The work
None of this work happens alone. Here's what we got done together, and what's next for Shaw and Mount Vernon Square.
Three wins
I don't believe in flashy promises. I believe in steady work that shows. If you remember three things about this term, make it these.
A cleaner Blagden Alley
After years of pressing DPW, a dedicated trash compactor is coming to Blagden Alley. Contained trash means cleaner alleys, fewer rats, and a healthier historic district.
Safer streets, delivered
We won an approved DDOT Notice of Intent to make 10th and Massachusetts Ave NW safer, daylighting on 9th St at Shepherd Court so neighbors can exit safely, and the first ride share zone outside Nats Park to ease congestion in Blagden Alley.
More homes near Metro
We upzoned and approved higher-density developments around Shaw, especially near Metro stations — 94+ homes and counting, including affordable units at 1515 9th Street NW.
Issue by
The rest of the work, by topic. Tap any issue for what we got done.
Street & traffic safety
Safer sidewalks, calmer traffic, and real follow-up with DDOT.
Steven pushed DDOT to complete long-overdue sidewalk repairs along the 1200 and 1300 blocks of 10th St. NW and held DC Water accountable for damaged sidewalks on N St. NW. After a pedestrian was killed at 10th and Massachusetts Ave. NW, he pressed DDOT relentlessly. That won enhanced signage and, this year, an approved Notice of Intent for permanent safety hardening at the intersection. He also had obstructing bollards moved at 9th and M St. NW and is daylighting our alley entrances to deter illegal parking.
A safer Blagden Alley
Protecting our historic alleys for pedestrians and neighbors.
Rideshare drivers were overburdening the historic alleyways and compromising pedestrian safety. Steven worked with DDOT, his commission, and neighbors to geofence Blagden Alley from rideshare drivers, and is relocating the 9th St. loading zone closer to N St. NW. Both ease congestion and make the alley safer for everyone.
Public works that deliver
Trash picked up, alleys enforced, graffiti gone. The basics done right.
Steven passed resolutions pushing DPW to improve parking enforcement in our historic corridors and works with their new booting-and-towing task force. When residents mistakenly had trash service cut off, he worked across agencies to restore it. He's ensured swift graffiti removal for residents and churches. A new trash compactor for Blagden Alley is in progress.
Public safety
A holistic approach: strong MPD partnership plus prevention beyond policing.
Steven partners with MPD on community events and connects residents and building managers with the DC Camera Rebate and Camera Connect programs. He's advocated for funding ONSE's violence prevention services, supports mental-health crisis intervention, works with buildings like the Whitman Condominium on incident response. He also fought alongside Councilmember Pinto to restore VPART victim-services funding in the DC budget.
Government transparency
Holding ABCA and DC agencies accountable to the neighbors they serve.
Steven has negotiated settlement agreements with local protest groups and introduced resolutions targeting transparency and accountability gaps at ABCA. His July 2023 noise-code resolution removed the burden on residents to invite investigators into their homes late at night. It helped shape the Harmonious Living Act and the Amplified Noise Amendment Act introduced in 2024.
Housing for everyone
94+ housing units approved, with affordability at the center.
Steven believes in honoring our history while creating new homes and welcoming more neighbors. This term we upzoned and approved higher-density developments around Shaw, especially near Metro stations. He supported the 1515 9th Street NW development, which exceeded its affordable-housing minimum. He pushes developers and the DC Council for deeper affordability, partnered with Miriam's Kitchen to support a neighbor experiencing homelessness, and backs pathways from renting to homeownership.
Parks & public space
Safe, clean, active parks, starting with 10th St. Park.
Working with DPR and DGS, Steven has kept 10th St. Park safe and clean, replaced broken gates, and had the lights fixed for the winter months. He serves as a Director with Friends of 10th St. Park, plans community events that activate the space, and has tackled mosquito abatement and plant health.
Art, culture & community
Murals, alley festivals, and events that bring us together.
Steven hosted Blagden Alley Community Day, launched the first-ever Blagden Alley Pride, and joined DC AlleyFest. He's working with local historians and Events DC on history tours of our alley-dwelling communities, and with Alley Living Together on new mural spaces. A new mural is coming to Blagden Alley.
Transit, youth & education
Better buses and metro, and real investment in our kids.
Steven joined ANC 2G in advocating for restored Circulator service between Shaw and the Waterfront, supports the Mt. Vernon Square metro stop, and voted to endorse 24/7 select bus routes. For our youth, he's handed out basketballs and summer send-off kits, pushed for more DPR program funding, and advocates for public schools and after-school programs.
The road
Another two years of steady work. Here's where it goes next.
More housing, more neighbors
Bringing more neighbors and housing to Naylor Court, with thoughtful new homes that fit the character of our historic alleys.
A cleaner city
Deliver the Blagden Alley compactor, continue aggressive rodent abatement, and hold sanitation enforcement to a higher bar.
Finish the safety work
See the 10th and Massachusetts hardening through construction, and keep daylighting intersections and alley entrances across 2G04.
Keep alley culture thriving
A new mural for Blagden Alley, and continued support for the events and history tours that celebrate our alley-dwelling heritage.