Dear Neighbor,
As we enter this season of thanksgiving, I’m most grateful to have the privilege to serve our community that has continually stepped up – particularly over the last two years – to support one another as we’ve grappled with COVID-19, illness, loss, isolation, and the economic devastation from which so many people and businesses in our city are still reeling. We have so much to be grateful for and my wish is that we will continue to treat our neighbors – whether they are across the street, ward, city, or world – with respect, kindness, and love.
The Subcommittee on Redistricting released a final proposed map late last week which largely keeps all our Ward 2 neighborhoods together. You can read my statement and see the proposed map here.
Under this map the Shaw neighborhood is unified in Ward 2 after having been split between different wards for the last decade. While these neighbors may be “new” to Ward 2, we have so many common interests and goals, including achieving the development of a new Shaw/Center City middle school which families, students, and principals have been advocating for for years! Having helped secure funds in this year’s budget for the design phase, I sent a letter along with some of my colleagues asking the Mayor last week to accelerate the planning and development for this new dedicated middle school. You can read the letter here.
Neighbors, schools, and small businesses help make Ward 2 a special place to live, work, and play. When shopping for the holidays this year, I hope you’ll join me in buying local. Supporting our small businesses is not only important for our economic recovery but also keeps our communities vibrant.
Yours in Service,
Brooke.
This fall, Councilmember Pinto and her team were excited to connect with neighbors in their communities and at other public events.
A few of Team Pinto’s highlights from these events included:
- Attended and spoke at the MPD 2nd District Awards banquet hosted by the Citizens Advisory Council.
- Celebrated Diwali in Penn Quarter with neighbors from across the city. May the Diwali lights shine brightly all year long!
- Marched in the Logan Circle Little Goblins Parade and helped the kids judge a pet halloween costume contest at the Citizens Association of Georgetown Halloween Party.
- Spoke with students at Georgetown Law and American University about the responsibilities of the DC Council and how students can get involved with public service.
- Cheered on the Georgetown Basketball team at the season home opener. Despite the loss in this first game, Councilmember Pinto will be cheering on her alma mater all season long. Hoya Saxa!
- Discussed economic recovery efforts for workers and local businesses with the DC Nightlife Council.
- Watched the DC Scores Middle School Girls Soccer Championship - Congratulations School without Walls at Francis Stevens!
- Joined the Cultural Leadership Breakfast at the Tabard Inn on N St. NW.
- Broke ground at the new Skanska office development at 1700 M St. NW.
- Toured the DC Beverage and Alcohol Wholesalers Association Warehouse to see up close how our restaurants and bars stay fully stocked up.
- Met with the Dupont Circle Citizens Association to discuss transportation on 17th Street.
- Supported the Dupont Circle Main Street during its annual fundraiser for our local vendors.
- Encouraged neighbors to shop local in the Georgetowner
Legislative Updates and Council News
Hearing on Redistricting: The Subcommittee on Redistricting held a final city wide hearing on redistricting. Nearly 50% of the witnesses at this hearing were Ward 2 residents. Councilmember Pinto participated in many of the hearings including this one and is especially grateful for all the calls, emails, and testimony for Ward 2 neighbors during the redistricting process.
Vote on Jamal Khashoggi Way: The Council took the first of two important votes to designate New Hampshire Ave. as “Jamal Khashoggi Way” outside of the Saudi Arabian Embassy. This bill introduced by Councilmember Pinto honors the legacy of Jamal Khashoggi who stood for the freedoms we hold dear as Americans.
Hearing on Rank Choice Voting: The Judiciary and Public Safety Committed held a hearing on the VOICE Act which would implement Rank Choice Voting in D.C. The bill co-introduced by Councilmember Pinto garnered over 100 witnesses for the hearing. Councilmember Pinto said “Rank Choice Voting could be transformational for DC giving voters confidence to choose the candidate they think is best for the job.”
Roundtable on Automated Traffic Enforcement: The Transportation and Environment Committee hosted a Roundtable on Automated Traffic Enforcement. Councilmember Pinto believes automated traffic enforcement could enhance safety for residents.
Roundtable on the CARE Encampment Pilot Program: The Committees on Health and Human Services held a joint public roundtable to review the CARE Encampment Pilot Program under the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. Listening to dozens of witnesses and hours of testimony, Councilmember Pinto remains committed to helping our neighbors experiencing homelessness move into housing. Councilmember Pinto is also working to ensure the DC Housing Authority implements the rules required to allow flexibility with documentation to accelerate the voucher process and move residents into housing more quickly.
Roundtable on Conditions at the DC Jail: The Judiciary and Public Safety Committee held a roundtable on conditions at the DC Jail which while not new, have been recently highlighted in the news. Councilmember Pinto has called for resources to be dedicated to the construction of a new facility per the recommendations of the 2019 taskforce on this issue.
Announcements
City Center Christmas Tree Lighting: Please join Councilmember Pinto there on Saturday, November 27th at 6 p.m. for the Holiday Tree Lighting!
Leaf Collection Schedule:
Residents are now able to get their flu shots, and eligible residents are encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. To find out who is eligible and how to register for the shot, please click here to view the information presented at the District’s comprehensive website for the coronavirus vaccine and pandemic recovery. Residents are also encouraged to get their flu shots and can check with their primary care doctors or local pharmacies for availability.
