The Ward 5 Wave

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker sits down with the recently-sworn-in At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman, a familiar face (and voice) in the Wilson Building. They talk about effective oversight, CM Silverman's plans for the fall legislative session, and—of course—pizza. Ward 5 Council Office summer intern Autumn Peterson also joins to talk about her experience as a summer intern and offer encouraging words to high school and college students. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on Council Recess, a new congressional attempt to undermine DC Home Rule (supported by DoorDash), updates on rat abatement in Ward 5, budget wins for Ward 5 bus routes, and a save-the-date for Ward 5 Day (September 19, 2026). Melissa also shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on budget markups, concerns with remaining gaps in the FY27 budget proposal, and look ahead to the June 9 vote on the budget. Conversations center around juvenile justice, Credible Messengers program, funding for housing vouchers, childcare, and SNAP benefits, securing retail grants for 12th St NE and Rhode Island Ave NE, adding funds for the Langdon Park Recreation Center modernization project, rerouting of Metrobus routes, and more. They also wish neighbors a Happy Pride Month and reflect on recent events including Councilmember Parker's 4th Annual Black Pride Celebration and the May 30 Healthy Communities Spring Cleaning. Melissa shares the latest updates from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage welcome At-Large Councilmember Robert White, Jr. to the show to talk about housing concerns in the Mayor's proposed FY27 budget, reflections on last week's youth rountable on "teen takeovers," and CM White's legislation on behalf of residents impacted by the Talbert Street homes saga. Melissa shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on the coversations buzzing in the Wilson building about "teen takeovers" and juvenile curfews, with proposals on how to respond and the announcement of Councilmember Parker's youth-centered roundtable on April 30. They also talk about the SOUL Act and its impact on youth within DC's foster care system. Finally, they reflect on recent budget hearings and the draft Future Land Use Map put out by the Office of Planning. Melissa gives highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.