Shows
The Ward 5 WaveCouncil Hot Topics with Chairman MendelsonDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker sits down with Chairman Phil Mendelson to discuss current hot topics on the Council: RFK, I-82, World Pride, and more. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares highlights from the latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. Get in touch with Councilmember Parker’s office anytime through his website — zacharyparkerward5.com — or by contacting his office directly: 202-724-8028, ward5contact@dccouncil.gov.2025-05-0929 min
The Ward 5 WaveThe Future of RFK (plus I-82, Upcoming Events, and Sinners Movie)DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on some of the District's biggest news this week, including plans for the future of the RFK Stadium site, conversations about restaurants and I-82, upcoming events, and reflections about the movie Sinners, in theaters now. You can register for Councilmember Parker's Future of RFK: Community Listening Session at ward5.us/rfk. Melissa also gives highlights from the latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. 2025-05-0219 min
The Ward 5 WaveUpcoming Ward 5 Events, DC Emancipation Day, Spring Break & Council RecessDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share updates on the status of DC’s budget fix on the Hill, upcoming Ward 5 events including the Healthy Communities Spring Cleaning day on April 26, and the next Ward 5 Public Safety Call on April 30. Next week (April 14-18) is Spring Break for DC Public Schools and Council Recess. Melissa also shares highlights from the latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2025-04-1120 min
The Ward 5 WaveRecent Council Votes: Rental Assistance Reform and Open Meetings ActDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker talks with Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin about the Council’s recent votes on ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) reform, and on emergency legislation to amend the Open Meetings Act. Both topics have been marked by controversy in public discussion. The Councilmembers distill the various viewpoints and explain their votes. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2025-04-0439 min
Hearing the CouncilZachary Parker Talks Budget Standoff, Committee Chairmanship, and Youth RehabilitationIn the latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker discusses the District government's ongoing budget standoff. He talks about the importance of avoiding a perilous mid-year, $1 billion cut to our previously-approved balanced budget for the ongoing fiscal year. He also discusses his new responsibilities as a committee chair, and the immense importance of the District government getting youth rehabilitation right. Plus, which colleagues he thinks could best shoulder snow shoveling responsibilities, and who "tends to be pretty fly," so might be a good clothes shopping companion.2025-04-0228 min
The Ward 5 WaveMoving the Providence Redevelopment ForwardDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker shares the latest news about the Providence Redevelopment following a new deal secured this week by the Office of the Attorney General (learn more here). To talk more about what this redevelopment means for Michigan Park, Ward 5, and the District, two guests share their perspectives: ANC 5A Chair, Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio, and Evan Goldman, Executive Vice President of Acquisition and Development at EYA, LLC. Later in the episode, Communications Director Melissa Littlepage and Councilmember Parker share an update on the status of DC’s budget on the Hill. Me...2025-03-2824 min
The Ward 5 WaveRecess at the CapitolDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker invites Jhonna Turner, Chief Strategy Officer of CARE Washington, DC, to share about her experience helping organize students and families to rally at the Capitol and defend DC’s budget last week. They also discuss what’s the come as a standalone measure to protect DC’s local budget heads back to the House. Councilmember Parker wraps up the episode by reflecting on the Committee of the Whole’s Student Voices Roundtable and efforts to address truancy. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and...2025-03-2123 min
The Ward 5 WavePower to the PeopleDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker heads to Capitol Hill to lobby U.S. Senators to protect DC’s budget in the GOP’s Continuing Resolution. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter; read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. 2025-03-1509 min
The Ward 5 WaveDistrict Dollar SignsDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker talks with the Council’s Budget Director, Jen Budoff, about the upcoming budget process and anticipated challenges. Jen explains the fiscal headwinds DC is facing, and ways neighbors can get involved as we approach budget season. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage gives an overview of the latest Ward 5 Weekly newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2025-03-0709 min
The Ward 5 WaveCelebrating Black History Month: Tyrone CeleyDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker wraps up the Black History Month series chatting with Tyrone Celey—a Trinidad neighbor and owner of Jabbo’s Compact Market. He shares about growing up in the Trinidad neighborhood, witnessing numerous significant moments in civil rights history, and what makes Jabbo’s Compact Market so special. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage gives highlights from the latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2025-02-2818 min
The Ward 5 WaveCelebrating Black History Month: Sia Barbara KamaraDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker continues the Black History Month series with a conversation with Sia Barbara Kamara — a civil rights activist, early childhood education leader, and Riggs Park neighbor. She shares her many stories of participating in the civil rights movement with SNCC (the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee), influencing early childhood education across the country and around the world working for President Jimmy Carter, and her continued efforts to be a force for good through serving DC residents. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares highlights from this week’s edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news...2025-02-2130 min
