Councilmember Zachary Parker

Snacks provided.

see this @dcdpr.bsky.social Roving Leaders Movie Night event announcement

at the New York Ave Recreation Center, 100 N St NW

Wed, August 6, 2025, 7 pm

(this info is from this week's @cmzparker5.bsky.social Ward 5 Weekly newsletter)

Ward 5 Weekly - August 1, 2025 this week's highlights - Council Approves RFK Redevelopment Deal Council Second Budget Vote Recap Eastern Ave Community Clean-up - Tomorrow Greater Brookland Community Reunion - Tomorrow South DakotA Ave Spot Treatment Survey Chuck Brown Day - August 16 We're Hiring! - Constituent Services Coordinator

The latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter is out now! You can read it at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter, and catch up on past episodes of the Ward 5 Wave at ward5.us/podcast.

My statement on today’s vote to advance the RFK Development deal 👇🏾

We are proud to announce that a contract agreement between the Commanders and union partners has been signed. This is a victory for the workers who keep our city running, and who deserve fairness, dignity, and a voice on the job. The agreement includes a commitment to employ a project labor agreement (PLA) and labor peace agreement (LPA) on the stadium and hotels in the mixed-use development. This binding commitment for union jobs during and after construction reflects a significant improvement over the previous commitment of only a PLA on the stadium and one hotel. With the added requirement that the mixed-use development agreements must include 51% District worker participation, we ensure that everyday Washingtonians will benefit from good jobs with livable wages, real protections, and sufficient benefits. Our fight for this agreement was one of many efforts to improve the deal before us. It reflects the values of our city: that every worker deserves respect, a living wage, safe working conditions, and a seat at the table. The strength and solidarity shown by union members throughout this process was inspiring, and this outcome would not have been possible without their determination. We stand firmly with labor, today and every day. With a commitment for labor protections now part of the RFK Development deal, we see a path to advance this agreement during today’s vote.

An update from me and @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social on the RFK labor agreements 👇🏾

We secured a major win for workers and Washingtonians, representing hundreds of good-paying jobs with benefits over several years.

Everyone wants to see McLaurin’s contract extended, but the Commanders say he’s asking for too much and they want a better deal. We have a similar perspective here at the Council on the RFK Redevelopment: we think the Commanders are asking for too much, and we want a better deal.

We have been saying for months that the Commanders should agree to the same basic labor protections that have been on DC development deals for decades—labor peace and project labor agreements that cover the stadium and hotel components of the project. We support having very high local hiring requirements, and creating good union jobs for DC residents-both during construction and post-construction— should be a very simple yes for the Commanders to agree to betore the vote tomorrow. Project labor and labor peace agreements that cover the stadium and hotels within the commercial development are a win-win for the District and the Commanders. They mean secure jobs and worker protections for DC residents, and help manage costs by ensuring quality work and keeping projects on time. Creating good union jobs for DC residents should be very simple for the Commanders to agree to before the vote tomorrow. If they cannot demonstrate labor agreements that cover stadium and hotel workers, we should amend the bill to require it, like other DC stadium projects did. Any deal before the Council must have project labor and labor peace agreement as an essential part of the terms we sign onto.

My colleague @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social and I are clear: any RFK deal before the Council must have project labor and labor peace agreements as an essential part of the terms we sign onto.

Our hearings on the RFK Site Redevelopment continue today with testimony from the executive and Washington Commanders leadership. I’m clear-eyed and focused on getting the best deal for Washingtonians before we vote on Friday. Tune in: www.youtube.com/live/TL8zfJ_...

I voted no 👎🏾 on the FY26 budget today. I simply could not stomach the choices this budget made to strip working families of essential programs and lifelines. At a time of worsening inequality, I’m clear-eyed about what is at stake and ready to keep fighting.

Ward 5 Weekly, July 25, 2025. This week's highlights: - Roving Leaders Day in Langdon - Tomorrow - Bulk Collection in North Michigan Park - Tomorrow - Second Budget Vote - July 28 - Public Hearing: RFK Campus Redevelopment - July 29 - Road Safety Surveys (North Capitol St & South Dakota Ave) - DC State Fair in Ward 5, Register for Contests by August 15 - We're Hiring! - Constituent Services Coordinator and more!

The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi. July 25, 2025. WAMU 88.5 FM. Listen to recordings at wamu.org.

The latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter is out now! You can read it at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. In lieu of an episode of the Ward 5 Wave Podcast (ward5.us/podcast) this week, listen back to my appearance on today's Politics Hour 👉🏾 wamu.org/story/25/07/...

Going live now! 👉🏾 wamu.org

The Politics Hour: What's in the revised RFK stadium deal; plus, Metro GM Randy Clarke on the bus overhaul The D.C. Council is planning to vote on the revised RFK stadium deal with the Washington Commanders Aug. 1. Also, we speak with Metro General Manager Randy Clarke about the new bus routes.

