The Ward 5 Wave

Housing in the FY27 Budget, Youth Roundtable Reflections, and Talbert Street Homes

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage welcome At-Large Councilmember Robert White, Jr. to the show to talk about housing concerns in the Mayor's proposed FY27 budget, reflections on last week's youth rountable on "teen takeovers," and CM White's legislation on behalf of residents impacted by the Talbert Street homes saga. Melissa shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news [ward5.us/news], subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter [ward5.us/newsletter].

Teen Takeovers, SOUL Act, Future Land Use, and More

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on the coversations buzzing in the Wilson building about "teen takeovers" and juvenile curfews, with proposals on how to respond and the announcement of Councilmember Parker's youth-centered roundtable on April 30. They also talk about the SOUL Act and its impact on youth within DC's foster care system. Finally, they reflect on recent budget hearings and the draft Future Land Use Map put out by the Office of Planning. Melissa gives highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news [ward5.us/news], subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter [ward5.us/newsletter].

DC's Social Safety Net, Safeway Closing, and Economic Development

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage sit down with SPACEs in Action Policy Strategist Maneesh Horshin to talk about DC's child care subsidy, Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, the child tax credit, and how all these programs work together to stabilize our workforce and grow the economy. UPO Director of Legislative Advocacy, Ed Lazere, talks about TANF and how this cash assistance supports rougly 25,000 children in the District and why we must avoid cuts to the program. Councilmember Parker also details his FY27 Budget Letter to Mayor Bowser, reflects on the announcement that the Safeway at Hechinger Mall is closing, and shares some of his vision for community-centered economic development in Ward 5. Melissa shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news [ward5.us/news] and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter [ward5.us/newsletter].

Potomac Interceptor Collapse Update with Councilmember Charles Allen

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker sits down with Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, chair of the Council's Committee on Transportation and the Environment. Councilmember Allen shares updates about the Potomac Interceptor Collapse, what he learned when he visited the site, and what neighbors can expect as work continues to repair the interceptor and begin remediation of the District's rivers. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news [ward5.us/news], subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter [ward5.us/newsletter].

Budget Challenges, Advancing Adult Education, and Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker is joined by several community members and advocates from REACH (the Roundtable on Education in Adult Charter Schools), including Faith Gibson Hubbard. Guests share the importance and wide-ranging impacts of adult education opportunities and the ways adult charter schools help entire communities thrive. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage and Councilmember Parker discuss the recent Mayor-Council breakfast and anticipated budget challenges. They also reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Melissa shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news [ward5.us/news], subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter [ward5.us/newsletter].