July 30, 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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Kick Off the 2025 AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series with the Washington Capitals at Jubilee Plaza
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Weather Update: Due to predicted thunderstorms on Thursday evening, we've rescheduled the kickoff event for Friday at 6pm.
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The Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District is proud to announce the return of
AdMo Vibe
, the neighborhood’s free summer concert series celebrating live local music, community creativity, and the unique spirit of Adams Morgan. The 2025 season kicks off on
Friday, August 1
with an extra special launch event in partnership with the
Washington Capitals
and
Jubilee Housing
at Jubilee Plaza—home of the new mural by
Brandon Hill
honoring Capitals’ legend Alexander Ovechkin who became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer in April.
The initial celebration will feature a DJ set from
DJ Franky J
, giveaways from the Washington Capitals, an opportunity to meet and greet with the muralist, Brandon Hill, and a short program from community leaders.
The AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series brings neighbors together to enjoy local music and energize our public spaces. Following the initial kick-off, each Thursday concert will feature a different D.C.-based artist performing in Kalorama Park on Columbia Road at Belmont Road.
Participating Adams Morgan businesses will be offering specials before, during, and after the concerts.
Restaurant specials and business discounts are available on the website!
⚠️ Adams Morgan businesses wanting to offer specials,
please
click here to submit
or email
Brian Barrie
for more information.
Upcoming 2025 AdMo Vibe Schedule:
Concerts run from 6:00- 7:30 PM and are free and open to all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring a takeout dinner to the park from neighborhood restaurants and explore all that Adams Morgan has to offer before and after the concert —from vibrant outdoor dining spaces and global cuisine to colorful boutiques and locally owned shops.
The 2025 AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series is generously sponsored by
Pepco
,
Anthony Salinas
and
Roda Car Repair
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Adams Morgan Farmers Market
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The Adams Morgan Farmers Market is open for the season on
Saturdays
from
8:30am - 12:30pm
featuring
Licking Creek Bend Farm
and
Ravenhook Bakehouse. Remie's Flowers and Plants
are back as well.
Ravenhook will be featuring: Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Focaccia; Peach Brioche; Salted Oatmeal Cookies (V); and Cherry Pie.
Come to the Adams Morgan Farmers Market for fresh picked, chemical free (and tariff free) produce. They are starting Peaches, Blueberries, Blackberries, Plums, a very short APRICOT season, along with Garlic Scapes, Squash, herbs, Basil and other seasonal goodies. Their own TOMATOES are close to harvest. Get ready for gazpacho and making sauces for the winter.
Plastic bags are no longer available from the market, so please remember your own bags!
2025 CSA Season Membership is now open.
Click here
for more information, including the membership form.
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The following deadlines are being extended as it relates to the expiration of streatery permits and streatery debris removal:
Debris Removal Assistance Deadline is Extended to October 1, 2025
(extended from June 15, 2025)
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To support the removal of non-compliant streateries, DDOT and DPW are helping businesses remove the debris of deconstructed streateries from public space.
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Businesses no longer interested in operating their streatery must email streateries@dc.gov by October 1, 2025 to request to be added to the Streatery Debris Pick-Up List.
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DDOT will notify businesses of their upcoming debris pick-up date. All structures must be fully demolished by their pick-up date and piled neatly within the existing streatery space for pick-up by DPW.
As a reminder,
the Temporary Streatery Permit program expires on November 30, 2025
and all food establishments will need to obtain a Streatery Design Permit from DDOT to bring their structures into compliance with the permanent program.
Note to businesses in the 18th St. Streatery pilot project zone
(between Kalorama and Columbia Rds.)
:
We will be talking to these businesses individually about their plans for the streateries and upcoming changes specific to the pilot project.
For additional information on Streatery program please visit
https://publicspaceactivation.ddot.dc.gov/pages/streateries
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On Monday, the DC Council voted to preserve the tip credit, marking a significant victory for our industry following months of intensive advocacy.
What DC Council Approved
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Extended Timeline, Stopping at 75% of Minimum Wage:
Replaced Initiative 82's plan to eliminate the tip credit in 2027 with a 9-year phase-in and setting the tipped wage at 75% of minimum wage starting in 2034.
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Immediate Relief:
The tipped wage remains at $10 until next year and is projected to stay under $11 until 2029 (based on 3% annual inflation).
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New Pay Stub Requirements:
Requires information including hourly tipped wage, tips, bonuses, and commissions to be included on employees’ pay stubs.
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Biennial Study:
Directs the Chief Financial Officer to conduct a study every two years of the restaurant industry's health.
New Timeline: What Changes and When
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Date
Tipped Wage
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July 1, 2026.......56% of Minimum Wage
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July 1, 2027.......56% of Minimum Wage
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July 1, 2028.......60% of Minimum Wage
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July 1, 2029.......60% of Minimum Wage
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July 1, 2030.......65% of Minimum Wage
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July 1, 2031.......65% of Minimum Wage
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July 1, 2032.......70% of Minimum Wage
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July 1, 2033.......70% of Minimum Wage
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July 1, 2034.......75% of Minimum Wage
How Council Voted
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The new tipped wage schedule, introduced by Councilmembers Charles Allen and Christina Henderson, passed 7-5. Standing with our industry were Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Councilmembers Anita Bonds, Kenyan McDuffie, Brooke Pinto, and Wendell Felder.
