Councilmember Zachary Parker

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily designates specific housing units in the Reservoir District as affordable housing for tax exemption purposes. It requires that one-third of the rental units be set aside for households earning up to 80 percent of the area's median income, using Fair Market Rent standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The measure is set to expire 225 days after it takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill (B 26-0399, SOUL Amendment Act of 2025) creates a new legal pathway for District of Columbia youth aged 16+ transitioning from foster care to adulthood. It allows youth to form a "Support Family" legal relationship with caring adults (caregivers/supporters) while maintaining existing family ties, without terminating birth parent rights. To establish this, youth must request it through court (via motion, affidavit, or legal counsel), and the court must approve it unless it’s deemed not in their best interest. The law outlines specific procedures for filing motions, creating support family agreements, and court oversight, with requirements for youth consent and court documentation. This directly affects foster youth in DC’s child welfare system aged 16+ who are in the care of the Agency.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates September 2026 as "Kinship Care Month" in the District of Columbia to honor grandparents, relatives, and family friends who raise children when their biological parents cannot. The bill directly affects kinship caregivers and the children in their care, acknowledging the stability these families provide while highlighting the financial and emotional challenges they often face. By officially recognizing this period, the Council aims to raise public awareness about the importance of keeping children within their extended family networks and to express gratitude for the support these caregivers offer during crises.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution formally recognizes Philip Pannell as an honoree during the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration. The bill highlights Pannell's lifelong contributions to LGBTQIA+ equality, including his historic role in the Stonewall Rebellion, his advocacy for marriage equality, and his status as the first Black gay man appointed to the DC Commission on Human Rights. By citing his decades of activism and leadership, the measure aims to celebrate his impact on both the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities within the District of Columbia.

Maddy summaryThis bill symbolically designates the 1500 block of Jackson Street, N.E., in Ward 5 as "Ralph J. Bunche Way." It does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it solely honors Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning diplomat and civil rights leader who lived in the Brookland neighborhood. The designation affects the street name in that specific Ward 5 location, recognizing his historical connection to the area. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no fiscal impact or regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill symbolically designates a specific alley behind Union Wesley AME Zion Church (located at 1860 Michigan Avenue, NE) in Ward 5 as "Union Wesley Way." It directly recognizes the church's historical significance and community role through a formal street name, without altering physical infrastructure or imposing new requirements. The designation applies to a defined portion of public alley space in Square 4176, bounded by Queens Chapel Terrace, N.E., Michigan Avenue, N.E., Eastern Avenue, N.E., and Crittenden Street, N.E. This is a ceremonial measure to honor the church's 140-year service to the Queens Chapel neighborhood and the District.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Arlen Herrell, a public servant and community leader, during the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration. The bill formally recognizes his contributions to workforce development, housing, and advocacy for Black and LGBTQIA+ communities through his roles in government and entrepreneurship. By citing the resolution and declaring it effective immediately, the Council acknowledges Herrell's impact without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution officially recognizes Grimaldi-Francesca Sanchez, a community health professional and HIV prevention advocate, during the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration. The bill highlights her work supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender communities through culturally responsive health programs and education. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to honor her contributions to health equity and community empowerment within the African American LGBTQIA+ community.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution officially recognizes Justin Stewart, a multimedia journalist and producer, during the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration. The bill highlights Stewart's career contributions to major news outlets and his advocacy work supporting the Black queer community. By citing the resolution, the Council of the District of Columbia formally celebrates his achievements and platform within the media industry.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Charity Blackwell, a spoken word artist and cultural leader, during the 2026 DC Black Pride celebration. The bill formally acknowledges her contributions to LGBTQIA+ advocacy and her work in amplifying marginalized voices through storytelling and performance. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to publicly recognize her achievements within the context of the annual event.