January 15, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Updates + Information Sharing
-
Opt-In Texts: Sign up to receive real-time alerts from the District on severe weather, public safety, traffic impacts and more;
Text DCINAUG to 888-777
-
Inauguration website:
inauguration.dc.gov
Traffic Advisory:
-
A press release outlining security plans, road closures and impacts for PI60 can be
viewed here
.
-
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 19, until Tuesday, Jan. 21, buses will detour daily due to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration.
More info here
.
-
PDF maps of traffic impacts as well as an interactive map is available at 2025
Presidential Inauguration Traffic Restrictions
.
Businesses and residents can speak with the DC Joint Information Center at 202-442-6487 &
nsse-communityengagement@dc.gov
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join the AMPBID Board of Directors
|
The Adams Morgan Partnership BID (AMPBID) annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at The LINE DC at 3:30pm.
Board Elections:
AMPBID holds elections every year at our annual meeting in March. The board consists of 15 seats, nine of which are reserved for commercial property owners and six for business owners. Board members are elected to serve three-year terms (unless they are replacing a board member who resigned before the end of their term).
If you are a business or commercial property owner and are interested in running for a seat on the board, please reach out to
Kristen Barden
for more information
.
There are two ways to become a board member nominee:
-
Through a nominating petition, as per the process in our bylaws, those will be accepted until January 30. Nominating petitions for board members must be submitted to Kristen Barden, Executive Director, at least 40 days prior to the date of the annual meeting (January 30, 2025). Petitions must have the signatures of at least 10 AMPBID members in the same class as the nominee (property owner or business owner).
-
Through the AMPBID’s nominating committee. The committee will present their slate of candidates at the February 11 monthly board meeting.
Postcards with information about the AMPBID Annual Meeting will be mailed to all AMPBID members soon. Ballots for the election will be sent in mid-February after the Nominating Committee presents their slate of candidates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention Adams Morgan Businesses: Love is in the air
|
Valentine’s Day Storefront Decorating Contest
We invite you to join the 6th Annual Adams Morgan Valentine's Day storefront decorating contest for a chance to win a cash prize of $500!
NEW:
This year we’re doubling the total prize money to give awards to 6 businesses!
Participating businesses will be divided into 2 categories
:
Food & Beverage
and
Retail & Services
.
Prizes for each category:
-
First Place - $500
-
Second Place - $300
-
Third Place - $200
Entry deadline:
Friday, January 31
Decorations deadline:
Friday, February 7
Online Voting:
midnight February 7 - midnight February 13
Judging:
Wednesday, February 12
Winners announced:
Friday, February 14
Click here
to register your business in the storefront decorating contest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adams Morgan Date Nights returns in February!
|
We’ll be giving away prize packages that include gift cards where winners can choose the local businesses they’d like to support. This ensures that even if you don’t participate directly, your business may still see an increase in foot traffic and sales from the promotion.
Interested in contributing?
If you’d like to add a gift card, unique item, or exclusive experience to one of our prize packages, your business will receive:
-
Spotlight Recognition
: Your contribution will be highlighted in our marketing campaign across social media, newsletters, our website, and earned media efforts.
-
Community Exposure
: Show off what makes your business special to a broad audience.
Let us know by January 27, 2025 if you’d like to contribute to this year’s Date Night Packages!
Email
Brian Barrie
for more info or to participate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DDOT Expanding Clear Lanes Enforcement to New Locations
|
Beginning Monday, January 27, 2025, DDOT will initiate a 45-day educational phase for the expansion of bus zone and bus lane enforcement.
During this period, violators will receive warning citations.
Following the educational phase, starting Monday, March 17, 2025, DDOT will begin issuing $100 fines to vehicle owners for bus zone and bus lane violations.
The new bus priority lane on Columbia Road, NW between 17th Street and Harvard Street is included in this enforcement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today: DC Council Roundtable with Tipped Workers
At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds hosted a critical roundtable today examining the consequences of ending the District's tip credit, as the industry struggles with growing job losses and restaurant closures.
-
Industry in Upheaval
: This hearing comes at an important moment - 74 DC restaurants closed their doors in 2024, while full-service restaurant employment fell for 11 consecutive months. When the tipped wage rose 25% to $10 in July, full-service restaurant jobs dropped 6% compared to the previous year.
-
Voices from the Front Lines
: More than 60 tipped workers and restaurant operators were scheduled to testify about their firsthand experiences since voters approved Initiative 82 in 2022.
-
Make Your Voice Heard
: Signups closed last night, but written comment is being accepted until Jan. 29.
Share your experiences and opinions
. More information about the tip credit and RAMW’s legislative efforts to come.
Tomorrow: DC Bottle Deposit Bill Set for Introduction
Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau is expected to unveil legislation tomorrow requiring deposits on beverage containers.
-
Initial Details
: While the full bill text isn't yet available, it’s expected to introduce a 10-cent deposit on all bottles and cans sold in the District. Similar to laws in other states, customers would pay the deposit at purchase and reclaim it when returning empty containers.
