March 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.
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AMPBID Annual Meeting will be held on March 11
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The
2025 Adams Morgan Partnership BID Annual Meeting
will take place in person on March 11, 2025 at
The LINE Hotel DC
(1770 Euclid St, NW) from 3:00pm -5:00pm. To attend the meeting in person, please RSVP to
Kristen Barden
.
The meeting will also be streamed online but online viewers will not be able to ask questions or interact with the meeting.
Click here
to register to attend the meeting remotely via Zoom.
Board Elections
AMPBID holds elections every year with the results announced at our annual meeting. 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 presented their slate of nominees at the February board meeting:
Business Owners
(2 seats available)
Commercial Property Owners
(4 seats available)
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Oscar Guardado
: Commercial Property Owner
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Andrew Nimmer
: Commercial Property Owner
-
Pete Mallios
: Commercial Property Owner
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Sari Postal
: Commercial Property Owner
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Steve Schwat
: Commercial Property Owner
Ballots were sent to the membership in February and
voting is ongoing through Tuesday, March 11 at 4:00pm
. The election will conclude and results will be announced during the annual meeting. If you haven't received your ballot yet, please email
Brian Barrie
.
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Adams Morgan Date Nights is Back -- Enter to Win!
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Three date packages have been claimed -- there's still one more prize package yet to be awarded!
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.
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!
In addition to the big prize packages, we'll also be drawing random winners every week for $10 gift cards to
Izumi Itzakaya
and to
Insomnia Cookies
. Winning one of these gift cards does not affect your eligibility to win the big prizes.
The drawing for our final prize giveaway will be on Friday, March 7.
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Adams Morgan is going big for
St. Patrick's Day this year!
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St. Patrick's Day is on Monday, March 17
and we're planning an outdoor concert to kick off the evening from 5pm - 7pm and we'll be pushing out all the specials and happenings going on that night in Adams Morgan. We're confirming the final details but it's going to be a lot of fun!
Please let us know what your business has planned for St. Patrick's Day so we can help get the word out.
Click here
to let us know what specials, menu items, special hours, etc. you're planning for the occasion, and please remember to tag us in your social media posts so we can repost.
Find us here:
Facebook
,
X
,
Instagram
.
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Popville:
Free Science Festival in Adams Morgan this weekend!
(
Because Science
)
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EaterDC:
The Best Restaurants and Bars in Adams Morgan, According to Eater Editors
(
Federalist Pig
,
Tail Up Goat
,
Sharbat
,
Perry's
,
Elfegne
,
Lapis
,
Tiki on 18th
,
The Green Zone
,
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
,
El Tamarindo
,
Lucky Buns
,
Bar Cana
,
Ceibo
,
Los Molcajetes
)
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Popville:
New yoga studio in Adams Morgan!
(
Mindful Movement
)
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Opportunity for AdMo Businesses: Hero Dogs Charity Event
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What is Hero Dogs?
Hero Dogs
is a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of U.S. veterans and first responders with disabilities, as well as our broader DMV community, by placing trained assistance dogs with lifetime support. They also place facility dogs where they are needed most, in places like children’s hospitals and fire houses.
What is this event?
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Groups of four will leisurely visit nine total bars/restaurants in the Adams Morgan neighborhood to play a putt-putt hole for charity and enjoy food and/or drink in each participating establishment.
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The event will start (registration) and end (winners announced) at the same establishment.
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The winners will consist of one foursome with the lowest score and one foursome deemed best dressed (silly golf outfits).
When do you need to secure my commitment to the event?
To sign a contract with the putt-putt hole vendor and post on Eventbrite, they need to have the majority of the establishments locked in for the event.
Our target to have these commitments is by . March 15, 2025
I have more questions/I am ready to sign up, who should I contact?
We are happy to answer your questions and/or get your commitment to our event! Below are the two Hero Dogs board members in charge of the event. Feel free to email either
Cassandra Sumner
or
Victoria Van de Vate
.
Click here
to download event Q&A sheet
Click here
to download the sponsorship form.
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Rock 'n' Roll Marathon returns Saturday, March 15
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This is a reminder that the Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC Half Marathon and 5k is on
Saturday, March 15, 2024
.
The race route has not changed since last year and will come into Adams Morgan via Calvert Street from the Ellington Bridge, turn east onto Columbia Rd., continuing to Harvard St. where it will turn right and continue into Columbia Heights.
Click here for course and road closure information
.
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Attention Adams Morgan Food & Beverage Businesses:
Taste of Pride, Adams Morgan: April 4-6, 2025
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Taste of Pride
is a multi-tiered
Capital Pride Alliance
(CPA) event series celebrating the rich connection between the LGBTQ+ and culinary communities. This year's program will feature a multi-month collaboration between DC’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) that showcase the distinctive flavors and culinary talents within these vibrant neighborhoods.
