August 13, 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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A note on the current situation in DC
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As you have all heard by now, on Monday, President Trump announced a temporary 30-day federal oversight of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deployment of the National Guard in Washington, DC. Under the Home Rule Act, congressional approval would be required for any extension beyond this period. Mayor Bowser reaffirmed that MPD will work in coordination with federal partners to comply with the order, while reiterating her disagreement with the president’s characterization of our city. She also reminded us that violent crime in DC remains at a 30-year low.
The Adams Morgan Partnership BID has been working to keep our neighborhood clean and safe for the past 20 years and that mission has not changed. We work on behalf of the business community and to benefit the whole neighborhood. We continue to be in close contact with DC agencies and DC Council to keep abreast of the situation and will alert businesses to any developments as needed. The Adams Morgan business district is a much cleaner and safer place than it was 20 years ago and we are committed to continuing to do all that we can to ensure it remains an asset to our neighbors and a destination for visitors from around the DMV and the world.
Yesterday afternoon, the Federal City Council organized a briefing with Lindsey Parker, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, and Lindsey Appiah, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, to learn more about the situation on the ground and how the business community can play a constructive role. You can find the Mayor’s talking points
HERE
.
Their ask of the business community is to be messengers—on social media, among your friends and with influential DC and federal officials.
Tell the real story about crime in DC, which is that it has been declining since the 2023 spike. Tell them that DC is a great place to live and for doing business. And if you have influential contacts, make sure they hear it. By making this case, the business community can help make sure that this emergency measure is brief.
The mayor's staff made it clear that this is an unprecedented and unnerving move by the Trump Administration that is a blow to home rule. But they also assured us that the actual legal wording of the Executive Order was far more limited and specific than what Trump made the public believe during his fiery, provocative press conference. The EO invokes section 740 in the Home Rule Act whereby the president can take “Emergency Control of MPD” for 30 days and, through the DC Mayor, use the MPD for federal purposes. Congressional approval is required for any extension beyond 30 days.
They emphasized this is not a federal “takeover.” The MPD Chief of Police still works for Mayor Bowser, who is the one lending MPD forces to the federal government temporarily.
On the ground, this mostly means closer collaboration between MPD and their federal partners. A command center has been set up to co-locate MPD and federal agency leadership and MPD Chief Pamela Smith has been central to the coordination of where the extra manpower is being directed. Federal law enforcement personnel have been deputized to make arrests, but the National Guard has not.
According to Appiah, federal partners this week have been happy to allow the MPD to craft the operational plan. The goal is to drive down crime. No one is using this as an excuse to engage in non-constitutional policing.
The plan so far is for federal officials to focus mostly in areas that are already federally-owned like NPS parks, the Mall, or near federal office buildings. The only other areas they will have a physical presence are in nightlife corridors like U street, drug free zones or places where tourists frequent. The Mayor’s Team does not expect them to go deep into DC neighborhoods, at least not without the MPD accompanying them.
They emphasized the importance of keeping a collaborative and collegial relationship between the DC and federal public safety agencies. The federal government has always been a huge part of the DC law enforcement ecosystem. DC officials and agencies must participate in federal spaces where they are asked to participate.
But, when the emergency measure is lifted, certainly the federal government could do more to help DC in crime fighting. DOJ handles all DC adult criminal prosecutions, and the DC US Attorney's office is down 60-90 prosecutors. All DC judges must be nominated and then confirmed by the Senate. Today there are 15 judge vacancies with plenty of locally-vetted candidates who are waiting for federal officials to move on their appointment process. Bench warrants enforcement and supervised release monitoring are all federal responsibilities in the District, and both could be tightened up.
Mayor Bowser takes every opportunity to bring this up in her meetings with federal officials on the Hill and in the Trump Administration. Everyone in the business community should as well. Making DC safer means the federal government needs to deliver on its side of the bargain. Now that we have the nation’s attention on the DC public safety apparatus, it’s a great opportunity to leverage positive change from our federal partners in a way that will make DC safer.
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AdMo Vibe features The Montaines in Kalorama Park on Thursday!
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The Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District is proud to announce the return of
AdMo Vibe
, the neighborhood’s free summer concert series celebrating live local music, community creativity, and the unique spirit of Adams Morgan.
The AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series brings neighbors together to enjoy local music and energize our public spaces. Following the initial kick-off, each Thursday concert will feature a different D.C.-based artist performing in Kalorama Park on Columbia Road at Belmont Road.
More than a dozen Adams Morgan businesses will be offering specials before, during, and after the concerts.
Restaurant specials and business discounts are available on the
website
!
