December 10, 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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Winter Coat & Accessories Drive for giving season at Lapis!
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The Popal Group (
Lapis
,
Lapop
, Lutèce,
Maison
, Pascual) is bringing back its Winter Coat & Accessories Drive for a second year to support
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
(LSSNCA). Until December 14, the team will collect new or like-new coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for refugees, immigrants, and local neighbors in need.
Donations can be dropped off daily at
Lapis
(1847 Columbia Rd NW) between 11 AM - 3 PM and 5 PM - 9 PM through December 14.
In December, the Lapis team will deliver the items and volunteer at LSSNCA’s Resource Center in Alexandria.
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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.
🪙District Capitalized Revolving Loan Fund
Application Deadline:
December 12, 2025
The program offers micro-loans (up to $10,000) in short-term working capital or business credit-building and reporting support to help entrepreneurs strengthen their credit history and long-term stability.
Click here
for more information and to apply
Click here
for a recording of an information session about the fund.
🪙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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Adams Morgan Farmers Market
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The Adams Morgan Farmers Market at Unity Park (
Champlain St. at Columbia Rd., NW
) is open for the season 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; Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pound Cake; Butternut Squash, Garlic, Goat Cheese, & Mozzarella; and Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
Come to the Adams Morgan Farmers Market for fresh picked, chemical-free (and tariff-free) produce. We're entering the fall season. Our amazing, hard working staff tells us the fall will produce:
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 fall 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.
Conditions permitting, we hope to have our apple cider press back at the market!
Come and sample fresh squeezed APPLE CIDER.
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Let’s End the Year with Laughter — For A Cause!
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Miriam's Kitchen is thrilled to invite you to their December special event:
Comedy Night to End Chronic Homelessness
, an evening full of good vibes, great people, and hilarious performances in partnership with Grassroots Comedy — all supporting Miriam’s Kitchen’s mission to end chronic homelessness in DC.
Join in for a night where your laughter and the magic of the holiday spirit make an impact. Every ticket helps fund meals, housing support, and advocacy for our unhoused neighbors. Because everyone deserves a place to call home.
Saturday, December 13 at 7pm
The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd NW)
Tickets on Eventbrite
: $33 general admission
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ServeDC
, The Mayor's Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships, invites you to join us for WARD 1 CERT Training - open to constituents who live or work in Ward 1
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a hands-on training that prepares participants to assist in emergencies and support their communities when disaster strikes. Upon completion, participants will receive a CERT certification.
Event Details
Monday, December 15 to Friday. December 19, 4:00-7:00 PM
Final Evaluation: Saturday December 20, 2025, 11:30 AM to 4 PM
Columbia Heights Recreation Center
1480 Girard St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Participants must sign up in advance to participate and must attend all training sessions to receive certification. Registration closes Saturday December 13 at 12 PM.
Click here to register
Please reach out if there are any questions to dc.cert@dc.gov, or raissa.some1@dc.gov
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3D CAC Public Safety Community Meeting
Thursday, December 18, 2025; 7:00 PM EST
Virtual via Zoom
REGISTER NOW
3D CAC Holiday Gift Drive -
click here
for more information
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The Silva Gallery x Latela Curatorial Announces New Partnership
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After four years directing
The Silva Gallery
, Latela Curatorial is passing the baton to
The Art Island
, which has served as a long-established connector of artists and art collectors in the Washington, DC area via art exhibitions and community projects.
The Silva Gallery’s current and final exhibition curated by Latela Curatorial is
Lineal by Rania Hassan
, which includes framed drawings displayed next to delicate cut outs and mixed media woven installations, is on view through December 28, 2025.
Arriving in 2026
The Silva x The Art Island will open early January 2026 with a solo exhibition by
Lionel Daniels
.
Save the date:
Friday, January 23, from 6-8 pm for the reception with the artist and curator, Beth Ferraro.
To read more details,
click here
.
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Judge Sends I-82 Referendum Back to Board of Elections
A DC Superior Court judge ruled last week that the Board of Elections improperly advanced the proposed referendum seeking to undo DC Council's reforms to Initiative 82.
