Chairman Phil Mendelson

🚨IN CASE YOU MISSED IT🚨My Monthly Meet Up with Mendo on Saturday will begin at a new time: 1pm!

Make sure to stop by Sweet Tooth Cafe in Ward 8 and chat with me about any and everything happening in the District.

🗓️ SATURDAY
🕙 1pm-3pm
📍 Sweet Tooth Cafe - 2323 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE

This week the Committee of the Whole is kicking off Performance Oversight Hearings. Check out the schedule.

Stream live at ChairmanMendelson.com/live

Visit lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/ for submitted testimony, witness lists and to sign up to testify.

The layoffs and cuts happening at the Washington Post are a disgrace to journalism and an affront to truth-telling. I’m especially disappointed that the local news this region has relied upon has been gutted. My heart goes out to all those impacted.

Disapproval would wreak havoc on tax filings already underway in the District of Columbia - in effect "changing the rules in the middle of the game." Early taxpayers would have to re-file. All instruction materials would instantly become inaccurate. It would take at least another month to correct and re-publish them. Decoupling certain provisions of the local tax code from the federal tax code will retain approximately $600 million in local dollars for the District. This is roughly the same amount that the District is being asked, by Maryland and Virginia, to pay as an increase in its contribution to the regional public transportation system, WMATA. The Council's action - decoupling - is not unique to the District. Last fall, 12 states (including Alabama, Colorado, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) decoupled from various parts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Decoupling is not the same as raising taxes. Rather, it maintains the status quo for taxpayers regarding local taxes. On the local level, nothing changes, while taxpayers may realize a reduction in their tax liability on the federal level. Congressional intervention in DC tax policy will have a negative impact on the District's bond rating. Rating agencies have explicitly cited Congressional intervention, such as last March's CR which sequestered a portion of D.C. revenues, as a negative factor that lowered the District from Triple-A. The Council's action was not meant as a rebuke or rejection of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3). Rather, it was meant to avoid local revenue losses. Of the 84 tax-related provisions in OB3, only 14 are decoupled. Adopting the disapproval resolutions will have absolutely no effect on the federal budget or federal operations. It will only hurt the District.

We write to express our strong opposition to Joint Resolution of Disapproval H.J. Res. 142 and Joint Resolution of Disapproval S.J. Res. 102. These resolutions are an intrusion on the District’s Home Rule authority and would have major and immediate impacts on tax administration in the District. We very strongly urge you and your colleagues to oppose these resolutions. The District of Columbia is one of many jurisdictions across the Nation that routinely modifies its local tax code in accordance with federal tax laws, including choosing to decouple from federal tax changes to address local concerns or mitigate projected fiscal impacts. At the end of last year, multiple states and the District decided to decouple their tax codes from some provisions of H.R. 1. While the District adopted the majority of H.R. 1 provisions, a small number were temporarily set aside. These decisions were made through the District’s legislative process and are the same type of policy judgments that every state and local government routinely makes on behalf of their residents. The timing of these resolutions are especially problematic. The District is already a month into the 2026 tax year and has begun accepting and processing tax returns. Disapproval at this stage would create huge administrative challenges, require taxpayers to re-file their taxes, render existing guidance and forms obsolete, and necessitate rapid mid-year changes to tax administration systems. It is unclear how quickly commercial tax preparation software could be updated to accommodate such changes, and District residents and businesses would likely experience confusion, as well as delays. The resolutions would lead to the District’s income tax filing deadlines to be pushed to Fall 2026 and would cause millions of dollars in additional expenses. We strongly urge you to oppose the disapproval resolutions and to respect the District’s governance of its local fiscal affairs.

Mayor Bowser and I sent a letter to Hill leadership opposing the disapproval resolutions scheduled for votes in the House and Senate in the coming days. The disapproval would wreak havoc on the District and it's residents.

Read the letter and some facts on why we oppose the disapproval resolutions:

Watch live now

Chairman Mendelson holds his traditional Legislative Meeting eve media briefing, discussing the following day’s agendas & other topics of the day

Agendas
https://dccouncil.gov/how-to-watch-our-february-3-meetings/

Watch
chairmanmendelson.com/live/

I appreciate the years of service that Congresswoman Norton has given to the District and its citizens. This is a moment for reflection on all that she has done and all that she has contributed. I thank her for her service and look forward to continue working with her through the rest of this year.