Got a great and very newsworthy Politics Hour this week (I mean, that’s the case every week).

Come join @alexkoma.bsky.social , @cmzparker5.bsky.social , & @wmatagm.bsky.social … and, of course, Kojo Nnamdi.

Tune into WAMU 88.5 at noon!

wamu.org/story/25/07/...

Live today at 12:00. WAMU 88.5 FM. The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, with guest, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker.

Tune in at 12:00! Visit wamu.org and click “listen live” or tune your radio to 88.5 FM. 📻

If we want to support the District’s youth, see their lives improve, and build a more promising future together, we must listen to them. Today is another opportunity for just that.

Today, my Committee on Youth Affairs is holding a Youth Engagement Forum with young people from all 8 wards to hear about the issues affecting their everyday lives and how we can ensure young people in the District thrive. I’m excited for the conversations we’re having. More to come!

I have heard neighbors’ concerns about reducing retail options at the Reservoir District. I take these concerns seriously and am committed to holding Jair Lynch accountable for delivering on community benefits in this vital development. I am especially committed to advocating for neighbors to ensure the development includes a grocer and senior affordable housing, as well as robust retail options and other amenities. For what it is worth, I have found Jair Lynch to be a responsive and fair partner. Based on the developer’s conversations with my office and the community over the last few days, they are formally submitting an updated PUD modification filing to the Zoning Commission. This revision removes all requested flexibility to convert retail to residential from the application in Parcels 2 and 4, including requested flexibility in the grocer space. While the developer maintains that the flexibility would have provided more long-term certainty given that retail markets are presently unpredictable, they have chosen to remove it based on conversations with our office and neighbors’ concerns, and because they have a signed lease with a grocer and are committed to moving forward. (1/2)

I support the project’s goals of delivering market rate and affordable housing and a grocer to Bloomingdale and Stronghold. To ensure the timely delivery and financial viability of the project, I recently introduced tax abatement legislation. Our team worked with the Committee on Business and Economic Development to include this legislation in the Council’s FY26 budget, which receives a second vote on Monday, July 28. I will continue to be in touch with community leaders and neighbors to provide updates and address concerns as this important development moves forward. (2/2)

I have heard neighbors' concerns about reducing retail options at the Reservoir District, and am happy to share an update after conversations with the developer to ensure this project delivers for Ward 5. 👇🏾 #Bloomingdale #Stronghold #ReservoirDistrict

Ward 5 Weekly - July 18, 2025 this week's highlights: - Riggs Park Art Crawl - Tomorrow - Ward 5 Family Biking Family Ride - Tomorrow - Mubadala Citi DC Open - July 19-27 - Northeast Nights on RIA - July 24 - Second Budget Vote - July 28 - Public Hearing: RFK Campus Redevelopment - July 29 - Road Safety Surveys (North Capitol St and South Dakota Ave) and more!

The Ward 5 Wave - Season 2, Episode 20 First Budget Vote Reflections and Initiative 82 (Tipped Minimum Wage), with special guest, Andy Shallal, Found and CEO of Busboys and Poets. July 18, 2025.

The latest editions of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter and Ward 5 Wave Podcast are available now! You can read at ward5.us/news, listen at ward5.us/podcast, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. Thanks to Andy Shallal
of @busboysandpoets.bsky.social for the great conversation!

🚌 is the backbone of our region. We appreciate FTA for their investment partnership. Thx @cmzparker5.bsky.social & Board Member Worth for joining our opening of Bladensburg Bus Garage! A new safe & efficient facility for our team that will improve the service we provide our customers!

Ward 5 Weekly - July 3, 2025 this week's highlights: - 4th of July at Old Soldiers' Home - Tomorrow - Additional Budget Work Session - July 8 - Jazz in the Park (North Michigan Park) - July 8 - South Dakota Ave Project Meetings - July 9 and 12 - Jazz in the Park (Langdon) - July 10 - FY26 Budget Timeline - Votes on July 14 and 28 - Public Hearing: RFK Campus Redevelopment - July 29 and more!

The latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter is available now! You can read it at ward5.us/news, and subscribe to get the newsletter straight to your inbox every week at ward5.us/newsletter.

The Council is holding its FY26 Budget Work Session today. This is an opportunity for each councilmember to go through their respective committee mark-ups, and for all of us to discuss remaining priorities ahead of budget votes on July 14 & 28. Lots of ways to tune in: dccouncil.gov/notice-of-bu...

Our breakfast meeting conversation went long; we just wrapped up! Heading to Committee of the Whole now - we plan to get started at 12:30.

It’s going to be a busy day for the Council:

👉🏾 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast Meeting
👉🏾 11:00 a.m. - Committee of the Whole
👉🏾 Legislative Meeting immediately following Committee of the Whole

Find all the details and links to tune-in here: dccouncil.gov/how-to-watch...

