February 9, 2026

Katie Murphy

Katie Murphy

— 3 min read

Hi everyone,

It looks like we're back to normal operations for trash/recycling pickup, but please continue to report any issues to 311 as they come up.

There are a few events of note coming up this week and next week, so please scroll down to learn more about them. I'll be at the monthly virtual ANC 7D meeting tomorrow and highly recommend that you join if you can. I'll also see you next week at the RTCO meeting on Wednesday.

Best,
Katie

ANC 7D Monthly Meeting

• Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 7:00 p.m. (ET)
• Virtual: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/82241895770?pwd=30xgxP1oqOWhDHUuXw1vbrC1rYieSe.1
• Password: anc7d
• Draft Agenda

Benning Road Bridges and Transportation Improvements Project Open House

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to attend an open house about updates on DDOT’s Benning Road Bridges and Transportation Improvements Project (Benning Road Project).

WHAT: Benning Road Bridges and Transportation Improvements Project – Open House 
WHEN: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm (with a brief presentation at 6:15 pm)

WHERE: River Terrace Education Campus, 405 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019 
TO PARTICIPATE: Come to River Terrace Education Campus anytime between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to learn more about the Benning Road project, including details on the latest updates to final design plans and next steps ahead of the anticipated start of construction in summer 2026.

The open house will start with a brief presentation by the project team at 6:15 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about how the project will improve safety, accessibility, and infrastructure along Benning Road NE and have their questions answered by the DDOT team.

This open house will focus on Phase 1 of construction, which will take place along Benning Road NE between 34th Street NE and Minnesota Avenue NE. Phase 1 of construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026 and is comprised of:

  • Replacing the functionally obsolete Willie J. Hardy Bridge over DC‐295 (Anacostia Freeway) and CSX freight rail tracks
  • Improving safety and access through modifications of the Benning Road NE and DC‐295 interchange
  • Enhancing and installing pedestrian and bicycle facilities
  • Relocating utility infrastructure in coordination with Pepco, Washington Gas, Verizon, DC Water, and other utility companies (beginning in 2025)

Phase 2 of construction, which is not yet funded or scheduled, will include additional bridge and roadway rehabilitation and multimodal infrastructure improvements along Benning Road NE between 26th Street NE and East Capitol Street. Once fully implemented, the Benning Road project will improve safety conditions and traffic operations and address deficiencies in infrastructure in Ward 7 and Ward 5 and along the approximately two miles of Benning Road NE from Oklahoma Avenue NE to East Capitol Street.

For more information, please visit benningroadbridges.ddot.dc.gov or email Project Manager Dawit Kebede, PE at dawit.kebede@dc.gov.

RTCO Monthly Meeting

River Terrace Education Campus
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
6:30-8:30 PM
Virtual - password: 117735

Heart Safe Initiative

The Heart Safe Initiative 2026 will provide community-based organizations with a publicly accessible AED, free of charge. These AEDs must be available 24/7 to anyone in need—whether inside the organization or to a bystander responding to a nearby cardiac emergency. This initiative eliminates the financial barrier to AED ownership and ensures that lifesaving equipment is accessible in high-traffic or underserved areas. By equipping organizations and training residents, DC Fire and EMS increase the likelihood of bystander intervention and survival during cardiac emergencies. Once your application is approved, we will reach out to schedule your installation date. This appointment will include:

  • AED installation
  • Hands-only CPR training
  • AED/NARCAN awareness training

Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program application deadline: Friday, March 6  

The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) is a locally funded initiative sponsored by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) that provides District youth ages 14 to 24 with enriching and constructive summer work experiences through subsidized placements in the private and government sectors. Mayor Bowser signed the Mayor's Order 2015-037 on January 14, 2015, to rename the program the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program in honor of former Mayor and MBSYEP founder Marion Barry. Applications are due March 6.

Kenilworth Aquatic Garden Spring Break Program

This program gives priority to students who live or go to school in Ward 7. 
Grades 1-7
April 13-17, 8:45am-3:00pm

COST: $440/week - $110/week, scholarship rate offered (you can select this option during registration) +15% sibling discount for both options! Additional scholarship support available upon email request.

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