Shoveling & Salt *Shovel early and often, before snow becomes icy *a little salt goes a long way (just a 12oz mug covers 20 ft of concrete Protect Your Pipes *wrap pipes with insulation or newspaper if they are exposed to cold air Prep your supplies *extra food and water *warm layers, blankets *comfort items for kids like books and games. Safely Heating Your Home *Never leave a fireplace unattended *Make sure you have working smoke alarms + carbon monoxide detector *Keep items at least 3 feet away from space heaters, fireplaces + other heat sources *Never heat your home with a cooking oven or stove Calling for Help During hypothermia season, the Shelter Hotline is available 24/7. If you need help or see someone outside who needs shelter or a welfare check, please call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. If there is an immediate risk to safety, call 911. cold.dc.gov for info on shelters Visit snow.dc.gov or snow.dc.gov for more info

As winter weather approaches, make sure you're ready!

You're invited to a Meet Up with Mendo. Join DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson to chat about any and everything happening in the District. ALL residents are welcome! SATURDAY 10am-11:30am Tatte's Georgetown Location at 1545 Wisconsin Ave NW

My monthly Meet Up with Mendo will be in Ward 2 this weekend!

Come out to @bakery_tatte in Georgetown to chat with me about any and everything happening in the District. ALL residents are welcome!

🗓️SATURDAY
🕙10am-11:30am
📍 1545 Wisconsin Ave NW, Georgetown

It’s an honor and a pleasure to welcome our 13th Councilmember, Doni Crawford. She brings a fresh perspective, coupled with experience. Couldn’t ask for better. Congratulations!

Today we honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual Peace Walk. Thank you to everyone who joined me.

Everyday our public safety officers go to work not knowing what might happen. There’s always a risk. Officer Bennett lost his life serving this city. His colleagues, and especially his family, have my deepest condolences.

Today I got a preview of the new Fort Dupont Ice rink. Although it was supposed to open this past summer, we’re looking forward to the community getting to use this new facility soon. The ribbon cutting will take place next Saturday at 11am.

May gratitude find you wherever you are. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I’m shocked at this terrible attack. Violence of any kind is totally unacceptable. National Guard should not be targets. My prayers go to the families of these service members.

ICYMI -- My monthly Meet Up with Mendo will be in Ward 6 TOMORROW!

Come out to Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe in Penn Quarter to chat with me about any and everything happening in the District.

📅 SATURDAY
🕙 10am-12pm
📍555 Pennsylvania Ave NW (Penn Quarter)

Despite the narrative being presented by Republican sponsors, these bills will actually set back public safety in the Nation’s Capital. These bills are one more argument against Congressional interference – because scoring national, partisan points should not take precedence over what is best for the District’s public safety.

WASHINGTON, DC – DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson issued the following statement opposing bills to amend DC laws: “Despite the narrative being presented by Republican sponsors, these bills will actually set back public safety in the Nation’s Capital,” Mendelson said. “The so-called ‘cash bail reform’ creates an emphasis on the ability to afford bail instead of protecting the community from dangerous criminals. Data proves that our current system is safer for the community. This bill would also require incarceration for certain crimes without bail and without any due process. This is not what we want to see in our justice system. “Repealing our Police Accountability law may please the Fraternal Order of Police, but it also will not make our communities safer. Bad cops destroy community trust. We do not want to go back to a time when police discipline was a secret and the FOP could negotiate their disciplinary process. The same process that the DC Auditor found, in a 2022 report, required the Police Chief to re-hire individuals who had been fired for child abuse, domestic violence, prostitution, sexual assault, and drunk driving. “These bills are one more argument against Congressional interference – because scoring national, partisan points should not take precedence over what is best for the District’s public safety.”

These bills are one more argument against Congressional interference – because scoring national, partisan points should not take precedence over what is best for the District’s public safety.

Free DC! [Read my full statement]

My monthly Meet Up with Mendo is coming to Ward 6 this upcoming weekend!

Come out to Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe in Penn Quarter to chat with me about any and everything happening in the District.

