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Press Release

MEDIA CONTACT: Christian Damiana 202.258.9532 | cdamiana@dccouncil.gov Councilmember Matt Frumin Introduces Legislative Package to Address Legacy of Housing Segregation Frumin’s bills would address the District’s growing housing shortage by removing exclusive legal barriers to constructing new housing units in far Northwest DC. Washington, DC –– Councilmember Matt Frumin introduced yesterday the Addressing Legacies of Housing Segregation in Chevy Chase Amendment Act of 2023 along with a majority of his colleagues. The bill would void exclusive pre-1938 covenants that prohibit multi-family housing on lots originally subdivided by the Chevy Chase Land Company if multi-family housing could otherwise be built on those lots under modern planning and zoning laws. Frumin also introduced broader companion bills to similarly void exclusive covenants in the Rock Creek West planning area and to create a process to remove outdated and unenforceable demographic-based restrictive covenants from deeds. In response to our city’s housing shortage, the District set a lofty goal to build at least 12,000 new affordable residential units by 2025. Unfortunately, the Rock Creek West planning area is lagging severely behind its…

Statement

Late afternoon on Saturday, September 9, a shooting occurred outside at 4601 Connecticut Avenue NW. An adult male was shot in the abdomen. He was conscious and breathing at the scene and taken to the hospital for medical attention. The victim remains in intensive care, and my thoughts are with him and his family as he recovers. I know this act of violence was disturbing for neighbors and families. I was in communication with Metropolitan 2nd District Commander John Branch on Saturday regarding the shooting and will support MPD’s response efforts as it continues its investigation. MPD has not yet identified two suspects involved in the incident. Residents who may have information about the incident should contact MPD directly using the anonymous tip line at 202.727.9099. I am grateful for the Metropolitan Police Department’s timely and professional response to Saturday’s incident. I expect to meet with officers and nearby residents this week to discuss how we will ensure upper Connecticut Avenue NW remains safe for all neighbors. This was the topic of a similar community meeting…

Press Release

MEDIA CONTACT: Christian Damiana 202.258.9532 | cdamiana@dccouncil.gov Councilmember Matt Frumin Introduces Bill to Address Acute Shortage of Nurses Frumin’s proposal would admit the District of Columbia to the Nurse Licensure Compact and allow licensed nurses from 41 states to practice in DC without obtaining an additional license. Washington, DC — Councilmember Matt Frumin introduced today the District of Columbia Nurse Licensure Compact Authorization Act of 2023, which would enter the District into the national Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The bill was co-introduced by Committee on Health Chair Christina Henderson, Committee on Hospital and Health Equity Chair Vince Gray, and Councilmembers Zachary Parker, Brooke Pinto, Robert White, and Kenyan McDuffie. Like much of the country, DC is facing an acute shortage of nurses. According to the District of Columbia Nurses Association, more than 95% of nurses in DC believe inadequate staffing was a “major issue” at their facility. This shortage jeopardizes patient care, puts a strain on health care providers, and overburdens nurses, leading to burnout and turnover, which in turn exacerbates the shortage of nurses.…

Press Release

MEDIA CONTACT: Christian Damiana 202.258.9532 | cdamiana@dccouncil.gov Councilmember Matt Frumin Introduces Bill to Protect Rent Stabilization, Address Chronic DCHA Landlord Overpayments Frumin’s proposal ensures rent stabilization can co-exist with the housing voucher program and strengthens both affordable housing tools. Washington, DC –– Councilmember Matt Frumin introduced the Rent Stabilization Protection Amendment Act of 2023.The bill ensures the voucher program can thrive without jeopardizing existing rent stabilization policies by ending the exemption of housing vouchers from rent stabilization laws. The legislation, crafted in consultation with the Office of the Tenant Advocate, preserves funds needed to supply more vouchers and house additional neighbors. The DC Housing Authority often pays the maximum allowable rent instead of negotiating a reasonable fair market price, leading to fewer individuals served and a dangerous upward pressure on the housing market that inflates rents. These issues are further exacerbated in rent-stabilized buildings because voucher recipients currently cannot benefit from rent-stabilization policies. As a result, landlords can reap 50 percent more profits by renting to voucher recipients. To address these disparities, the bill levels the playing field…

Letter

Councilmember Frumin sent a letter containing his recommendations regarding WMATA’s Better Bus Visionary Network plan on behalf of Ward 3 residents. After synthesizing more than 250 comments from constituents and resolutions from each Ward 3 ANC, he compiled seven recommendations to enable reliable, frequent, well-connected Metrobus service for all of Ward 3.

