August 8, 2024

Dear neighbor,

Sadly, this week, DC is mourning the loss of three influential community members. I am keeping Mayor Bowser and her loved ones in my thoughts after the passing of her father, Joe Bowser. He was a dedicated community activist and will be missed. A father is irreplaceable, but his service was clearly a model for Mayor Bowser and his legacy lives on.

I was saddened to learn Commissioner Judy Havemann passed away. Judy had a successful career in journalism and then selflessly gave her time by serving on ANC 3A. Her dedication will be missed.

The District lost a hero with the passing of Mary Levy. She devoted decades to advocacy on behalf of our children and families. From her presence at the creation of Parents United, to her longstanding role as the Dean of DCPS school budgets, she made a giant difference. She was tireless with encyclopedic knowledge. Even as she battled illness, she remained on the front lines of advocacy for our kids to the end. It is said that "figures don't lie, but sometimes people don't figure." Mary figured and illuminated the financial picture for us all. I had the honor to work with Mary for many years. She was always warm, always incisive, and always available, except when she was determined to prepare supper for her beloved Ed.

My heart goes out to the loved ones of those who passed, and to our community for these losses. I extend my condolences to Mayor Bowser, the Havemanns, the Levys, and all their family and friends during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

This is the first of what I plan to be periodic updates on public safety to analyze data over an extended period of time. In this update, I focus on reported crimes. I hope to be able to include data on police calls and other information in future iterations.

Part of the reason for these updates is, like major cities across the country, the District experienced an increase in crime following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, crime rose by 26%, with a disturbing 39% increase in violent crime. That increase generated a lot of justified fear and concern. In order to address those concerns and provide objective data to respond to, I felt these updates would be useful. 

Thankfully, data for the first half of 2024 shows we have reversed that trend, with crime down in nearly every measured category. New community and agency partnerships along with pragmatic policy and policing changes implemented by the Council and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are having an immediate impact. When compared to 2023, violent crime is down 35%, including a 46% decrease in carjackings across the District. This is not just a “return to normal,” crime levels are below pre-pandemic levels. Citywide, violent crime is down 13% from 2019 and overall crime is down 14% compared to 2019.  This is not to suggest that crime levels are acceptable. Clearly, they are not. There is a lot of work to be done including getting at root causes of crime, but the trends are moving in the right direction. 

As Ward 3 Councilmember, ensuring residents feel safe in their community is one of my top priorities. Much of the first half of my term has been spent talking with residents about safety concerns in their neighborhoods, and I have worked closely with MPD and my Council colleagues to identify resources and pass legislation to address crime in our city. I have frequently participated in neighborhood crime walks, met with constituents to discuss their concerns, and engaged with MPD officers and leadership. I voted for both the Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act of 2023 and the Secure DC Omnibus passed in March 2024, and I supported fully funding MPD’s hiring and retention requests in the FY25 budget that passed in June.

To show you where we have been and where we are now, my team compiled data from the first six months of 2024 and 2023, pre-pandemic (2019 and 2018), and a decade ago (2014 and 2013). Note that Ward 3's population grew by more than 6,500 residents between the 2010 census and the 2020 census, and our Ward’s population today is estimated to be around 87,000 residents.

The numbers shown in the charts below are collected from MPD Crime Cards, a data-focused dashboard that helps residents stay informed about public safety in their community. The numbers show public safety trends at granular levels, broken down by violent and property crimes and by geographic area. The dashboard can also assist residents in contacting MPD officials in their neighborhood or learning about specific recent incidents. To access the MPD Crime Cards dashboard, click here. See also, the linked Appendix showing breakdowns by ANC in Ward 3 (note that the Crime Cards database would not generate figures for ANC 3/4G).  

Ward 3

Overall, crime in Ward 3 is trending downward. Violent crime and property crime have both shown decreases in the first six months of 2024. MPD’s 2^nd District has expanded foot and bike patrols, particularly in the busier commercial neighborhoods where they can check in on business owners and interact with individuals on the street. MPD now deploys more officers on foot, mountain bikes, segways, and scooters, an important element of community policing that maximizes the opportunity for positive engagement.

The linked Appendix shows the breakdown by ANC. As can be seen in the data, numbers differ between ANCs. This is important data for MPD and the public as we think about deploying resources. Meanwhile, there are two exceptions to the downward trend, Theft/Other (which can be thought of largely as shoplifting) and Motor Vehicle Theft. Shoplifting has been a very serious issue. The 2nd District has taken numerous steps to try to address it, including working with retailers. MPD is making progress, but clearly this continues to call for specific focus and attention. 

