May 14, 2025
Updates from Adams Morgan
Click Here
to see previous updates in our newsletter archive
Check
ObviouslyDC.com
for the latest in DC government funding and grant opportunities for businesses.
Be prepared. Visit to
Ready.DC.gov
for preparedness information for a
variety of hazards including manmade and natural disasters.
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Adams Morgan Movie Nights returns on May 22 celebrating Diverse Experiences in Art & Film
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This summer, as we celebrate
Diverse Experiences in Art and Film (#DEIAF)
, the Adams Morgan Partnership BID invites you to enjoy an award-winning outdoor movie series that showcases iconic musicals and bold performances.
From beloved classics to boundary-breaking stories, this year’s lineup includes West Side Story, The Birdcage, Hairspray, and Dreamgirls. These films capture the power of self-expression, identity, and creativity—perfect for a summer of community and culture. In further celebration of diverse voices, pre-show will feature information and resources to deepen our understanding of the films’ themes.
Here is the official 2025 Adams Morgan Movie Nights screening schedule:
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Thursday, May 22 – Westside Story
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Thursday, May 29 – The Birdcage (celebrating Pride)
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Thursday, June 5 – Hairspray
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Thursday, June 12 – Dreamgirls (celebrating Juneteenth)
Don’t forget to bring your own blanket and pick-up dinner from a neighborhood restaurant to enjoy during the film. Check out the amazing Movie Nights specials from Adams Morgan businesses for enjoyment before, during, or after the movie! Keep an eye on the BID’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information about local business specials. Please note that alcohol and pets are not permitted on the field.
Note that our series is shorter this year due to planned construction being done on the field over the summer.
⚠️ Adams Morgan Businesses:
If you would like to offer takeout specials for Adams Morgan Movie Nights,
please fill out this form
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DC2050 Survey Reminder & Workshops
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Have you taken the DC 2050 Vision Survey? It’s not too late to share your opinions on the future of DC! Take a minute and respond today at
DC2050.com
.
Join the Office of Planning for an in-person workshop on DC 2050, the District's next comprehensive plan! We’ll discuss the essential elements of a neighborhood and the needs and priorities of your community.
Saturday, May 31 11am-1pm
Ron Brown College Preparatory High School (4800 Meade St NE)
Wednesday, June 4 6-8pm
Stuart-Hobson Middle School (410 E St. NE)
Register at
DC2050.com
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Adams Morgan Farmers Market
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The Adams Morgan Farmers Market is open for the season
Saturdays 8:30am - 12:30pm
schedule featuring
Ravenhook Bakehouse. Remie's Flowers and Plants
are back as well. Specials this week include Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies, Key lime Pie, and more.
No more plastic bags are at the market, so please remember your bags!
2025 CSA Season Membership is now open.
Click here
for more information, including the membership form.
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Open House on Tuesday, May 20
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Venture X
is an innovative workspace seamlessly blending elements of hospitality, lifestyle, luxury, and convenience. Venture X caters to the diverse needs of individuals, small- and medium-sized businesses, offering various flexible workspaces.
Visit their OPEN HOUSE, tour the curated space, connect, stay and work for the day or schedule a future workday. Refreshments and lite bites will be served.
Click here
to download a flier for the event and
click here to RSVP
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Paint the World with Pride
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Let’s transform the world into a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and pride during
WorldPride 2025
and for all Prides worldwide. Whether you’re a resident, business, or organization, we invite YOU to decorate your most public-facing spaces, such as building fronts, patios, balconies, and yards, to show your Pride! Make it as colorful as you can!
Click here
to order your WorldPride merchandise and decorating kits to show the world your Pride!
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A Note from RAMW about ICE activity in DC:
As many of us experienced first hand, agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Labor, and Department of Homeland Security served I-9 Employee Eligibility Verification inspection notices to several businesses. It has been reported that ICE visited approximately 100 DC restaurants on Tuesday.
What You Should Do Now
: We’ve been advised that large fines will more than likely be issued for incomplete or incorrectly filled-out I-9 forms, so immediate action is critical.
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Review all I-9 forms for current and former employees to ensure accuracy and completeness.
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Ensure records are accessible. I-9s must be made available within 72 hours of a Notice of Inspection.
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Train your team on what to do if approached by federal agents.
Bookmark This Page
: RAMW has compiled a comprehensive list of resources at
RAMW.org/Immigration,
including guidance on what to do if ICE visits your business, your rights regarding entry into private areas, and resources to protect workers.
Rewatch This Training:
RAMW Allied Member Grossman Young & Hammond has
available on demand
our January webinar – Preparing Your Business to Survive the Workplace Immigration Enforcement Challenges Under Trump 2.0.
Know Your Rights:
Several restaurant operators report that when agents requested to question employees, management exercised their right to decline. Understanding both your I-9 audit responsibilities and your rights regarding ICE visits is crucial for protecting your business and staff.
