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Dear Neighbors,
Earlier this week, while driving my family out to Butler’s Orchard, I passed a sign in a yard that said “Well done good and faithful civil servants! You are not forgotten.” Underneath was a smaller sign and office desk that had the words of the oath of office that every government official, members of the military, and naturalized citizens take some variation of at the start of their tenure.
“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic….I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office to which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
I thought this was such a powerful reminder and gesture to many of our neighbors serving in the federal government that they are indeed seen. And so for my opening letter, I want to say to THANK YOU to the federal government workers and the contractors that support them.
If this were just a federal government shutdown, that would be one thing. But we know that this comes at the tail end of a very difficult year, where many of you have been wrongfully demeaned, vilified, and used as bargaining chips. We know that you went into this work in the public sector not because of the money or the power, but because you are drawn to mission-driven work and serving causes bigger than oneself. Thank you for your commitment to your communities. Thank you for your relentless determination to use the levers available to you to deliver change on behalf of the American people. Thank you to those of you who stayed at the office later in the days leading up to the government funding deadline to make sure states and jurisdictions like DC got some needed approvals on critical programmatic applications. There is something noble about serving the American people regardless of the political wind changes. Every democracy needs that stability. Thank you for what you do.
As some of us write little notes to ourselves of what will need to change or be restored in the next Reconstruction, I think we all need to do a better job talking about the value of the civil service—federal, state, and local. So many people are able to dismiss the plight of federal employees because they don’t understand the job functions and how it impacts their daily lives.
We’re about to hit a much tougher part of this federal government shutdown with staff missing paychecks and benefits for government programs like SNAP being impacted. If you’re a federal worker or someone who has been affected by the shutdown, many organizations and businesses are offering discounts or free items to aid in getting through this time. You can find information about how DC’s Department of Employment Services can assist here, and a number of local businesses are offering discounts to impacted federal workers as well. If you are in need of groceries or food, organizations like DPR Communal Farms, Capital Area Food Bank, ReDeliciousDC, THEARC, and Bread for the City have weekly food distribution programs that anyone may use.
This newsletter includes way more updates and information about community events taking place. If you are planning to participate in First Amendment activity this weekend, make sure you review your rights before you head out. And of course, please stay safe.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
The schedule for upcoming Committee on Health hearings and roundtables is below. If you are interested in testifying or submitting written testimony you can sign up on the Council’s website at dccouncil.gov/hearings.
On Monday, October 6, Councilmember Henderson introduced the Student Identification Card Act of 2025. The bill would ensure all middle and high school public school students have a standard school ID card that displays at minimum a student’s name, school, the school year, and a photo of the student. Many school districts require student ID cards for administrative and security purposes, including Montgomery County Public Schools, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Arlington County Public Schools, and Fairfax County Public Schools. “As we continue into the third month of the increased federal law enforcement presence in the District, there is ongoing concern regarding the need for students to be able to identify themselves to school staff, first responders, and community partners,” Councilmember Henderson said when introducing the legislation.
On Tuesday, October 7, the Council approved Councilmember Henderson’s Let Our Vows Endure Emergency Amendment Act of 2025. The legislation designates authority during a federal government shutdown to the Mayor or their designee to issue marriage licenses, authorize temporary marriage officiants, transmit true copies of licenses, and execute all other necessary documents to certify a marriage in the District of Columbia. Mayor Bowser has delegated this authority to the Secretary of the District of Columbia. This service is free for residents and visitors. Councilmember Henderson plans to introduce permanent legislation to address this matter. More information about getting a marriage license during the federal shutdown is available here.
Discussing Civil Engagement in the District
On Wednesday, October 8, during National Voter Education Week, Councilmember Henderson had the opportunity to explain just exactly how special the District is at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy during a panel discussion around civic engagement, voter participation, upcoming changes to DC voting methods, and representation here in the District. Councilmember Henderson joined DC Board of Elections Director Monica Evans and DC Vote Organizing Director Kelsye Adams. The event was hosted by GU Politics, the McCourt School of Public Policy, and the student-run McCourt Election Organization.
Strengthening Our Trades
On Tuesday, October 14, Councilmember Henderson toured the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Training Center where representatives from the Carpenters Union provided insight into the training facility, skills training, and professional development that candidates in the Carpenters Apprenticeship Programs receive to be competitive construction professionals in the District and the region. The conversation included how to build stronger pipelines for District residents into skilled trades, particularly for returning citizens.
National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB)
On Wednesday, October 15, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) on which Councilmember Henderson serves declined to include in the region’s Visualize 2050 Plan the Virginia Department of Transportation’s proposal to add toll lanes to the southside of I-495 through Fairfax County and across the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge into Prince George’s County, MD. The resolution that the TPB approved states that “the I-495 SEL (Southside Express Lanes) project as currently proposed has yet to fully and satisfactorily address the issues identified to secure concurrence from all the jurisdictions through which it would traverse."
