January 13, 2026

Katie Murphy

Katie Murphy

— 3 min read

Hello neighbors,

There's a lot coming up in the next week, so scroll all the way through so you don't miss anything!

I hope to see you at next week's RTCO meeting on Wednesday - more details below.

Best,
Katie

Walk with the Bowser Administration in the MLK Day Holiday Parade


Barry Farm Recreation Center, Washington, DC
Monday, Jan 19 from 10:30 am to 2 pm EST

DC Public Libraries Open on Monday, January 19, for MLK Day

One library in each ward will be open on Monday, January 19, in observance of MLK Day:

  • Ward 1 – Mt. Pleasant Library
  • Ward 2 – Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library*
  • Ward 3 – Tenley-Friendship Library
  • Ward 4 – Mt. Pleasant Library (Interim library for the Petworth Library, which is under renovation.)
  • Ward 5 – Woodridge Library
  • Ward 6 – Southwest Library
  • Ward 7 – Benning/Dorothy I. Height Library
  • Ward 8 – Anacostia Library

Also, join us this Martin Luther King Jr. Day as DC library honor's Dr. King's vision of justice, equity, and peace with a full day of art, music, and meaningful conversation. On Monday, January 19 at the MLK Library explore hands-on creativity with clay art at 10:00 a.m., then experience the power of history and song during the 40th Anniversary of the King Mural + Seasons of Love musical performance at noon. Later, dive into civic engagement with A Celebration of DC Home Rule at 2:00 p.m., featuring performances and a panel on local activism.

Free DC Walk Out on Fascism

January 20, 2026 will mark one year of this fascist regime as well as one year of Free DC's organizing to protect our people and communities.

One year in, our fight is more urgent than ever: ICE is kidnapping our neighbors, MPD is cooperating with federal agents, Congress has introduced bill after bill to overturn our local laws, and local elections on the horizon will require us to actively ensure their fairness and integrity.

On January 20, 2026, we're calling on everyone who is sick of this administration's attacks on DC to leave work and rally with us for a Free DC. Team up with friends, coworkers, or neighbors in your Ward to take this action together. Together, meet us at Freedom Plaza to show our power and participate in a special activity together. Pledge to participate using the form linked above.

River Terrace Community Organization Meeting

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
River Terrace Education Campus
6:30-8:30 PM

DPR Lottery Training Sessions

Summer camp lottery is coming soon.  Get your DPR account and household in order to be READY for this summer! Join a training to learn about:

* Your Online DPR Account *
* Reduced Rates *
* Residency Validation *
* Camp Lottery Process *

Small Business Law Clinic

If you are an existing or an aspiring small business owner, come and meet one-on-one with attorneys at the Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic sponsored by the DC Bar Pro Bono Center. At this clinic you can get information on business formation, contracts, leases, taxes or any other questions you may have related to small business legal issues. Or, if you do not have specific questions, come and tell the attorneys about your business—they can help you spot legal issues or give you general advice.

Date: 1/14/2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM (EST)

Point of Contact: Small Business Resource Center (202) 442-4538
Location: 1100 4th St SW 3rd floor, Washington DC 20024-4451

This is an in-person event ONLY. One-on-one Meeting (First come first serve). If you signed up for the waitlist, that does not guarantee your appointment. Appointments only take place if you have a confirmed registered appointment.

Ward 7 Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Priorities Survey

Each year, the District of Columbia adopts an annual budget that reflects the priorities of the Mayor, the Council of the District of Columbia, and—most importantly—our residents.

As we begin planning for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget, the Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder wants to hear directly from you. Your input is essential to ensuring that City resources align with the needs, concerns, and aspirations of our community.

This brief survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and will close on February 15, 2026. Your voice matters, and we sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.

Leaf Collection Update

The second pass at leaf collection is starting in a few weeks. River Terrace is in Section 7C. Check out our website https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf to find weekly updates on our current locations and where we’ll be collecting leaves next. Residents are also encouraged to call our leaf line for weekly updates at 202 671- LEAF (5323). The leaf line is updated every Friday by 6 PM.  

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