May 21, 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 Thursday celebrating Diverse Experiences in Art & Film
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Weather Note
:
it looks like it might be damp earlier in the day but our field is artificial turf and it drains very quickly, so even a daytime shower won't necessarily put a damper on your evening movie plans. Check
admodc.org/movies
Thursday afternoon for updates.
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 – West Side Story (2021)
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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 businesses offering specials including:
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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Show your Adams Morgan PRIDE!
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PRIDE is almost here and Adams Morgan is getting in the spirit! To kick off our month-long celebration throughout June, we are hosting our second
PRIDE Storefront Decorating Contest
!
All Adams Morgan businesses with storefronts are invited to participate/enter the contest for a cash prize.
There will be two categories for businesses -- Food & Beverage
and
Retail.
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First place in each category will receive a
$500 cash prize
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Second place in each category will receive a
$300 cash prize
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Third place in each category will receive a
$200 cash prize
Decorations must be Pride-themed and viewable from the sidewalk (exterior decorations). You are welcome to add decorations to the inside of your business as well (bonus points!). Our hope is to come together as a community to make Adams Morgan as festive as possible, increase neighborhood foot traffic during Pride celebrations, and receive increased media attention. Below outlines important contest dates:
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Deadline to enter your business in the contest:
Mon., June 2
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Decorations Deadline:
Thurs., June 5
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In-person judging:
Fri., June 6
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Online Voting:
Noon on Fri., June 6 - Midnight, Sun., June 8
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Winners will be announced on Tues., June 10
Click Here to enter
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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
Licking Creek Bend Farm
and
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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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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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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Road to Repeal: Join Tuesday’s I82 Campaign Update
The RAMW Government Affairs Advisory Committee hosts a special Road to Repeal: Initiative 82 Campaign Briefing at 10:30 am Tuesday.
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Time for Action:
Tuesday's briefing will outline the current legislative landscape, upcoming meetings, and most importantly — how you can effectively add your voice to the repeal effort.
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Your Voice Matters:
Tuesday's meeting provides confidential, real-time campaign intelligence not available through other channels.
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Be There:
Registration is required for all meeting participants and AI notetakers will not be permitted.
Register today
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Congrats to the 2025 RAMMY Honors Recipients!
RAMW has announced the distinguished honorees for the 2025 RAMMY Honors, celebrating exceptional leadership and lifetime achievement in our region's hospitality industry.
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Celebrating Legends:
Ruth Gresser of Pizzeria Paradiso will receive the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award for her 30-year legacy as a pioneer of artisanal pizza and champion for equity in hospitality. Virginia Ali and The Ben's Chili Bowl Foundation will be honored with the John G. Laytham Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award, recognizing over 65 years of community service. Linda Roth, founder and CEO of Linda Roth Associates, will receive an Honorary RAMMY Award for her decades of behind-the-scenes work shaping Washington's dining culture.
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Milestone Celebrations:
Several beloved establishments will receive Honorary Milestone Awards, including Bistrot du Coin, Chef Geoff's New Mexico Avenue, and Bobby Van's Steakhouse (all celebrating 25 years); Caribbean Superior in Bladensburg (25 years); and Celebrity Deli and Heidelberg Bakery in Virginia (both marking 50 years of service).
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Mark Your Calendar:
Join us in honoring these industry icons at the RAMMYS Honors reception on Tuesday, July 1, at The Schuyler at Hamilton Hotel. The 43rd Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala follows on Sunday, August 3, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Tickets, tables, and
sponsorships now available
!
Level Up Your Restaurant with Free Trainings and Workshops
These essential skills-building workshops offer opportunities to strengthen service standards, boost visibility, and advance food safety certification — all at no cost!
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May 27 - The Art of Exceptional Service for Managers:
This advanced workshop is for restaurant managers and operators who want to instill a higher level of service excellence across their teams. Drawing from fine dining standards, explore how to translate elevated service techniques into approachable, scalable practices for any type of restaurant. Learn how to lead by example, coach staff on etiquette, and refine the guest experience from arrival to departure.
Register today
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No Tax on Tips: Federal Legislation Advances
The House Ways and Means Committee last week approved a tax package that includes eliminating federal taxes on gratuities through 2028.
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Financial Boost:
If enacted, federal taxes would be exempt from gratuities, marking one of the most significant policy changes in hospitality compensation in decades.
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Road Ahead:
While the no-tax-on-tips provision has drawn support across party lines, the legislation passed committee strictly along partisan lines. The broader package faces a challenging journey through Congress.
