Dear Neighbor,
I am proud to share that yesterday our government leaders came together to take immediate action to pass my emergency public safety bills and take tangible steps to make our city safer this summer. I am proud of the robust support my legislation received and am confident that yesterday's vote sends a clear message that the current state of crime and violence cannot be tolerated and that our government is working together to make DC residents safer.
The three bills I introduced, the Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act of 2023, the Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuit Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2023, and the Office of Unified Communications Transparency and Accuracy Emergency Amendment Act of 2023, will address pressing gaps in our legal system and public safety apparatus by promoting accountability for offenders, supporting victims, ensuring police have the tools they need to keep communities safe, and improving accountability and transparency at our 911 call center.
The Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act is a common-sense bill to prevent crime and violence, ensure that perpetrators can be held accountable, and increase protections for victims. The provisions in the bill include key measures from the Accountability and Victim Protection Amendment Act of 2023 that I introduced last month as well as many provisions from Mayor Bowser’s Safer Stronger Act. The bill also incorporates the community and government testimony that I heard during the nearly 12-hour public hearing I hosted on the Mayor’s legislation. Hearing the concerns from witnesses both in support and opposition to the legislation, I worked closely with Mayor Bowser and my Council colleagues to develop a common-sense bill that will address gaps in our legal system to make our city safer.
The Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuit Clarification Emergency Amendment Act clarifies the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Act of 2022 to ensure that MPD can authorize its officers to engage in pursuits where the fleeing suspect has committed a crime of violence or poses an imminent threat to public safety, and where pursuit is necessary and can be conducted in a way that mitigates the risk of injury to innocent people. The Office of Unified Communications Transparency and Accuracy Emergency Amendment Act moves on emergency the Office of Unified Communications Transparency and Accuracy Amendment Act I introduced last month to ensure the public has access to transparent data regarding DC’s 911 call center and that the agency is working expeditiously to improve their systems and processes to prevent life-threatening errors. I’m confident all three of these bills will make a meaningful difference in improving public safety.
Earlier today, I held community office hours at Compass Coffee in Shaw. I am so grateful to all the residents who came out and shared their concerns and priorities for their neighborhoods with my team and me. Thank you for having us, Compass!
I will be holding office hours at Francis Pool this Friday weather permitting. Come join us and cool off by the pool and let me and my team know how we can help you!
Yours in service,
Brooke
Washington Post: D.C. Council passes emergency public safety legislation. “‘This legislation today is a major step forward in our effort to create a safer D.C. for all residents, and it cannot wait,’ Pinto said. ‘I want to say to families, businesses, partners of the District: We hear you, and we know we need to do more to keep you safe.’”
FOX 5: Emergency public safety bill passed by DC Council to address citywide crime crisis. “‘Today our government leaders came together to take immediate action to pass my legislation, addressing our public safety emergency and taking tangible steps to make our city safer this summer,’ said Councilmember Pinto in a statement. ‘I am proud of the robust support my legislation received and am grateful to Mayor Bowser for her partnership in developing and putting forward this common-sense legislation.’”
DCist: Amidst Spike In Violent Crime, D.C. Council Approves Emergency Public Safety Bill. “‘We have a crisis of violent crime in the District. Unless things turnaround quickly, we could have a third straight year with more than 200 homicides in more than two decades,’ said Pinto. ‘I hear from residents every single day that people are fearful and want urgent action.’”
WATCH: FOX5: DC councilmember Brooke Pinto talks about her emergency legislation to try and reign in crime in the district. “‘My heart goes out to the families. It is unacceptable what’s going on, but it has to be more than my heart and more than our thoughts. We have to take action, and that’s really what this emergency bill is all about.’”
Team Pinto is going on neighborhood walks with each of our amazing Ward 2 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners! This week, we’re highlighting ANC 2A08 Commissioner Jordan Nassar. Pablo from Team Pinto met with Commissioner Nassar to walk ANC 2A08 in Foggy Bottom. Some of the topics they discussed included improvements Commissioner Nassar wanted to see for park spaces, George Washington University issues, and pedestrian safety. If you live in ANC 2A08, you can reach Commissioner Nassar at 2A08@anc.dc.gov.
Did you know? ANC 2A08 is home to George Washington University, the largest research university in the District.
- A right lane closure of the Northbound lanes or Southbound lanes of the Key Bridge over the Potomac River will occur on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 through Friday, July 21, 2023, during the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM for bridge inspection, weather permitting. The right lane closures in each direction will not be concurrent. Traffic controls will be in place to warn drivers approaching the areas.
- The Juried Exhibition Grant (JEG) opened earlier this month and is seeking applications from DC artists who’ve made artwork that reflects on and engages with the past 60 years of social and political progress in the District and beyond. This exhibition will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and art works that were inspired by its promises. Applications are currently open; the deadline is July 28 at 9 PM. All applications must be submitted through the Grant Portal. There will be an informational workshop for the grant next Monday July 17 at 2 PM.
- The Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption application opened Monday, June 5, 2023, and remains open until October 31, 2023. District residents who are 65 years or older and/or have a recognized medical disability, own their own property, and reside in their property are eligible. Residents who have a medically recognized disability must provide proof of disability to be eligible. For eligible residents, the waiver is good for two years. Residents may apply for the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption at dpw.dc.gov or by calling 311.
- Join local businesses, ANC 2G04, and the Metropolitan Police Department for Blagden Alley Community Day on Saturday, July 22 from 1-4 p.m. ANC 2G’s Public Safety Committee is organizing the event to talk about public safety in the community and invites neighbors to enjoy games, music, food, and raffles!
- Grab a movie and some light refreshments this summer with Friends of Mitchell Park for their 2023 Summer Films in the Park! Movies will be shown at sunset in the park on July 20, August 17, and September 22. The event is generously sponsored by the Paul Pike Group of the Sotheby’s International Realty. View the full film schedule here.
- The Department of Public Works is reminding residents to maintain any bush, shrub, or tree that extends from private property into public spaces including alleys. Residents who fail to keep public space free from obstruction may be assessed fees.
- To request installation or removal of a public litter can, residents may submit a service request through the 311 portal or by calling 311.