ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
What is ANC 1C03? Local DC politics can get complicated. And not everyone fully understands what an Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) is or does. Washington, DC, is divided into eight wards, all of which are legally required to have about the same population. Each of those wards is then divided into ANCs, with each ward having 5-7 Commissions. Every ANC is divided into Single Member Districts (SMDs) with about 2,000 residents each. Some ANCs have as few as two SMDs (and thus two commissioners), while others have as many as ten. The names of SMDs may seem a bit strange or robotic. But they make sense once you know how to read them. For example, I represent ANC 1C03 in Adams Morgan: Ward 1 + ANC C + SMD 3 = ANC 1C03. I created this document to give a general idea of what happened in ANC 1C03 over the past year. Whether at official meetings or working together with neighbors, it was a busy twelve months with plenty to reflect upon. Both through challenges and successes, I want to share deep gratitude with everyone who has been a part of making Adams Morgan—and DC—a great place to live.
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
Community Events & outreach There are a lot of advantages to being an ANC commissioner. But nothing compares to getting to interact with the DC community. The official duties of commissioners are pretty limited, but I do my best to go beyond basic expectations by organizing and contributing to events throughout the year. Here is a brief summary of some of the key efforts I took part in during 2023. Participated in city-wide ANC meeting to discuss gun violence in DC Attended open house for the Mayor's Office on LGBTQ Affairs Volunteered at DC's annual Point in Time Count Hosted neighborhood cleanups for Kalorama Park and surrounding areas Joined the Washington Area Bicyclist Association's Vision Zero Caucus Helped with Spanish translation at Ward 1 education meet-up for parents and students Participated in community public safety meeting organized by the Adams Morgan BID Organized and oversaw special election for ANC 1C01 Volunteered in the Kalorama Park Jardín de las Mariposas throughout the year Contributed to DPR walk-through of Hargrove Park, Kalorama Park, and Unity Park Successfully requested Google Maps label Carolyn Llorente Memorial Park on their map Spoke on panel at the Capital Fringe Festival about the former Knickerbocker Theater Joined groundbreaking ceremony for deeply affordable housing development Attended multi-ANC meeting on potential safety barrier updates to the Taft Bridge Participated in Ward 1 public safety town hall with CM Nadeau and new chief of police
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
In the News Life in Adams Morgan is always vibrant. But it’s easy to lose track of everything that’s going on. Here are some key stories on neighborhood affairs I contributed to in 2023. WJLA segment, DCist article, and The DC Line article on public safety in Adams Morgan Discussed the challenges of and solutions to safety concerns HillRag article on cannabis market in DC Addressed the impacts of gift shops on 18th St NW NBC4 Washington segment on public safety investment Spoke about the effectiveness of bonuses for police officers Washington Informer article on ranked choice voting and open primaries Cited previous testimony I delivered to DC government WJLA segment and Washington Post article on violent crime in Adams Morgan Discussed role of DC government in reducing violence Washington Post article on shootings in Adams Morgan Commented on ways to address violent crime DCist article on Adams Morgan liquor license moratorium Argued for more sensible policy to better address vacant business units I also co-authored an op-ed in The DC Line on this topic DCist article on liquor license discrimination in DC neighborhoods Reflected on obstacles many small business owners face My contribution was also mentioned on the City Cast podcast George Washington University student journalism project on 24/7 bus service Detailed the benefits of increased bus access for DC residents
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
Divided votes ANC votes are almost always non-controversial and pass without opposition. And the numbers prove it: in 2023 ANC 1C commissioners voted "yes" on substantive matters 98% of the time (294-3-4). That’s roughly the same rate as in 2022 (282-0-6), which means ANC 1C has voted “yes” about 97% of the time since I took office in January 2021. A slight increase from the previous 2019-2020 term (783-20-15—95%). It can be effective when a commission votes in unison, but disagreements do occur. And in some cases, commissioners may feel a need to abstain from voting, often to avoid conflicts of interest. Below is a recap of some of the ANC 1C votes that were a little less than unanimous in 2023. Zoning special exemption for development at 1722/1724 Euclid St. NW (May 2023) Final vote passed 7-1-0 (I voted in favor) I supported this item, as the project would bring