April 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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Spring PorchFest is Saturday!
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Weather Note:
We are watching the forecast and will be making a decision on Thursday about the event. Please check the PorchFest website and our social media channels for updates.
Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest is just a few days away and we're really excited about this one!
We're anticipating our biggest PorchFest ever with over 100 bands on 20+ stages throughout the business district and surrounding neighborhood. Headlining on the main stage on 18th Street will be
Gangstagrass
-- a bluegrass/hip-hop group, known for the theme song of the FX television show
Justified
.
Check out the promo
Gangstagrass recorded for PorchFest!
Be sure to visit our newly redesigned
admoporchfest.com
for more info including maps, lineups, links to band info, and dozens of specials and discounts throughout the neighborhood.
Adams Morgan PorchFest is now extra bicycle friendly!
We will have a
bicycle valet service
operating on the 2500 block of Champlain Street, so ride your bike and leave it in good hands while you enjoy the day. The bicycle valet will operate through 8pm.
We've also added temporary public restrooms
for this event. They'll be located behind 1801 Columbia Rd. (Jubilee Housing) on the Columbia Road side as well as in Hoffman Alley (near the garage).
Big thanks to our event sponsors:
Aetna
,
Pepco
,
Jubilee Housing
,
Colonial Parking
,
Lars Etzkorn Law PLLC
,
Citycast DC
, and
Smartwater
!
Our brand new PorchFest t-shirts designed by
Brandon Hill
will be available for sale later this week at
Ace Hardware
,
Because Science
,
Smash Records
, and
Urban Dwell
.
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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.
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Register for Bike To Work Day
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Register
for the Adams Morgan Pit Stop and plan on joining us in
Unity Park on Thursday, May 15 from 7:30-9:30am
. We'll have refreshments, giveaways, and maybe a few surprises as well. Unity Park is at the intersection of Columbia Rd., Euclid St. and Champlain St., NW in front of The LINE DC.
We'll be joined by
Upshift Workshop
who will have bicycle repair stations, free educational bike safety checks, and an info table with upcoming events and ways to get involved in their shop community.
The Washington Area Bicycle Association
(WABA) will also be joining us with some giveaways and helpful information.
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The Mother of All Yard Sales: Saturday, May 17
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This year's The Mother of All Yard Sales will be held on Saturday, May 17.
It’s a giant annual neighborhood-wide yard sale here in Adams Morgan. To participate, just sell stuff in front of your home or building.
Please contact
Josh Gibson
if you are interested in selling stuff this year or for more information.
If you would like the wonderful B-Thrifty charity truck to stop by after the sale and pick up your unsold items (tax-deductible, benefitting neighborhood healthcare champion Mary’s Center), you yourself must sign up directly for a truck pickup. But it’s easy! Just
click here
and fill out the form — but be sure to say “The Mother of All Yard Sales: May 17” under “Donation Description.”
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Adams Morgan Farmers Market soft open Saturday
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The Adams Morgan Farmers Market soft opening is
Saturday, May 3 from 8:30am - 12:30pm
featuring
Ravenhook Bakehouse
. Your favorite breads and pastries are finally back. We are honoring the Cinco de Mayo Holiday with our amazing Jalapeno Cheddar Bread, Brioche filled with Margarita Cream (Lime curd), as well as all our other delicious Artisan breads and pastries.
Remie's Flowers and Plants
will try to be there, but if not, he will definitely be there to get beautiful flowers and plants for your Mothers. The
Licking Creek Bend Farm
will start as soon as the strawberries are ready, maybe towards the end of May but definitely by Saturday, June 7.
2025 CSA Season Membership is now open.
The CSA season is divided into 4 sessions for one a week pickups:
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June-July (Wednesday or Saturday)
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August-September (Wednesday or Saturday)
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October (Wednesday or Saturday)
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November (Saturday only)
Membership fee:
Prices are unchanged from last season.
$360.00 (9 week session); $320 (8 week session)
Early bird (before April 30):
$337.50 (9 week sessions); $300 (8 week session)
Click here
for more information, including the membership form.
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Share Your In Memoriam Honorees
The RAMMYS celebrate our industry's brightest stars, but also pauses to honor those we've lost and the establishments that have stood the test of time.
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In Memoriam:
Each year, we pay tribute to members of our restaurant community who have passed away since last year's RAMMYS. Help us ensure no one is forgotten by sharing names of colleagues and industry friends we've lost.
Submit In Memoriam Information by July 1.
Please send names, photos, and to
Linda
by July 1 to ensure inclusion in this year's program.
Industry Scholarships Deadline Next Week!
The RAMW Educated Eats Foundation is investing in the next generation of culinary talent with scholarships up to $5,000.
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Who Can Apply:
Current industry professionals as well as students looking to build their culinary futures.
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Make It Happen:
Applications for the Frans Hagen Scholarship close May 1. Funds can support culinary training, restaurant management courses, and professional development.
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Take the Next Step:
Is there a rock star on your team looking to build their skills? Tell them to
apply today
!
DDOT Digital - Invitation to Discovery Session Next Week
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is looking for operators' feedback to modernize the TOPS permitting system.
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Your Input Matters:
RAMW members are invited to share their suggestions for improving the system on May 1 at 1 pm. Contact
Laila-Rose
to sign-up.
ServSafe Food Manager Class in Spanish
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When is it:
Tuesday, May 20, 9 am to 5 pm at the RAMW Office
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How much:
FREE to attend for employees and residents of DC. This class is being offered through a program being funded, partially or fully, through the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor - Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
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Where do I sign up:
Sign up here
New Immigration Resources: Latest in Compliance News, Foreign National Registration
RAMW Allied Member Grossman Young & Hammond offers new immigration resources and has chef candidates eligible for U.S. sponsorship.
