The D.C. Council is reviewing Mayor Bowser’s $1.1B deficit budget, with hearings through May 12 and a first vote expected June 9. Advocates raise concerns on proposed cuts to child care subsidies and the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund.
Tag: D.C. Council
Posted inWashington D.C. News
U.S. Rep. Owolewa condemns federal overreach on D.C. traffic cameras
Washington, D.C.’s shadow representative, U.S. Rep. Oye Owolewa, called the U.S. Department of Transportation’s plan to ban traffic cameras a federal overreach. He said it threatens safety and undermines D.C.’s local authority.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ward 3 residents call for more affordable housing, raise alarm over upzoning plans
Ward 3 Housing Justice is pushing back against planned upzoning along Connecticut and Wisconsin avenues, saying new developments risk excluding low-income families despite promises of increased housing. The D.C. Office of Planning estimates the changes could add 10,000 new units, including 2,000 affordable under the Inclusionary Zoning Plus program, but community advocates say that doesn’t go far enough.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Kenyan McDuffie leaves D.C. Council after 13 years, says ‘the work is not finished’
Kenyan R. McDuffie resigned from the D.C. Council after 13 years of service, during which he championed policies that enhanced economic security, public safety, and affordable housing, and expressed interest in running for mayor in the future.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. reports decline in violent crime amid data disagreements
As 2025 ended, the District of Columbia saw a second consecutive year of significant declines in violent crime. While reported numbers show progress, federal and local officials remain at odds over the accuracy of the data and what it means for public safety.
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
D.C. law changes in 2026 impact workers, youth and healthcare
As 2026 begins, Washington, D.C. residents face new laws, including Medicaid eligibility changes, an extended youth curfew, inflation‑linked minimum wage increases and automatic expungements for certain misdemeanor cases, with some exceptions for violent offenses.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Smith gives impassioned farewell speech, challenges ‘haters’ as interim MPD chief steps upÂ
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Bowser announced Dec. 17 the appointment of Jeffery Carroll as interim police chief in the District. According to a news release from Bowser’s office, Carroll currently serves as Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) executive assistant chief of specialized operations, a position to which he was appointed by […]
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Pamela Smith announces resignation from D.C. police chief role
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith announced she will resign at the end of the year, closing a historic tenure marked by decades of service and unprecedented federal oversight of the District’s police force. In her statement she thanked city leaders and residents and said the department remains strong as it moves forward.
Posted inPolitics
D.C. Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George aims for mayoral seat as Bowser dashes hopes of fourth term
D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D- Ward 4) is now officially running a campaign to become the next mayor of Washington, D.C. She announced that she was seeking to represent Washingtonians as mayor in a video posted to social media on Dec. 1.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
New RENTAL Act amendment reduces tenant protectionsÂ
The D.C. Council recently refined the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act, clarifying Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) rules for small landlords. Councilmember Anita Bond’s (D-At Large) amendment allowing clear titles and exempting two- to four-unit homes from TOPA was approved amid debate over tenant protections.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Early educator pay fund faces cuts amid D.C. budget shortfall
Childcare advocates are warning that D.C.’s early learning system could face a major setback after the D.C. Council voted to reduce salary minimums for educators supported by the city’s Pay Equity Fund. Lawmakers said the change was necessary to sustain the program after Mayor Muriel Bowser declined to provide additional funding amid ongoing budget challenges
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Wellpoint DC President Adrian Jordan redefines healthcare through his own lived experience
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Growing up in Washington, D.C., Adrian Jordan knew what it meant to live without health insurance. Now, as president of WellPoint DC, he’s determined to make sure no child in the District feels that same gap in care.