Home Sweet Home

February 5, 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.

February AMPBID Board Meeting

The next board meeting of the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District (AMPBID) will be on Tuesday, February 11 at 5pm via Zoom . In addition to regular business the Nominations Committee will present the slate of candidates for the annual board elections (more info below).


Click here to attend the board meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, February 11 at 5pm.

Annual Meeting

The AMPBID annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at The LINE DC . We'll be sharing more information about the annual meeting in the coming weeks. Invitations to the annual meeting will be mailed to AMPBID members next week.

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). This election will be for 4 Property Owner seats (one has been vacated) and 2 Business Owner seats.


The AMPBID Nominating Committee will present their slate of nominees at the February board meeting. Ballots will be sent to the membership in the days following the meeting and voting will be open until March 11 at 4:30pm. Election results will be announced during the annual meeting.

Adams Morgan Date Nights is Back!

Adams Morgan is your go-to place for a date! Whether you’re a father and son heading out for ice cream, a pair going on a first date, old friends enjoying a girls night out, or a married couple celebrating a double-digit anniversary, we’ll help make your time together special while in Adams Morgan.


This February, the community is invited to enjoy a variety of love-themed events, date lineups, and a chance to win one of four amazing date night packages.

Head to admodc.org/date and enter to win one of the prize packages or just find inspiration for fun Date Night activities in Adams Morgan!

Valentine's Day Storefront Decorating Contest

Love is in the air and decorations are going up in windows throughout the neighborhood!

Eighteen Adams Morgan business are competing this year for $2,000 in prize money and you can help your favorites win. Decorations should all be in place by the end of the day on Friday, February 7, and starting that night at midnight you can vote on your favorites. The businesses will be divided into two groups: Food & Beverage and Retail & Services.

The list and map of businesses along with the voting form will be available at admodc.org/valentines by Friday. A panel of judges will be scoring the displays next Wednesday, February 12 and the winners will be announced on Valentine's Day!

Adams Morgan 💕Valentine’s Day Card 💕Workshop for Kids & Adults

Because Science is serving up the anatomical heart with a dash of punn-ery. Color in the card and add your own valentine pun- they'll have lots to choose from. Dads beware: they're good at the science jokes!


If you can color, this event is for you! Adults + Kids are welcome to participate. They recommend NOT coming at the start time since that’s usually when it’s the busiest.


This activity is free for all and does not require advance registration- just stop by anytime during activity hours (plan for about 15-20 minutes to do the activity). However, registering for the event will help Because Science get a read on how much material to prepare and will enable you to easily import the event to your calendar or invite friends!


Saturday, February 8; 2pm - 5pm

Because Science, 1759 Columbia Rd NW

Say Hello To Our Spring Interns!

Udval Purevsuren (left) and Lily Truong have joined us for the spring semester and have already been hugely helpful on a number of projects. Udval is from Mongolia and is a Junior at New York University (NYU) and Lily is from the Atlanta area and is also in her Junior year at Boston University (BU). They are both attending their respective schools' Washington, DC campus this semester.

Adams Morgan in the News

E-Bike Incentive Program

The District E-Bike Incentive Program within the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) helps residents buy electric bicycles (e-bikes) and supports bicycle businesses in the District.


Apply Here

The application window will be open through Friday, February 21, 2025. Click here for more information about the program.

Updates from RAMW

RAMW: Your Immigration Resources Hub

RAMW.org/Immigration is your one-stop digital headquarters for navigating the latest in immigration developments affecting restaurants.

Wanted: ProStart Competition Judges

The RAMW Educated Eats Foundation is looking for judges for the DC ProStart Invitational Mar. 4. The annual contest features teams from Ballou High School, Cardozo Education Campus, and Theodore Roosevelt High School.

  • How can you help? Donate your time by becoming a ProStart judge! Sign up by Feb. 12 .
  • Questions : Make a difference in the ProStart students’ lives by supporting their future careers in our hospitality industry. Contact Linda to learn more.

Master Your 2025 Wage Strategy: Free Modeling Workshop Returns

RAMW's popular wage modeling series returns to help restaurants design effective compensation structures amid this year's scheduled tipped wage increases.

  • Why It Matters: With the DC tipped wage scheduled to increase from $10 to $12 on July 1, proper modeling will help operators successfully manage the books.
  • Workshop Highlights: Industry experts: President of Hospitality Solutions Lizz Durante at PNI HCM; Employment and Labor Attorney Joy Einstein, Partner at Shulman Rogers; Matt Hetrick, President of Hospitality and Restaurant Accounting FirmHarmony Group.
  • Don't Miss It: The free online workshop is 2 pm Feb. 18. Register now .

Cherry Blossom Season Returns March 20

Join the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Cherry Picks program Mar. 20 to Apr. 13 and showcase your restaurant's spring-themed menus.