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What's Next:
The bill now moves to the House Budget Committee before full chamber consideration. More info to come as this legislation and the larger tax packages progresses through the legislature.
Harmony Group Explores Union Issues in Special Two-Part Series
RAMW Allied Member Harmony Group’s latest
Lessons from the Line
examines unionization trends in restaurants and proactive measures owners can take to address underlying workforce concerns.
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Legal Insights:
Employment attorney Adam Aljoburi provides guidance on navigating employee satisfaction, turnover reduction, and policies that may inadvertently create legal obligations.
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Part Two Coming Soon:
Aljoburi emphasizes the importance of implementing clear, consistently enforced workplace policies as preferable alternatives to reactive measures. The second installment will continue with additional guidance for restaurant operators.
Read Part One today
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Celtic Chefs: Showcase Your Talents
The Washington Ireland Program's 13th Annual Evening with Celtic Chefs returns June 4, offering restaurants a unique promotional opportunity with influential attendees.
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Premium Exposure:
This tasting-style celebration attracts over 300 high-profile guests, including Members of Congress, ambassadors, media personalities, and business leaders. Participating restaurants receive visibility through event signage, website features, social media promotion, and networking opportunities with DC's political and diplomatic community.
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Limited Opportunity:
Eight chef positions are available. For more information, contact
Ann Dermody
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Now Open: Public Comment for Streatery Rules
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is accepting public comment on
proposed permanent Streatery regulations
through June 2.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sound Off:
Submit your comments to
publicspace.policy@dc.gov
. Contact
Che
with questions or to learn more.
New Operations Survey: National Restaurant Association
The
National Restaurant Association Research Group
has launched their 2025 Restaurant Operations Survey.
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Why It Matters:
This comprehensive survey generates essential benchmarking data on key metrics including profit margins, labor costs, food costs, and swipe fees. This year, they're also conducting a special analysis comparing financial performance between tip credit and non-tip credit states.
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Benefits to Your Business:
All participants will receive a free copy of the Restaurant Operations Data Abstract (valued at $100 for members).
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Survey Says!
States that generate at least 50 survey responses will receive state-specific calculations for key metrics,
Take the survey today
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3rd Annual Community Grant Program
Nonprofit Resource Fair
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Thursday, May 22 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW
To register for May 22,
CLICK 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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Upcoming Events: Certified Up (powered by WACIF)
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Whether you’re building from the ground up or ready to scale, the Capitol Region Women’s Business Center's free workshops are designed to meet you where you are.
Getting Fit for Funding Boot Camp
May 26; 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET
Location: Online
Register Now
Getting Started in Social Media
May 30; 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Online
Register Now
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Small Business Resource Center
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Where Are You in Your Entrepreneurship Journey?
DLCP at Capital One Café Georgetown
5/28/2025; 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)
Status: Open - 25 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 5/28/2025 5:00 PM (EDT)
Capital One Café Georgetown 3150 M St NW, Washington DC 20007
Training Topics:
Business Licensing, Business Start-up/Preplanning, Corporate Registration, FR 500
Description:
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection's Business Resource Center is here to help you assess exactly where you are on the business success ladder.
The DLCP Business Resource Center (BRC) will be presenting at Capital One Café Georgetown. During our presentation, they will review the 4 steps to basic business licenses in the District to include actions with the Corporations Division at DLCP, the Office of Tax and Revenue, the Department of Buildings, and Business License Applications at DLCP.
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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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Extended Hours for WorldPride 2025, 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
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This is a reminder that the deadline to register for extended hours during WorldPride 2025 and the three matches DC will host for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Extended hours for:
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WorldPride 2025 will start the evening of Friday, May 30, and end at 4:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9.
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2025 FIFA Club World Cup will start the evening of each match day—Wednesday, June 18, Sunday, June 22, and Thursday, June 26—and end at 4:00 a.m. the following day.
During these periods, registered On-Premises Retailers, Manufacturers with an Onsite Sales and Consumption Permit, and Temporary Licensees may sell and serve alcohol until 4:00 a.m. and operate 24 hours per day.
To register, licensees must submit the
WorldPride 2025 and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Form
by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27 with a $100 fee.
Settlement Agreements and Board Orders may affect eligibility.
Businesses that timely register will be included in a roster that will be published in advance of the start of WorldPride 2025 at
abca.dc.gov
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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.
💸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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