Taste of Pride aims to blend the culinary artistry of our city with the pride and diversity that define our community, paving the way for a vibrant
WorldPride 2025
celebration.
Confirmed Partners
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Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington DC
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Visit Washington DC | Destination DC
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DC Mayor’s Office on LGBTQ Affairs
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DC Mayor’s Office on Nightlife and Culture
Taste of Pride Participation Requirements
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All participating restaurants agree to participate during the period designated by their BID.
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All participating restaurants agree to donate at one of the participation tiers listed in
this document
.
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All Participating restaurants must register by the date designated by their BID (tbd).
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All participating restaurants, through in-house marketing assets, tabletop signs, QR codes, and point of sale services should encourage patrons to donate to the PRIDE365 Fund.
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All participating restaurants MUST display a CPA sticker to show support for the LGBTQ community. Stickers will be provided by the Capital Pride Alliance.
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All participating restaurants are encouraged to complete the post-Taste of Pride survey to provide feedback on the event.
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All participating restaurants are encouraged to develop appropriate LGBTQ+ programming (i.e., Drag show, poetry reading, performing arts).
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All Participating restaurants are encouraged to add Pride décor to enhance their Taste of Pride.
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All participating restaurants can enhance their donation by pledging to provide 5-10% of the net sales for their participation timeframe or by providing gift certificates, additional specials, or giveaways for additional marketing opportunities.
Click here
to download the full info sheet including participation tiers, FAQs, and links to sign up.
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Just Announced: First 100 Days at Annual Meeting: Examining the New Administration's Impact on Restaurants
The
RAMW Annual Meeting
lineup just got even more essential with the addition of the new panel: First 100 Days: How the New Administration Is Reshaping the Restaurant Industry. Join industry experts and policy insiders for this essential, real-time analysis of impacts already being felt across the region.
Operator Takeaways:
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Latest in Immigration
: Combat misinformation with verified and reliable information, understand immediate impacts on labor pool, and take home I9 audit and ICE visit checklists.
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Tariff Impacts
: Receive real-time analysis of current and upcoming tariffs affecting your costs, with strategies to manage menu pricing and ensure supply chain stability.
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Federal and Contractor Workforce Shifts
: Understand how federal layoffs, agency relocations, and government contract cancellations will likely impact your sales.
Full Annual Meeting Agenda Highlights:
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Game Changers in Conversation:
Restaurateur and Food Policy Champion Chef Spike Mendelsohn joins us to discuss growing your business in these uncertain times.
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Plus:
State of Industry and release of 2025 Legislative Agenda; Election of 2025 RAMW Board of Directors; Allied Member of the Year Finalists announcement; Exhibit Hall featuring more than two dozen leading industry service providers.
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Don’t Miss It:
The Annual Meeting is 10 am to 2 pm March 19 at the National Landing Experience Center.
Get your tickets today
and save $45 off registration with member discount code AM25.
In the News: Fair SWIPE Takes On Credit Card Fees
Thanks to the many members who have already joined the
Fair SWIPE Coalition
to stop credit card swipe fees on sales tax and gratuities.
Register for Spring Hiring Fairs
Take part in these upcoming spring hiring fairs.
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Hire Local DC Sector Partnership
works with over 60 local education and training providers to prepare qualified candidates with a hiring fair on Mar 12 at Holiday Inn Capitol Hotel.
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Mark Your Calendar:
Reserve your space today
for the Hire Local DC Sector Partnership
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Service to Success:
is hosting a military hiring fair at Maryland Live on Apr. 3. Companies ranging from startups to the nation's leaders are coming together with hundreds of military veterans for a one-day hiring and resource fair.
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Plan to attend:
Meet 350+ Veteran job seekers. Contact
Peter Cline
to reserve a hiring booth.
Hot Topics, Real Talk: RAMW Roundtables
New in 2025, RAMW is launching an operator-driven roundtable series to foster meaningful discussions on key industry topics. These sessions provide a collaborative space for members to share insights and gain valuable resources.
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Changing Immigration Policies
– with the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs at 11am March 25.
Register now
.
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Management’s Perspective on Union Organizing
: Latest Trends and How-To Guidance at 11am April 8.
Register today
.
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Have a topic in mind?
Contact
Laila-Rose
— we’d love to include it in our lineup!
Demystifying Restaurant Financials
Simplify your restaurant’s finances! 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. Take charge of your restaurant’s success with confidence!
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Cost:
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:
Tues, Mar. 25 at 10am at RAMW Office (2112 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW)
RSVP Here
DC Retail Grant Applications Now Open: Get Your Share of $10,000
Small retail businesses can now apply for Mayor Bowser's 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program, offering $10,000 grants to 48 eligible DC businesses selected through a lottery process.
