Council of the District of Columbia

In a May 2025 visit to "Hearing the Council" to continue talking about DC's budget standoff, Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin walks us through every detail of this year's budget limbo. From the Congressional Continuing Resolution that put us back on our heels to the coordinated effort by DC officials and the public to get it undone, and from past efforts to pin the mayor down on a budget transmittal date to other potential stumbling blocks that could still impact the Council's summer budget deliberations, we leave no stone unturned. It's a discussion so meaty, we didn't even have time for the "fun round."

In the latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker discusses the District government's ongoing budget standoff. He talks about the importance of avoiding a perilous mid-year, $1 billion cut to our previously-approved balanced budget for the ongoing fiscal year. He also discusses his new responsibilities as a committee chair, and the immense importance of the District government getting youth rehabilitation right. Plus, which colleagues he thinks could best shoulder snow shoveling responsibilities, and who "tends to be pretty fly," so might be a good clothes shopping companion.

In his latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin discusses how DC residents and civil society came together to combat the unexpected mid-year budget cut recently faced by the District. Plus, he provides insight into the benefits and challenges of becoming a Council committee chair. Specifically, he outlines his new committee's early performance oversight work on the topic of homelessness, thornier than ever in the current political climate. And in the "fun round," he opines on which of his colleagues would be best suited to odd jobs like shoveling snow and putting on a puppet show.

In our latest Hearing the Council interview, we chat with At-Large Councilmember Robert White about the complicated moment we are all living through currently, plus his policy priorities for 2025. We talk about challenges facing both housing development and affordability, including the dry pipeline of future multifamily housing permits in the District. We discuss the great promise held by vocational education, but why it remains an underutilized tool. And we talk about what if anything can bring DC together during these challenging times. Plus, for the fun round, he picks which of his colleagues he would choose to help with miscellaneous tasks, like clothes shopping and putting on a puppet show.

In the first Hearing the Council interview of 2025, Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau discusses two of her initial legislative priorities for the New Year: her soon-to-be-introduced bottle deposit and Neighborhood Management Entities bills. Councilmember Nadeau discusses how the bottle (and can) deposit bill would aim to greatly reduce the amount of these items in our rivers and woods, as well as on our streets. Every resident and business would be empowered to tackle the dual goals of environmental protection and neighborhood beautification through this proposed measure. Additionally, she discusses how her proposed Neighborhood Management Entities bill would allow dense mixed use communities like Ward 1's U Street and Columbia Heights neighborhoods to better and more collaboratively tackle issues and projects, from cleanliness to safety to event planning. Plus, as always, we had the "fun round," where Councilmember Nadeau selected which of her colleagues would be best suited to join her in tackling a range of tasks, from putting on a puppet show to meeting with the Trump Administration.

In the latest Hearing the Council podcast interview, Ward Six Councilmember Charles Allen discusses his landmark STEER (Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility) Act, which was recently passed by the Council with key elements having become effective on October 1. The bill is the latest demonstration of the Council's ongoing vigilance and an essential effort to reverse troubling trends in the District's struggling Vision Zero transportation safety efforts. We examine the various elements of the bill, including efforts to target the worst ticket scofflaws in the name of safety. We also discuss the Councilmember's work to shine a light on a new practice of apartment management companies: charging an additional fee to tenants for utilities and other costs in building common areas. Plus, his desert island TV show favorites.

In our latest Hearing the Council interview, At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson discusses three key policy areas. First, we update our prior conversation on the opioid crisis in the District with the welcome news that opioid deaths are now on the decline. Second, we discuss how her Certified Nurse Aide Amendment Act, recently passed by the Council, would eliminate barriers to home health aide certification, expand eligibility for the role, and establish a new minimum wage for these crucial workers. And third, we talk about the STEER Act, and how its recently enacted provisions will help get dangerous drivers off the streets. Plus, which TV shows she turns to when seeking a momentary escape from Council business.

In our latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker takes a deep dive into development on Rhode Island Avenue. We discuss how a now-funded economic development study of the crucial corridor will build upon the avenue's existing strengths and help it better meet its current untapped potential, all while respecting and protecting the longtime residents and businesses who call the corridor home. We also talk about other Ward 5 wins in the most recent budget cycle., plus which positive traits from Councilmembers past and present he would draw from to create the perfect composite colleague.