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Back to the Board:
This procedural victory means the Board of Elections must restart several key steps, making it highly unlikely that referendum supporters will gather the required signatures before the Dec. 17 deadline. As a result, the measure will likely not make the ballot – preserving the legislative compromise we fought for and secured this summer.
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Legal Victory:
This outcome is thanks in large part to the swift and strategic action of our legal counsel at The Veritas Law Firm, who led our challenge to the board's failure to follow proper notice procedures.
Foie Gras Initiative Enters Challenge Period:
Also last week, the Board of Elections approved a measure to prohibit the production and sale of foie gras in the District, starting a 10-day period in which any registered voter may challenge the ballot language. If the measure clears this stage, proponents then must gather signatures from 5% of registered voters to qualify for the ballot.
New $25 Minimum Wage Initiative:
Our work to preserve the tip credit continues. Proponents of eliminating the tipped wage have launched a new initiative campaign to raise the minimum wage to $25 and end the tip credit.
More Updates Ahead:
RAMW will continue to monitor all these developments and provide updates as they occur. As always, contact
Che
with questions or concerns.
DC Council Cuts Streatery Fee, Provides Design Flexibility
DC Council voted unanimously last Tuesday for an emergency bill to reduce the annual occupancy fee for permanent streateries from $20 to $15 per square foot and provide greater design flexibility for outdoor dining.
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Key Changes:
The legislation gives the Public Space Committee discretion to approve design and location exemptions, including partial Streatery enclosures for year-round dining, and flexibility on distance requirements from curb cuts and hydrants.
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Industry Relief:
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, who chairs the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, proposed the emergency legislation after restaurant operators raised concerns about the original permanent regulations.
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Apply Now:
Restaurants applying to make their streateries permanent through TOPS may keep them until determinations are made. The Department of Buildings will work with businesses on certificate of occupancy issues, including bathroom requirements.
Find more information and applications here
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Closing Your Streatery?
DPW offers no-cost removal. Request pickup at
streateries@dc.gov
.
New DC CorpOnline System Launched
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) on Monday launched an upgraded CorpOnline registration system with the goal of expanding online access and streamlining business filings.
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100% Digital Filing:
For the first time, all corporate registration filings can be completed online, including mergers, conversions, and domestications.
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Smoother Operations:
The upgraded system provides immediate access to receipts after submission, an enhanced dashboard displaying filing status, and public visibility into beneficial ownership and full filing history.
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Get Started:
Log in at
Access DC
on Monday to begin using the new features. Questions? Contact DLCP at 202-671-4500 or visit
DLCP's website
.
Register Today for Winter Restaurant Week
Don't miss your chance to be part of Restaurant Week, the ultimate showcase for our region’s vibrant dining scene. This event isn't just about delicious food – it's a powerful economic driver and marketing tool that brings diners right to your tables.
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Official Dates:
Winter Restaurant Week 2026 runs Monday, January 19 through Sunday, January 25.
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New Marketing for Extensions:
Participating locations that choose to extend their promotion beyond the official dates will now be fully marketed as part of the official program.
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Sign Up Today
through your
RAMW.org
account: Registration: $550 per location; Deadline: January 11.
Apply Now Open for Educated Eats Industry Scholarships
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
!
RAMMYS Nominations 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, 2026.
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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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Technical Assistance & Events
Take advantage of WACIF’s upcoming support to access expert guidance, group technical assistance, certification support, and resources designed to help you implement sustainable practices and thrive in the green economy.
RSVP Now To Get Started
Green Growth Fund
The Green Growth Fund offers up to $250,000 in flexible financing for DC entrepreneurs advancing clean energy, eco-friendly practices, or green economy projects. Plus, unlock an added grant upon full loan repayment.
Learn More About The Green Growth Fund
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WACIF & LEDC’s Pivot Project Featured in the Washington Business Journal
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The Washington Business Journal has featured WACIF and their partners at the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) in a new article highlighting the Pivot Project, a collaborative initiative helping entrepreneurs transition into full-time business ownership.
Supported by nearly $1 million in funding from Capital One, the Pivot Project provides flexible capital, coaching, and wrap-around services to help local entrepreneurs stabilize, grow, and thrive. This recognition underscores the importance of expanding equitable access to resources for small business owners across the DMV.
Click here to read the article
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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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