Upcoming 2025 AdMo Vibe Schedule:
Concerts run from 6:00- 7:30 PM and are free and open to all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring a takeout dinner to the park from neighborhood restaurants and explore all that Adams Morgan has to offer before and after the concert —from vibrant outdoor dining spaces and global cuisine to colorful boutiques and locally owned shops.
The 2025 AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series is generously sponsored by
Pepco
,
Anthony Salinas
and
Roda Car Repair
.
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Adams Morgan Farmers Market
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The Adams Morgan Farmers Market is open for the season on
Saturdays
from
8:30am - 12:30pm
featuring
Licking Creek Bend Farm
and
Ravenhook Bakehouse. Remie's Flowers and Plants
are back as well.
Ravenhook will be featuring: Bell pepper, onion, and mozzarella focaccia; Orange Creamsicle Brioche; Lemon Chess Pie; Whole Wheat Sourdough
Come to the Adams Morgan Farmers Market for fresh picked, chemical free (and tariff free) produce. We're entering the peak summer season so look for these during August and September:
Our farm staff wants you to look forward during in the next two months for:
Eggplant; Cucumbers; Cantaloupes; Chicory Root; Apples; Hot peppers; Bell Peppers; Cauliflower; Broccoli; Herbs; Basil; Pears; Amaranth; String Beans.
...and other summer goodies and they say some surprises along with, from our partner orchard:
Peaches; Pears; Plums; Apples and other seasonal fruits
Plastic bags are no longer available from the market, so please remember your own bags!
2025 CSA Season Membership is now open.
Click here
for more information, including the membership form.
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A gathering to honor Cathy Chung
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There will be a gathering to honor and remember Cathy Chung, longtime Adams Morgan business owner of Meeps, on
Sunday August 17 from 11am - 1pm
.
Elle
3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Light refreshments will be served
Please RSVP here
so the organizers will know how many to expect.
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Airplane Mode at The LINE DC
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Beat the Sunday Scaries with AIRPLANE MODE — a series of offline gatherings this fall designed to bring young people back to third spaces and foster creativity, connection, and community.
Our kickoff event begins with watercoloring, reading, letter writing, and collaging at The LINE DC, followed by a panel conversation on the role of third spaces in civic life featuring Tyson Ritter (The All-American Rejects), Shamichael Hallman (Urban Libraries Council), and Rebecca Davis (Join or Die, NBC News).
📍 Sunday, August 24 | 4–7pm @
The LINE DC
🎟️ Free & all supplies provided — just bring yourself and leave your phone on ✈️ Mode.
Hosted by The Aspen Institute’s Center for Rising Generations.
👉
RSVP here
+ follow @airplanemode.ig & @aspenrisinggen
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Note from RAMW President Shawn Townsend in regards this week's developments from the Trump Administration.
While we have not heard of any recent ICE visits to restaurants specifically, given the potential for increased federal presence in our city, we strongly urge members to be alert to possible enforcement actions and to review immigration compliance best practices.
You can find ICE Preparedness Tips on the
RAMW website
, including guidance on:
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Knowing your rights and responsibilities during an inspection.
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Identifying and training a designated point of contact for law enforcement visits.
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Ensuring I-9 forms are properly completed and stored.
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Avoiding discriminatory hiring or employment practices.
We also remind you of key immigration best practices:
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Do not volunteer more information than required during any inquiry.
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Provide access to public areas only unless a warrant or court order specifies otherwise.
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Document all interactions with enforcement officials.
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Contact your attorney immediately if approached by ICE or other federal authorities.
If you have not already done so, please take time to revisit our recent RAMW webinar on immigrant workers, which provides practical guidance for employers and managers. The recording is available
here
.
AG Issues Employment Advisory for DC Restaurants
DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb last week released a business advisory outlining
restaurants’ employment requirements
.
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The Big Picture:
The advisory covers four key compliance areas that every restaurant operator should review: wages, paid sick leave, universal paid leave, and worker classifications.
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Industry Partnership:
“We appreciate the Office of the Attorney General's effort to provide clear, accessible guidance on complex employment laws,” said RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend. “We encourage all restaurants to review the advisory closely and reach out to RAMW for compliance support, training opportunities, and resources.”
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Questions?
In addition to RAMW, find assistance from the
DC Bar Pro Bono Center
and
LawHelp.org/DC
.
Join Nightlife Forum with Chief Smith and Councilmember Pinto
The DC Nightlife Council hosts its annual Public Safety Forum Aug. 19, bringing together key leaders to address the safety challenges facing Washington's hospitality community.