In our latest #HearingTheCouncil interview, Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau talks about the much-discussed redevelopment at the 17th/U intersection. A compromise rezoning--less than what was initially proposed, but more than critics hoped for--recently received its first approval. We talk impacts on affordable housing, the police and fire department facilities currently and subsequently to be housed on the site, and the hint of potential library services in a potential eventual redevelopment project. Plus: the travails of a Councilmember attempting to go phone-less to Girl Scout camp, or when honeymooning

In a July 1 interview, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson talks about this year's quirky budget process: the mayor's blown budget deadline, the stumbling block created by the Chief Financial Officer but ultimately resolved by the Council, and how even the Attorney General got involved this time around. Plus, the elaborate interplay between these four public officials historically and more recently in the context of this year's budget. The Chairman does not mince words in this frank discussion. (Although he does "dispute my premise" several times, par for the course given what some on social media have described as the "Between Two Ferns vibe" of my interviews with the Chairman.)

In his latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin emphasizes the importance of out-of-school time to District youth. He discusses the legislation he introduced on the topic, its prognosis, and how even just the increased attention he has brought to the topic has moved the needle administratively. We also talk about the pros and cons of school funding by formula, and the few exceptions that prove the rule. Plus, which councilmember might actually have a Rolodex, if it's worth purloining, and who he'd appreciate taking a walk in the woods with.

In his latest Hearing the Council video interview, At-Large Councilmember Robert White discusses three youth crime prevention bills he recently introduced: his Vocational Education for a New Generation Act, his Youth Mentorship through Community Engagement Act, and his Truancy Reduction for Student Success Act. Through analysis of vocational education needs and impacts, monthly truancy trends, and the pairing of youth experiencing adverse childhood experiences with DC government employees who provide mentorship during one weekly hour of paid community service leave, the thought is some future youth violence could be cut off at the pass before it ever occurs. Plus, which traits he'd borrow from past and present colleagues to craft a perfect Councilmember.

In his latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker discusses three bills he introduced. His “Water is Life” bill would prevent residential water service shutoffs for nonpayment and facilitate access by tenants to programs meant to help avoiding such shutoffs. His Pay Our Youth a Fair Wage bill would increase wages for participants in the Summer Youth Employment Program. And his Environmental Justice Act would look at the cumulative impacts of environmentally detrimental projects in a single community. Plus we discuss how to formulate the perfect councilmember out of the best traits of his colleagues.

In his latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen discusses three critical environmental measures his committee has recently tackled: Healthy Homes, e-bike incentives, and electric vehicles. In each case, he discusses how he brought an equity lens to broaden voluntary environmental incentives (not requirements!) that otherwise might have excluded lower-income individuals. Plus, for the “fun round,” he suggests how he'd craft a perfect councilmember out of successful traits of past and present colleagues.

In her latest Hearing the Council video interview, At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson talked about three policy areas close to her heart. First, we discussed her "Sense of the Council" bill encouraging the Mayor to declare the opioid crisis in the District (and its resultant 400 deaths a year) a public health emergency. Second, we talked about her bill from last year giving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients a boost in their monthly food allotment. And third, we discussed her proposed bill to provide all District public school students with free school lunch. Plus, we closed out discussing Halloween, and her advice on how to build a "Good Frankenstein Councilmember" and a " Bad Frankenstein Councilmember" by combining the best and worst traits of her Council colleagues. Don't miss it!

In his sophomore Hearing the Council interview, Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin discusses his signature "Ward 3 for All" initiative. Ward Three has a reputation as a land of plenty, but Councilmember Frumin discusses how he plans to make it more welcoming to all the District's residents. From affordable housing and neighborhood schools to accessible transit and recreation opportunities, he talks about recent budget successes and plans for the future. But what is Ward 3's place in the District's broader social services network? We discuss that too. Plus, in the fun round, Councilmember Frumin talks IKEA furniture, driving cross-country, and fighting off barbarians.

In her latest "Hearing the Council" interview, At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds discusses the essential role the return-to-office movement plays in reinvigorating the District's downtown and to keeping our local budget balanced. In advance of a committee hearing on the topic, we discuss the stark economic realities that underlie the need for an accelerated return to the office, and the complex balance of these facts with the profound quality of life impacts that reduced work-from-home entails. And in the "fun round" at the end of the interview, Councilmember Bonds makes her personal picks for which of her colleagues she would match with which hypothetical tasks, such as camping, sharing their Rolodex/contacts, and writing poetry worth reading.

In his latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward Five Councilmember Charles Allen discusses two complementary topics: the rich canvas of mobility options available to District residents, and the fight to avoid fatalities among the participants in this system (Vision Zero). From walking to the bus, and scooters to rental cargo bikes, District residents face an embarrassment of riches when deciding which flavor of transportation best suits each task or journey. We chat about our personal takes on this essentially urban decisionmaking experience. We also discuss the fight for Vision Zero...including why such a necessary effort needs to be a fight at all. We talk examples and motivations for the sadly uphill political battle to save lives. Plus, for the "fun round," Councilmember Allen picks which of his past or present colleagues he'd choose for which odd task, including why he'd be interested in Camping with Catania.

