iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 30/09/2026

The Council is taking RFP's for experienced contractors who can conduct mixed methods analyses of educator accountability & compensation incentive frameworks. ▶️Full RFP: dccouncil.gov ▶️This Request will close on Oct 29 @ 4pm ▶️Questions? Email devans@dccouncil.gov

002

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 22/09/2026

The Council is back from recess for our Legislative and Committee of the Whole meetings. Here's a look at some of the items to be voted on today along with upcoming COW hearings.

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 21/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out for my Meet Up with Mendo in Ward 6. We had some in-depth discussions about education, the environment (including the rat problem), and permitting issues for businesses. Be on the lookout for next month's date/location in Ward 4.

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 14/09/2026

The Council is back from recess and it's time for my monthly Meet Up with Mendo! Stop by CIVIC. on Eighth in Ward 6 to talk about any and everything happening in the District. 📅 Saturday September 19 🕙 10am - 12pm 📍CIVIC. on Eighth (501 8th Street SE)

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 11/09/2026

Today we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the attacks of September 11th. We remember those lost in the tragedies and we recognize the commitment of the brave DC first responders who ran towards the danger that day.

001

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 21/08/2026

We had a lovely day at the National Building Museum exhibit The Playground! Young people and those who are young at heart should come check it out before August 30th!

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 28/07/2026

Thank you to the more than 20 residents who came out to Point Chaud Café & Crêpes in Ward 3 for Saturday’s Meet Up with Mendo. Residents shared concerns and ideas about parks, rodent control, removing the National guard and strengthening the local business district.

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 22/07/2026

Congratulations to the young people who graduated from the Maya Angelou Academies today! 🎓 It's meaningful that these students, who've managed to make some mistakes, are taking an important step to turn their lives around.

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 21/07/2026

Yesterday I wrote a letter to Rep. Comer opposing tomorrow's meeting to adopt the "DC Taxing Authority Review Act." Congress already has the authority to disapprove tax increases adopted by the Council. The bill would straightjacket the District and paralyze our tax code. My full letter below:

01614

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 20/07/2026

It's time for my July Meet Up with Mendo! Stop by Point Chaud Café & Crêpes in Ward 3 to talk about any and everything happening in the District. The Council is on recess but the work does not stop! 📅 Saturday July 25 🕙 10am-12pm 📍 Point Chaud Café - 2300 Wisconsin Ave NW

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 23/06/2026

I appreciate that building and protecting the reserve funds is the CFO's policy view, but the CFO does not have the authority to make a policy decision that the Council may not use local reserves to support appropriations. My full letter below or at: chairmanmendelson.com/wp-content/u...

024

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 13/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today at Zeke's Coffee in Ward 4 for another great #MeetUpWithMendo! Residents, community organization and advocates shared their thoughts on education, childcare, planning issues, request for a new BID and the proposed Trump Arch development.

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 08/06/2026

This month's Meet Up with Mendo is coming to Ward 4! Stop by @zekescoffeedc.bsky.social (Uptown location) to chat with me about any and everything happening in the District. 📅 Saturday June 13th 🕙10am - 12pm ☕️ Zeke's Coffee (4602 14th Street NW)

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 01/06/2026

This month we continue our ongoing commitment to supporting and highlighting the LGBTQ+ community and its vital contributions to the District’s rich, vibrant and diverse history. We know how important their voices are and we will always stand up for this community. Happy 51st DC Pride!🏳️‍🌈

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 22/05/2026

I spent the morning guest lecturing in Mr. Ackerman's DC History and US Government class at School Without Walls HS. We had lots of interesting discussion about Home Rule and the federal government's impact on DC. We also talked about the responsibilities of elected leaders. Thank you for having me!

120

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 12/05/2026

My May monthly Meet Up with Mendo is in Ward 1! I'll be at Tryst DC, so stop by and chat with me about any and everything happening in the District -- including the upcoming FY27 budget. 📅 Saturday May 16th 🕙10am - 12pm 📍 Tryst DC - 2459 18th Street NW

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 06/05/2026

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎📚✂️🎓✏️

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 18/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to Bryant Street Market for today’s Meet Up with Mendo. We had some productive discussions including lots of talk about this year’s budget. Agency personnel from OSSE @dcpolicedept.bsky.social and DC Office of Cable Television stopped by to answer some questions!