  • Why Join: Boost business through the festival's channels while tapping into the District's vibrant spring dining scene.
  • Key Deadlines: Register by Feb. 13 and submit your menus with photos by Mar. 7. Sign up for Cherry Picks today .

Free ServSafe Training Through September 2025

DC restaurants and hospitality businesses can access free ServSafe food safety and alcohol management certifications as part of a new DMPED-funded program.

  • What's Covered: ServSafe Food and Alcohol Manager certifications, technical assistance workshops, and exam fees.
  • Get Certified: Classes are at RAMW’s office at 2112 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Register today .

Join Us for Broker Business Connect - DACA Changes

Representatives from DC Health Link will discuss health insurance coverage changes affecting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

  • Questions, Questions : There will be a Q&A Session with Spanish translation.
  • Zoom in : Business owners and employees are encouraged to attend via zoom on Feb. 18 from 9:30 - 10 am.
  • Be there : Register Now

Restaurants Act: National Public Affairs Conference

The National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference returns to the District April 1 to 3.

  • Who Attends : Every segment (from quick service to fine dining) is represented and includes large, international brands to smaller, independent operators who want to advocate for our industry.
  • What to Expect : In addition to meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, conference attendees will hear from top political speakers and celebrate the industry at networking events.
  • Why it Matters : Make a difference on policy that affects your business. The Public Affairs Conference is the restaurant industry’s largest grassroots advocacy event.
  • Act Now : A limited number of complementary registrations are available. Sign up with Laila-Rose .

DC Open Enrollment Deadline Extended!

OPEN ENROLLMENT EXTENDED TO MIDNIGHT - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7th THIS IS IT - YOUR LAST CHANCE!


Good news for District residents: DC Health Link has extended the open enrollment deadline for health insurance! Now you have until midnight Friday, February 7 to enroll in quality, affordable health insurance for 2025.


Onsite enrollment will be available at Ben’s Chili Bowl from noon to midnight on Friday, February 7th. So come out and join us at “Enroll at the Bowl,” - that’s Ben’s Chili Bowl - where enrollment experts will be available to help you sign up for a health plan to meet your needs and budget.

Click here for more info

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.

Major Update to ProjectDox Coming February 18, Sign up for Training Now

The Department of Buildings (DOB) wants to share exciting news about ProjectDox . In ProjectDox, customers can electronically submit building plans and supporting documentation for plan review. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, DOB will launch a major update (Version 9.3.8.7) that includes the following improvements:

  1. A more stable, cloud-based experience
  2. Simpler, user-friendly navigation
  3. More self-help resources

Overall, this new platform will enhance service delivery, increase the safety of the District’s built environment, and result in a better customer experience. DOB will be sharing further details in the coming weeks on how the new platform will affect your existing and upcoming projects. In the interim, DOB is excited to offer training opportunities on this updated platform.


ProjectDox 9.3.8.7 Training Sessions – Register Now!

In these upcoming sessions, you’ll receive practical tips and hands-on guidance on the enhanced features of ProjectDox 9.3.8.7 that are designed to improve your experience and collaboration.


Training Dates and Times

  • Tuesday, February 11, 2025 -- Overview of Plan Review | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM; Overview of the Intake and Prescreen Functions | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Space is limited so register today!

Developing Financial Projections for Your New Small Business

Friday, February 7

Win Customers With Your Website

Discover how to create a website that attracts, engages and converts customers while aligning with your marketing strategy for success.

Register here


Tuesday, February 11

The Mindset of a Successful Business Owner

Only 20% of all businesses make it 5 years, this webinar will provide crucial information to help you succeed!

The following topics will be covered:

  • The role of a business owner
  • The 5 levels of business ownership
  • The 4 types of intelligence for business ownership success
  • Why a franchise succeeds
  • Wealth building

Register here


CBE Green Grant Applications Now Open!

The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), in partnership with the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE), is excited to launch the FY25 CBE All Things Green Grants. This initiative supports Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) in expanding their participation in the green and sustainable energy markets. Applications are due by February 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET


For more details, including the Request for Applications (RFA), visit dslbd.dc.gov/cbegreengrant .


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.

Grant Opportunities

💸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 .

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 .


SBRC One-On-One Call Session: Steps to Obtaining a Business License

Monday – Friday; By appointment between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events


SBRC One-on-One Call Session: "Talk Business After Hours"

Wednesdays by appointment between 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

Business Diagnostic Check - In Person Wednesday’s

Wednesdays by appointment between 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events



Submit your events and specials!

List your Adams Morgan events and business specials on our webpage for free! Click here to go to the event submission form, fill it out completely, and click on "submit event." Event submissions are reviewed to ensure the events either take place within the Adams Morgan business district or are being put on by an Adams Morgan business, and once approved should appear on the website within 48 hours.

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.

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© Adams Morgan Partnership