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Bill > B26-0090


DC B26-0090

DC B26-0090
Neighborhood Management Authority Act of 2025


summary

Introduced
01/28/2025
In Committee
03/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

26th Council

Bill Summary

an activity in the District and public spaces like Columbia Heights Civic Plaza, now about 20 years old, are straining under the weight of community needs and have recurring issues with safety and basic maintenance. As part of my response, I funded an expansive initiative led by the Office of Planning: the Columbia Heights/Mount Pleasant Public Life Study. This work focused on studying the use of public spaces, supporting successful implementation of the newly-established sidewalk vending zone, and creating a cohesive design for streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. The U Street Safety Initiative and the Public Life Study covering Columbia Heights share one very clear recommendation: These neighborhoods each need their own place management entity in order to truly thrive. As introduced, this legislation establishes an overall structure for a Neighborhood Management Authority as an instrumentality of D.C. government. The legal structure is similar to public authorities we have already, such as the DC Green Bank or Events DC. The bill then creates two separate Neighborhood Management Authorities in Columbia Heights and the “Duke District” (acknowledging the overlap of several neighborhoods, and a callback to the DUKE Plan). Each authority has a governing board of directors comprised of a mix of resident and commercial representatives. While these are the first two authorities established, the bill is drafted so that other neighborhoods might adopt this model in the future. Each Authority is given dedicated funding sources to ensure its success and sustainability. These revenue sources can be tailored to fit the economic dynamics of each neighborhood. As an example, the Greater U Street Performance Parking Zone went live at the end of 2024, and that new meter revenue will be reinvested back in the neighborhood; Columbia Heights had a performance parking zone of its own, which this measure re-establishes. I am proud to be able to advance a proposal enhancing neighborhood services that does not rely on increasing property taxes to fund. Sincerely, Brianne K. Nadeau Councilmember, Ward 1 Chairperson, Committee on Public Works & Operations A BILL IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA To provide for the creation of a Neighborhood Management Authority to promote the general welfare of the residents, employers, employees, property owners, commercial tenants, consumers, and the general public within the Authority’s boundary; and to establish the Columbia Heights Neighborhood Management Authority and the Duke District Neighborhood Management Authority. TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec. 102. Formation Sec. 103. Powers Sec. 104. Budget formulation and transparency Sec. 105. Board of Directors Sec. 106. Representation and Indemnification Sec. 107. Applicability of certain laws Sec. 108. Prohibitions Sec. 109. Authority of the Chief Financial Officer Sec. 110. BID Formation Within Neighborhood Management Authority Boundaries Sec. 111. Service Areas and Expansion of Boundaries Sec. 112. Bond Issuance TITLE II. NEIGHBORHOOD MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY FORMATIONS SUBTITLE A. DUKE DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY Sec. 201. Duke District Neighborhood Management Authority Sec. 202. Transfers of Jurisdiction Sec. 203. Board of Directors Sec. 204. Duke District Neighborhood Management Fund Sec. 205. Duke District Deed and Recordation Transfers SUBTITLE B. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY. ....................................................................................................................................................... 23 Sec. 206. Columbia Heights Neighborhood Management Authority Sec. 207. Transfers of Jurisdiction Sec. 208. Board of Directors Sec. 209. Columbia Heights Neighborhood Management Fund Sec. 210. Targeted Retail Vacancy Fee Sec. 211. Alcoholic beverage tax revenue to be deposited in Columbia Heights Neighborhood Management Fund Sec. 212. DC-USA Garage TITLE III. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PERFORMANCE PARKING ZONE Sec. 301. Columbia Heights Performance Parking Zone TITLE IV. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Sec. 402. Fiscal impact statement Sec. 303. Effective date

AI Summary

This bill establishes two Neighborhood Management Authorities for the Duke District and Columbia Heights neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., designed to enhance local community services and management. Each Authority will be a government instrumentality with a board of directors comprised of both voting and non-voting members, including representatives from local businesses, residents, city agencies, and community organizations. The Authorities will have broad powers to promote neighborhood welfare, manage public spaces, coordinate public safety, support local businesses, and generate revenue through various means such as parking meter income, special property assessments, and targeted fees. The Duke District Authority will focus on cultural tourism, preserving Black history and LGBTQ+ community sites, and managing key cultural venues like the Lincoln and Howard Theaters, while the Columbia Heights Authority will prioritize maintaining the neighborhood's cultural diversity, addressing commercial vacancies, and managing public spaces like the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza and Metro Plaza. Both Authorities will have dedicated special funds to support their operations, with provisions to ensure transparency through annual audits, public hearings, and budget reporting. The bill also establishes performance parking zones and provides mechanisms for future expansion of the Authorities' boundaries, offering a flexible model for neighborhood management that does not rely on increasing property taxes.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to Committee on Transportation and the Environment (on 03/03/2026)

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