Dear Neighbor,
I am excited to share some important updates with you about actions that we have taken at the Council over the last two weeks to protect workers, support families and businesses, and operate the District Government more efficiently. In this newsletter you will find the following updates:
- Status of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan;
- New legislation passed regarding workplace safety during the pandemic and parental bereavement leave;
- An update on the District of Columbia’s financial status;
- Resources for individuals and businesses to continue navigating the public health emergency; and
- Updates on important infrastructure and transportation projects impacting our Ward.
I also want to make you aware of the Ward 2 Community Budget Meeting that I will host later this month. My goal is to provide Ward 2 residents with an opportunity to share their budget ideas and concerns directly with me.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Black History Month. I am grateful for the many contributions of Black Washingtonians, both past and present, to our educational, political, social and cultural institutions here in Washington, D.C. Be sure to follow me on social media as I celebrate and share some of the remarkable history that can be found in Ward 2 throughout the month!
Yours in Service,
Brooke
COVID-19 Updates and Resources
COVID-19 Vaccination Update:
The following populations are now receiving the vaccine in Washington, DC:
- Individuals who work in health care settings;
- Members of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department;
- Residents of long-term and intermediate care facilities and residents of community residential facilities/group homes;
- DC residents who are 65 years old and older;
- Individuals experiencing homelessness;
- Members of the Metropolitan Police Department;
- Personnel responsible for Continuity of District Government; and,
- Teachers and staff who are, or will be, working in person at a traditional or public charter school.
- Licensed Child Care Providers and Teachers and Staff of Independent Schools in DC
- Department of Corrections Employees
This week, DC Health began on-site vaccinations at two DC Housing Authority senior properties in Ward 2 as part of the senior vaccination initiative. Residents of Claridge Towers & Horizon House should contact their property management office to register to receive the vaccine on Saturday, February 6th.
The following link has the different Phases and Tiers for vaccination: https://tinyurl.com/y4q4vsx7. Currently we are in Phase 1B, Tier 2.
Logan Circle and 14th Street Corridor Businesses During the Pandemic: This week, Councilmember Pinto engaged businesses in the Logan Circle and 14th Street Corridor during a listening session hosted by ANC 2F. While Councilmember Pinto has worked diligently to support the needs of small and local businesses during the public health emergency, this event provided her with an opportunity to hear from restaurants and bars, health and fitness centers, and hair and beauty salons. Councilmember Pinto thanks all people who were in attendance and appreciates the thoughts that were shared. She looks forward to collaborating with her Council colleagues and government and community stakeholders to ensure that workers and businesses are supported during this time.
Meeting with Members of the 1199 SEIU Maryland/DC Chapter
Ready to Play, and Learn, in Ward 2:
- Parks & Rec: The District Department of Parks and Recreation is currently hosting community meetings to understand how neighbors are envisioning park and recreational space in their neighborhoods. During the Ward 2 meeting, Councilmember shared why these spaces are so crucial to building community and listened to the ideas shared by Ward 2 residents.
- Education: Councilmember Pinto also attended a meeting with the Ward 2 Education Council to discuss school re-openings and the impact that at-home learning is having on our students. Councilmember Pinto is grateful for the engagement of the Council and remains committed to working with the local school community to improve outcomes for students, parents, and teachers.
Meeting on Criminal Justice Reform with Members of the Washington Football Team
Meetings on Affordable Housing and Homelessness, Criminal Justice Reform, and Workers Rights: Over the last two weeks, Team Pinto met with several community partners and advocates to discuss a wide range of issues and opportunities for collaboration and partnership. Among the groups who met with our office are the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, who came to discuss affordable housing and homelessness solutions, members of the Washington Football team, who discussed criminal justice reform, and the Maryland/DC Chapter of 1199 SEIU, who discussed some of the challenges facing workers during the pandemic. Councilmember Pinto was also pleased to attend the Georgetown Business Association’s Annual Meeting and provided a commendation to honor MedStar Georgetown for their incredible work to keep our community safe.
New Legislation Passed
The Council's February 9 Legislative Meeting
During the February 2 legislative meeting, the Council passed dozens of bills including:
- Workplace Safety During the Covid-19 Pandemic Emergency Amendment Act of 2021: This Workplace Safety legislation updated many of the provisions in the Protecting Businesses and Workers from COVID-19 Temporary Amendment Act of 2020 to prohibit retaliation on employees who attempt to secure workplace safety during the public health emergency, authorizes the Mayor to create a complaint mechanism for workers with safety concerns through 311, and permits the Mayor or District Office of the Attorney General to investigate violations. To learn more about this legislation, click here.
- The previous mailing cited a bill that was discussed during the February 2 legislative meeting, the Homeland District Government Parental Bereavement Leave Emergency Amendment Act of 2021. This bill was pulled from the agenda and will be revisited at a later date.
The Council also voted to override two Mayoral vetoes in order to:
- Split the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) into two agencies. The first, a Department of Buildings to oversee construction, housing safety, and property maintenance, and the second, a Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection that would oversee DCRA’s other former responsibilities, including consumer-facing services and occupational licensing. Councilmember Pinto is hopeful that this change will enable the two agencies to operate more productively and expediently on behalf of District residents.