More Visits to Come:
RAMW has been informed that these visits are part of a broader initiative being reactivated by the administration and will not be limited to restaurants. They will be occurring across industries and in cities nationwide, beginning with the District.
Keep in Touch:
We are in regular communication with Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Metropolitan Police Department, National Restaurant Association, and other key partners to ensure that RAMW members receive timely, accurate information. If immigration officials visit your business, please inform RAMW immediately so we can monitor activity and provide timely support. For legal resources, contact RAMW directly.
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Mayor Bowser Proposes Repeal of Initiative 82
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Mayor Bowser announced plans on Monday to include an
I82 repeal in her fiscal 2026 budget proposal
, citing the need to make DC more business-friendly amid projected revenue downturns.
Recap:
Initiative 82, which DC voters approved in 2022, raises the tipped wage to match minimum wage by 2027. The mayor's proposal would eliminate this planned increase as part of broader economic revitalization efforts.
Impact
: “We are a hospitality-based economy: Following the federal government, it's the hospitality sector that allows people to buy homes, put their kids through college, live here and afford to live here,” Mayor Bowser said. “And if restaurants close, there are no jobs.”
Why Repeal Matters Now:
Two years into I82's implementation, there's growing consensus that 20%-plus annual payroll increases have heavily contributed to restaurant closures and job losses across the city.
Economic Context:
The mayor framed the repeal as a response to a projected $1 billion revenue downturn over three years, driven largely by federal workforce cuts affecting an estimated 40,000 DC residents.
What Else:
The mayor also put forward a number of other proposals as part of Monday’s announcement, including repeal of the DC Parking Cashout Law and reducing the Paid Family tax from 0.75% to 0.72% – another RAMW priority.
Get Involved:
Visit
SaveDCRestaurants.org
regularly: New materials and resources are being added to this online advocacy hub daily.
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RAMW Roundtable: Workforce Development
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Join RAMW for an upcoming Workforce Development Roundtable to share your feedback and help shape the training and resources that best support our region’s restaurant community.
We want to hear directly from you—what types of training, certifications, and support would be most valuable to you and your team? Your input will guide future RAMW programming and ensure it meets the real needs of our industry.
Let your voice be part of the conversation!
Register Here.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 11am - noon.
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Now Open: Public Comment for Streatery Rules
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The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is accepting public comment on proposed
permanent Streatery regulations
through June 2.
Details:
The proposed rules would establish clear permit structures, design standards, and a $20 per square foot annual fee for the popular outdoor dining spaces. The new regulations would take effect November 30.
Industry Impact:
Streateries have evolved beyond pandemic-era stopgaps to become central to the District's hospitality economy. Restaurants rely on these outdoor spaces for as much as a quarter of their summer revenue, creating jobs and transforming streets into dining destinations.
Fine Print:
While the proposed permanent regulations mark progress, the rules exclude Streateries in rush hour zones and ban full enclosures – two priorities RAMW laid out in its 2025 Legislative Agenda.
Sound Off:
Submit your comments to
publicspace.policy@dc.gov
.
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Raise a Toast: Extended Alcohol Service Hours for WorldPride and FIFA Club World Cup
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The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board has given the green light for extended alcohol service and sales hours during the opening week of WorldPride 2025 and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches hosted in DC.
WorldPride 2025
: Extended hours start on the evening of Friday, May 30, and end at 4 am on Monday, June 9.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
For each match day (Wednesday, June 18; Sunday, June 22; and Thursday, June 26), extended hours begin in the evening and end at 4 am the following day.
Who Can Participate?
Registered On-Premises Retailers, Manufacturers with an Onsite Sales and Consumption Permit, and Temporary Licensees can sell and serve alcohol until 4 am and operate 24 hours per day during these periods.
How to Register:
Submit the
WorldPride 2025 and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Form
, along with a $100 fee, by 4 pm on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Settlement Agreements and Board Orders may affect eligibility.
Important Note:
Registration in the standard Extended Holiday Hours Program does not automatically grant extended hour permissions for this additional period, with the exception of Juneteenth (evening of Wednesday, June 18 until 4 am on Thursday, June 19). For more details, visit ABCA's
Extended Hours page
or email
AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov
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Welcome to #DCSmallBizMonth!
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May is here, and that means it’s time to celebrate the small businesses that make Washington, DC vibrant, diverse, and strong.
At The Coalition, we’re proud to kick off DC Small Business Month—a month-long celebration of the entrepreneurs, support organizations, and local leaders shaping our communities and driving DC’s economy forward.
Whether you're a resident, business owner, or community partner, there are so many ways to get involved this month:
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Discover and attend events across the District
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Shop local and support your neighborhood businesses
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Share your favorites on social media using
#DCSmallBizMonth
and
#SupportSmallDC
Let’s come together to recognize the incredible impact of DC’s small businesses and help build a more connected, vibrant local economy.
Explore the Calendar and Join the Movement
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Cash Mob Weekends - Join Us This Weekend!