In his latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker talks about the return of Ward 5 Day, plus the status and prognosis of four bills he introduced: the District Child Tax Credit Act, Financial Support for Families with Children Act, School Safety Enhancement Act, and the Establishment of Reasonable Controls for the Firearm Industry Act. Plus, which of his Council colleagues he would pick to drive cross-country with, or to help fight off barbarians.

In her latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau tackles two topics that are fresh from recent headlines: the investigation of sexual harassment in the executive branch, and public safety in the District. She discusses Council legislation to ensure not just that prominent recent sexual harassment claims are investigated independently and thoroughly, but also that all future investigations meet a Council-established higher bar as well. She also addresses the topic that is front-of-mind for so many District residents these days: public safety. She discusses the recent Council emergency legislation on the topic, finding the proper balance between effective and excessive enforcement, and her theory on why crime rates are dropping in most US cities but not in the District.

In the latest Hearing the Council video interview (from April 21), Chairman Phil Mendelson takes a deep dive into the current year's budget. From the "Incomplete" grade possibly earned by some parts of the Mayor's budget submission this year to the complicated triangular relationship between the Council, the Mayor, and the Chief Financial Officer, it's a good look into some "I've always wondered" questions about the budget. We talk budget strategy, which way things are heading, the status of free buses...plus what the Chairman's walk-in music should be, and why his colleagues hate his poetry. Don't miss it.

In her record tenth Hearing the Council interview, Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau talks about the priorities and expansive jurisdiction of her new Committee on Public Works and Operations (which includes contracting, human rights, half of the prior Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and more). We delve into parking enforcement (given the recent focus on dangerous drivers with thousands of dollars of unpaid tickets), and also discuss next steps for her long-planned vending reform bill. Plus, she tackles the latest round of "which colleague/which task" fun questions, and discloses she once wrote "angsty poetry."

In this Hearing the Council interview, we sat down with At-Large Councilmember Robert White to discuss his new committee chairmanship, with the Committee on Housing. For the first time in several years, both housing and homelessness are under the jurisdiction of the same committee, so we discuss the recent clearing of an encampment at McPherson Square. We talk about the infamous and perpetual waiting list for housing vouchers. We return to the topic we first broached on the show back in 2021, which is now attracting broader attention: the conversion of downtown office buildings into residential use. We discuss the current Congressional and Presidential interference with the Revised Criminal Code. Plus, to lighten things up, Councilmember White picks which of his colleagues he'd assign to a variety of oddball tasks. Be sure to watch!

In this latest Hearing the Council interview, we sat down with At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson to discuss the critical topic of out-of-school time (OST) for our youth. We covered the topic of extended recreation center hours, the new summer camp signup lottery (goodbye, Ticketmaster-style Hunger Games!), how increased youth recreational options can help improve public safety, and the need for tailored OST activities for children with special needs. Plus, which councilmember's hypothetical poetry she would seek out, and whose she would actively avoid.

In this Hearing the Council interview, we discuss Transportation and the Environment with Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen. On January 2 of this year, Councilmember Allen took the helm of the Council's Committee on Transportation and the Environment. We chat about his legislative priorities for his new committee, how the popular free DC bus bill came together, how soon we may see free buses (July?), and other newly introduced legislation such as incentives for electric vehicle charging stations and gas stove swap-outs. We also talk about how his prior work as chair of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee jurisdiction intersects with his new committee's work, as residents face safety challenges and concerns on Metrorail, on the bus, in cars, and on foot. Plus, he makes his picks for which of his Council colleagues he would choose to tackle odd tasks, from picking a musical playlist to driving cross-country to fighting off barbarians.

In this episode of Hearing the Council, we get to know Ward 5's Zachary Parker. We appreciate him taking time out of his first three weeks in office to sit for an interview! We: - Learned how his brothers' economic and health struggles inform his perspective on policy - Discussed just how often people accidentally swap out his name with perennial bottom-ten ranked president Zachary Taylor - Followed his life and career path from Chicago to New Orleans, onto New York, then here to DC - Ran down the list of other past and present DC councilmembers who, like him, spent time on the Board of Education before joining the Council - Plus, as always, dessert rankings!

