Why is your utility bill so high? Your weekly Civics Roundup

Every Thursday, we list some ways to get engaged in the city – whether that’s protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This isn't an exhaustive list; share your events and trainings with us using this form. For more ways to get connected, check out our resources roundup. 

INPUT NEEDED

The National Park Service's plans for Poplar Point
NPS is currently redeveloping 100 acres along the east side of the Anacostia River in Ward 8. There are three alternative plans requiring public input. One, Greenway Connections, would link the wetlands with the river and the 11th Street Bridge Park. The second option, Central Wetlands, would preserve the wetlands at the center of the site while introducing mixed-use development at the point. The final option, Anchor Use on Point, would focus on reinforcing the waterfront as a recreation site with a meadow area, playgrounds, educational wetlands, and more. You can submit your feedback here.

THURSDAY, MAY 8

Learn about your utility bill
Are you noticing higher gas bills? Did your electric bills spike over the winter? Sunrise Movement, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and We Power DC are hosting a seminar to explain why utility costs are spiking in the District, and how you can fight against the companies rigging the system against residents. Register for the webinar here. It'll take place from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

Harriet's Wildest Dreams info session
If you are trying to build a better world, join Harriet's Wildest Dreams, a Black-led abolitionist community defense hub, for a virtual information session. Harriet's Wildest Dreams will give a snapshot of their work, which ranges from legal empowerment, civic education, protest organizing, and community care. You can register for the online meeting here. It'll run from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

"No Other Land" screening
BOL, a local worker-owned bookstore, is hosting a screening of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land at the Festival Center in Columbia Heights, in collaboration with Jewish Voices for Peace. The film follows activist Basel Adra as he documents the destruction of his hometown Masafer Yatta in the southern West Bank by Israeli military forces. Tickets are free, but donations are encouraged. The film starts at 6:30 p.m., and doors open at 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 10

Ivy City Environmental Justice Tour
Join Empower DC to learn about the history of environmental justice in Ivy City, where residents have been fighting against the chemical plant, National Engineering Products, for years. The tour will stop at NEP and the Crummell School. Meet at noon at 1900 Capitol Avenue Northeast.

SUNDAY, MAY 11

Black Mothers March
Celebrate Mother's Day with the fourth annual Black Mothers March at the White House. Starting at 11 a.m. at 16th and H Streets NW, protesters will march against the separation and criminalization of Black families. You can sign up and donate here.

TUESDAY, MAY 13

FREE DC campaign orientation
Looking for ways to get involved in protecting D.C. residents and the city's autonomy in the face of federal interference, layoffs, and immigration enforcement? Join FREE DC for a campaign orientation. These are held monthly; once you've attended an orientation, you can start organizing with your local FREE DC ward team. Register for the online event here. The orientation will run from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

Council labor bills get a public hearing
The D.C. Council's Executive Administration and Labor Committee is holding a public hearing on four different bills; one amends the D.C. code to permit special elections for D.C. delegates; one would provide retirement benefits for participants in a Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program who go on to become D.C. government employees; one would amend the city's Universal Paid Leave Act to expand benefits to unemployed residents who are not receiving unemployment benefits; and finally, one that would establish hiring preferences for returning citizens who have completed job training programs and clarify the process by which criminal history is reviewed in job applications. If you want to testify on any of these bills, you can sign up here. The hearing starts at 10 a.m.

Looking for more ways to get involved? Below, you'll find a list of public meeting calendars for various city agencies, important contact information, and more.