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Latest Compliance Information:
Watch last week's
What Restaurant Owners Need to Know about Immigrant Workers in 2025
hosted with El Restaurante Magazine for updates on training, audits, and legal strategies.
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Understanding Alien Registration Requirements:
Foreign nationals staying in the US for more than 30 days are required to register with authorities. Many immigrants, including some without formal legal status, are already considered registered.
Learn more
.
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Chef Candidates Seeking Sponsorship:
Grossman Young is currently assisting two chef candidates looking for U.S. work sponsorship. Contact Becki Young to learn more.
In-Person Workshop: Restaurant Financials Made Simple
This workshop helps owners and operators understand key financial metrics, price for profit, control costs, and make smart, data-driven decisions — without the stress of accounting.
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Cost:
FREE, This Program is being funded, partially or fully, through the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor - Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
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Join Us:
Monday, May 5, 10 am to 12 pm at the RAMW’s office, 2112 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Space is limited.
RSVP here
.
Bread for the City Seeks Restaurant Partners for Annual Gala
Bread for the City's annual fundraising gala Together We Rise is looking for local DC restaurants to donate gift cards for its May 10 event at Capitol Turnaround.
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How to Get Involved:
Restaurant owners can contribute gift cards that will be featured in the event's raffle and auction. Each donation helps Bread for the City continue its critical mission of serving low-income DC residents. Contact
Richard Algra
to donate.
New Whitman-Walker Health Poster
Whitman-Walker invites bar and restaurant owners to display free posters about health services during Pride Month.
Learn more
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Last Day
to Complete the 2025 Quarter 2 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 businesses’ sentiments toward, and adoption of, AI in the workplace. The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, and will remain open until 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday April 30, 2025.
Click here
to take the survey.
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Energy Security Education Webinar - May 8th
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Pepco is engaging key stakeholders and customers about their industry's energy security challenges and the expected increases to customer bills. Join them on
Thursday, May 8th, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
for an “
Energy Security Educational Webinar
.” During this session, Pepco will share important information about the upcoming supply charge increases resulting from the recent PJM capacity auction. These increases are set to take effect on June 1st. They are influenced by several factors, including the retirement of generation facilities in the PJM region and the rising demand for electricity due to data centers, electric vehicles, and more. These increases are not driven by Pepco but will be reflected on the supply charges on customer bills.
Click here
to register to attend.
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If you have not yet taken
the DC 2050 Vision Survey
, it will be
open until May 18
.
The DC 2050 team will use your input to understand you and your community’s values and priorities for the District’s future. Please share the survey widely with your networks. Printer-friendly versions of the survey are available by-request in English, Spanish, French, and Amharic.
Ready-to-send PDF flyers and handouts, including the DC 2050 one-pager and previous presentations, are available on the
FAQs + Resources tab of the
website
.
Looking ahead, please save the dates for in-person workshops on Saturday, May 31, from 11 am to 1 pm, and Wednesday, June 4, from 6 to 8 pm.
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Tackle real-world issues at our Small Business Update
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Mark your calendars! Join this Small Business Day event on
May 1
for a full Small Business Update featuring discussions on critical topics, including:
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Beneficial Ownership Information Report
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The Looming "Tax Cliff"
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Key Immigration Policies
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Strategies for Adapting to Global Changes
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The Impact of AI
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Strategies for Startup Growth
Register now to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies you need to thrive in today's ever-changing business landscape.
Click here
for more info and to secure your spot.
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Mark Your Calendar! POWERUP DC: A Small Business Summit is Back on May 6th!
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Empowering Small Business Success in a Changing Landscape
Tuesday, May 6; 8:30am - 3:00pm
Business Conference Center
MLK, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW
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Access to Capital
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Procurement Opportunities
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Tools for Self-Employment
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Cutting Edge Workshops
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Networking & Coaching
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Business Expo
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Executive Luncheon
Click here
for more info and to register.
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Innovation Day | DMV Small Business Week
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The DC Public Library is hosting a program at MLK Library on
Wednesday, May 7
as part of Small Business Week that they're calling
DMV Innovation Day
, which will include an "inspiration showcase," where innovative local entrepreneurs and business can demo their concepts or products and participants can try them out, experiment, ask questions about the process, etc. It's meant to inspire people to innovate and inspire local pride.
Interested businesses can
apply here
.
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Your Weekly Small Business Workshop Calendar is Here!
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The Coalition is committed to strengthening and connecting the small business ecosystem in the District, serving as a community quarterback that collaborates across small business support organizations and entities to enhance funding, support services, resources, and information for small businesses in DC.
The DCSmallBizHelp workshop calendar is designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners in DC with local trainings, workshops, and other events that work to provide networking, education, and capacity building for small businesses.
Download the Full Calendar
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Small Business Resource Center
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Did you Remember to File Your Biennial Report with DLCP?
April 1 was the deadline for business entities to file their Biennial Report, Form BRA-25, with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). If you do not know when your entity should file, you can go to
DLCP's CorpOnline website
and check your entity's filing history by searching your legal name under "Business Filings Search." Avoid fines, check today!
DLCP Customer Service Center Temporarily Relocating
The DLCP Customer Service Center will temporarily move from the second floor to the sixth floor (Suite E630) at 1100 4th Street SW. You can access the following services on the sixth floor:
DLCP Walk-in Center:
Assistance with obtaining, renewing, and managing business and professional licenses, as well as support for filing complaints and resolving consumer issues.
DOB Walk-in Center:
Resources for residential and commercial permit applications, plan reviews, and vacant building inspections.
DDOT Permitting Center:
Support for filing permit applications related to the District’s public space.
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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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💸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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