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Mark Your Calendar:
Joining this year’s discussion are Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith and Councilmember Brooke Pinto, Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety.
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RSVP Today:
Find more info attached. The forum is 1 to 3 pm on Aug. 19 at the Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St NW.
Register now
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Free Strategic Support Sessions with Harmony Group
DC restaurant owners can now access complimentary CFO-level advisory services through a new partnership between RAMW, Harmony Group, and the Executive Office of the Mayor.
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Get Expert Guidance:
These one-on-one sessions with Harmony Group's restaurant accounting specialists tackle your most pressing financial and operational challenges – from cash flow management to growth planning. Sessions are customized to address your specific needs.
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Ready. Set. Grow:
Space is limited for these free consultations. Whether you're navigating rising costs, planning expansion, or simply want a financial health check, this is your chance to dig into the numbers with industry-leading CPAs.
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Apply Now:
Open to DC hospitality businesses with brick-and-mortar locations operating for more than one year. Apply today.
New Dates Added! Free Spanish ServSafe Available Through September
Just added: More Spanish Language ServSafe Classes!
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Zero-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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Sign-Up Now:
Classes run monthly through September at RAMW's office (2112 Pennsylvania Ave. NW).
Register today
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Sign Up For Dine All Night 2025
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CALLING DC RESTAURANTS!!
Register now for
Dine All Night
, an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly combines the worlds of culinary arts and Art All Night!
Don’t miss out on Dine All Night!
Registration closes on August 25
Click Here to sign up
and showcase your menu to DC’s late-night food lovers.
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Applications Open – 2026 DEI Business Fellowship
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Destination DC launched the DEI Business Fellowship to support small, independently owned businesses in the local travel and tourism industry – specifically those owned by people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, persons with disabilities, and their allies.
This one-year program provides complimentary membership, with access to marketing, mentorship, education, and networking opportunities designed to help grow and sustain your business through reaching both business and leisure travelers.
Click here
for more info and to apply.
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Call for Volunteers:
2025 IDA Annual Conference & Marketplace
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This is a great opportunity to contribute to the
International Downtown Association's (IDA)
event of the year! IDA is seeking enthusiastic volunteers for our annual conference, co-hosted by the DowntownDC BID, taking place at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. from
September 23-27, 2025
.
There are a variety of engaging roles available, including hotel greeting and wayfinding, assisting with breakout sessions, managing registration, and supporting our receptions. These roles are perfect for:
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Students looking to gain practical experience and volunteer hours
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Professionals needing to fulfill volunteer hours
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Urban Place Management Organizations wanting to gain knowledge but unable to attend the full conference
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Individuals with an interest in event management or downtown development
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Family and friends of our organizations
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Individuals wanting to celebrate IDA, DowntownDC BID and our attendees in all that we do!
While these are unpaid, voluntary positions, IDA will provide volunteers with a complimentary volunteer t-shirt and light beverages/snacks to keep you energized throughout your shift.
Ready to Make a Difference?
You can find detailed descriptions of all volunteer roles and sign up directly
through this LINK
.
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Apply for Inc.'s Best in Business Awards
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The Inc. Best in Business awards celebrate the projects and initiatives that were true business wins for your company over the past year. Whether it is about a new innovation, a standout marketing campaign, a creative use of AI, or a bold move that paid off, Inc. wants to hear your story.
Describe a successful project or business win and find your company among the winners that will be featured on Inc.com and in the pages of Inc. magazine. Hundreds of companies will be named to the Best in Business list, with even more recognized in several standout categories.
Now’s your chance to earn national—and global—recognition for the success you’ve had. Submit your project today and let the world see what makes your company the best in business.
Click here
for more information and to apply.
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How to Navigate the Biggest Pitfalls of a Growing Business
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August 14, 2025; 12:00-12:30 PM ET
Your Next Move
features authentic and insightful conversations with some of today's most innovative and exciting entrepreneurs and business leaders. In Inc.'s newest
Your Next Move
virtual event, industry leaders Michal Alter, founder and CEO of Visit.org, and Alicia Yoon, founder and CEO of Peach & Lily, will explore the most common pitfalls in growing a company (and how smart leaders handle them).
REGISTER NOW
Cost: Complimentary, but registration is required
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August 14, 2025, 12pm
Creating a Quick Business Plan
See how to write your "Value Proposition" and use the "Lean Canvas" to capture key ideas, concepts and strategies about your business.
August 15, 2025, 12pm
Setting Up a New Business Entity
Learn what you need to do to make sure your business is able to conduct its affairs legally, and how to take those critical first steps.
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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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💸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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💸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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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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