Focusing on Patient Safety
The next day on Thursday, October 16, the Committee on Health's Health Policy Advisor Rebecca Cooper visited Medstar Georgetown Hospital and met with senior executives, including the hospital’s pharmacy team, to discuss whitebagging. Whitebagging refers to the distribution of specific medications from specialty pharmacies. During her visit, Cooper and hospital executives discussed pharmaceuticals and drug administration policies with a focus on patient safety.
#HeightsNight
Every Tuesday this October, neighbors in Columbia Heights are supporting small businesses by shopping and eating locally. This initiative aims to aid local businesses impacted by the federal surge.
Join Mitchell Park Fall Fun Day
Mitchell Park Fall Fun Day is an annual community celebration bringing together 500+ neighbors, families, and kids. Help us welcome fall with free activities, food, crafts, community organizations, music, pumpkin decorating, a haunted house, and more! Join in on the fun, Sunday, October 26, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at 2222 S St NW. The event is accessible via Dupont Circle Metro (Red Line), D70 / D72 / D74 buses, or local street parking. More information here.
2025 Late Skate
Come get your skate on! Join APACC, Friends of Anacostia Park, the LinkUP DC and the National Park Service for a day of music, recreation and kinship in DC's most storied skating venue. Saturday, October 25, from 12:00pm to 10:00pm at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion (1500 Anacostia Drive). Free skate rentals! See details here.
2025 Songbird Art Contest
The 2025 Songbird Art Contest invites young artists to celebrate the beauty and wonder of North America's songbirds. Open to all K-12 students, this annual competition encourages creativity and conservation by spotlighting some of the continent’s most captivating – and threatened – bird species. This year’s featured species includes Black-and-white Warbler, Pinyon Jay, Purple Finch, Varied Bunting, and White-breasted Nuthatch. Visit this link to learn more about the contest and how to submit entries by the deadline of November 30.
Important Updates on Health Care Alliance
Attention! Do you receive Health Care Alliance, Immigrant’s Children’s Program? If so, please review the following DC Health Care Alliance and Medicaid changes that are coming.
Health Care Alliance Changes Effective as of October 1, 2025
What’s NOT Changing in Health Care Alliance
Metro Service Updates
Service Information:
My School DC, EdFest
My School DC is the common application and public-school lottery for participating public and public charter schools in the District that serve PK3 – Grade 12. The application for next school year (2026 – 2027) will be available Monday, December 15, 2025.
You can find participating schools, here.
DPW: The Podcast that Explains How Public Works...Works
Did you know the Department of Public Works (DPW) has a podcast? DPW's podcast “Inside DPW: The Podcast that Explains How Public Works...Works,” airs weekdays at 9:00am on DCradio.gov. Available on Spotify and iHeartRadio, each episode dives deep into the work of DPW, spotlighting both the people behind the services and the challenges they tackle every day. Listeners will gain insight into the culture of graffiti from experts who explain why it’s so tough for municipalities around the world to tackle. You'll hear how they work with other agencies to close the loop on service concerns and also from leaders of other jurisdictions to see how DC stacks up. And when it comes to reducing the District’s rodent population, you’ll hear directly from rat specialists who break down rodent behavior so residents understand the role they can play in helping to keep vermin at bay.
You can check out previous episodes here.
Composting Made Easier with DC’s Food Waste Smart Bins
DC Residents and visitors can help the District meet its zero waste goals by dropping off their food scraps at any of the thirty food waste ‘Smart Bins’ available ward-wide 24/7. The Food Waste Smart Bins’ “rodent-resistant” design keeps food scraps out of the reach of rats or other rodents. The smart bins, which have sensors that monitor bin fullness levels, can be accessed using the metroKEY mobile app or an easy-to-remember keypad code if you don't have a smartphone.
Veteran Affairs, Resource Symposium
The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs invites you to join their monthly Veterans Resource Symposium—a space for DC veterans to connect, share experiences, and explore available resources. Sessions highlight key programs and services offered by the Veteran Affairs office to ensure veterans across the District stay informed, supported, and empowered. Event takes place on the last Thursday of every month at the Marion Barry Building (441 4th St NW) from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaway
DPR Communal Farms are urban Agriculture sites that are organized as communal production farms, managed by DPR staff and community volunteers, with the purpose of providing various ways for community members to receive free food, volunteer, and participate in hands on educational opportunities. From May to November DPR Communal Farms host three Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaways where community members can pick up free veggies, volunteers on the farm, and/or participant in free programming.
Participants must register to attend any giveaway. Participants can register here.
For questions or to receive updates on what is being harvested, volunteer opportunities, pop up giveaways, weekly programs and weather cancellations please email Joshua.singer@dc.gov
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Utility Discount Programs (UDP) assists low-income District residents with reducing utility costs. To qualify, you must meet income guidelines, and utility bills must be in the applicant's name. Eligible residents could receive discounts on electric, gas, and water and sewer bills. Applicants can apply by phone by calling 1-800-234-9473 or by creating an account and applying online here.
Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.
You can visit us online at christinahendersondc.com. Or stay connected by following Councilmember Christina Henderson on her socials.
Website: christinahendersondc.com
Twitter (X): @CMCHenderson
Instagram: @christinahendersondc
Facebook: @christinahendersondc
Bluesky: @cmchenderson.bsky.social