December 17, 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.
The newsletter will be taking the next two weeks off as we celebrate the holidays.
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Celebrate New Years Eve in Adams Morgan!
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Adams Morgan Businesses:
Share your New Year's Eve events and specials with us so we can help spread the word
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Great Streets and Other Programs Announced
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More information for the following grants (and other opportunities) can be found at
ObviouslyDC.com
.
Click here
for a list of upcoming information sessions and to register to attend.
🪙FY26 Great Streets Grants
Request for Applications (RFA) release date:
December 12, 2025
Submission Deadline:
January 16, 2026
DMPED expects to award multiple grants under the Program, in an aggregate amount of up to $2,000,000, contingent on the availability of an appropriated budget in such amount.
Awards are anticipated to be up to $90,000
.
Click here
for the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information including eligibility criteria.
🪙FY26 Locally Made Manufacturing Grants
Request for Applications (RFA) release date:
December 12, 2025
Submission Deadline:
January 16, 2026
DMPED expects to award multiple grants under the Program, in an aggregate amount of up to $1,500,000, contingent on the availability of an appropriated budget in such amount.
Click here
for the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information including eligibility criteria.
🪙FY26 Emerging Retail Initiative Grants
Request for Applications (RFA) release date:
December 12, 2025
Submission Deadline:
January 16, 2026
DMPED expects to award multiple grants under the Program, with a total funding amount of up to $200,000, contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.
Individual awards are anticipated to be up to $20,000
.
Click here
for the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information including eligibility criteria.
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Online Great Streets Grant Workshop!
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Join SB Works
this Friday, December 19 at 2:00pm
in partnership with the Upper Georgia Avenue, Petworth, Uptown, Woodley Park, and Glover Park Main Streets to learn about how to apply for DMPED's Great Streets grants.
During the online session, you'll be provided with instructions for how to organize your paperwork and tips for how to best answer the narrative questions for all three grant options.
After the session, SB Works will be happy to provide connections to one-on-one application support through us or one of our Main Street partners.
Secure your spot in the session here!
Applications are due to DMPED by 1/16/26 and requests for assistance can be submitted to info@sbworksdc.org no later than 12/23/25.
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The Potter's House Winter Break
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The Potter's House DC will be CLOSED beginning January 1, 2026 through the end of the month.
From The Potter's House:
We're using this month to deep clean, reset, and take care of a lot of administrative tasks that we've been wanting to complete for months. We want to come back even stronger for the new year, and we want to give ourselves time to make sure everything goes well.
PHDC is also using January to evaluate our financial state--as many of you know, we received 501(c)(3) status this year, which is amazing, but we're still finding our financial footing. Taking a break in January allows us time to really examine what we need, where we need it, and what we can do to make that happen.
Finally, PHDC has undergone some major leadership changes. Our new leaders and staff need time to adjust to their roles, responsibilities, and how we operate because of that.
Trust us when we say we'd love to be open and ready to welcome you into 2026! However, we need to practice some self-care as an organization. If you're thinking, "Wait, I'm going to an event in January though?" or "How will I live without PHDC's witty and amazing social media posts?!": don't worry. We'll still be open for events (
Events Calendar here
) and will post online to keep everyone updated on our progress!
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Adams Morgan Farmers Market --
Final Market of 2025
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From the farm:
Saturday, December 20 is the last market for the season.
We want to thank all of our customers for their support this season. We are already gathering our staff for next season, and hope to start planting earlier using our high tunnels. We may be able to start the market earlier next season, so look out for:
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Farm market announcements.
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The invitation to our Farm Visit Day in late May or early June.
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And, consider joining our CSA next season.
The Adams Morgan Farmers Market at Unity Park (
Champlain St. at Columbia Rd., NW
) is on
Saturdays
from
8:30am - 1:00pm through December 20
featuring
Licking Creek Bend Farm
and
Ravenhook Bakehouse. Remie's Flowers and Plants
are back as well.
Ravenhook will be featuring:
German Holiday Stollen & Swiss; Chocolate Stollen; Chocolate Ganache Brioche; Butternut Squash, Garlic, Goat Cheese, & Mozzarella focaccia; and Texas Pecan Pie and Mile High Apple Pie
Come to the Adams Morgan Farmers Market for fresh picked, chemical-free (and tariff-free) produce. Our amazing, hard working staff tells us this week there will be: a wide variety of Winter Squashes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Melons, Chicory Root, Apples, Hot peppers, Herbs, Basil, Pears, Amaranth, String Beans Snap Peas, Garlic and Collard Greens, Jerusalem (also called) Sun Chokes
...and other goodies and they say some surprises along with seasonal fruits from our partner orchard.
Plastic bags are no longer available from the market, so please remember your own bags!
