Reflecting on My First Year as ANC for River Terrace

It’s hard to believe it has been a little over a year since I was appointed to serve as the ANC Commissioner for 7D04. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together.

When I first stepped into this role, I had one primary goal: help people feel more connected to what’s happening in our neighborhood. Government works best when people know what’s going on, understand how decisions are made, and have meaningful opportunities to participate. That’s why I prioritized communication from day one.

Keeping Residents Informed

Over the past year, I have:

• Published regular newsletters with updates on neighborhood projects, city services, public meetings, and opportunities for public input.
• Worked to make local government more accessible by explaining city processes and sharing information residents can use.
• Shared information about resources and support services for neighbors impacted by federal workforce layoffs, helping connect residents with assistance during a challenging time.
• Reported ICE activity affecting DC residents and shared information with community support organizations, including Free DC and DC Migrant Mutual Aid, to help ensure residents had access to information and resources.

Advocating for River Terrace

Beyond communication, I have worked to ensure River Terrace’s voice is represented at the District level. This includes:

• Successfully advocating for more frequent DDOT Clean Team visits to improve neighborhood cleanliness and maintenance.
• Submitted traffic safety requests through 311 in response to resident concerns, including requesting DDOT safety studies to evaluate locations for potential speed humps and other traffic-calming measures.
• Helped residents resolve 311 requests and connect with District agencies, including navigating challenging situations involving squatters, illegal dumping, sidewalk and street repair, and rat abatement.
• Submitted a letter to Councilmember Felder outlining River Terrace’s budget priorities and advocating for investments that support our community.
• Consulted with neighbors when the possibility of bringing the National Guard into the District was raised. After hearing strong opposition from River Terrace residents, I communicated that feedback and opposed the proposal.
• Supported the Department of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE) application for funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Planning and Technical Assistance Grant to advance environmental and watershed planning in the Anacostia watershed, helping support efforts that could benefit River Terrace and surrounding communities.

Legislative & Public Advocacy

I have worked to ensure River Terrace’s voice is represented not only in neighborhood decisions, but also in broader District conversations. This includes:

• Introduced two ANC 7D resolutions calling for federal law enforcement officers operating in the District to display clear identifying information during enforcement actions and condemning federal overreach of MPD and the deployment of National Guard units to DC.
• Signed an op-ed from the ANC Home Rule Caucus advocating for DC’s right to self-govern and strengthening local democratic representation.
• Testified before the DC Council in support of a District bottle bill to reduce litter and increase recycling.
• Testified before the DC Council in opposition to proposed DC Water rate increases to advocate for affordable utility costs for District residents.
• Testified in support of the FAAR Act to increase police transparency and accountability.

Advocating for River Terrace in RFK Redevelopment

The redevelopment of the RFK campus will have long-term implications for River Terrace, particularly around transportation, infrastructure, environmental impacts, and community investment. I have worked to make sure River Terrace is represented in those discussions and that our neighborhood’s needs are considered as plans move forward. Over the past year, I have:

• Organized and encouraged River Terrace residents to participate in the public process surrounding the Benning Bridges Transportation Project and other transportation planning connected to the RFK campus.
• Represented River Terrace concerns in discussions about the RFK redevelopment and advocated for the neighborhood’s interests as District plans have developed.
• Drafted a River Terrace Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) framework to identify community priorities and establish a foundation for advocating for meaningful benefits and investments for River Terrace.
• Submitted testimony to the DC Council supporting River Terrace and advocating for the neighborhood’s interests in the RFK Stadium Development project.
• Raised River Terrace priorities related to transportation, infrastructure, environmental protection, and community investment as part of broader discussions about the future of the RFK campus.

Building Community

• Shared information about ANC grant opportunities with the River Terrace Community Organization (RTCO), helping support their successful application for funding for River Terrace Day.
• Regularly participated in neighborhood cleanups, community meetings, events, and other local activities to stay connected with residents, better understand issues affecting River Terrace, and encourage more residents to participate in shaping the future of our community.

A Note About the Role of ANC Commissioner

One thing many people don’t realize is that ANC Commissioners are unpaid volunteers. While the position does not come with a budget or staff, I believe residents deserve clear, accessible information about what is happening in their neighborhood. That’s why I personally paid to create and maintain this 7D04 newsletter and calendar so residents have a reliable place to find neighborhood information and stay connected.

Thank you to everyone who has emailed, attended meetings, shared ideas, reported issues, volunteered, and supported our neighborhood over the past year. Serving as your ANC Commissioner has been an honor, and I look forward to continuing this work together.

Best,

Katie Murphy