Ward 5 Weekly - June 27 This week's highlights: - Riggs Park: New Park Plan and Clean-up Day - June 28 - Red Line Closures for Trackwork - June 28 and 29 - All Metrobus Routes Are Changing - June 29 - Council Budget Work Session - July 2 - Fourth of July Celebration at Old Soldiers' Home - South Dakota Ave Community Meetings - July 9 and 12 - Public Hearing: RFK Campus Redevelopment - July 29 and more!

The latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter is out now! 🗞️ You can read it at ward5.us/news and subscribe to get it straight to your inbox every Friday evening at ward5.us/newsletter.

Today, June 26, 2025, marks ten years since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States. This ruling was a long overdue affirmation of the inherent rights of LGBTQ+ citizens, and one we celebrate as foundational to the American promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The District of Columbia was among the earliest leaders in the fight for marriage equality, passing legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2009. This law, which took effect in 2010, was a bold declaration that all couples deserve equal recognition under the law, regardless of how they identify or who they love. This anniversary is also a reminder that we ought not take these protections for granted. A growing wave of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation seeks to roll back hard-won protections. Without the Obergefell decision, same-sex marriage would still be illegal in 32 states. Let us recommit ourselves to protecting our rights, the rights of our neighbors, and continuing to press forward—not one step back.

Today, we celebrate 10 years of marriage equality across the United States, and recommit ourselves to defending the hard-won protections secured in Obergefell vs. Hodges. 🌈

My team is aware of issues with the HVAC and cooling systems at the DYRS Youth Services Center in Ward 5. We have been in touch with DYRS, and they are working with DGS with the hope that repairs will be completed by tomorrow, potentially today. In the interim, DYRS is working to keep those in the building cool by spreading fans across the facility to improve air flow, adding portable air conditioners around the facility, and giving out gatorade and water to help individuals stay cool. Long-term, this system failure is yet more evidence of the need to invest more deeply in preventative care and maintenance at District facilities. The safety of DYRS youth and staff is our top priority and we are in regular communication with the team. Earlier in the day, the reported internal temperature at the facility was 80°F, and we will keep checking in for updates as they work to get the temperature down. We will share updates as we receive them.

Please see my statement on issues with air conditioning at DYRS' Youth Services Center in Ward 5👇🏾

Thanks for flagging. Last I’d heard, DGS had a work order and was repairing. I didn’t know the issue was still unresolved. I’ll make sure my team follows up with DGS and the school leadership tomorrow.

Ward 5 Weekly - June 20, 2025 This week's highlights: - Lincoln Rd NE Bike Lane Open House - postponed - Local Workforce Job Fair - tomorrow - Committee on Youth Affairs Budget Markup - June 23 - DC Youth Meals Program - Kicks off June 23 - Reservoir District Parcels 2 and 4 Community Meeting - June 24 - Ward 5 Senior Advisory Committee Meeting - June 26 - Riggs Park: New Park Plan and Clean-up Day - June 28

The latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter is out now! You can read it at ward5.us/news and subscribe to get it straight to your inbox every Friday evening at ward5.us/newsletter.

Wishing neighbors a Happy Juneteenth! On this 160th anniversary, may we deepen our commitment to a New Reconstruction that delivers on truly reparative policies for the harms committed against Black folks—from housing, to healthcare, to education and beyond.

I am deeply discouraged by today’s Supreme Court ruling upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for youth. At a time when we are seeing troubling trends of anti-LGBTQ+ policies across the country, the Trump administration has also announced it will end the LGBTQ+ suicide hotline for youth in the next 30 days. We cannot be silent about the harms being caused to our young people with these decisions. They deserve our love, care, and support, and I will keep fighting for their wellbeing.

Young people deserve our love, care, and support, and I will keep fighting for their wellbeing. 👇🏾

Ward 5 Weekly, June 13, 2025 This week's highlights: - North Capitol Street Study Meetings - June 14 and 16 - Ward 5 Family Biking Family Ride - Tomorrow - DC Joy Day - Tomorrow - North Trinidad Public Safety Meeting - June 16 - Juneteenth Jubilee & Freedom Walk - June 19 - Lincoln Rd NE Bike Lane Open House - June 21 - Ward 5 Senior Advisory Committee Meeting - June 26 and more!

The Ward 5 Wave, Season 2, Episode 19 Listen at ward5.us/podcast Updates on RFK, Budget Oversight, and Cell Phones in DC Schools with special guest, DCPS Phelps ACE High School Principal Cara Fuller, June 13, 2025

The latest editions of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter and Ward 5 Wave Podcast are available now! You can read at ward5.us/news, listen at ward5.us/podcast, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

This week in the Committee on Youth Affairs, I'm looking forward to engaging with DYRS on Wednesday and hearing from youth at Thursday's public roundtable on youth-centered budget priorities for FY26. Learn more 👉🏾 ward5.us/budgetoversi...