🌲PESTICIDE-FREE and natural color CHRISTMAS TREES available
A 6ft trees grown without pesticides can take over 10 years to grow. We grow our trees on what is called "marginal land", land that is too hilly to grow vegetables. Traditionally, for every tree we cut, we plant new trees.
Trees went very quickly the first week, so we suggest coming as early as possible
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They will not be taking individual orders (except for trees 8ft and taller)
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It will be first come first serve
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Trees 8ft and larger need to be special ordered with a pre-purchase deposit.
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3D CAC Public Safety Community Meeting
Thursday, December 18, 2025; 7:00 PM EST
Virtual via Zoom
REGISTER NOW
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District’s Highway Safety Office Launches Holiday Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign
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On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the District’s Highway Safety Office kicked off the holiday impaired driving prevention campaign gathering friends and partners to Sleigh the Season Safely. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of the consequences of impaired driving and highlight impaired driving enforcement. The campaign also promotes planning for a sober ride home.
Partner of the Year was presented to The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) for its demonstrated commitment to mobility safety, professionalism, and partnership to make DC roadways safer for all road users.
WRAP’s first 2025 Holiday SoberRide® code will posted at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025 and will be valid nightly, (10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.) from Friday, December 19, until 4:00 a.m. Thursday, January 1, 2026
, on the
WRAP website
.
Impaired driving is completely preventable and we encourage residents to follow these safe driving tips:
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Before
any celebration, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night. If you wait until you’ve been drinking, you’re more likely to make the wrong decision and drive impaired when you shouldn’t.
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Always designate a sober driver.
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If you are impaired, use rideshare, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
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Be vigilant and if you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
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If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.
To learn more about the Highway Safety Office or the holiday impaired driving prevention campaign,
visit their website
.
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Free AEDs Available for Community-Based Organizations – Apply by Feb 28!
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The Heart Safe Initiative 2026 will provide community-based organizations with a publicly accessible AED, free of charge. These AEDs must be available 24/7 to anyone in need—whether inside the organization or to a bystander responding to a nearby cardiac emergency. This initiative eliminates the financial barrier to AED ownership and ensures that lifesaving equipment is accessible in high-traffic or underserved areas. By equipping organizations and training residents, DC Fire and EMS increase the likelihood of bystander intervention and survival during cardiac emergencies.
Click here
for more information and to apply.
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Champlain Substation Construction Update
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The public will observe an increased movement of construction vehicles throughout the work zone, with crews visibly active during permitted work hours. Up to six transmission crews may be working at the same time, which will result in additional trucks, equipment, and material deliveries in the area. Water will be applied regularly to manage dust and maintain safe conditions.
Permitted Work Hours
• Monday through Friday: 9 AM – 7 PM • Saturday: 7 AM – 7 PM
In observance of the holiday, crews will not work on the following dates: [December 25, 2025 & January 1, 2026]
Click here
to download the latest update including a map and projected work over the next two weeks
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A DC Court of Appeals judge last week denied the Board of Elections' request to pause a Superior Court ruling that found the board improperly advanced the proposed referendum seeking to overturn the Council's Initiative 82 compromise.
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Case Closed:
The ruling – the second RAMW legal win in two weeks – came just after the deadline passed for proponents to submit signatures, officially closing any referendum path to next year’s ballot and preserving the legislative compromise we fought for and secured this summer.
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Thank You to RAMW's Legal Team:
This victory is due in large part to swift and strategic action by our legal counsel at The Veritas Law Firm.
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$25 Minimum Wage Campaign Kicks Off:
Also last week, proponents announced their campaign to place a new initiative on the November 2026 ballot to raise the hourly minimum wage to $25 by 2029 and
phase out the tipped wage by 2031
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More Ballot Initiative News - Foie Gras Ban:
The 10-day challenge period continues for a proposed measure prohibiting foie gras in the District. If the measure clears this stage, proponents must gather signatures from 5% of registered voters to qualify for the ballot. To date, no challenges to this proposed initiative have been made.
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And More Ballot Initiative News - Rent Freeze:
Another proposal that would freeze rents in the District for two years was refiled and scheduled for a Jan. 7 hearing.
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Fair Initiatives Act:
At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds held a hearing two weeks ago on her proposed
Fair Initiatives Act
, which would prohibit similar initiatives from reappearing on the ballot within six years and extend timelines for legal review and public objections, among other measures.
“Our status as the nation's capital makes us a trophy for outside groups pursuing their agendas in high-profile ways, exploiting our ballot process to interfere in local politics and overturn laws passed by our elected Council,” RAMW testified. “The campaign to pass Initiative 82 was bankrolled by one organization that made up 90% of the campaign's total cash raised. These campaigns market themselves as grassroots movements, but they are orchestrated thousands of miles from the District.”