-
Industry Input
: Following concerns raised by RAMW, Councilmember Nadeau in November met with members to better understand the proposal's potential impact on restaurants' daily operations, storage requirements, and costs.
-
Next Steps
: After its introduction, RAMW will share a detailed breakdown of how the proposed legislation could affect your business. Contact
Che
to learn more about getting involved as this bill progresses through Council.
Also Tomorrow: Prepare for New Immigration Enforcement Changes
Get ahead of potential workplace immigration enforcement changes at this webinar co-hosted by RAMW and Allied Member Grossman Young & Hammond.
-
What You'll Learn
: Get the latest updates on Form I-9 compliance, best practices for handling worksite inspections, and how to prepare for increased enforcement.
-
Why It Matters
: With immigration activity expected to intensify in 2025, restaurants should ensure their documentation and procedures are fully compliant.
-
Mark Your Calendars
: The webinar is 11 am tomorrow.
Register now
.
2025 RAMMYS: Nominations Now Being Accepted
Time to shine! Nominations are now being accepted for the 43rd annual RAMMYS Awards across 19 prestigious categories.
-
Spotlight Excellence
: From Best New Restaurant to Fast Casual of the Year to Chef of the Year, help us celebrate industry excellence. Nominate now through Feb. 28.
-
Put Your Best Forward
: Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged! Finalists announced in April.
-
Be Part of the Big Night
: Save August 3 for the industry's most memorable celebration at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
-
Make It Memorable
: Restaurant and Allied Members, enhance your visibility with our range of sponsorship opportunities.
Employee Break Room Poster
Mark the new year with
this new universal wage law poster
that links to the most updated information about wage and hour rules.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Now Recruiting for ELEVATE Cohort V
|
The Coalition (formerly CNHED) is pleased to announce recruitment for the fifth cohort of its ELEVATE Minority Executive Education Program! The Coalition is accepting applications for ELEVATE Cohort V now through Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.
Click here
for more info and to apply.
|
Small Business Workshop Calendar
|
Download the latest
DCSmallBizHelp Workshop Calendar
to explore upcoming events, trainings, networking opportunities, and more!
Featured events:
Goof-Proof Your Business
SCORE Washington DC
January 17 | 12:00 pm | Virtual
In this workshop, you'll learn to identify "Uh-Oh!" (Unintentional, Humbling, Observable, Hardship-causing) mistakes and discover strategies to prevent them. We'll analyze real-world examples, explore the root causes of these blunders, and equip you with practical tools to goof-proof your business.
FREE |
REGISTER HERE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Aspire Incubator Program helps DC residents who are returning citizens or justice-involved individuals grow their micro businesses. Participants can receive up to $5,000 in stipends for completing key milestones while gaining valuable skills in business pitching, financial management, and branding. With guidance from peers and experts, you'll have the support needed to turn your entrepreneurial vision into reality.
Read more about the program at
dslbd.dc.gov/weaspire
, where you'll also find the official program rules to read before you apply!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry:
Virtual Panel Discussion
|
In observance of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Polaris, Homeland Security Investigations, and Fair Girls invite you to join us for a virtual panel discussion on human trafficking in the hospitality industry.
During the discussion you will learn about the realities of human trafficking, how it may intersect with the hospitality industry, local prevention efforts, emergency assistance, and trauma-informed services for survivors, and training opportunities to cultivate the community’s response to human trafficking.
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Join the meeting
Meeting ID: 992 453 709 125
Passcode: cZ6ur94V
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Speed Networking
|
Tuesday, February 18
R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, 2730 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
The Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is hosting a financial speed networking event. The event is fast-paced one-on-one consultations with professionals in the finance industry. The goal is to make quick connections, share information about your business, and explore potential ways the professionals can assist your business. Each interaction typically lasts 15 minutes, allowing attendees to meet many people in a short amount of time. The event is designed to help expand networks, build relationships, and increase visibility within the financial sector.
Click here to register
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inauguration Office Closure, Extended Hours
|
ABCA’s office will be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday and Inauguration Day. ABCA will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21.
Extended Hours
For Inauguration Week, alcohol licensed establishments registered to offer extended hours may sell, serve, and allow on-premises consumption of alcohol until 4:00 a.m. and operate 24 hours starting the evening of Tuesday, January 14, and ending at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21.
Licensees may confirm enrollment by locating their establishment’s name on the
Inauguration Week roster
, available on the District's Inauguration website. If you believe your establishment was omitted by error, email ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FY25 Business Funding Opportunities
|
New and ongoing funding opportunities from the DC Government:
-
Creative and Open Space Modernization Tax Rebate
-
Open for Applications
-
Special Event Relief Fund
-
Vitality Fund
-
Open for Applications
Go to
ObviouslyDC.com
for more information on all of these programs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
💸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
|
💸 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
.
|
Additional Funding Opportunities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small Business Resource Center
|
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
©
Adams Morgan Partnership
|
|
|
|
|
|
