Dear Neighbor,
So much is going on in our city. I want to give you three primary updates:
- Public Safety: I know public safety continues to be a top concern for many neighbors. Recent shootings in Ward 2 and violence across the city is serious cause for concern. Residents are angry and I share that worry and outrage. I’m committed to ensuring there are investments in both short and long-term interventions as we bolster investments in our after school programming, cameras, lighting, violence interruption, and our Metropolitan Police Department. I appreciate the work all those in the public safety space in DC do every day to prevent and respond to violence and to keep us safe. We all must work together to ensure we are investing in approaches that improve safety.
- Budget: This past week I sent my letter to Mayor Bowser on behalf of Ward 2 including my major budget priorities to be included in her upcoming proposed budget due to the Council on March 16th. My letter includes requests for funding on the issues that matter most to Ward 2 residents and businesses. I have heard from countless neighbors with priorities through direct outreach with my office, community office hours, the Ward 2 Budget forum I hosted earlier this year, zoom meetings with advocates, and in emails and calls directly to me and my team. I’m so grateful for the engaged participation of residents in this process. I am confident the investments outlined in my letter will advance us towards a safer, greener, more equitable city. You can view the full letter here.
- Agency Oversight: The Council continues to be focused on agency performance oversight hearings and the Fiscal Year 2023 budget over the course of the next several weeks. These hearings will conclude on Friday, March 10th and the full oversight schedule can be found here: I encourage folks to sign up to testify or watch these hearings.
I will continue to work every day on your behalf to improve public safety, advocate for our shared budget priorities and investments, and improve the efficiency and responsiveness of our agencies. Stay engaged and hopeful -- I know I am.
Below you’ll find updates on the following:
- Team Pinto in the Community
- In the News
- Legislative Updates
- Announcements
Yours in Service,
Brooke
TEAM PINTO IN THE COMMUNITY
In the last few weeks, Councilmember Pinto and the team were thrilled to be in the community at events including:
- Meeting with Shaw neighbors who are new to Ward 2 at the ANC6E meeting.
- Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Dumbarton United Methodist Church joining the congregation for Sunday service.
- Six more weeks of winter at the annual Dupont Circle Groundhog Day Celebration.
- The opening of “La Casa de la Laguna” at GALA Hispanic Theater
- Point in Time Count: Councilmember Pinto joined volunteers at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church for the start of the Point-in-Time Count. The point-in-time count is the annual count of individuals who are unhoused, in emergency shelters, or transitional housing. This information is essential for identifying service needs and tracking our progress towards ending homelessness.
- Meeting with dozens of Foggy Bottom neighbors to discuss the upcoming budget season and other community concerns.
- Autoshow at the Convention Center.
- Support for the long overdue name change of the Washington Football team. Councilmember Pinto hopes the Commanders will bring a Superbowl Championship back to DC!
- Ward 2 Democrats Meeting to discuss WMATA, affordable housing, and public safety.
- Honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day, Black History Month, and Lunar New Year.
IN THE NEWS
Public Safety: Councilmember Pinto spoke with the Washington Post about public safety in Ward 2 and throughout the District.
Duke Ellington: In response to investigative reporting, Councilmember Pinto sent a letter with State Board of Education member Allister Chang (Ward 2) to the Office of the State Superintendent for Schools regarding sexual misconduct at Duke Ellington and lapses by DC Public Schools and Metropolitan Police Department in fully investigating the matter. In an interview with News 4, Councilmember Pinto shared the changes she has asked OSSE to consider implementing to keep our kids safe in school. You can read the full letter here.
The Hoya: Councilmember Pinto spoke with the Hoya about the passage of her bill to provide period products in all DC schools.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive Act: Legislation introduced by Councilmember Pinto to simplify and streamline the business licensing process had a hearing in the Committee of the Whole on Monday, February 7th. Witnesses testified in support of the bill sharing how helpful it will be to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the District, making the city a more competitive place to do business. You can listen to Councilmember Pinto’s remarks here.
Period Products in Public Buildings: Building on legislation introduced and passed to provide period products in schools, Councilmember Pinto introduced new legislation to provide period products in all public buildings and spaces. This is an important step in reducing period poverty and advancing equal rights.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: On February 4th, the Committee of the Whole held a hearing with the city’s Chief Financial Officer to review and discuss the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. You can review the report here. DC has $566.4M in surplus from FY21. Councilmember Pinto will be working with colleagues & the Mayor to ensure these funds are directed to meet our immediate needs, including COVID mitigation & support for excluded workers, unhoused residents, small businesses, students and teachers. You can read more of Councilmember Pinto’s insights on the report here.
Oversight Hearings: The full oversight schedule can be found here. Councilmember Pinto recently participated in the following oversight hearings.
- Committee on Judiciary: Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice
- Committee on Government Operations & Facilities: Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commission
- Committee on Health: Department of Behavioral Health
- Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs: Department of Parks & Recreation. Updates on Ward 2 Projects here.
- Committee on Business and Economic Development: Events DC
- Transportation & Environment: Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Public Works, and Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure. Updates here.
Redistricting: The new Ward 2 boundaries are now official! The Ward 2 ANC Redistricting Taskforce is now meeting to provide the Council with recommendations on how the ANC boundaries should be redrawn. The next meeting is TONIGHT Tuesday, February 8th and is open to the public to view. The full list of meetings can be found below and you can register for all the meetings here.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tax Assistance: AARP Foundation has Tax Aide Sites across the District including at the Georgetown Library at 3260 R St. NW. Wednesdays and Fridays from 10AM-2PM. 202-656-1825