Letter

Councilmember Frumin called on WMATA to extend its public and stakeholder engagement period by one month and provide more channels for providing feedback to ensure all residents, including those with limited technological abilities or internet access, can be heard.

Letter

Councilmember Frumin joined colleagues with oversight of the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services in sending a letter requesting that the agencies institute additional aquatics options for residents affected by the Wilson Aquatic Center closure.

Statement

In response to dangerous road conditions, 24 ANC Commissioners, former Councilmember Cheh, Mayor Bowser, and DDOT all recognized the need for improvements on Connecticut Avenue. I share their desire for a safety-focused redesign of Connecticut Avenue and improved multimodal transportation options in Ward 3. I expect the final proposal for Connecticut Avenue will make the roadway safer for all users, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities; improve sustainable transportation options; and accommodate the needs of neighbors and our small business community The Big Picture The redesign will make Connecticut Avenue a safer, more sustainable corridor with improved access to local businesses. I continue to push for a consensus plan that prioritizes safety while preserving parking, pick up/drop off, and loading zones. What will Connecticut Avenue look like? DDOT is still in the design phase of the project, but the typical lane configuration is certain to include two vehicle travel lanes in both directions; space for pick up, drop off, and loading; and protected bicycle infrastructure. The redesign maintains the number of off-peak travel lanes…

Statement

We can make our neighborhoods safer with a strategy that promotes an adequately resourced police department, comprehensive wraparound services, and community-centered professional policing. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) should be adequately resourced to prevent and respond to crime effectively. While recent budgets included funds to increase MPD personnel, recruitment and retention of officers remain a struggle. I am reviewing existing incentive structures and exploring innovative ways to recruit qualified officers who reflect the communities they serve and the racial, economic, and gender diversity of our city. Training efforts should prioritize building meaningful connections between officers and communities that increase accountability and strengthen the department’s ability to work with residents and local leaders to prevent crime. In tandem with personnel investments, I support data-driven responses to crime that enable MPD to be nimble in allocating resources to address increases in violent and property crimes where they occur. Expanded use of proven tools like Crime Suppression Teams, which respond to incidents with additional police presence, allow MPD to address safety concerns. I expect the mayor’s proposed budget will…

Press Release

MEDIA CONTACT: Christian Damiana 202.258.9532 | cdamiana@dccouncil.gov Councilmember Matt Frumin Commits to Voluntarily Donate His Historical Records to the DC Archives Frumin will donate his papers at the conclusion of his first term in 2027, which coincides with the Archives’ 40th anniversary and the opening of its new facility. WASHINGTON, DC –– Councilmember Matt Frumin announced his commitment to gift his papers and historical records to the District of Columbia Archives in a letter he transmitted to Secretary of State Kimberly Bassett today. The commitment will improve Council transparency, preserve DC’s local history, and support the DC Archives. “This is about transparency,” Frumin said. “Donating my records to the DC Archives will ensure our historic work expanding opportunity and creating a more inclusive Ward 3 will be accessible for generations to come.” Current public records laws do not mandate the preservation of Councilmembers’ records. As a result, when Councilmembers leave office, their papers are typically lost and never become inaccessible to the public. Councilmember Frumin is the first Councilmember to make the bold and transparent step…

Press Release

MEDIA CONTACT: Christian Damiana 202.258.9532 | cdamiana@dccouncil.gov Councilmember Matt Frumin Announces His FY 2024 Budget Priorities to Advance a “Ward 3 for All” Frumin will leverage the budget process to fund future-focused solutions to challenges facing Ward 3 and the District. WASHINGTON, DC –– Councilmember Matt Frumin announced his budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2024 today, which he transmitted in a letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser. The ambitious priorities seek to realize a “Ward 3 for All” by expanding opportunity and growing inclusive neighborhoods. His budget priorities highlight seven critical strategies: Fully Fund Neighborhood Schools Promote Affordable, Abundant Housing Options Expand Economic Opportunity Invest in Safer Streets and Accessible Transit Foster Safe, Healthy Neighborhoods Support our Seniors Celebrate Local Arts, Culture, and Recreation “I will use the FY 24 budget process to press for additional funds for public schools in Ward 3 and across the District,” said Councilmember Frumin. “A critical first step will be to reverse the destructive proposed cuts to more than 60 DCPS schools. We must restore crucial school services citywide.” Councilmember…

Media Coverage

Washington Business Journal | Hannah Denham "A slew of D.C. government officials and other nearby inhabitants have their own ideas for the building's future. Among the most vocal, even during his D.C. Council campaign, has been newly elected Councilmember Matthew Frumin, D-Ward 3, who's toured the facility multiple times."