📅 Sat. November 22nd
🕙 10am-12pm
☕️ 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

This morning I stopped by WHUR for the 47th Annual Food2Feed Radiothon to encourage everyone to give to this amazing cause. Now more than ever are there people in the District and the region in need of help. Visit WHUR.com to donate

And if you need a warm place to stay, DC has low-barrier shelters for adults, young adults, and families — as well as hypothermia sites and day centers during cold weather emergencies.

🗺️ Find shelter: cold.dc.gov
📞 Shelter Hotline for rides: 202-399-7093 or 311

Temperatures in DC are expected to dip below freezing tonight for the first time this year! ❄️

Landlords are required to keep heating equipment working and able to maintain at least 68°F.

If your heat is not working, please make a maintenance request and call OAG: 202-442-9828

TOMORROW -- Come out to my monthly Meet Up with Mendo in Ward 3!!!

Join me at the Den at @PoliticsProse to chat with me about any and everything happening in the District.

📅 SATURDAY October 25th
🕙10am-12pm
📍5015 Connecticut Ave. NW (lower level)

This weekend I had the chance to attended the grand opening of a new pop-up art exhibit celebrating 30 Years of Hung Tao Choy Mei at Dupont Underground. It's a really interesting and colorful exhibit -- and FREE! The exhibit is open daily with performances Fridays and Saturdays until 10 PM!

My monthly Meet Up with Mendo is coming to Ward 3 this upcoming weekend!

Come out to the Den at @PoliticsandProse to chat with me about any and everything happening in the District.

📅 Sat. October 25th
🕙 10am-12pm
📍 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW (lower level)

Had a chance to hang out today at one of my favorite Fall events — the Adam’s Morgan apple pie contest! Great submissions from all the contestants!

Last night I joined the DC Theater Alliance for their Inaugural Sneaker Soirée. We enjoyed captivating mini-plays and got an exclusive sneak peek of Theater Alliance’s new home in Southwest. The arts improve the richness and diversity we celebrate in our city.

“The shutdown and subsequent threats to employees’ livelihoods by the federal government is disappointing, unfortunately unsurprising, and ultimately avoidable,” Mendelson said. “The Republicans hold control of both Houses of the Legislature as well as the Presidency. This is a problem of their own doing. “But make no mistake, the District government will continue to function. The District is well-managed and we have funds in our coffers, so we will continue operations. The federal government could learn by the example set by the District of Columbia government.”

While the shutdown will undoubtedly impact some District residents employed by the federal government, local services will not be affected. We may also see some cutback in federal services and that will also affect District residents.

My statement below

After 35 years, Washington Post titan Colby King is retiring. Last night we recognized his longtime contributions to District politics and journalism. I will miss his integrity, his challenges and most importantly his honesty. Best of luck with this next chapter Colby!

DON'T FORGET -- I'll be in Ward 4 TOMORROW for my monthly Meet Up with Mendo!

Come out to Rue Cafe on 14th street to chat with me about any and everything happening in the District.

📅 THIS Saturday!
🕙 10am - 12pm
📍Rue Cafe - 3906 14th Street NW

Today I’m joining the Mayor and the Attorney General to testify in front of the House Oversight Committee.

Read my oral and submitted testimony at ChairmanMendelson.com

Watch Live:
oversight.house.gov/hearing/over...

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson issued the following statement about today’s House vote on H.R.4922 and H.R.5140: “The bills being voted on today in the House, make the District less safe,” Mendelson said. “In the past two years, the Council has clarified laws and imposed new penalties for violating the law, including shoplifting, carjacking, strangulation, and felony endangerment with a firearm. More recently, we worked with the Mayor to establish curfews to prevent the types of large gatherings that had contributed to violence and other crimes in the past. These House bills are a completely unnecessary intrusion on the District’s ability to make and enforce our laws. “These bills will increase criminal behavior. Data shows juveniles tried as adults are more likely to re-offend than those tried in the juvenile justice system – a system built on the principles of rehabilitation through education and counseling, not punishment. Fourteen-year-olds should not be put in adult prison. “We now turn our sights on the Senate, and we will continue to meet with lawmakers on the Hill on both sides of the aisle in an effort to shut down these harmful bills that severely damage the District’s public safety.”

The bills being voted on today in the House, make the District less safe. These House bills are a completely unnecessary intrusion on the District’s ability to make and enforce our laws.