Dear Neighbor,
The history of our great city has shown that the residents of Washington DC are resilient and can thrive in the face of adversity. We recognize many federal workers and communities across DC are now facing uncertainty about their futures. I am working every day across our government to ensure we are doing all we can to support District residents. Federal employees are not only a critical part of our workforce in the District, but also around the country. These public servants do critically important work from ensuring our national security, to protecting public health, to keeping our aviation space safe and so much more. I thank all of our civil servants for your commitment and sacrifices you have made for the betterment of our country.
I also recognize there is much anxiety about the future of our city and our autonomy. I am so proud of the hard work we have done together as a community to recover and rebuild after the pandemic in a way that is safer, more prosperous, and with more opportunity for all. And, our collective efforts have been successful. Our focus on public safety has led to major improvements across the District. Violent crime reached a 30-year low last year. Our schools are part of the fastest improving urban school district in the country. And we have made major strides in ameliorating homelessness. But, the work must continue to improve outcomes further: to ensure every resident and visitor is safe, to help move folks into stable, indoor housing, and to invest in the next generation of Washingtonians. The promise of our city is bright; but, we cannot take our foot off the gas.
On Friday, there was a power outage caused by a fire incident underground that affected the West End and Dupont Circle neighborhoods, leaving hundreds without power and heat over a very cold weekend. My team and I were in constant touch with residents and stakeholders throughout the weekend to help residents, visitors, and businesses who needed support. All power was restored Sunday morning. I want to send my sincere apologies to all residents and businesses impacted by this incident throughout the weekend and thank Pepco for working around the clock to get folks reconnected.
Yours in Service,
Brooke
Performance Oversight
The Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety has been holding performance oversight hearings for District agencies under its purview. The Committee conducts oversight of agencies that affect criminal law and procedure, juvenile justice, police protection, correctional institutions, fire prevention, emergency medical services, homeland security, criminal justice, and public safety.
The Committee’s next performance oversight hearing is on Tuesday, February 25, which will include the Office of Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG), the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE), and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA). You can sign up to testify or submit testimony here. Please reach out to my team at judiciary@dccouncil.govif you have any questions or concerns you would like to share.
Witnesses who anticipate needing language interpretation, or requiring sign language interpretation, are asked to inform the Committee of the need as soon as possible but no later than five business days before a hearing during registration or by contacting Aukima Benjamin, Committee Manager to the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, at (202) 724-8058 or via e-mail at judiciary@dccouncil.gov.
Over the last two weeks, Councilmember Pinto and Team Pinto have met with residents, advocacy groups, and District officials in Ward 2 and across the District, including:
- Meeting with the Trust for the National Mall to discuss how the National Mall will play center stage for next year’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
- Meeting with the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens to discuss our shared goals of supporting formerly incarcerated people and help them become productive members of society.
- Meeting with Greater Washington Partnership to discuss our ongoing economic revitalization in the District.
- Celebration to honor the Go-Go Museum and Cafe grand opening in Anacostia. DC is proud to be the birthplace of Go-Go music!
- Celebration to recognize the 50th anniversary of Duke Ellington School of Arts. We are thankful for five decades of artistic excellence.
- Attended grand opening of Inspir Embassy Row, a new luxury senior living center in the former Fairfax Hotel on Massachusetts Avenue.
- Attended ANC meetings for 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2G to report to neighborhoods about what we are working on and hear from the community.
Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice has announced the availability of $500,000 in grant funds for the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund which Councilmember Pinto established and funded in the budget. This program is designed the enhance the security and safety and the physical sites of nonprofit organizations located in DC. You can find out more on how to apply by clicking here.
Black History Month:
As we are in the final days of Black History Month, I want to highlight the many ways to celebrate throughout DC by visiting our many historic sites including these in Ward 2 among others:
- National Museum of African American History and Culture: 1400 Constitution Ave NW
- Mary McLeod Bethune Council National Historic Site: 1318 Vermont Ave NW
- Mt. Zion Female Union Band Historic Memorial Park: 2501 Mill Road NW
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library: 901 G Street NW
LISTEN TO THE POLITICS HOUR ON WAMU 88.5: “D.C. leaders on President Trump’s threat to take over the District”
“Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember and chair of the city’s judiciary and public safety committee, Brooke Pinto, joined the show to give us her thoughts and shared a similar sentiment as Mayor Bowser. “When President Trump talks about how we shouldn’t have homelessness in the nation’s capital, he’s right. Of course, we should be doing more,” Pinto said. She pointed to the city’s ongoing work addressing the issue, including a new transitional housing facility in the West End with dormitory-style units. Plus, Pinto talked about her bill restricting cellphone use in schools and why she thinks a new football stadium should be built on the old RFK Stadium site.”
WATCH FOX5 ON THE HILL: “DC Home Rule Under Attack”
“Tom Fitzgerald sits down with Ward 2 DC Councilmember Brooke Pinto to discuss crime in the city, DC home rule and President Donald Trump's plans for DC.”
READ THE DC LINE: “Brooke Pinto and Allister Chang: Keep cellphones out of the classroom”
“Government has a fundamental responsibility to provide an excellent education to the next generation. To meet the moment, we must get cellphones out of the classroom and empower our students to learn and our teachers to teach without cellphone distractions.”
READ THE HOYA: “Proposed City Council Bill to Prohibit Cell Phone Use During School Hours”
“Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto (LAW ’17) proposed the “Heads Up! Distraction-Free Learning Amendment Act of 2025,” which would compel D.C. public schools to adopt a policy prohibiting students from using any personal wireless communication device during school hours, including cell phones, smartwatches and gaming devices. Students would still be permitted to bring devices to school.”
WATCH ABC7: “After RFK Stadium site transfer made official, city leaders discuss what to do with land”
“Councilmember Brooke Pinto added while noting the opportunities the city has missed out on with recent concert tours by Taylor Swift and Beyonce: "It's not just about football, though I think that will be fantastic about the District. It could be concerts. It could be play spaces for kids."