Media Coverage

The Eagle | Kendall Thompson "Motivated by his passion for facilitating strong communities and advocating for Ward 3 residents, Matthew Frumin took office as the new Ward 3 Council member in January 2023."

Media Coverage

ABC7, WJLA | Kellye Lynn "'You have schools that get out of sync. They're either underfilled or overfilled and you need to step back and say is there a reasonable way to adjust the boundaries so that we're taking advantage of our school capacity," said Ward 3 DC Councilmember Matt Frumin."

Media Coverage

DCist | Morgan Baskin "Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin, supported by eight of his colleagues, introduced a bill this week seeking to limit how much rent the DC Housing Authority can pay to property managers who rent to some tenants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program."

Media Coverage

The Hoya | Evie Steele “The future Palisades Trolley Trail has the potential to be a regional asset for both sustainable, non-vehicular transportation and for recreation,” Frumin wrote to The Hoya. “Once restored, the Trestle Bridge will be a centerpiece amid scenic ravines and sweeping views of the Potomac.”

Letter

Councilmember Frumin committed to donate his papers and other historical materials to the District of Columbia Archives at the conclusion of his term in public to set an example of transparency in the legislative branch.

Media Coverage

Forbes Breaking News | Cat Oriel "Matthew Frumin, Ward 3 DC Councilmember, sat down with reporter Cat Oriel on "Forbes Newsroom" to discuss the D.C. Criminal Code Bill, which has been blocked by Congress."

Media Coverage

Washington Informer | Sam P.K. Collins "During a virtual Ward 3 budget forum in January, Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin (D) said he would encourage his colleagues on the D.C. Council’s Committee on Housing to pursue a $100 million allocation in Bowser’s FY 2024 budget toward the Affordable Housing Property Acquisition Fund."

Media Coverage

Fox5 DC | Adrienne DiPiazza "The crash has prompted Ward 3 ANCs and Councilmember Matt Frumin to request that the D.C. Department of Transportation allow parking during rush hour to slow down drivers."

Media Coverage

DC News Now | Mariel Carbone "Councilmember Matt Frumin is calling for changes along Connecticut Avenue after a multi-vehicle crash killed one person last month. The crash, which happened outside of the National Zoo, involved four vehicles. Three people were critically injured in the crash. Police said a 21-year-old man was killed."

Letter

Councilmember Frumin requested that DDOT Director Everett Lott implement immediately traffic calming measures on Connecticut Avenue NW, including the removal of all rush-hour parking restrictions.

Media Coverage

DCist | Morgan Baskin "Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin introduced a bill Thursday to create a new Business Improvement District in Friendship Heights, the Northwest neighborhood abutting Maryland with a bustling commercial corridor along Wisconsin Ave. "

Media Coverage

WUSA9 | John Henry '“I met with the Department of General Services and the Department of Parks and Recreation this week and pressed for an expeditious short-term fix and continued planning for a lasting long-term solution,” [Councilmember Frumin] said. “The Wilson Aquatic Center is a popular community amenity I use frequently and I’m working to restore access to residents as soon as possible.”'

Letter

Councilmember Frumin wrote to DMPED with suggestions for planning of the Chevy Chase Civic Site (“Civic Core”). He advocated for an inclusive community engagement process and a final proposal with a modern library and community center and housing, especially affordable housing.

Media Coverage

The Washington Post | Karina Elwood '“It is important that we get this work done and get it done as quickly as possible and save lives and avoid that terrible ripple effect,” said council member Matthew Frumin (D-Ward 3). “Each suicide affects many, many people, and we can avoid it.”'

Media Coverage

ABC 7, WJLA | Christian Flores "It's really an outrage," Frumin said. "If Congress were to try to step in and overturn the decisions of the elected officials in another jurisdiction, there would be widespread outrage."

Media Coverage

The Washington Post | Courtland Milloy "[Frumin] believes that Ward 3 owes something to the city and that residents want to use their political and economic clout to help fix systemic issues that prevent people from enjoying the basics of life — such as safe neighborhoods and good schools."

Media Coverage

DCist | Martin Austermuhle "The D.C. Department of Transportation is moving forward with a plan to place anti-suicide barriers on the William Howard Taft Bridge, the 115-year-old span that carries Connecticut Avenue across Rock Creek Park."

Media Coverage

Washington Business Journal | Tristan Navera "'Ward 3 came to look the way it did because of intentional policies of expulsion," said Councilmember Matt Frumin, D-Ward 3, of the most affluent ward in the city. "It we want to change that, we have to create equally intentional policies."'