In this Hearing the Council episode, we get to know Ward 3's Matthew Frumin. Councilmember sat for his first interview just eight days after being sworn into office--a Hearing the Council record! We discuss: - How he dodged COVID through an entire campaign, but how it caught up with him at the last moment and nearly made him miss his swearing-in - His world travels during his time with the State Department, including his favorite destinations - The unlikely way the OJ Simpson trial temporarily impacted what name he goes by - His run for Congress in 2000 - And, as always in initial Hearing the Council interviews...dessert rankings!

In this Hearing the Council interview, we discuss Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George's proposed Green New Deal for Housing legislation--how social housing differs from public housing, what would make this new housing green, and the prognosis for the bill in Council Period 25 (2023-2024). We finish up with our favorite fun closer: which councilmember would you choose for which odd task.

In this Hearing the Council interview, we discuss the importance of providing compassionate services to recently-arrived asylum seekers, DC's protection of abortion rights, new Council legislative efforts on both fronts, and how our lack of statehood imperils each.

In this Hearing the Council interview, we discuss with At-Large Councilmember Robert White the importance of maintaining good physical and mental health. We talk about the ever-increasing public recognition of prioritizing mental health care, including the nationwide rollout of the 988 mental health hotline. We dig into inequities in access to quality mental health services, racial disparities in the pool of practitioners providing these services, and efforts underway locally to improve both. We discuss the state of COVID care and the current public mindset regarding the pandemic. And, in discussing how Councilmember White leads by personal example on the physical and mental health fronts, we get our first-ever Hearing the Council mention of Arnold Schwarzenegger--specifically, his "Golden Six" fitness regimen.

In this Hearing the Council interview, we talk with At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson about the impact that the elimination of national abortion rights (via the overturning of Roe v. Wade) will have here in the District, today and in the future. We also discuss the recent viral tweet regarding future educational requirements for DC's early childhood education workers, including its legislative history, motivation, and the nitty-gritty of what is actually required, and of whom.

In this Hearing the Council interview with Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, we discuss two key legislative topics she's working to address via legislation. The first is making period products available in all schools (current law) and, in the future (pending bill), all government buildings. The second is revitalizing DC's downtown core via residential conversion and other incentives. Plus: which of her colleagues she'd pick to help her tackle certain odd jobs, and how the pithy quote on a sign that hung on her childhood bedroom wall motivates her work to this day.

In this Hearing the Council interview with At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman, we take a deep dive into Census redistricting. While often seen as a political albatross, Councilmember Silverman clearly views it as a labor of love as well. We also discover that since COVID began, she has taken a comedic acting class. Plus, there are passing references to both Ted Lasso and Schitt's Creek. Check it out today!

In this Hearing the Council interview with At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson, we take a deep dive into her proposed ranked-choice voting legislation. We drill down into how such a system has worked elsewhere, how it could work here in the District, and prospects for the legislation moving forward. We also discuss the Council's recent passage of a COVID vaccine mandate for students, with enforcement beginning in the fall of 2022. Plus, which councilmembers she'd pick to help her tackle common (and un-common) tasks.

In this Hearing the Council interview with At-Large Councilmember Robert White, we follow up on his recent marathon hearing on COVID and facilities during Back to School season. We talk about why outdoor lunch is lagging, the gap between a work order being marked as complete and actually being completed, and what the prospects may be for an efficient rollout of youth vaccination. Plus, we discuss the personal impact of being a parent during these complex COVID times.

In this Hearing the Council interview with Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, we discuss the successes, struggles, mysteries, and disappointments of how COVID has impacted the 2021 Back-to-School season.

In this Hearing the Council interview with At-Large Councilmember Robert White, we talk about serious matters (his newly-proposed affordable housing bill, the budget) and lighthearted (handling diaper blowouts, & the time a Zoom witness testified before him from an airport bathroom stall). There's something for everyone here. Please listen!

In this latest Hearing the Council video, Vincent Gray discusses his current budget and Health Committee priorities. We discuss the planned new hospital and urgent care centers East of the River, but also the status of the United Medical Center and the financial control board to be imposed there. We also tackle childcare, including how federal stimulus funding could benefit the District's Birth-to-Three program. Finally, we talk about food deserts, and how the redeveloped Skyland shopping center could become a retail/restaurant destination in Ward 7.

When Councilmember Nadeau's grandfather passed away two days before our long-planned interview, she did not cancel (or allow us to). She did the opposite--she insisted we proceed, but asked at the last minute if she could talk a bit about her grandfather. In the end, we dedicated the whole interview to him, while also touching on local policy: - how the isolation of COVID quarantine has impacted our seniors - the unlikely issue, near and dear to all of us, that was the subject of the final text the Councilmember's grandfather sent her - how, in the same day, she both successfully amended the draft Comprehensive Plan rewrite, and bid a final farewell to her grandfather Needless to say, this was not the interview either of us intended to have. But you will likely find it interesting and insightful nonetheless.

