He Dead, and the Office of the DC Attorney General. The event took place inside The Anthem, one of DC’s premier live music destinations, and included representatives from many of DC’s music venues. (more…)

“Councilmember Allen on Council’s Changes to Open Meetings Act on an Emergency and Temporary Basis”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Emma K Alexandra

From the office of Councilmember Charles Allen:

“The DC Council passed an emergency bill making substantial changes to how the District’s Open Meetings Act (OMA) applies to the Council, significantly limiting applicability of the OMA to only legislative meetings and committee markups. Under the Council Rules, an emergency bill requires a 2/3 vote of the Members to pass and remains in effect for 90 days. Notably, it is not subject to a public hearing.

The debate largely centered on whether the Council should take a broad or narrow approach to amending the Open Meetings Act, which facilitates public access to government meetings Councilmember Allen moved an amendment creating new, limited situations in which the Council could close its otherwise open meetings to discuss sensitive matters, rather than taking the approach of the introduced version of the emergency bill of almost entirely exempting the legislative branch from the OMA. The amendment failed 4-8. The underlying emergency bill then passed 10-2, with Councilmembers Allen and Lewis George opposing.

Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) delivered the following remarks in favor of his amendment during today’s Legislative Meeting: (more…)

“Raise your voice and help shape DC’s future.” by taking the DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan Survey

By Prince Of Petworth

From the DC Office of Planning:

“The DC Office of Planning wants to hear from you! What do you love about the city today? What’s your vision for the District, 25 years from now? What issues should our long-term planning prioritize? Go to DC2050.com and take the vision survey for DC’s next comprehensive plan. Raise your voice and help shape DC’s future.”

Mayor, Councilmembers, EHN Comment on “Senate Passage of Bill to Allow D.C. to Spend Its Fiscal Year 2025 Local Funds”, House comes back after March 24

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Rich Renomeron

From Mayor Muriel Bowser:

“We thank Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins as well as Vice Chair Patty Murray, Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Senator Tim Kaine, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Senator Mark Warner for advancing a measure to restore DC’s Fiscal Year 2025 approved budget. Senate approval today is a major first step as we continue working with the House of Representatives on final passage to ensure critical services provided in the Nation’s Capital, including our police officers, firefighters, teachers, medical services and hospital network, aren’t haphazardly cut in the middle of the fiscal year. DC is proud of our strong financial management, balanced budgets, and strong bond ratings. Thank you to DC residents and schoolchildren, businesses, and our neighbors and friends for highlighting the certain consequences of blocking our local and approved spending. As we work toward final passage, we will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with the DC Council, Chief Financial Officer, and Attorney General to meet our obligations, provide services, and invest in our growth.”

From Council Chairman Mendelson: (more…)

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