Dear Neighbor,

The District is facing a watershed moment with the future of our local economy, and we must be proactive to diversify our economy and workforce. The DOGE cuts and actions by the presidential administration demonstrate that we cannot be overly reliant on the federal government to provide the grounding of our economy or jobs. We have to support our other businesses here and bring new industries here to DC. I recently returned from a trade mission in London and Dublin that was focused on bringing new industries and new jobs here to DC and I want to share some important highlights with you.

I am thrilled to announce the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and the National College of Ireland (NCI) signed an agreement in the first ever international exchange opportunity for UDC students. This partnership opens transformative global avenues for collaboration, academic research, and job training for our students.

During this trip, I spoke with my counterparts about Dublin and London’s proactive approaches to attract the tech and entertainment industries through tax incentives and comprehensive jobs supports in emerging industries and returned home feeling inspired for DC’s economic future. All of our residents deserve economic opportunities to set them up for success and we must remain laser focused on increasing economic opportunities locally so more people can live, work, and play in the District.

Additionally, I want to thank the dozens of neighbors who attended my community listening session last week at Bard High School in Ward 8 that I held in partnership with Ward 8 DC State Board of Education Representative Dr. LaJoy Johnson-Law and the Bard PTO. We held this important community listening session to hear from residents about the impact of National Guard troops near our schools. We cannot have armed troops patrolling our school zones – it's leading to serious fear and intimidation in our communities.  I am again calling on the National Guard not to congregate or patrol in or around school zones.

During this community listening session, we came up with some additional solutions to explore including reviewing a State Board of Education resolution to help kids access REAL IDs, discussing WMATA training for Metro Transit Police and how coordination with National Guard troops is impacting kids who use Metro, improving communication between schools and with Safe Passage about National Guard presence to support student safety, and requesting changes in the locations where the Guard meet and get ready for their shifts. As a reminder, I am also holding a public hearing on November 5th where residents can testify and share experiences about the increased federal presence and National Guard troops in the District.

Finally, I want to address the unacceptable gun violence that took place over the weekend. No resident or visitor should ever face gun violence in our communities. Tragically, there were multiple shootings across the District over the weekend, including in Dupont Circle, the U Street Corridor, and Barracks Row. We must continue to prioritize getting illegal guns off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.  MPD will continue to investigate each of the incidents. Anyone with information is urged to call MPD at 202-727-9099 or text an anonymous tip to 50411.  

Yours in Service,

Brooke

Legislative Updates

SCOOTER SAFETY

Councilmember Pinto hears daily from pedestrians who do not feel safe with electronic scooters and bikes on our sidewalks and the current lack of regulation or enforcement. She recently sent a letter to the Department of Transportation as it reviews public feedback on proposed permitting rules for electric scooters and e-bikes in the District. She believes that everyone has a right to be safe on our sidewalks and our streets.  

Councilmember Pinto’s safety recommendations include limiting permit contracts to 2-year cycles, allowing public input in the permitting application process, enhancing public reporting on these contracts, exploring geofencing to assist with parking requirements, conducting more research on zones for e-bikes and scooters, improving technology for parking requirements, and identifying best sidewalk detection technology. You can read her full letter here.

REVENUE HEARING

On Friday, October 16th, the DC Council held a Committee of the Whole hearing and discussed several revenue proposals for the FY2028 budget. Councilmember Pinto believes we must fund important priorities including public safety, affordable housing, healthcare, education, and support for seniors – and we need to ensure we are funding these needs effectively by reviewing and preventing waste. She believes we must ensure that our tax policy promotes fairness, equity, and economic growth, and allows us to be economically competitive regionally, nationally, and internationally.  

In the Community

Councilmember Pinto and Team Pinto recently have met with residents, advocacy groups, and local partners across the District, including:

• Holding a community listening session at Bard High School in Ward 8 to hear from parents, students, and staff about experiences with National Guard troops near our schools

• Speaking at the Georgetown BID’s annual meeting to discuss our vision to ensure the neighborhood continues to lean into the unique access to the water, build a mix of retail, dining, and hospitality experiences, and is safe and smooth to get around for all modes of travel

• Presenting a proclamation honoring Susan Fisher Sterling with the National Museum of Women in the Arts to celebrate her retirement and recognize 37 years of service to the organization

• Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Greater Washington Partnership, which is dedicated to supporting long-term regional economic growth

• Joining the Georgetown Ministry Center event, “The Spirit of Georgetown,” to raise awareness for local programs serving unhoused residents in DC

• Meeting with the Capital Pride Alliance to discuss ways to continue to support our LGBTQ+ celebrations and events

In the News

LISTEN to WAMU: Councilmember Pinto joined Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood for the Politics Hour on Friday, October 16th to discuss her community listening session on National Guard troops, DC tax revenue proposals, and more local DC news.

Announcements

MITCHELL PARK FALL FUN DAY

Join Councilmember Pinto and her team for Fall Fun Day at Mitchell Park on Sunday, October 25th. You can sign up to join us here.

UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE

The District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) will open applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on October 20, 2026. LIHEAP assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs. Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular benefit. Visit DOEE's LIHEAP website for application and eligibility guideline information.

DC residents who enroll in the Solar for All Community Solar Program can save up to $500 a year on electricity bills. Community solar does not require you to install solar panels on your roof. Participants receive solar credits directly on their Pepco bill, making this option accessible to renters, residents of multifamily buildings, and homeowners. Applicants must live in the District, pay a Pepco bill, and meet the income guidelines. Community solar applications can be completed online.

DOEE and Catalyst Mobility are now accepting applications for the Multifamily EV Charging Assistance Program. It offers free technical assistance and rebates covering up to 80% of project costs, including planning, equipment, installation, and maintenance for certain charging stations located near multifamily properties. Project selection is expected by December 2026.

Eligible DC fleet operators can receive up to 45% off the cost of a new zero-emission vehicle purchase, plus additional funding for certain older diesel vehicles. Funding for DC DRIVE is limited.

SNOW SHOVELING

With fall underway, it’s time for preparations ahead of winter. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for enforcing the Winter Sidewalk Safety Act (WSSA), which requires District residents to remove snow and ice from the paved sidewalks, curb ramps, and curb cuts abutting their property after a snowstorm. Qualified residents who are disabled and/or 65 or older may receive an exemption from enforcement with an approved application.

The Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program (SSEP) exempts qualified residents from DPW enforcement for not removing snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after a winter storm. Applications may be submitted year round. Once approved, the exemption is valid for two consecutive snow seasons, and residents must reapply every other year to maintain their exemption. Click here to apply.

People interested in volunteering to help shovel sidewalks for residents can sign up by clicking here.