The Ward 5 WaveCelebrating Black History Month: Jeannette MobleyDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker sits down with longtime Brookland resident, Jeannette Mobley, as the Black History Month series of episodes continues. Jeannette shares about her upbringing, life in DC, and many stories in community organizing in both local- and national-level politics. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares highlights from this week’s edition of the Ward 5 Weekly newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2025-02-1426 min
The Ward 5 WaveCelebrating Black History Month: Wade HendersonDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker kicks off a Black History Month series of episodes with Ward 5 neighbors. This week’s episode features Wade Henderson, a lifelong Bloomingdale resident and civil rights lawyer. Tune in to hear Wade’s experiences from the March on Washington (1963), to assisting with the confirmations of Supreme Court justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, and more. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage closes the episode by sharing some highlights from this week’s Ward 5 Weekly newsletter, available at ward5.us/news. Subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. 2025-02-0717 min
The Ward 5 WaveTragedy at DCA, Improved NAEP Scores for DC Students, and More…DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Ward 5 State Board of Education Representative Robert Henderson connect over the tragic plan crash at DCA that occurred Wednesday, January 29, 2025. They also discuss recent National Assessment for Educational Progress scores for DC students showing significant growth. Representative Henderson welcomes thoughts and feedback at robert.henderson@dc.gov. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage gives an overview of highlights in this week’s edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. 2025-01-3125 min
The Ward 5 WaveOversight, Federal Gov’t Changes, Commanders, RFK Stadium, and More…DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker sits down with At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson for a chat covering everything from performance oversight on the Council, to changes at the federal government level, to the Commanders and opportunities at the RFK Stadium site, to Beyoncé and more. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage gives an overview of items covered in this week’s Ward 5 Weekly newsletter. Read the latest edition now at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2025-01-2418 min
The Ward 5 WaveMLK Day, Inauguration, New Staff, and Upcoming Ward 5 EventsDC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage kick off Season 2 of the Ward 5 Wave with updates on snow removal, reflections on the legacy of Rev. Dr. King ahead of the MLK holiday, closures to be aware of for the Presidential Inauguration, new staff members joining the Ward 5 Council Office, and a number of events to look forward to including the Ward 5 Awards on February 11 and the Ward 5 Budget Forum on February 25. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly newsletter at ward5.us/news, and subscribe to get it straight to your inbox on Friday evenings at ward5.us...2025-01-1814 min
The Ward 5 WaveSeason 1 Finale: How are the kids, really?DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage bring holiday greetings and share lots of important news from the Council including new committee assignments, reflections on Council Period 25, what’s coming in the new year, and more. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly newsletter at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. Want to help shape Season 2 of this podcast? Email us your ideas at ward5contact@dccouncil.gov! 2024-12-2026 min
The Ward 5 WaveHappy Thanksgiving! And November UpdatesWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage reflect on the 2024 General Election, the past month of work on the Subcommittee on Libraries and Youth Affairs, the 2024 Holiday Turkey Giveaway, and what’s coming up in the Ward 5 Council Office. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly newsletter at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-11-2616 minThe Ward 5 WaveTackling Challenges Together: DC Farm Tour, Council Updates, and MoreWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on recent Council hearings, legislative meetings, and more. The Councilmember leads a tour for officials from around the region of DC farms and urban agriculture initiatives, with soundbites from Gail Taylor at Three Part Harmony Farm in Ward 5, Jaren Hill-Lockridge at Dreaming Out Loud’s Marion Barry Avenue Market in Ward 8, and more. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly newsletter at ward5.us/news, and subscribe to get the newsletter straight to your inbox every Friday evening at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-10-1924 minThe Ward 5 WaveLegislative Meeting Recap, Great Libraries, and UNCF GuestsWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share updates from the DC Council’s October 1 Legislative Meeting, CM Parker’s meetings with directors of DC Public Library and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, and special guests from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Khary Armster and Mary Williams, join to talk about exciting scholarship opportunities for high school and college students. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly newsletter at ward5.us/news and subscribe to get the newsletter straight to your inbox every week at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-10-0433 minThe Ward 5 WaveLots of Events and the End of Council RecessWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage talk about Ward 5 Week, September 16-21, Ward 5 Day, September 22, and what neighbors can expect with the end of Council Recess next week. You can read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news and subscribe to get the newsletter straight to your inbox every week at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-09-1310 minThe Ward 5 WaveGun Trafficking Lawsuits (and…Getting Ready for Ward 5 Day!)Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage give the latest updates on Ward 5 Day, free tickets to an upcoming Nationals baseball game, and more. Deputy Chief of Staff Conor Shaw joins to discuss DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb’s lawsuit against gun stores in Montgomery County, MD and gun legislation introduced by Councilmember Parker last year. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-09-0617 minThe Ward 5 WaveThank a Union! Plus Updates and Trinidad Day RecapWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share details about the upcoming Ward 5 Day event on September 22, along with a celebration of Labor Day and unions. Melissa also sits down for a chat with ANC 5D Chair, Salvador Sauceda-Guzman, and Constituent Services Coordinator, Oliver Stoute, to talk about Trinidad Day and constituent services in the area. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-08-3020 min
Hearing the CouncilZachary Parker Talks Rhode Island Avenue Development and Budget WinsIn our latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker takes a deep dive into development on Rhode Island Avenue. We discuss how a now-funded economic development study of the crucial corridor will build upon the avenue's existing strengths and help it better meet its current untapped potential, all while respecting and protecting the longtime residents and businesses who call the corridor home. We also talk about other Ward 5 wins in the most recent budget cycle., plus which positive traits from Councilmembers past and present he would draw from to create the perfect composite colleague.2024-08-2834 minThe Ward 5 WaveA Looming Crisis: Rental Housing in the DistrictWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage chat about a recent report detailing an impending crisis in the District’s rental housing market. Longtime Ward 5 neighbor, lawyer, and landlord Raenelle Zapata chats about her up-close-and-personal experiences with the pressures of DC’s rental housing market. More news and updates about back-to-school events are shared. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-08-1628 minThe Ward 5 WaveRemembering Joe Bowser, and Saying Thank You to Summer Intern, Faith HutsonWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage reflect on the passing of Joseph L. Bowser. They also share updates on the South Dakota Ave Safety Study, DPR’s Ward 5 Construction Updates, and more from this week’s newsletter. Ward 5 Council Office Summer Intern, Faith Hutson, shares about her internship experience and what she worked on for the office this summer including benefits cliffs and supporting maternal health. You can read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news, and subscribe to get the newsletter straight to your inbox every Friday evening at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-08-0922 min
The Ward 5 WaveGetting Ready for Back-to-SchoolWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share the latest Ward 5 news. DC State Board of Education Representative for Ward 5, Robert Henderson, joins to share information about the Ward 5 Education Equity Committee’s upcoming backpack and school supplies giveaway on August 24. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly newsletter at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-08-0205 min
The Ward 5 WaveShifting Our Economic Strategy: Co-opsWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share the latest Ward 5 news and feature new legislation on cooperative economics (OWNERS Amendment Act of 2024). Constituent Services Coordinator Sam Bonar, and Charnal Chaney, owner of BOLD Yoga, chat with Councilmember Parker about the legislation and DC’s rich history of worker-owned cooperatives. Read the latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly newsletter at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-07-1914 minThe Ward 5 WaveEminent Domain and Council RecessWard 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share the latest updates from the Ward 5 Council Office, including new eminent domain legislation in Ivy City, the start of Council recess on July 15, a reflection on the Jesse Mitchell Way street designation ceremony, and more. Read the latest Ward 5 news at ward5.us/news, and subscribe to get it straight to your inbox each week at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-07-1218 min
The Ward 5 WaveBus on First St NW, South Dakota Safety Study, Rental Assistance, and MoreCouncilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage sit down to talk about all the latest happenings in the Ward 5 Council Office, including the street designation ceremony for Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee Way in Bloomingdale, a proposed bus on 1st St NW from WMATA, updates on the South Dakota Safety Study, the re-opening of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program application portal, and more. Read the latest Ward 5 news at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-06-2915 min
