Councilmember Zachary Parker

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the closing of a dead-end street (cul-de-sac) and the dedication of a portion of land for a public alley at the Bladensburg Bus Garage property (Square 4350, Lot 0006). The change is required to support WMATA’s modernization of the garage, enabling relocation of the main entrance and expansion of bus and employee parking spaces. The new alley, maintained through a public easement, replaces the closed section of Douglas Street. This procedural bill facilitates infrastructure improvements without altering the garage’s core operations.

Maddy summaryBill B 26-0415, the Joseph Bowser Way Designation Act of 2025, symbolically designates the 4800 block of 7th Street, N.E., in Ward 5 as "Joseph Bowser Way" to honor Joseph Bowser, a longtime Ward 5 resident and community leader who dedicated 44 years to DC Public Schools and served over 30 years as an ANC Commissioner. The bill uses existing legal authority under the Street and Alley Closing and Acquisition Procedures Act of 1982 to make this street designation without implementing new policy, requiring funding, or altering legal obligations. This procedural bill commemorates Bowser's legacy of public service and community impact in Ward 5.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 20-year real property tax exemption for specific parcels (Lots 809, 810, 814, 815 in Square 3128) owned by McMillan Parcel 2 Owner, LLC and McMillan Parcel 4 Owner, LLC. It requires the property owner to operate 449 housing units, with one-third designated as affordable for households earning 80% of the Area Median Income, and to contract with certified business enterprises for at least 35% of construction spending. The exemption begins October 1, 2029, but is reduced proportionally if the owner fails to meet these housing or contracting requirements. The tax break applies in addition to other existing tax relief for the property.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Mayor to use eminent domain to acquire property at 1950 Capitol Avenue, N.E. in Ivy City (Ward 5) for a climate resilience hub. The hub would serve residents directly by providing year-round community services and emergency support during disasters, including power, communications, and resource distribution during climate-related disruptions. It addresses environmental injustices in Ivy City, which faces severe heat islands, flooding, and pollution, as identified in the District's 2022 climate report. The legislation specifically targets the Capitol Street Site to establish a hub where none currently exists in Ward 5, despite prior recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends D.C. school attendance laws to streamline truancy responses. It reduces the required unexcused absence threshold for school notifications from 10 to 5 full days, requiring schools to alert the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) after the 5th unexcused absence. For students with 10 unexcused absences, schools must notify the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), which will send warning letters to students and caregivers about potential prosecution for 15+ absences. The bill also transfers educational neglect referrals from Child and Family Services to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for support services and mandates a unified referral system by March 2028. These changes directly affect public schools, students (ages 5+), parents/guardians, and D.C. agencies handling truancy.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution recognizes the 80th anniversary of Alpha Chi Pi Omega Sorority and Fraternity, Inc., and honors its founder, Dr. Marjorie Stewart Joyner, for her legacy in the beauty industry and civil rights work. It commemorates Dr. Joyner's contributions as a pioneering cosmetologist, civil rights advocate, and founder of the historically Black organization, which supports economic independence for Black women and men in beauty and barbershop professions. The resolution will be celebrated during the 80th International Conclave and Joyner Hair and Beauty Expo in Washington, D.C., in October 2025.

Maddy summaryThe "Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2025" creates the Animal Population Health and Education Program to provide preventive and emergency veterinary services, low-cost spay/neuter care, and pet care education for District residents. It directly affects pet owners (18+ District residents with cats or dogs) by expanding access to these services, funded through the existing dog licensing fee, a new pet food registration fee, and additional public or private funds. The bill also establishes a mechanism for the District Department of Health to enforce standards at pet care facilities. Its goals include reducing stray animal populations, shelter intake, euthanasia rates, and animal-related injuries like bites or rabies threats.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Mayor to install 30 automated camera systems by January 1, 2026: 15 for enforcing truck restrictions on specific routes (with 15 placed in the ward having the most production/distribution zones) and 15 for enforcing "yield to pedestrians" rules at crosswalks. It directly affects drivers, particularly truck operators on restricted routes and all drivers at pedestrian crossings, by mandating automated enforcement instead of relying solely on police patrols. The key mechanism is the deployment of fixed camera systems to automatically detect and ticket violations of these traffic rules. The bill amends an existing 2012 law to add these specific enforcement requirements.

Maddy summaryThe "Responsible Budgeting for Juvenile Safety Laws Amendment Act of 2025" requires the District Council to include the full costs of detaining, committing, and rehabilitating juveniles in fiscal impact statements for any legislation modifying juvenile criminal penalties or procedures. Currently, such changes are not subject to the same rigorous fiscal analysis as new programs, creating a bias where detention-focused policies can be implemented without funding considerations. The bill specifically mandates that if legislation would increase juvenile populations in secure facilities beyond 90% capacity, the fiscal statement must also cover the cost of expanding facility capacity by at least 10%. This applies to all bills affecting juvenile criminal law, including penalties and delinquency proceedings under Titles 16, 22-24 of the District code.

Maddy summaryThe Work-based Learning Amendment Act of 2025 amends DC's education law to require the Deputy Mayor for Education to develop a plan making work-based learning (such as internships or job training) a graduation requirement for all DC public high school students by 2035. Within 12 months of the bill's effective date, the Deputy Mayor must submit a report evaluating current work-based learning definitions, proposing financial incentives for employers, and outlining challenges in coordinating these opportunities across the city. This bill directly affects DC public high school students and employers participating in work-based learning programs. It establishes a clear timeline (2035) and specific requirements for integrating work-based learning into graduation standards, without creating new funding or immediate mandates.