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Opposing the measure were Councilmembers Robert White, Brianne Nadeau, Matt Frumin, Zachary Parker, and Janeese Lewis George.
Our Work Continues
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Thank You Restaurant Workers and Operators:
To the workers who shared their stories and to the operators who opened their books — your courage and advocacy made today's vote possible. You showed up at hearings, wrote to councilmembers, and never stopped fighting for our industry.
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Thank You Mayor Bowser:
Mayor Muriel Bowser's bold decision to include Initiative 82 repeal in her budget transformed this debate. Her leadership brought urgency and direction, creating a clear path for Council action when our industry needed it most.
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Thank You DC Council:
We're grateful to the Council for listening to our community and voting to restore the tip credit. By acknowledging how Initiative 82 contributed to record closures and job losses, they have given operators the clarity and stability they need to move forward with confidence.
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More to Come from RAMW:
In the coming weeks, we'll provide more guidance on the new tipped wage schedule and pay stub requirements.
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Our Work Continues:
While we believe full repeal is the clearest path forward, today's vote brings immediate relief. However, economic pressures remain unresolved. Without continued action, more neighborhood restaurants and their workers continue to face risk.
RAMW stands ready to work with Mayor Bowser, DC Council, and partners to ensure DC's restaurant community — workers, owners, and diners — doesn't just survive, but thrives.
Together, we've proven what's possible when our industry stands united. Let's keep that momentum going.
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Last Chance: You’re invited to participate in the D.C. Policy Center’s Business Sentiments Survey.
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You’re invited to complete the
D.C. Policy Center’s Business Sentiments Survey
. This round aims to capture how recent federal policies have affected local businesses, as well as their economic expectations for the months ahead.
The survey will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, and the
link will remain open until 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday July 30, 2025 (TONIGHT)
.
The D.C. Policy Center’s Alice M. Rivlin Initiative for Economic Policy and Competitiveness, regularly cited by policymakers and the media, is a trusted source for economic policy analysis in the District of Columbia and the metropolitan region. The goal of the Business Sentiments Survey is to provide a detailed, comprehensive picture of what the business community is experiencing to elected officials, the media, and the broader community. For more information and to see the results of previous rounds of the Business Sentiments Survey,
click here
.
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Are you a small business seeking financing?
If you're considering a Small Business Loan through LISC Lending, this 3-part video series outlines what you need to get loan-ready. From preparing your business story and financials to understanding the types of loans available, these videos provide the essential information you need at the outset to confidently navigate our lending process.
Watch the series below to get started on the path to securing the right financing for your business.
Get loan-ready
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Thursday, July 31, 12pm
Website Planning 101
Learn how to set your website goals and determine what functionality is key for growth.
August 6, 2025, 12pm
Developing Your Value Proposition
Learn how to develop your unique business Value Proposition, a simple, clear compelling message that states why your product or service is special and worth buying.
August 7, 2025, 12pm
Selling a Business
In this webinar, you will learn how to sell your business for the best price and to a buyer who will maintain your legacy.
August 12, 2025, 12:00pm
Commercial Leasing: Avoiding Pitfalls and Landmines
Finding a commercial space can be difficult. Learn the ins and outs of commercial leases, including understanding commercial rents, letters of intent, and the process of negotiating.
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Power Partner Awards Deadline Extended
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Great news: Because of high demand, we have extended the final deadline to apply to this year’s
Inc. Power Partner Awards
.
Extended Application Deadline: Friday, August 8, at 11:59 p.m. PT
Are you a standout B2B provider? Apply for the 2025 Inc. Power Partner Awards to be recognized among the top vendors, consultants, and platforms that go above and beyond for their clients.
The process is simple:
Complete a short application
, submit 3 to 10 customer references, and make the case for why your company deserves a spot in Inc.’s definitive B2B directory for 2025.
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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:
Go to
ObviouslyDC.com
for more information on all of these programs.
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💸Secure up to $250,000 through WACIF's Green Growth Fund
Amount: up to $250,000
Deadline: Rolling
Learn
more
here
Are you a small business owner looking to make a big impact and grow revenue? Secure up to $250,000 through Wacif's Green Growth Fund. Our innovative loan product comes with a built-in financial cushion in the form of our Sustainable Boost Grant, available upon loan repayment. Apply now and achieve your green business goals!
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💸Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Application
Amount: Free Business Training
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here
We look for applicants who are passionate about growing their business and creating jobs in their communities who generally meet these criteria: - Small business owner or co-owner - Business revenues over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year - Business in operation for 2+ years -Business with 2+ employees (including the owner).
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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.
💸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 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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