The Ward 5 WaveBudget Wins, South Dakota Ave, and PrideCouncilmember Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage give updates from the Council’s first vote on the FY25 budget, along with information about DDOT’s South Dakota Corridor Safety Study, and an invitation to join for the Capital Pride Parade on June 8. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news, and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-06-0124 minThe Ward 5 WaveBrown vs. Board Anniversary, Budget Work, and Bike to Work DayCouncilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share updates on the Council’s budget work session, the 70th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, and more. Brooke Bernold of Ward 5 Family Biking and Lauren Marcinkowski of the Mundo Verde Bici Bus join to talk about Bike to Work Day and accessibility across Ward 5 and the city. Read the newsletter at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-05-1709 minThe Ward 5 WaveBudget, Buses, and BearsCouncilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share updates on committee markups on the FY2025 budget, WMATA’s proposed 2025 bus network, and more. At-Large Councilmember Robert White joins for a conversation about the Committee on Housing’s budget markup wins. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news and subscribe to get it in your inbox each week at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-05-1010 minThe Ward 5 WaveAdvocating for DC’s LGBTQ+ CommunityCouncilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share the latest Ward 5 updates and Council activities. Councilmember Parker also hosts ANC Rainbow Caucus Chair, Vincent Slatt, and DC LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition Coordinator, Heidi Ellis, for a conversation about calls for changes to the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and new investments in DC’s LGBTQ+ community. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news and subscribe to get it straight to your inbox each week at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-05-0328 minThe Ward 5 WaveBudget Conversation with Chairman MendelsonCouncilmember Parker sits down for a chat with Chariman Mendelson about recent shifts in the conversation about the FY2025 budget. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares updates from the latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.2024-04-2611 min
Hearing the CouncilZachary Parker Talks “Water is Life,” Youth Fair Wages, and Environmental JusticeIn his latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker discusses three bills he introduced. His “Water is Life” bill would prevent residential water service shutoffs for nonpayment and facilitate access by tenants to programs meant to help avoiding such shutoffs. His Pay Our Youth a Fair Wage bill would increase wages for participants in the Summer Youth Employment Program. And his Environmental Justice Act would look at the cumulative impacts of environmentally detrimental projects in a single community. Plus we discuss how to formulate the perfect councilmember out of the best traits of his colleagues.2024-04-1732 minThe Ward 5 WaveFighting for Ward 5: Budget Oversight and Public SafetyJoin Councilmember Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage for a conversation about public safety incidents in Ward 5, updates from budget oversight with District agencies, a chat with special guest Kimberly Kennedy, and more.2024-04-1324 minThe Ward 5 WaveTragedy in Brookland, Budget Reflections, and Honoring Edna Brown ColemanCouncilmember Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage sit down to talk about the tragedy at the Brookland Metro Station on Thursday, April 4, updates about the Mayor’s proposed FY25 budget, and reflect on the street designation ceremony for Edna Brown Coleman Way in Trinidad.2024-04-0622 minThe Ward 5 WaveMonumental News InsideBeyoncé’s new album. Caps and Wizards staying in DC. New legislation on absenteeism and truancy. Budget oversight preview. And more! Tune in to hear the latest Ward 5 news from Councilmember Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage.2024-03-2918 minThe Ward 5 WaveBudget Drama and New LegislationCouncilmember Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage share updates from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter including the latest on delays in the District’s budget process and new legislation tackling chronic absenteeism and truancy. Contact the office any time with questions and feedback: ward5contact@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8028.2024-03-2207 minThe Ward 5 WaveTrailer: Introducing The Ward 5 WaveCouncilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage introduce a new podcast for the Ward 5 Council Office: The Ward 5 Wave.2024-03-0601 min
The Climate DivideHow One D.C. Neighborhood Is Striving Towards Environmental JusticeWard 5 is home to roughly half of the industrially zoned land in D.C. Residents of Ivy City, a tiny neighborhood with big pollution problems, have protested for decades about the noise and pollution stemming from this industrial activity. This season finale will report on a chemical plant in Ivy City that’s been operating without an air permit since the 1930s. The episode will also feature an interview with D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker about his Environmental Justice bill. Music (all tracks provided by Blue Dot Sessions)KressonHeatherThread of Clou...2023-12-1416 min
Is It Hot Enough For Ya?Kendra Wiley on Sustainable Cities and Career BurnoutKicking off Season 3, we have Kendra Wiley, who was The First Black Woman Legislative Director of the Deparment of Energy & Environment in DC and current Legislative Director for Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker. With her we have Clarissa Smith, Smith is a junior Howard University environmental study major and legal communications minor with a future in environmental law. 'Is It Hot Enough For Ya?' Season 3 focuses on pairing our guests with other climate focused youth who are pursuing their field. Connect w/ our guests: Kendra- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendrawiley/ Clarissa- https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-smith-35018422a...2023-11-0157 min
Hearing the CouncilZachary Parker Talks Tax Credits for Kids/Families, School Safety, & Firearm Industry ControlsIn his latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker talks about the return of Ward 5 Day, plus the status and prognosis of four bills he introduced: the District Child Tax Credit Act, Financial Support for Families with Children Act, School Safety Enhancement Act, and the Establishment of Reasonable Controls for the Firearm Industry Act. Plus, which of his Council colleagues he would pick to drive cross-country with, or to help fight off barbarians.2023-08-0636 min