Meanwhile, motor vehicle theft increased from 58 thefts to 74, despite a decrease citywide. This category includes cars as well as motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. Mopeds and scooters, like the ones commonly used by delivery services, are especially targeted for theft. Also, a well-documented manufacturing issue with Hyundai and Kia vehicles made them vulnerable to theft and led to a viral social media challenge with users creating and sharing videos instructing viewers how to steal the cars. The District subsequently saw an increase in stolen Kias and Hyundais. In response, MPD implemented a public awareness campaign, hosted anti-theft clinics, and offered free steering wheel locks to residents who own a 2011-2021 Kia or Hyundai. Last year, I co-introduced the “Wheel-Lock Help Incentive Program Act” with Councilmember Anita Bonds, which established an incentive program to encourage the purchase and installation of steering wheel locks on residents’ personal vehicles. But again, this is an area that must continue to be a focus.

Figure 1. Numbers from January 1 to June 31 of each year. Source: DC MPD Crime Cards

DC and Comparisons With Other Major Cities

Crime in the District is also trending downward in the first half of the year. Violent crime is down 34%, homicides are down 24%, auto theft is down nearly 50%, and overall crime is down 19%.

Figure 2. Numbers from January 1 to June 31 of each year. Source: DC MPD Crime Cards

Trends in the District are encouraging when compared with data from other major cities. NORC at the University of Chicago's Center on Public Safety and Justice measured crime statistics over the last year for the top 50 US cities . Many of those big cities experienced spikes in crime in 2023, but DC’s crime levels in measured categories remain steadily low, such as aggravated assault and burglary, or show decreases over time, such as robbery, homicides, and motor vehicle theft.

For example, when measuring aggravated assault over the last 12 months of monthly crime data across the top 50 cities, places like San Francisco, Seattle, and Detroit have struggled with higher totals and rates, while DC’s total count and rate per 100,000 residents is on par with places like Mesa, AZ and Omaha, NE.

Figure 3. Reported Aggravated Assault Counts & Rates in the Previous 12 months in Washington, DC. Source: NORC at the University of Chicago's Center on Public Safety and Justice

Similarly, for burglary, DC has a lower total count and rate than other comparable cities by region and size, including Charlotte, NC, and Philadelphia, PA, as well as lower than many other big cities across the country, including Minneapolis, MN and Phoenix, AZ.

Figure 4. Reported Burglary Counts & Rates in the Previous 12 months in Washington, DC. Source: NORC at the University of Chicago's Center on Public Safety and Justice

Addressing Public Safety Through Legislation

The improvements in public safety are in part a result of focused public policy and policing responses that sought to reduce crime, particularly gun violence and juvenile crime. In the summer of 2023, I joined my colleagues in passing the Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act of 2023 to address gaps in our criminal justice system. Among other provisions, this legislation strengthened existing gun laws, expanded pre-trial detention for the most serious violent crimes, and increased rebates for private security cameras. Many of these provisions were later incorporated into the Secure DC Omnibus that the Council passed in March 2024. I strongly supported this comprehensive public safety bill that includes more than 100 measures, with an emphasis on accountability and prevention.

While the District has made progress in reducing crime this year, we can continue to make neighborhoods safer by prioritizing accountability, comprehensive services, and responsible policing. The FY25 budget the Council passed before the summer recess demonstrates that public safety remains a top priority. Consistent with last year, we fully funded MPD’s hiring and retention request, as well as made capital investments to support the department’s needs.

The long-term answer to crime, however, is hope and opportunity. We must attack the root causes of crime if we are to become truly safe. That is one reason I have spent decades advocating on education issues and, as an example, in December 2023, introduced the Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act, which would require the District of Columbia to guarantee access to affordable out-of-school programming for every student in a DC Public or Public Charter School. Universal out-of-school time is an immediate, impactful investment our city can make for our youth. These programs increase school attendance and academic performance, significantly improve economic mobility, and are the most effective strategy for reducing juvenile crime, according to 69% of police chiefs surveyed nationally. Out-of-school time is also a smart investment, with every $1 spent returning $3 to $13 through higher incomes and reduced crime. 

Collaboration and Partnerships

In addition to legislative responses, a major contributing factor to the reduction in crime is increased collaboration and new partnerships across the system. The District’s Safe Commercial Corridor Hubs connect residents and businesses to a range of city services in priority areas, with a specific focus on working with the community across government to keep corridors safe and clean. The hubs are staffed by outreach teams from multiple public safety and human services agencies that will be able to respond in real time to challenges in the community. Another example are partnerships between Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), local businesses, and MPD. Businesses are able to register their CCTV cameras with MPD’s crime tracking center, providing additional camera footage and higher-quality images to support case closures. In Chinatown, for example, crime is down over 30% since these collaborative efforts began.

