May 1 2026 Newsletter

Dear Ward 7 neighbors,

Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Local Business Development held its Fiscal Year 2027 budget hearing with the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD).

We had the opportunity to hear from members of the public, including local business owners and residents, about their budget priorities, including investments in Main Streets, Clean Teams, BIDs, and more. We heard about challenges our small businesses are facing, such as rising operating costs, changing consumer behavior, public safety concerns, commercial vacancy rates, and broader economic uncertainty, and discussed potential paths forward.

We also heard from DSLBD Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans about the agency’s budget priorities, including uplifting small businesses to stabilize commercial corridors, retain residents, and drive long-term inclusive growth that ensures every neighborhood continues to advance.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve also attended the budget hearings for the Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, the Office of the Attorney General, the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, the Metropolitan Police Department, the District Department of Transportation, and District of Columbia Public Schools. Throughout all of these hearings, my goal has been to advance a budget that protects critical services, supports our communities, and positions the District for long-term stability and growth.

I also encourage all Ward 7 residents to come out to our hearings to testify to make your voices heard as we enter these next phases of the budget process. You can see the full budget hearing schedule here, and check out our guide on registering to testify here!

I look forward to working with my Council colleagues, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure this budget reflects the needs of District residents while also recognizing the fiscal constraints we face. Through this budget and through continued partnership, we will build a Ward 7 that is safer, stronger, healthier, more equitable, and full of opportunity for every single resident.

Read the full newsletter here.