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 17/04/2026

Don't forget tomorrow's Meet Up with Mendo will be held in Ward 5! Stop by Bryant Street Market and chat with me about any and everything happening in the District -- including the upcoming FY27 budget. 📅 SATURDAY April 18 🕙10a-12p 📍Bryant St Market - 670 Rhode Island Ave NE

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 13/04/2026

The April monthly Meet Up with Mendo is coming to Ward 5! Visit Bryant Street Market and chat with me about any and everything happening in the District -- including the upcoming FY27 budget. 📅 April 18th 🕙 10am - 12pm 📍Bryant Street Market - 670 Rhode Island Ave. NE

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 24/03/2026

This week I'm hosting my annual Tax Town Halls. The DC Office of Tax and Revenue will join our info session on property tax assessments and the appeals process. 💻VIRTUAL March 26 6-8pm Email ChairmanCS@dccouncil.gov to RSVP 📍IN PERSON March 28 10a-12pm UDC Student Center 4200 Conn. Ave NW Room A01

002

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 18/03/2026

The Council sent a letter to the Hill expressing our strong opposition to HR 5242. This bill will erode recent advances in traffic safety and put DC residents and visitors at risk. These restrictions will inevitably lead to more speeding, dangerous driving, and more serious injuries on our roads.

In recent years, major injuries and traffic fatalities have decreased significantly across the District. H.R. 5242 threatens to take us backwards by preventing us from deploying traffic cameras and enforcing restrictions on right turns. Enactment of these restrictions will inevitably lead to more speeding, more dangerous driving, and more serious injuries on our roads. Without cameras to assist in traffic enforcement, our local police will need to spend more time on traffic safety, diverting them from other important public safety responsibilities. A ban on cameras will also short-circuit recent successes by the District’s Attorney General in holding the most dangerous drivers accountable in court. Some of these drivers have been caught on camera committing serious traffic violations hundreds of times. This ban on enforcement of right-turn restrictions will especially endanger pedestrians, many of whom are constituents of Committee members visiting from around the country.Around 85 percent of visitors to the District never drive a car
here; they walk to attractions, restaurants, and events. Our restrictions on right turns have led to
a decline of more than 90 percent in drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at certain intersections
that have been analyzed. Banning the District from implementing pedestrian protections
threatens this progress.
Thank you for your interest in these issues. We hope the Committee will consider the
real-world consequences of this legislation for the thousands of residents and your constituents
who rely on the safety of our streets every day. We welcome the opportunity to continue a
dialogue on this issue and remain committed to working with Congress to ensure that the District
can continue building safer streets for all who live in and visit our nation's capital.

072

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 16/03/2026

Make sure you, your loved ones and your neighbors are prepared for severe storms expected today.

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 16/03/2026

My monthly Meet Up with Mendo is coming to Ward 7! Stop by Miss Toya's Southern Kitchen in southeast DC to chat with me about any and everything happening in the District. We will provide coffee and donuts as the kitchen won't be open until 11am. 🗓️ March 21 🕙 10a-12p 📍 3216 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

011

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 11/03/2026

I visited the new Makerspace at Center City PCS today -- it’s a fascinating and impressive facility! I got the chance to check out lots of experiential and project-based learning activities, and even joined a student-run podcast. I'm excited to see what this space can do for District students.

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 20/02/2026

🚨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

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 09/02/2026

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.

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 03/02/2026

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:

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.

163

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 23/01/2026

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

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

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 22/01/2026

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

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

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 20/01/2026

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!

030

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 20/01/2026

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.

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 29/11/2025

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.

070

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 27/11/2025

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

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 21/11/2025

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)

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 20/11/2025

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]

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.”

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 17/11/2025

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

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 13/11/2025

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

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 24/10/2025

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)

010

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 21/10/2025

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!

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 20/10/2025

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)

121

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 18/10/2025

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!

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 10/10/2025

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.

000

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 01/10/2025

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

“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.”

021

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 25/09/2025

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!

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 19/09/2025

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

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 18/09/2025

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...

110

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 16/09/2025

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.

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.”

050

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 15/09/2025

WARD 4 -- I'll be in your neighborhood this weekend 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. 📅 Saturday September 20 🕙 10am - 12pm 📍Rue Cafe - 3906 14th Street NW

020

Chairman Phil Mendelson @chairmanmendelson.com · 11/09/2025

Today is a day to remember and reflect on the tragedy that occurred 24 years ago on 9/11. We are thankful for our first responders in the District of Columbia and the sacrifice they made that day and every day.

010