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We’re teaming up with DC’s Main Streets, BIDs, and Small Business Technical Assistance providers to host Cash Mob Weekends across the District. A Cash Mob is a fun, mob-style event where neighbors gather at a designated small business to make an influx of purchases. Think of it as a shopping rally: a joyful, intentional effort to support the local economy and build community, one spontaneous shopping trip at a time.
Sign-up for Cash Mob Alerts!
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Small Business Regulatory Roadmap - Last Chance to Register!
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May 19, 2025 | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Designed for DC small business owners and entrepreneurs, this session offers direct access to District agency representatives, timely updates on current and new regulations, and practical guidance for navigating local business requirements.
Register Here
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Is Your Business Ready for the Unexpected
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May 21, 2025 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Disruption is the new normal. Join local entrepreneurs and risk experts for real talk, tools, and strategies to build resilience, protect your finances, and grow through uncertainty. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, this session is your survival guide.
Register Here
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Your Weekly Small Business Workshop Calendar is Here!
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Get Your Tickets Tomorrow: Certified UP Bootcamp
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WACIF is hosting its first Certified Up Bootcamp event on Friday, June 20th from 9:30 am – 5:30 PM at the Anacostia Arts Center. During this Certification Bootcamp, industry leaders from corporate and local government certifying bodies will provide insights into the certification process and its impact on business growth.
The event will open with expert panel discussions with certification partners, setting the stage for an afternoon full of in-depth workshops focused on different certification types, application requirements, and strategies to effectively leverage certifications for long-term success.
Connect with fellow business owners and certification professionals while participating in a valuable opportunity for small business owners like yourself to gain knowledge, expand your networks, and position your business for new opportunities.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity -
ticket sales open tomorrow, May 15th
.
Register Here.
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Join Us for the DC Revenue Bond Program Seminar!
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Join the DC Chamber of Commerce for an informative hybrid session to learn how your business or nonprofit can leverage the DC Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) Program for capital projects, construction, and renovations. Open to all DC Chamber members.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
DC Chamber of Commerce
1776 Eye Street NW. 2nd Floor Conference
Register Here
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Small Business Resource Center
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DC APEX Accelerators help businesses
DC APEX Accelerator
offers personalized business counseling and competitive insights for navigating the government contracting process successfully.
If you already have experience working on government contracts and are looking for help to secure other contracts, we are available to help. At the DC APEX Accelerator, businesses get help with strategies to pursue state, local, and federal government contracts.
The full calendar of upcoming events can be found
here
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FY25 Business Funding Opportunities
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New and ongoing funding opportunities from the DC Government:
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Creative and Open Space Modernization Tax Rebate
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Open for Applications
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Special Event Relief Fund -
Open for Applications
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Vitality Fund
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Open for Applications
Go to
ObviouslyDC.com
for more information on all of these programs.
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💸$10k Grants from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Learn more here
Digital Ready is giving away $10k grants to deserving business owners. You can sign up for Digital Ready (for free!) and take courses to become eligible.
💸Commission on the Arts and Humanities Art Bank Program (ABP) Grant
Amount: Variable; Deadline: May 19th
Learn more here
CAH seeks grant applications from qualified artists and District nonprofit art galleries or organizations representing metropolitan artists for the acquisition of original two- and three-dimensional artwork including, but not limited to, ceramics; drawings; fabric arts; mixed media works; paintings; photographs; prints and sculptures.
💸TD Bank Charitable Foundation Capacity Building Fund
Amount: Variable; Deadline May 20th
Learn more here
Funds nonprofit organizations that provide essential services like job training, arts programs and housing assistance. Provides grants for training, talent, tools and tactics to further help their programs succeed.
💸Nathan Cummings Foundation Grants for Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Amount: Variable; Deadline June 30th
Learn more here
Funding is available to nonprofits committed to advancing racial, economic, and environmental justice through transformative initiatives. Proposals that demonstrate long-term impact are prioritized.
💸Exelon Corporate Giving Program
Amount: Variable
Learn more here
Provides grants to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a proven track record in addressing key community needs. Funding priorities include education, the environment, arts and culture, and local programs and services.
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💸Funding for Latino-Owned Businesses
Are you interested in starting or expanding your business? Our team of business coaches can provide you with one-on-one advice and training to help you manage and grow your business.
Apply online
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💸 Amazon Black Business Accelerator
The Amazon Black Business Accelerator is dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers.
More information
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Additional Funding Opportunities:
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsor one of our community events! Partner with our community while reaching some of the city's most desirable demographics. For details, contact
Kristen Barden
at
202-997-0783.
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BOARD MEETINGS
The Board of Directors of the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District meets on the second Tuesday of every month (except August, October, and December).
Meetings are currently being held online as well as in-person (hybrid) and begin at 5pm.
Our Annual Meeting is held in March. Contact
Brian Barrie
for information about attending board meetings.
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©
Adams Morgan Partnership
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