We're just a few days away from Inauguration Weekend, with road closures in Capitol Hill starting as early as tomorrow. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen sent out the following update with important information regarding the days ahead:
Later this week, our city (and our neighborhoods) will play host to hundreds of thousands of visitors. At times, we're the District of Columbia. At other times, we're the Nation's Capital. This week, we'll be both -- and I couldn't be more proud of what I've seen from our neighbors and the values we share for our community.
Last week, I held a hearing on the District's preparations for the inauguration on Friday and the Women's March on Saturday. As Chair of the Council's Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, I felt it was important to hear from District leaders about the work our local government is doing in partnership with federal law enforcement and security agencies to ensure safe events throughout the Inauguration, including the march on Saturday the 21st. Our values demand that we are a city that protects every individual's right to participate or protest. I came away from my conversation at the hearing confident that the District is prepared for all of the events and is committed to the idea that everyone participating in this week's activities will have their rights respected and protected.
We're no stranger to major events here in DC, but we also know an Inauguration places a special spotlight on our community and impacts how we live our lives. To help everyone plan and manage the next few days, I've pulled together information that I think will be helpful.
For the official website for DC's Inauguration Plans, CLICK HERE.
For the official twitter handle for DC's Inauguration Updates, CLICK HERE.
And now, for the really important stuff:
As we near the 20th, more and more security measures will be put in place that impact roads and parking. The Secret Service will begin with parking restrictions on Wednesday the 18th and road closures on Thursday the 19th. For a full list and map of impacted streets, CLICK HERE.
The District government, including DC Public Libraries and District of Columbia Public Schools will be closed on the 20th. In addition, DC Public Charter Schools will be closed on the 20th. DCPS will resume classes on Monday, January 23. To check the operating status of your child’s public charter school, please CLICK HERE.
DC services like trash collection will continue throughout the Inauguration. Due to the Monday MLK holiday, DPW is on a sliding schedule for collections. Trash and recycling that would normally be collected on Thursday will slide to Friday. Collections normally on Friday will slide to Saturday. For more information on these and other city services, CLICK HERE.
For a full listing of transit and transportation updates on how to get around during these events, including pedestrian, bike, taxi, and other modes, please CLICK HERE.
I've also heard from many people with questions about how to protect their rights to protest. While District officials have outlined their commitment to protecting First Amendment rights, I want to make sure you know your rights and are prepared. There are two great resources, and even an app you can load on your phone. First, check out the ACLU guides, downloads, and tips, as well as their #MobileJustice app by CLICKING HERE. Second, the DC Office of Police Complaints will have observers deployed alongside officers, but if necessary, you can file complaints directly through their website by CLICKING HERE.
Whether you're protesting or watching the parade, I want everyone to have a safe experience as the District hosts the 2017 Inauguration. Our values on the morning of the 20th will be the very same as when we wake up on the 21st. I look forward to working with you for an inclusive, respectful, and thriving Ward 6 and District of Columbia.
Whether you are a resident, employer, commuter or visitor – stay informed and prepare early to make your experience during Inauguration Week seamless. In anticipation of the forthcoming festivities, goDCgo is offering an exclusive Inauguration 2017 Travel Guide for FREE. In this guide, you'll receive:
Transportation information on getting to and around DC during Inauguration week
Pro transportation tips directly from goDCgo experts
Specialty Inauguration walking, Metrorail and Metrobus maps
Learn the secrets of your favorite local chefs! The Annual Culinary Education Crawl is expanding this year beyond Barracks Row to include restaurants on Pennsylvania Ave, SE; 7th Street, SE and the Capitol Riverfront.
Sign up for as many classes as you like from Jan 26 to Feb 2 when Capitol Hill becomes a cooking school campus. Attend just the classes you want - build your own schedule - just like you did in college. Walk, bike or Metro to class!
Most classes will be held at the restaurants or businesses on 8th Street, however some will be at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave, SE. Finding Hill Center is easy: from Eastern Market Metro plaza walk one block east, crossing 8th Street, SE and continue past Dunkin Donuts and the BP gas station to 9th Street, SE. Hill Center is at the corner of 9th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, just a block from the Metro.
Tickets are only sold online at this site. Purchase confirmation will be sent by email.
Once a class is full it will be closed to further registrants. Depending on demand and availability a new section at a different time may be opened.
You must be 12 years of age to participate, or 21 years of age if the class includes alcohol.
Click here for the full list of classes and to register!
On January 22nd at 9:30am, Summit to Soul will host a Sunday fun run that will join forces with special guests from Oiselle's Seattle Headquarters. The run will take place on a variety of 3-6 mile routes around the Capitol. And the fun doesn't stop there! They're partnering with a few Capitol Hill neighbors (Bullfrog Bagels, District Doughnut, and Capital Teas) for a light breakfast post run. So lace up your shoes and get ready to join some awesome women #runningonlove.
RSVP for Sunday's Fun Run here. And don't forget to get your "Running on Love" tank top or long sleeve shirt available in store at 727 8th St. SE and online now!
Join us on Tuesday, February 28th as we reflect on the past year and get a preview of upcoming BID initiatives, including our 5-year BID renewal. The 2017 Annual Meeting meeting will be held at The Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE) at 8:00AM and will include a breakfast buffet.
Be sure to keep an eye out for your proxy ballots! The ballots, along with an announcement flyer, will be mailed to BID Members (property owners and tenants) the first week of February. It's imperative that you return your proxy ballots in order for us to properly conduct business at the Annual Meeting.
The Annual Meeting allows all BID Members to elect new members of the Board of Directors or reelect those whose terms have expired.