When Councilmember Nadeau's grandfather passed away two days before our long-planned interview, she did not cancel (or allow us to). She did the opposite--she insisted we proceed, but asked at the last minute if she could talk a bit about her grandfather. In the end, we dedicated the whole interview to him, while also touching on local policy: - how the isolation of COVID quarantine has impacted our seniors - the unlikely issue, near and dear to all of us, that was the subject of the final text the Councilmember's grandfather sent her - how, in the same day, she both successfully amended the draft Comprehensive Plan rewrite, and bid a final farewell to her grandfather Needless to say, this was not the interview either of us intended to have. But you will likely find it interesting and insightful nonetheless.

In our interview with Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, we talk about the family debate about how to pronounce her first name, how her grandmother got her started loving vintage clothing, and whether being a "progressive prosecutor" is a contradiction in terms. Plus, as always in our initial interview, she ranks her favorite dessert categories.

Our first interview with each Councilmember always takes a biographical, getting-to-know-you approach, so that residents have insight into who their Councilmembers are and what makes them tick. In our conversation with At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson, we hear about her growing up as an Army brat, how her time working as a Council staffer prepared her for her current role, and her take on Chuck Schumer as Senate Majority Leader. Plus, as always in our initial interview, she ranks her favorite dessert categories.

Check out our latest #HearingTheCouncil interview with Councilmember Elissa Silverman! We discuss at length her work assisting District residents with Unemployment Insurance since COVID began, including training and serving as a Department of Employment Services call center volunteer staffer. We talk about the intricacies of the application process and the different UI sub-funds. Plus, to lighten things up a bit, we somehow find time for a tour of my DC-themed wallhangings, and the Councilmember seeks input on her COVID hair strategy.

With the Council and staff working from home, the latest editions of Hearing the Council have been recorded via Zoom and Facebook Live. Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh has been one degree of separation from many recent news stories--she is participating in a COVID vaccine trial, she was sworn into office by the dearly missed Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she's a Constitutional law expert so she's fully up to speed on the ongoing Supreme Court confirmation hearings, and she was the co-introducer of the recent tenant protection and eviction reform legislation passed unanimously by the Council. We discuss all those issues in our recent interview.

As with all councilmembers, our first interview with Brooke Pinto is a deep dive on life before the Council. From her degree in Business/Hospitality Administration to whether there is a “Racine mafia,” you'll definitely learn something new. Be sure to listen.

With the Council and staff working from home, this latest edition of Hearing the Council was recorded via Zoom and Facebook Live. The topic for the full show: the events of recent weeks (the protests, the photo-ops, the Council’s police reform bill, & reactions to it). We take it day-by-day to hear the CM’s thoughts on each topic.

With the Council and staff working from home, this latest edition of Hearing the Council was recorded via Zoom call and Facebook Live. The topic for the entire show: COVID, how the Council is responding, how it's affecting Councilmember Gray's constituents, and the impact on him personally. We go deep on planned future hospitals, food deserts, Birth-to-3, the Logan Circle Fresh Fields plus: This is the TV show that Gray watches daily (Please answer in the form of a question.)

With the Council and staff working from home, this latest edition of Hearing the Council was recorded live via Zoom call and Facebook Live. The topic for the full show: COVID, how the Council is responding, how it's affecting Chairman Mendelson's constituents, and the impact on him personally. We discuss whether the ongoing budget is the most daunting he has faced in his career. Plus, whether it's the cat's fault he burned the applesauce.

With the Council and staff working from home, this latest edition of Hearing the Council was recorded via Zoom call and Facebook Live. The topic for the full show: COVID, how the Council is responding, how it's affecting Councilmember Grosso's constituents, and the impact on him personally. We go deep on the digital divide, and we discuss his feelings about deciding not to seek re-election, as well as the impact of COVID on that decision.

With the Council and staff working from home, this latest edition of Hearing the Council was recorded via Zoom call and Facebook Live. The topic for the full show: COVID, how the Council is responding, how it's affecting Councilmember Nadeau's constituents, and the impact on her personally. And to top it all off, an unexpected announcement...that she's expecting a baby girl in September.

In our 5th "Hearing the Council" interview with Councilmember Silverman, we do a deep dive on deep dish: pizza! Back in 2000, when she was a journalist with the City Paper, Councilmember Silverman wrote a screed against DC pizza. A recent article by Tim Carman of the Washington Post prompted her to get on the record with an update of her views...and her recommendations. A particularly saucy "Hearing the Council"!