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Why It Matters:
Since launching in 2019, this program has distributed $4 million to nearly 500 retail establishments across all eight wards. The funding can cover critical expenses including wages, rent, insurance, utilities, inventory, cleaning supplies, online/delivery costs, taxes, and debt obligations.
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What's New This Year:
DSLBD is dedicating $90,000 specifically for businesses along the North Capitol Main Street corridor as part of a targeted revitalization effort.
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Who Qualifies:
For-profit, consumer-facing, independently owned businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees operating a licensed retail location in DC.
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Take Action:
Apply by March 31
. Recipients will be announced during DC Small Business Week (May 5 to 9).
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DC 2050: A Plan for all 8 Wards
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The
DC Office of Planning
(OP) 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.
Join OP at a community event to learn about the District’s next comprehensive plan and share your ideas for the future of DC!
Click here
to download a flyer with details about upcoming meetings on March 22 (MLK Library), March 25 (Barry Farm Rec Center), and March 27 (Virtual).
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Registration is open 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. We'll have refreshments, giveaways, and maybe a few surprises as well.
We'll also be joined by
Upshift Workshop
who will have repair stands offering free educational bike safety checks, and an info table with upcoming events and ways to get involved in their shop community.
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Be Part of DC's Spring Celebration ~ Sign up for Spring Wine Fling!
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Spring is in the air! As we look forward to the change in seasons and planning for spring activities, we invite you to be part of our 2025 Spring Wine Fling, the promotion that helps turn the winter blues into reds, whites, and rosés!
Join RAMW's wine-centric promotion to draw diners to your restaurants - and kick off on the Spring Equinox - for a dining experience complemented by wine you'd like to feature.
Membership with RAMW is not required to participate; this promotion is open to all restaurants and eateries in the Metropolitan Washington area. However, a participation fee per location is required for the promotion.
Click here
for more info and to register.
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Daylight Saving Time Guidance
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Daylight Saving Time will begin at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Any licensee that normally ends alcohol service at 3:00 a.m. is eligible to operate until 4:00 a.m. to compensate for the loss of one (1) hour. Licensees do not need to take any action to be able to remain open for one (1) additional hour to conduct business.
Settlement Agreements
and
Board Orders
may affect eligibility. Additional details are available on
ABCA’s website
.
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goDMV Commuter Competition
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Running from
March 3-May 31, 2025
, the goDMV Commuter Competition is a friendly contest that rewards commuters for traveling sustainably. By registering and logging your sustainable trips, you can win tons of exciting prizes and incentives as you climb the leaderboard! Best of all, it’s free to participate. You can participate through your employer if they’ve joined, or on your own.
Click here
for more information and to register.
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Help shape the DC budget: share your insights on DC’s business environment
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We are less than 30 days away from Mayor Bowser releasing her FY 2026 budget – and it is critical that we help shape this year’s budget priorities.
We know the District isn’t operating as efficiently as it could. The DC Council passes laws and imposes rules that needlessly restrict life’s essentials. Housing is hard to build, services are difficult to access, and the cost of living is far too high. Meanwhile, local government struggles to address residents’ concerns. DC employers must make our collective voice heard.
The Adams Morgan Partnership
is collaborating with
Opportunity DC
to gather insights from local entrepreneurs to help shape the FY 2026 budget so that DC can realize its potential as a prosperous, affordable, and well-run city for all District business owners and residents.
Please take five minutes to fill out this survey
to share how DC policies have affected your business and what local government can do to help your business thrive.
Your input will support efforts for policies, funding, and more streamlined regulations that unleash the innovation of District entrepreneurs. Your insights are valuable and your time is much appreciated.
Please feel free to reach out to
Opportunity DC Executive Director Malcom Fox
if you have any questions about the survey or how else you can get involved in shaping the DC budget.
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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
(note: we included an outdated link in this space last week - we apologize for any inconvenience)
Featured Events:
Boosting Your Brand Part III: Hands-on Content Production Workshop
SB Works
March 6 | 1:00 pm | 703 Edgewood St., NE
This third session of a 3-part workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques to create striking product photography and video content on a budget. Plus, enjoy a post-session product and headshot photography to level up your brand's visuals.
FREE |
REGISTER HERE
Certifying as an 8(a) Company
Score Washington DC
March 11 | 12:00 pm | Virtual
This webinar will explore the benefits of the 8(a) program, 8(a) eligibility requirements and how to apply.
FREE |
REGISTER HERE
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Small Business Resource Center
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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
-
Open for Applications
Go to
ObviouslyDC.com
for more information on all of these programs.
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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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