Councilmember Charles Allen

Maddy summaryThis bill orders the closing of specific sections of a public alley in Square 571 in Ward 6 to facilitate the construction of a new homeless shelter. The alley closures will allow the land to be consolidated into a single record lot, enabling developers to build a modernized shelter operated by the Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV) that meets current zoning requirements for height and density. The legislation is contingent on conditions outlined in an official file and requires approval from the Mayor, a 30-day congressional review period, and publication in the District of Columbia Register before taking effect. This change is intended to support a planned $57.5 million capital project to replace the existing shelter site.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Washington Convention Center Authority to restrict the use of temporary food and beverage workers and protect overtime opportunities for permanent employees. It prohibits operators from using temporary staff except during genuine emergencies or under existing contracts that cannot be cancelled, and it bans caps on overtime hours for permanent workers. The legislation also prevents discrimination against employees hired at other venues in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. These changes would be included as mandatory terms in all future contracts for food and beverage services at the convention center.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily removes a $250 million cap on bonds the District of Columbia can issue for energy efficiency projects under the 2010 Energy Efficiency Financing Act. It directly affects the District government by allowing it to borrow more funds for programs like building retrofits and renewable energy upgrades. The key change is deleting the $250 million limit from the law, enabling the issuance of bonds without that specific dollar ceiling. The amendment expires 225 days after it takes effect, making it a short-term adjustment to financing rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution confirms Vince Micone as an alternate member of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors on an emergency basis. The appointment, which covers the term ending September 12, 2028, follows the legal requirements established by the Water and Sewer Authority Establishment and Department of Public Works Reorganization Act of 1996. The Council will send copies of this resolution to both Mr. Micone and the Mayor's Office, and the measure takes effect immediately upon adoption.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares an emergency to expedite the confirmation of Vince Micone as an alternate District resident member of the DC Water Board of Directors. The bill addresses a situation where a prior confirmation measure is at risk of expiring without Council action, which would leave a vacant seat on the board. By adopting this emergency declaration, the Council allows for immediate confirmation of the appointment without waiting for the standard legislative timeline. The measure directly affects the DC Water Board's composition and ensures continued representation for District residents on the authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing District of Columbia energy laws to streamline how residents connect solar systems to the local power grid, aiming to reduce utility costs and accelerate clean energy adoption. It establishes clearer definitions for solar interconnection customers and small generator facilities, requires the Public Service Commission to maintain updated cost guides on Pepco's website, and creates an ombudsman role to help customers navigate approval processes and resolve delays. The legislation also permits residents to install smaller "balcony solar" systems without undergoing the same permitting requirements as larger rooftop installations, potentially offering monthly savings of $35 to $55 depending on location.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the District's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to create a system that automatically enrolls eligible low-income households in utility affordability programs using data from other agencies. It mandates that the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) share enrollment data from income-based programs like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid with DOEE - **only after households affirmatively consent** to the data sharing. Households automatically enrolled must receive clear notice about their enrollment, expected benefit dates, and amounts. The policy directly affects low-income residents who currently face high energy burdens (nearly 16% of income for some), streamlining access to existing utility assistance without requiring new applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes DC Water's billing and disconnection practices to protect tenants in rental properties, especially in master-metered buildings where a single meter serves the entire building. It requires DC Water to provide tenants with earlier, detailed notices about landlord payment delinquencies - including in their preferred language - and mandates monthly reports on disconnection actions. The bill also creates pathways for tenants to secure water service in their own name or seek alternative housing before disconnections occur. These changes aim to prevent tenants from losing critical water access due to landlords' unpaid bills while helping DC Water recover $36 million in outstanding debts.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily reduces streatery permit fees to a maximum of $15 per square foot and delays enforcement of Streatery Guidelines until January 15, 2026. It establishes the District's policy of supporting streateries to enhance public dining scenes and local business activity. The Public Space Committee may waive specific requirements - like minimum distances from curb cuts or height limits - only if safety risks are avoided, and must prioritize recommendations from the Old Georgetown Board for Georgetown-area streatery designs. The changes expire 225 days after the bill becomes effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill (B26-0583) amends the 2024 STEER Amendment Act to correct a technical error in its applicability clause regarding the District's Intelligent Speed Assistance Program. It specifically modifies Section 8(d) to clarify that the program applies as of the bill's effective date (February 3, 2026), ensuring the funding language accurately reflects the program's status. The amendment does not create new policy or affect other provisions; it solely corrects the original law's wording to align with the program's implementation timeline. This is a procedural clarification, not a substantive policy change.