- Establish an independent Office of the Ombudsperson for Children to be responsible to the Council and have as its mission the improvement of outcomes for children previously or currently involved with, or known to, the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA). Councilmember Pinto believes it is imperative that our children have the benefit of an independent ombudsperson on whom they can depend.
Public Hearings and Roundtables at the Council
Councilmember Pinto During the Health Committee's Public Roundtable
- The Committee of the Whole, convened a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). During that time, the District's Chief Financial Officer testified that the District is currently in good financial standing with proper cash reserves and surplus funds. This means that the District Government can remain confident in its ability to continue providing critical services to residents as budget oversight approaches and we continue to navigate COVID recovery efforts. To learn more about the CAFR, visit https://cfo.dc.gov/page/annual-financial-report-cafr.
- The Committee on Health also held a public roundtable on the District’s COVID-19 vaccination process. Over the two-day period, public witnesses shared in greater detail about their challenges with appointment registration system and Councilmembers had the opportunity to ask government officials about their response. Councilmember Pinto was pleased to see that the District’s Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and the Department of Health have considered and implemented resident suggestions to improve the registration process. Councilmember Pinto will continue amplifying the residents’ concerns regarding vaccine distribution and will work closely with her colleagues to help streamline recovery efforts.
Ward 2 Community Budget Meeting: Please join Team Pinto for the Ward 2 Community Budget Meeting. As we enter budget oversight and advocate on your behalf, it is imperative that we hear your ideas, priorities, and concerns regarding the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and Financial Plan. We want to hear directly from you!
Please visit tinyurl.com/Ward2Budget2021 to register to attend.
Dupont Circle Pop-Up Shop: Dupont Circle is marking the winter season by sponsoring a special pop-up this weekend. There will be more than 40 vendors selling everything including jewelry, paintings, and even chocolates for all your Valentine’s gift giving. This is a great way to support local businesses, so mark your calendars. Click here to learn more.
General Information
Date: Saturday Feb 6th
Time: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Dupont Underground and In Front of Shops
AARP’s 2021 Community Challenge Grant: AARP invites you to submit applications for their 2021 Community Challenge Grant. The grant is for quick-action projects that can help your community become more livable.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for small grants to improve housing, transportation, public space, smart cities, civic engagement and more. Louis Davis Jr., State Director for AARP DC will host an informational call, on February 9, 2021 from 10:00am-11:00am to answer questions and give more details.
With increased interest this year, it is recommended you register ASAP. Register for the call here. For more information on the Community Challenge Grant, click here.
Public Participation Requested for the 16th Street NW Bus Lanes Project: The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will be holding a virtual public meeting to discuss construction for the 16th Street NW Bus Lanes Project (from Arkansas Avenue NW to H Street NW).
General Information
Date: Monday February 8th, 2021
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Virtual Link: https://rebrand.ly/16thStNWBusLanes
Events DC Community Grant Program: Events DC is hosting three information sessions about their Community Grant Program. This grant can be used towards any projects that support youth-focused sports, performing or cultural arts in the District of Columbia. Click here for to learn more about eligibility and other information. Applications for this grant are due no later than March 1st.
Listed below are the dates and times of the information sessions.
- Thursday, February 4 – 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 10 – 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, February 16 – 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Virtual Townhall on the Impacts of the U.S. Capitol Attack on the District of Columbia: The District Office of Congresswoman Norton is hosting a virtual town hall on the impact of the U.S. Capitol attack on D.C. residents, public spaces, and security
General Information
Who: All D.C. Residents
Speakers: Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, U.S. Capitol Police and others
What: A virtual town hall on the impact of the U.S. Capitol attack on D.C. residents, public spaces, and security
Where: Please email norton.events@mail.house.gov to RSVP for the event and receive the Zoom link
When: Thursday, February 11, at 6:00 pm
This event is open to the public.
Education Updates: The lottery application for DC Public Schools (DCPS) and DC Public Charter Schools is now open. Visit https://www.myschooldc.org/ to learn more about schools and submit your application.
DCPS also continues to provide updates on CARES Classrooms and reopening, you can find this information at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/.
DC Water Announces Clean Rivers Project: DC Waters Clean River project is set to start construction in Spring 2021 for the Combined Sewer Overflow and Sewer Separation project. The Clean Rivers Project is aimed at reducing the volume of combined sanitary and storm sewer overflows to the Potomac River to improve water quality and meet Consent Decree requirements. Specific details regarding schedule and impacts will be provided at a Pre-Construction Community Meeting which is anticipated to occur in March 2021 and will be announced once scheduled.
#TakeoutTuesday Supporting Local Eateries: One of the best ways to support local restaurants right now is to order takeout, and neighbors in Georgetown have introduced #TakeoutTuesday to encourage to do just that. Each week, two restaurants offering special deals are highlighted.
To learn more about this initiative, visit the #TakeoutTuesday page on the Georgetown Main Streets website here.
Do you have an idea to help businesses in your neighborhood? Let us know!