Changes to TOPA, SNAP Benefits at Risk, and Montana Triangle Zoning Hearing
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, Communications Director Melissa Littlepage, and Legislative Director Neferteria Brown chat about the Council's recent votes on the RENTAL Act making changes to TOPA. They also discuss the impending changes to SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown and passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" in Congress. Melissa and Councilmember Parker also share thoughts on the "Montana Triangle" (New York Ave, Montana Ave, and Bladensburg Rd NE) hearing in the Zoning Commission. Melissa wraps up the episode by giving highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
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32:10
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32:10
The CARE for Youth Plan
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker shares details of his recently introduced C.A.R.E. for Youth Plan - a 16-bill policy package designed to foster youth wellbeing in the District. Jenise "Mama Jo" Patterson, Founder and Director of Parent Watch, Inc., joins to share her perspective on how some of the legislation will help justice system-involved youth and their families. Committee on Youth Affairs staff Thomas Franco (Director) and Allison Bailey (Legislative Assistant) also detail some of the conversations and agency dynamics that informed the writing of the legislation. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage invites neighbors to get involved by learning more at ward5.us/careforyouth and sharing their thoughts at ward5.us/dcyouth. She also shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
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29:35
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29:35
Recap of Ward 5 Day, RFK Redevelopment and RENTAL Act, and Preview of Youth Affairs Policy Package
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage reflect on a vibrant and joyful time with neighbors at Ward 5 Day. Councilmember Parker also discusses the Council's recent votes on the RFK Redevelopment Deal and the RENTAL Act. He also offers a preview of a forthcoming policy package to foster youth wellbeing in the District. Melissa shares a few highlights from the most recent Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. You can read at ward5.us/news and subscribe to get the newsletter straight to your inbox every Friday evening at ward5.us/newsletter.
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22:56
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22:56
Federal Overreach, Council's Next Legislative Meeting, and WARD 5 DAY!
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on the latest news about federal overreach in the District, sharing lots of resources including ward5.us/toolkit, ward5.us/report, ward5.us/resist, and ward5.us/onthehill. Councilmember Parker also shares information about what to expect at the Council's next Legislative Meeting on September 17, and hypes up the bigger-and-better-than-ever Ward 5 Day! coming on Saturday, September 20. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
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25:42
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25:42
Threats to DC Autonomy, DYRS Lawsuit, and Reflections on Second Budget Vote and RFK Redevelopment
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage talk about the federal government's latest threats against DC's autonomy, as well as a civil lawsuit against the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). Councilmember Parker also reflects on the Council's second vote on the FY26 budget and the vote on the RFK Redevelopment deal. There are quick plugs for upcoming back-to-school events and Ward 5 Day on September 20 (mark your calendar!). Melissa shares highlights from this week's Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
Join DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker each week for updates on Council activities, highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter, and interviews with DC agencies and community partners. You can also send in questions for him to answer on the podcast!
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