much-needed affordable housing to Adams Morgan Resolution supporting a map amendment to rezone 1617 U Street NW (May 2023) Final vote passed 6-2-0 (I voted in favor) Considering how neighboring ANC 1B and ANC 2B had already supported similar resolutions—with ANC 1C’s resolution including lengthy text specifying our priorities of increasing affordable housing stock and protecting current residents from displacement—I was eager to support this item Letter of support for a community art project (June 2023) Final vote passed 6-0-1 (Commissioner Shapiro abstained) Recategorize $1,500 of ANC 1C budget to pay an intern for the commission (June 2023) Final vote passed 6-0-1 (Commissioner Michelson-Horowitz abstained) Historic preservation application for 1836-1840 Kalorama Rd NW (September 2023) Final vote passed 6-0-1 (Commissioner Jones abstained) Support for a patio permit at Foxtrot (October 2023) Final vote passed 6-0-1 (Commissioner Van Nye abstained)
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
Letters to DC Government A common mechanism for Advisory Neighborhood Commissions to collectively voice an opinion on a matter is to vote upon and submit official letters and resolutions to DC government. But individual commissioners can also communicate local needs through unofficial letters to lawmakers and other officials. Here are letters I wrote or signed onto this past year as 1C03 commissioner. Links are provided, where available. Letter calling attention to transportation inequities for residents Letter supporting the installation of suicide prevention barriers on Taft Bridge Letter to Mayor Bowser and Council Chair Mendelson on DC statehood Letter to National Park Service opposing evictions at McPherson Square Letter regarding blatant racism involved in Committee hearing on DC oversight Letter urging DC Council to propose an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba Letter opposing service reductions for Metro's yellow line, DC Circulator bus Letter calling for DC's curbside compost pilot program to include union labor Letter to DC Council and Mayor Bowser urging they push for federally controlled parks in DC to have ownership and management transferred to DC Letter to DC Council opposing the sale of foie gras in DC Letter urging DC officials prevent the transfer of an incarcerated ANC commissioner from the DC Jail to an out-of-state facility Letter urging improvements at DC's 911 emergency call office Letter requesting improved security for the Promenade Letter on legislation to better protect frontline communities from pollution Letter calling for end to mass warfare in the Gaza Strip
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
DC Government Testimony Like all DC residents, Commissioners can get their message across by testifying at official DC government meetings. This includes DC Council meetings, agency roundtables, and other officially sanctioned events held by DC government. Here are testimonies I gave in 2023—either orally or through written text—as 1C03 commissioner, with links included where available. Committee on Public Works and Operations performance oversight hearing Called for increased resources to ensure DC's LGBTQ population thrives Committee on Health performance oversight hearing Gave constructive feedback on DC's response to the ongoing overdose crisis Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety budget oversight hearing Joined many others requesting DC Council avoid drastic budget cuts which would worsen service access for survivors of domestic violence Committee on Health roundtable Advocated for an overdose prevention center to be created in DC DC Board of Elections hearing Supported including ranked choice voting item on 2024 ballot Joint Public Oversight roundtable on violence reduction programs Advocated for more efficient coordination of DC services to better improve prevention and response to violent crime National Capital Planning Commission open session Voiced ANC 1C's support for suicide prevention railings on the Taft Bridge Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration ABC Board Shared ANC 1C’s unanimous support for modifying liquor license moratorium Department of Energy and Environment Clean Energy 2.0 public comments Submitted written testimony calling for DC to consume less fossil fuels, more nuclear energy
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
key updates Over the course of 2023 I was involved in a wide range of efforts to improve DC and Adams Morgan. But some issues definitely got more attention, often for good reasons. Here are a few select matters that I want to recap as we end the year.
Kalorama road and wyoming ave one-ways
Columbia road bus priority project
After many months of waiting, the 1800 blocks of Kalorama Rd and Wyoming Ave are fully operational as one-way streets! This came as the result of my collaboration with DDOT, which itself is the result of past efforts by Adams Morgan residents. Many neighbors have confirmed how traffic is now safer and less prone to gridlock due to this change.