Although I am encouraged crime is on a downward trajectory overall in Ward 3 and in DC, there is more work that can be done. It is critical that residents feel safe in their neighborhoods, and the numbers show we are making progress. I am committed to continued engagement with stakeholders and finding more data-backed solutions that address the root causes of crime and ensure public safety in our communities. I also plan to host another public forum on crime and safety in the coming months with Ward 3 residents, MPD representatives, and other officials, as I did earlier this year in January. This will remain a top priority for me going into the fall, and I will continue to provide updates in my newsletters.

Sources

To view charts collected from Crime Cards including each specific Ward 3 ANC, all charts from NORC at the University of Chicago, along with links to sources referenced in this update, click here.

Last week, Mayor Bowser announced the District has surpassed the administration’s goal to create 36,000 new housing units by 2025. This achievement is an important step toward providing sufficient housing to meet the diverse needs of our city. However, there remains a tremendous opportunity and need to add more, including more affordable units, and I am committed to supporting additional housing in Ward 3.

The biggest obstacle has been the high cost of land acquisition, which leads to higher prices paid by renters to cover those costs. I will continue to advocate for an acquisition fund and other investments that make it easier to build affordable housing. Affordable housing is not limited to rental housing, however, which is why I supported full funding for the Home Purchase Assistance Program, which provides interest-free loans and closing cost assistance to qualified applicants in the District.

I am proud of how many people in Ward 3 strongly support increased density along commercial corridors and increased affordable housing. I believe both can be done in ways that are responsive to the surrounding communities and with buy-in from nearby neighbors. New housing opportunities for people with varied income levels help foster the vibrant and inclusive communities we all want.

DDOT Roadway Maintenance Notice

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) notified the community they are scheduled to begin roadway maintenance work, including concrete work, on Wisconsin Avenue NW from Ingomar Street NW to Jenifer Street NW starting on or about Monday, August 12, 2024. DDOT said the roadway project is anticipated to be completed by Friday, September 6, 2024.

DPW Early Pick-Up Times and Seeking Community Input for 24/7 Food Waste Drop-Off Bins: 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) announced that through September 6, they will begin trash & recycling and food waste collections at 6:00 a.m. to beat the heat. On code red days, collections will start at 5:30 a.m.

Additionally, DPW is aiming to install smart food waste bins across the District. These bins would give residents the ability to drop off food scraps in these lockable bins 24/7, creating greater access to food waste diversion opportunities in the District. To gather community input about where the bins could go, DPW is hosting a virtual community meeting in Ward 3 on Tuesday, August 20, from 6:30-7:30 PM. Register at tinyurl.com/smartbin2024.

For more information, visit: https://zerowaste.dc.gov/foodwastedropoff. Residents who are unable to join their Ward’s meeting, are more than welcome to send their input to the Office of Waste Diversion via email at zero.waste@dc.gov.

DDOT Notices of Intent to Modify Traffic and/or Parking Requirements in Ward 3

• NOI# 24-214-TESD: Safety treatment on Foxhall Road NW from Reservoir Road NW and P St NW

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings

(Some ANCs will be on recess from meetings in August)



ANC3A: Tuesday, September 17, 7 pm, McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, August 8, 7 pm, Zoom

ANC3C: Monday, September 16, 7 pm, Zoom 

ANC3D: Wednesday, September 4, 7 pm, Zoom    

ANC3E: Thursday, September 12, 7:30 pm, Zoom 

ANC3F: Tuesday, September 17, 7 pm, Zoom  

ANC3/4G: Monday, September 9, 7 pm, Chevy Chase Community Center & Zoom

Salvation Army Backpack Distribution

On August 13 and 14, the Salvation Army is hosting a school backpack distribution from 9:30 - 3:00 PM at 3335 Sherman Ave NW, Washington DC 20010. The event will be first come, first served. More information can be found here.

Rockin’ at the Ridge Continues

City Ridge’s Friday Night Music Series, Rockin at the Ridge, continues through September with a different genre of music each week. The free outdoor concerts are held each Friday from 6-8 pm in the City Ridge complex at 14 Ridge Sq NW in south Tenleytown. A full schedule of music is available online at: https://www.cityridgedc.com/happenings/2024/04/rockin-at-the-ridge-2/

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062