Crime, Budget and Airbnb at Center of Georgetown’s ANC
By • April 6, 2026 0 481
The Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E held its “April” meeting on Monday, March 30.
MPD Update
The meeting began with an update from MPD, who reported that in the last month, the neighborhood had two robberies, no burglaries and 11 thefts from automobiles. There were also 27 non-motor vehicle theft-related incidents.
The two robberies included one carjacking of a scooter, that was ultimately not stolen, and the other robbery involved an individual under the influence, so MPD expects it to have a high probability to go unsolved. For the motor vehicle thefts, one did happen in a private parking garage and another in a no emergency parking area.
It was reported that Lexuses have been stolen in higher frequency than other automobiles, due to a weakness in the car brand’s security system in certain model years. There is currently an ongoing investigation on the issue.
Thefts are down 18 percent this year compared to last.
Administrative Updates
It was announced that student Commissioner Knox Graham is going abroad in the fall. He stepped down a few weeks ago and his seat is currently vacant. There will be nominating petitions available, and any possible candidates are welcome to step forward and get them signed. If only one individual does so and gets sufficient signatures, they will become an ANC Commissioner.
Since Graham was secretary, a new one was needed. Commissioner Paul Maysak volunteered and was motioned to the position by fellow commissioners.
Mayor’s Update
Mayor Muriel Bowser will be releasing her FY 27 budget at the beginning of April. A representative from her administration will be attending the May ANC meeting to present the budget and answer questions.
Sunday April 19 will be the 21st Annual D.C. Emancipation Day celebration at Franklin Park downtown. The Ward 2 spring community cleanup will be April 25 at Garrison Elementary School at 10 a.m. The mayor’s office is currently seeking volunteers for the cleanup to help with cleaning up the neighborhood and beautification efforts.
Budget Chat
It was brought to attention that there have been changes regarding childcare to the upcoming budget. Childcare programs, specifically daycare subsidies, are on the verge of being reduced or cut. It was stressed how important the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP) is for Ward 2 residents.
Jamika Williams, Ward 2 liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, told attendees she would speak to leadership the next day about these concerns.
Update from Councilmember Pinto’s Office
It is going to be a difficult budget season, with cuts across the board. Commercial property tax values have reduced property tax revenues greatly with lack of people coming into offices post-pandemic. 22,000 federal jobs were cut in D.C., which greatly hurts revenue, and revenue is expected to be at or below inflation for the foreseeable future. The Iran conflict is also putting additional pressure on the D.C. economy.
The council will be holding agency budget hearings throughout April, and Councilmember Pinto is planning on holding hearings April 9, April 22 and April 29.
The council will be voting on a measure to make it illegal to run onto the court or the ice during sporting events at Capital One Arena, as there was recently an incident at a Washington Wizards game. Currently, it is illegal to do so at Nationals Park and Audi Field.
There will also be a vote to extend the MPD chief’s ability to declare youth curfew zones, as the current authority is temporary, expiring April 15, which is when DCPS spring break begins.
Councilmember Pinto believes the curfew is a preventative tool that helps avoid teens being arrested.
Airbnb Proposal
Commissioner Gwen Lohse brought up the mayor’s proposal on Airbnbs and concerns. She hopes that if it gets scheduled for the council to review, they will reach out to ANC2e.
“We are a small area with housing problems and a lot of visitors,” Lohse said. “The proposal could drastically impact the area, including the many hotels we’ve recently opened that help employ people and bring in taxes—please keep us in mind, as we do have comments on the proposal.”
There were concerns mentioned like individuals buying up multiple properties and turning them into Airbnbs, which cuts into the housing problem for people who want to live in the area.
Dissolution of the community was discussed, such as no volunteers at parks, no ANC members and no one in schools.
The current proposal as written would allow an individual who is not in the home but somewhere in the city to rent out their home every single weekend of the year, except two.
Presentation by DPW and Georgetown Heritage on a Proposed Mural
The Department of Public Works and Georgetown Heritage, along with the Executive Office of the Mayor and Embassy of Spain and Grace Episcopal Church introduced a project celebrating America’s 250th.
The objective would be a temporary mural that would be on a retaining wall surrounding Grace Episcopal Church at 1014 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The mural would provide accurate historical context regarding Spain’s influence and participation in the independence of the U.S. while simultaneously serving as the framework for bilateral relationships that have existed between the two nations over the years. The mural will most likely be up for about one to two years. The project will be funded by the Embassy of Spain.
M Street Corridor Safety Project
Nicole Hentrup, project manager for the M Street NW Corridor Safety Project, shared a bit about the endeavor.
Hentrup’s focus is from Thomas Circle to 28th Street NW, which is a high pedestrian activity corridor. There are gaps in the protected bike lane that currently exists and it is currently in the concept planning and community engagement phase.
There were lots of back and forth about safety issues, including how to bike across Georgetown safely. More definitive answers should be available in the coming months.
Illegal Cannabis Shops
A few years ago, there were a lot of illegal, unlicensed pot shops in Georgetown (which The Georgetowner reported on). The ANC worked on a strategy to try and encourage legal shops to come forward and obtain licenses. It ended up being a successful project and there are currently around five legally licensed and regulated shops in Georgetown.
D.C. Historic Preservation Office Update
Kim Williams, a representative from the D.C. Historic Preservation office, sought support for a nomination for historic landmark designation submitted for 3340 P St. NW. The nomination is to honor Doris Fleeson, a pioneering female journalist who lived at the home for 14 years. The current homeowner is on board with the nomination.
The organization is very interested in voluntary preservation, and it was brought up that the Julia Child house at 2706 Olive St. NW is currently not a historical landmark.
The May ANC2e meeting will be Monday, May 4.