Extensive public outreach, design consideration, and stakeholder analysis have led this DDOT project to near execution. There is a delicate balance to be struck—particularly regarding motor vehicle parking—which I have repeatedly discussed with those managing this project. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.
former suntrust plaza
Adams morgan moratorium zone
After several years of legal disputes, the saga continues. However, one pivotal change may alter how 1800 Columbia Rd (sometimes called SunTrust Plaza) gets redeveloped: Truist bank, owner of the property, donated the entire parcel of land to Jubilee Housing, a non-profit affordable housing developer. In November, ANC 1C wrote Jubilee Housing expressing interest in future collaboration.
Set to expire this year, the Moratorium Zone was discussed regularly at ANC 1C meetings from January to May. This policy greatly impacts how neighborhood commerce functions, and public input was a priority. The final result was a resolution that was unanimously supported by the Commission. ABCA took our advice into consideration, but ultimately did not raise the cap on tavern licenses as high as we suggested.
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
organizations in Focus
Platform of Hope
Joseph’s House
Bread for the City
DC Abortion Fund
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
Businesses in Focus
High Road Hotel
Yes! Organic Market
Isshin Asian Bistro
Rioja Market and Deli
Code Red
Glory Lounge
Throughline
Bukom Cafe
Jesiree’s Chop House
Morgana
Adams Morgan Farmers Market
Metropolis Salon
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
Goals in review: local concerns Now let's review my performance as commissioner during 2023. We started the year with three areas of interest: local concerns, city-wide issues, and big picture objectives. Where did I meet expectations? Where did I come up short? Local concerns focus: Support residents in building a safe, prosperous place to live Clean Public Spaces: Support efforts to reduce rat population & add more art Successes: Community awareness of rat prevention methods has improved Challenges: Several in-development art projects need to be finalized for ANC 1C03 Results: Mixed Homelessness: Reduce frequency of encampment evictions Successes: Encampment volatility has gone down within Adams Morgan Challenges: Smaller scale evictions became more common throughout DC in 2023 Results: Mixed Overdose Crisis: Improve education on life-saving emergency responses Successes: Public awareness campaigns seem to remain a priority for DC officials Challenges: DC still lacks an overdose prevention center Results: Moderately positive
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
Goals in review: city-wide issues City-wide issues focus: Make DC a leader for personal and environmental safety Clean Energy: Increase the proportion of DC's energy from carbon-free sources Successes: Nuclear, renewable energy continue to be key parts of DC fuel mix Challenges: Natural gas, coal remain widely used Results: Moderately positive Domestic Violence: Advocate for larger housing investments for survivors Successes: Proposed budget cuts were reversed following public testimony Challenges: Future investment in housing, survivor services is uncertain Results: Moderately positive LGBTQ Rights: Strengthen social services for at-risk LGBTQ residents Successes: Budget, staffing remain strong for LGBTQ affairs in DC Challenges: Some especially vulnerable groups are still underserved Results: Positive
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
Goals in review: big picture objectives Big picture objectives focus: Invest in the well-being of all DC residents Choosing Budget Priorities: Reduce racial wealth gap, unequal service access Successes: Investment in public services is a priority throughout DC Challenges: Large disparities along racial lines persist in DC Results: Mixed Community Participation in Decisions: Engage with community organizations Successes: Communication, collaboration with orgs helped guide advocacy Challenges: Coordination between related orgs could be improved Results: Positive Workers' Rights: Grow labor opportunities for residents, especially migrants Successes: Unemployment has been stable in DC Challenges: Wages do not meet high cost of living Results: Mixed
ANC 1C03 YEAR IN REVIEW: 2023
priorities for 2024 As we continue toward a second year of this ANC term, I want to extend the same three-tier sets of goals. With some modifications to account for where current needs stand, let’s set some specific priorities. Local Concerns Beautiful Streets: Facilitate new public mural projects for ANC 1C03 Affordable Housing: Increase amount of affordable housing in Adams Morgan Overdose Crisis: Advocate for an overdose prevention center in DC City-wide Issues Clean Energy: Raise the proportion of DC's energy from carbon-free sources Safe Public Spaces: Enhance interagency collaboration on violent crime Migrant Rights: Push for DC to more proactively serve as a sanctuary city Big Picture Objectives City Budget Priorities: Allocate funds to address high cost of living Small Business Growth: Improve retail, food/beverage business retention Organized Labor: Support active efforts to unionize DC employers