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More to Come:
Lots of initiative news to continue through the new year. Stay tuned to RAMW for real-time updates as they happen.
National Update: Addressing Penny Shortage
The National Restaurant Association this week raised concerns about a growing penny shortage creating operational headaches for restaurants nationwide.
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What's Happening:
Restaurants in many regions can no longer order pennies from banks or Federal Reserve coin terminals. With more than 25% of transactions paid in cash, the inability to provide exact change frustrates customers and creates friction at the register. Prolonged rounding down could cost operators an estimated $13–$14 million per month industry-wide.
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Federal Action Requested:
NRA President & CEO Michelle Korsmo has urged Treasury and the Federal Reserve to resume full national penny circulation and support the Common Cents Act – legislation that would establish a national rounding standard and provide a safe harbor from nuisance lawsuits when exact change is unavailable.
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Stay Tuned:
There is cautious optimism Congress could pass the Common Cents Act on a bipartisan basis early next year. RAMW will share updates as they develop.
Insurance Captive Info Session Jan. 13
Many thanks to all who expressed interest in learning more about forming an RAMW insurance captive.
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What’s an Insurance Captive?
RAMW is exploring the formation of an insurance captive – a member-owned insurance company that could significantly reduce costs and give participating restaurants greater control over coverage.
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How Does it Work?
A captive returns underwriting profits directly to member-owners, generates investment income on reserves, and typically delivers lower premiums than traditional commercial insurance.
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Register Today:
Join us at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 13 to learn more and share your input to determine the feasibility and structure of this potential member benefit.
RSVP to Che today
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Educated Eats Scholarships Deadline Dec. 20
Is there a rising culinary superstar on your team? The RAMW Educated Eats Foundation is investing in the future of our industry by offering scholarships up to $5,000 for current professionals and aspiring students.
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Elevate Your Skills:
The Frans Hagen Scholarship supports a wide range of educational opportunities, including culinary training, restaurant management courses, and professional development programs.
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Who Should Apply:
This scholarship is designed for both current industry professionals looking to advance their careers and students passionate about building a future in the culinary arts.
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Seize the Opportunity:
Applications are now open until Dec. 20th. Don't let your rock star team members miss this chance to take their skills to the next level. Encourage your standout employees to
apply today
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RAMMYS Nominations Now Open!
Time to shine!
Nominations are now open
for the 44th annual RAMMYS Awards.
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Spotlight Excellence:
From Best New Restaurant, to Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year, to Chef of the Year, help us celebrate industry excellence. Nominate now through Feb. 1.
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Put Your Best Forward:
Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. No one knows your restaurant's hard work and achievements better than you do. Don't wait –
submit your nominations today!
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The DC Office of Planning is working alongside DC residents, community-based organizations, businesses, and elected officials to develop
DC 2050
, the District's next Comprehensive Plan.
DC 2050 guides where and how we build new housing, grow job opportunities, connect neighborhoods, preserve our rich history, and invest in amenities. As our city evolves, DC 2050 will align land use policies and investments to make the District more equitable, affordable and resilient.
The
DC 2050 Self-Guided Virtual Workshop
serves as an online counterpart to in-person workshops we held this fall. It contains all posters and information from the workshops along with a series of prompts for feedback. We hope that it will extend our reach to many more residents who are unable to attend in-person events during this phase of work.
The workshop will be open through January 19, 2026.
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Certified Up: Unlock New Opportunities with WBEC Greater DMV
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Are you ready to unlock new opportunities, partnerships, and pathways to growth for your business? WACIF’s Certified Up is excited to host an interactive workshop with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) Greater DMV, designed to help women entrepreneurs understand and leverage certifications that can propel their business forward.
In this dynamic session, you’ll learn how to:
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Navigate the landscape of women-owned business certifications
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Understand the difference between WBE and WOSB
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Determine eligibility and confidently move through the application process
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Hear real success stories from women who’ve grown through certification
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Connect directly with WBEC Greater DMV experts and get your questions answered
Whether you're just exploring certification or ready to apply, this workshop will give you the clarity, confidence, and tools you need to move forward.
Wednesday, January 21; 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
1200 U Street NW, True Reformer Building
Register Now
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Are you small business owner interested in obtaining various business certifications to grow your business while increasing sales and securing contracts? Certified Up is an innovative business development program powered by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) and designed to empower small businesses through comprehensive certification training and technical assistance.
Group Expert Open Hours with Liz Whitehead
Thursday, December 18; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual
Register Now
1:1 Expert Open Hours with Yodit Shibru
Monday, December 22; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual
Register Now
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Small Business Resource Center
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DLCP-Business Diagnostic Check - In Person
Thursday, December 18; 1pm - 4pm
Compass Coffee, 1535 7th St. NW
Click here
for more information and to sign up.
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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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💸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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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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