Earlier this week, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson announced his intention to reorganize the Council committees to create a new subcommittee on small business to be chaired by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen. The subcommittee will have responsibility for several issues impacting small and local businesses and entrepreneurs across the District of Columbia. The agencies under the subcommittee's purview will include: Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA), Public Service Commission (PSC), and Office of People’s Counsel (OPC).
The new subcommittee will have oversight of DC's successful Main Streets programs, operations of the Business Improvement Districts, the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program, alcoholic beverage licensing and enforcement, and utility and telecommunications regulation.
"While there are only a few months left in this Council Period, I look forward to chairing this subcommittee for the final months of the year. I plan to focus on supporting our growing local businesses and continued oversight of important programs like CBEs, Main Streets, and BIDs. I'm excited to see the upcoming launch of the Made In DC program which I authored earlier this year and talking with our local entrepreneurs about how to make DC a friendlier place to start and run a successful business,” said Allen.
“Local businesses are the engines of our neighborhood economies. They build the character of our communities, activate our streets, and pour their profits back into our neighborhoods by employing nearby residents and sourcing through nearby vendors. With many owners living and working locally, it means our small businesses are closely tied to our neighborhoods and deeply invested in their future. Local business development means creating more local jobs and building stronger neighborhoods,” said Allen.
Come celebrate fall on Capitol Hill THIS SATURDAY, September 24, at the Barracks Row Fall Festival! Presented by Barracks Row Main Street, the festival will take place from 11:00AM-5:00PM along 8th Street, SE, between the Eastern Market Metro Plaza and the Southeast Freeway.
There will be lots of food, fun and family activities - check out barracksrow.org for a detailed list of events.
Stop by the BID Tent to take our annual assessment survey and receive a free prize!
Good news for bicycle commuters on The Hill! Capital Bikeshare has installed a new 19 dock station at 1st & D St SE, just a block from Capitol South Metro and the House Office Buildings.
Capital Bikeshare also celebrated its 6th anniversary yesterday. 6 years, 400+ stations, 14+ million trips, 24+ million miles, 3,500 red bikes - I'd call that a success. Happy 6th Birthday, Capital Bikeshare!
The Ugly Mug (723 8th St. SE) has a brand new 3,000 square foot deck - complete with a retractable roof! Check out this article from Brightest Young Things for a first look. There's a lot more going on at the bar besides the new deck. There are new murals on the walls, new drink options including craft beers and draft cocktails, and a revamped menu in the works.
The rooftop has had a soft opening all week, but the grand opening is on Friday, the 23rd. Make sure you stop by and check it out!