Duties: Serves as a member of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC). Commissioners represent the views of residents of their Single Member District (SMD). After deliberation and votes, the ANC Commission advises the Mayor, Council and executive agencies in local matters such as parking, zoning, traffic, liquor licenses, permits, etc.Deberes: Se desempeña como miembro de la “Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC)”. Los comisionados representan las opiniones de los residentes de su distrito miembro único “Single Member District(SMD)”. Después de la deliberación y las votaciones, la Comisión del ANC asesora al alcalde, al consejo y a las agencias ejecutivas en asuntos locales como estacionamiento, zonificación, tráfico, licencias de venta de bebidas alcohólicas, permisos, etc.
Qualifications
Teacher, Humanitarian, Public Servant
Website
DingusForDC.com
The most important issue facing our neighborhood is vacant properties scattered throughout our ANC and neighboring ANCs. Given the current housing crisis, these lots are a missed opportunity for affordable housing, and in the meantime, anyone who's walked past one knows what they attract instead: neglect, unsafe conditions, and activity that makes people uneasy on their own block.
An ANC commissioner can't force an owner to build, but I can keep the pressure on: pushing zoning recommendations, weighing in on permit requests, and working with the city to hold owners accountable for leaving properties empty. I also plan to build close relationships with neighboring ANCs, since their decisions affect our block too, so we're pushing in the same direction instead of working in isolation.
My plan starts with direct, personal outreach. I intend to go door to door and hand every household a flyer with a QR code, leading to a simple portal where residents can share concerns, praise, or requests directly with me. People can submit anonymously or leave contact info if they want to hear back, so there's no barrier to participating.
But the bigger goal is something I think has been sorely missing, making sure everyone knows the ANC is a resource for them, not just during election season, but year-round. A lot of people don't get involved because they don't know what an ANC does or that it's meant to represent them. If elected, closing that gap, one flyer, one conversation, one QR code at a time, is how I build a commission residents actually see themselves in.
Qualifications
As the current ANC Commissioner for 2G01, I bring both hands-on governing experience and a professional background that directly connects to many of the challenges facing our community. During my term, I have worked closely with residents, District agencies, businesses, community organizations, and elected officials on issues ranging from housing and public safety to constituent services, public space, youth engagement, and neighborhood development. Professionally, my background is in housing, property management, operations, and government accountability. I have managed large multifamily housing portfolios and currently work on federal housing policy and oversight, where my responsibilities include housing quality, inspections, budgeting,
Website
https://www.howardgarrettdc.com
The most important issue facing my SMD is community safety and neighborhood well-being. As the incumbent Commissioner, I have worked with residents, businesses, District agencies, and community organizations to respond to concerns, improve coordination, and push for accountability. My approach is rooted in both prevention and response. That means investing in youth, behavioral health, violence prevention, housing stability, and safe public spaces, while also ensuring agencies respond effectively when harm occurs. In my next term, I will continue building partnerships, improving communication, and advocating for the resources needed to create a community that is both safe and just.
I have learned as Commissioner that many residents do not fully understand the role of an ANC until they need help navigating District government. That is why I believe engagement has to extend beyond ANC meetings. I regularly communicate through newsletters, neighborhood listservs, resident associations, community walks, events, and direct conversations with neighbors and businesses. I also meet residents where they are and help connect them with agencies and resources when issues arise. In my next term, I will continue being visible and accessible, helping residents better understand the role of the ANC, and creating more opportunities for them to have a voice in decisions affecting their neighborhood.
