November 14, 2025

Letter from the Mayor

Dear Washingtonians,

After 43 days, the longest federal shutdown in history came to an end this week. Shutdowns hurt Americans everywhere, but they are especially devastating for those who live and work in our nation’s capital. And if nothing else has come from this shutdown, we have once again been reminded that 700,000 DC residents deserve a vote and a voice in our Congress.

I say often that in DC we take care of ourselves. Especially in difficult times, we stick together and we look out for our neighbors. Throughout the shutdown, we saw that spirit across DC: restaurants and organizations providing free meals to federal workers, neighbors donating to food banks, and within DC Government – our teams working quickly to ensure Washingtonians wouldn’t miss SNAP or WIC benefits.

In reflecting on my gratitude, I want to make sure you know about some upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations. On the heels of a busy Halloween season, the Department of Parks and Recreation is now bringing Washingtonians together and helping DC get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday with Friendsgivings, turkey drives and turkey giveaways, and more.

Especially this week: thank you, DC. And tomorrow, let’s come together again to cheer on the Spirit as they continue their playoff run in the semifinals at Audi Field!

Sincerely,

In This Week’s Newsletter:

Now Open: New Fort Totten–Takoma Metropolitan Branch Trail Expansion

The new Fort Totten–Takoma segment of the Metropolitan Branch Trail is now open!

This newly completed segment provides 1.7 miles of north-south bicycle and pedestrian connectivity for the neighborhoods of Fort Totten, Takoma, Manor Park, Riggs Park, and adjacent communities—closing one of the final remaining gaps in the District’s portion of the 8-mile regional trail corridor from Union Station to Silver Spring, Maryland.

Learn more here.

Compost Your Old Pumpkins at the DPW Pumpkin Toss

Need to get rid of your fall pumpkins? Come smash and compost that old squash at the Department of Public Works’ food waste drop-off events this weekend at the Mount Pleasant and Monroe Street farmers markets.

When: Saturday, November 15 and Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market, 3210 Mount Pleasant St NW & Monroe Street Farmers Market, 716 Monroe St NE

You can also compost your old pumpkins, gourds, and other food scraps by dropping them off at one of the District’s 31 Food Waste Smart Bins or at 12 community food waste drop-off sites. Just remember to cut them into small chunks first so we can fit more in the bins!

EXTENDED: Pet Adoption Fees Now Waived Through November 23

Brandywine Valley SPCA will continue to waive all adoption fees! Last week, the Mayor and District officials cut the ribbon on the new DC Animal Shelter at DC Village. One way residents can help make it a smooth transition to the new shelter is by adopting a pet.

So, check out their website, head down to the shelter, and consider making your home a forever home.

When:
- Tuesday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: DC Animal Shelter, 4 DC Village Lane SW
More information: Call 202-888-PETS or visit bvspca.org/dc.

#SportsCapital: Make Your Voice Heard on RFK

The District is set to transform 180 acres of land on the banks of the Anacostia into housing, park space, a new entertainment district, a sportsplex for our kids, and more.

This week, the Commanders announced that they’ve selected HKS Architects as the lead architect for what will become the best NFL stadium in the country. But there are still many details to plan for the future RFK campus.

If you’re excited about the RFK project and ensuring we deliver a campus that includes your priorities, come to next week’s planning meeting, or visit parkplanning.nps.gov/rfk between November 19 and December 19 to provide a comment.

When: Wednesday, November 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue SE
Register here

Leaf Collection: Section B Starts Monday

Leaf collection is in full swing. Section A will wrap up the first round of collection on Saturday, and Section B starts next week. Rake your leaves into the tree box or curb in front of your home and our crews will be by to collect. You can put your leaves in paper bags if you’d like, but please don’t use plastic bags—they can’t be composted. Check your collection section and sign up for updates to stay informed.

Section B: Rake out by Sunday, November 16!