Updates

March 11, 2020 | Update

Stay Informed on COVID-19

Stay Informed on COVID-19

On Monday morning I met with the Mayor to discuss the District’s public health response to COVID-19. It’s likely you’ve gotten news on COVID-19/Coronavirus from many places over the last few weeks, but I want to ensure that DC Residents can stay informed.

Please note: DC Public Schools will be closed on Monday, March 16th to train teachers on instructional contingency plans. 

Go to coronavirus.dc.gov to get the most-up-to-date information from the District on recent news, resources, and ways you can be proactive about your health.

You can also sign up for AlertDC or follow these sources to stay in the know.

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My Recent Work on the Council

Even as we approach the budget season, there’s been a lot of activity on the Council. Here’s a summary of what I’ve been up to for the past few weeks:

The Council Approves Emergency Measures on Guns and Public Safety

Last week, we passed two new emergency bills to help get guns off the street, which is an essential part of ending increased violence in our communities. (Read more)

Ensuring the Well-Being of Families and Children in Hotels and Shelters

On March 4, I sent a request letter to the Department of Human Services to ensure that the Council and the public are fully informed about the wellbeing of families staying in hotels and in our new Short Term Family Housing (STFH) facilities. (Read more)

Supporting UFCW400 and Safeway Workers

I stand with Safeway workers and UFCW400 in their negotiations with management. Grocery stores - and the workers that make them possible - are the foundation of our communities. I was pleased to learn that a tentative agreement has been reached. (Read more)

My New Bill to Protect Public Housing Tenants from Displacement

We have a responsibility to our most vulnerable residents not only to provide them with safe, dignified housing, but also to ensure that in doing so we are not displacing them. Legislation I recently introduced would ensure that the Housing Authority’s “Repositioning Plan” does not result in the displacement of residents. (Read more)

Moving forward the Eastern Downtown Cycletrack

While my measures to revive the cancelled safety project on 9th Street NW did not gain enough support on the Council last week, a majority of Council is committed to engaging

in a collaborative dialog with local faith leaders to chart a way forward in the face of challenging conversations. I remain committed to moving this life-saving project forward. (Read more)

Other Updates and Events

Brianne on Your Block

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I’ll be holding my regular community office hours next week in Columbia Heights. Come by to talk to me about what’s going on in your community or to get updates on the Council and District Government.

            Brianne on Your Block

            Monday, March 16

            6:30 - 8:00 PM

            Coffy Cafe, 3310 14th Street NW 

DPR Summer Camps Registration

Registration is now open for DPR camps, from urban gardening to combat sports and for many ages and abilities.

Summer Camp Registration Portal

 

Ready2Play Kickoff

The Department of Parks and Recreation is kicking off it’s new Master Plan, which will help guide the future of parks, fitness, recreation centers, and pools in our community. The first of several public engagement meetings is this Saturday.

Ready2Play, the 20-Year DPR Master Plan

Public Kickoff Meeting

Saturday, March 14

11:00 AM

Edgewood Recreation Center

 

Office of the Taxpayer Advocate

The DC Office of Tax and Revenue recently launched a new Office of the Taxpayer Advocate (OTA). The duties of the OTA will be to:

●      Educate taxpayers on their rights

●      Assist taxpayers in resolving complex tax matters

●      Identify area in which taxpayers have challenges working with OTR

●      Propose solutions, including administrative changes to OTR’s practices and processes

●      Recommend legislative action

●      Promote communication and outreach

●      Prepare an annual report to identify initiatives taken and recommendations

For more, visit taxpayeradvocate.dc.gov.