Delivering for Fairlawn & Anacostia: Commissioner Donohue’s Record of Action

Since being sworn in to represent SMD 8A01, my focus has been simple: less talk, more action. Serving our community isn't about attending meetings (we have had neighborhood meetings every month (except one) since being sworn in.  A pomise made and a promise kept)—it is about rolled-up sleeves, persistent advocacy, and holding city agencies accountable.

Over the past term, we have made tangible progress in improving public safety, cleaning up our streets, protecting our students, and ensuring our neighborhood's voice is heard at the Wilson Building. Here is a look at some of what we have accomplished together:

1. Public Safety & Vacant Property Accountability

When vacant or neglected properties pose a threat to our peace of mind, we don't look the other way. I have taken a proactive, hands-on approach to tackling illegal occupancy and securing neighborhood structures.

• Securing Problem Properties: When squatting and break-ins occurred at local vacant properties, I coordinated directly with the Department of Buildings (DOB) and property managers to establish immediate, aggressive security solutions.  I created relationships with property owners directly - its the best way to see results.  With the help of Office of Tenant Advocate I helped relocate the remaining tenants from 19th sreet and had them safe and secure by Dec 2025 just under a year from being sworn in.
• Empowering Law Enforcement: To give the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) the tools they need, I successfully negotiated direct owner-authorized letters allowing MPD to prosecute illegal access and property damage instantly, while securing the authority to issue barring notices to protect our blocks.
• Multi-Agency Crackdowns: Initiated and led coordinated multi-agency property and building inspections to address critical housing code violations, illegal occupancy, and severe sanitation issues.

2. Student Safety & Education Advocacy

Our kids deserve to travel to and from school in a safe, secure, and supportive environment. When bureaucratic issues threatened local schools, I stood up for our families.

• Anacostia High School Logistics: Successfully advocated for student safety when school officials permitted students to attend class at Anacostia High School with 8-10 feet of sewage in the elevator shaft.   I insisted students should be dismissed until the school met or exceeded enviromental quality testing.
• Participated with Kramer Middle School's LSAT  Local School Advisory Team. It is a mandated council of elected and appointed members—including parents, teachers, staff, and community members—that advises the school's principal on budgets, academic priorities, and Comprehensive School  
• Safe Passage Initiatives: Continued to push city leaders and transit agencies to monitor and protect key student transit corridors during arrival and dismissal times.  Along with my fellow Commissioners we cleaned up the 2200 block of Minnesota Ave in front of Boone Elementary with dozens of arrests for drug distrubution.
• I negotiated a community benefits agreement to the tune of $10,000 - $5,000 to Boone Elementary over two years and $5,000 to Kramer Middle School, a first of its kind type of support in 8A directly supporting our school community by purchasing new football uniforms for the after school football program (don't worry we have the cheerleaders covered too likely in 2027.

3. Cleaning Up Our Neighborhood & Infrastructure

A clean neighborhood is a safe, proud neighborhood. I believe in maintaining high community standards for our public spaces.

• Community Cleanups: Organized and led hands-on neighborhood cleanup days—often collaborating with residents and community partners—to clear trash and debris from our alleys, parks, and sidewalks.
• Transit Corridor Oversight: Successfully advocated for the removal of problematic, neglected bus shelters that were attracting illegal activity, ensuring our public transit stops remain clean and safe for daily commuters. (19th Street bus stop will be removed by the end of 2026 among other changes)
• Alley & Rodent Control: Maintained persistent pressure on District agencies (DPW and Department of Health) to prioritize rodent mitigation, illegal dumping enforcement, and regular alley cleanings.

4. Ground-Level, Multi-Agency Coordination

Real change happens when city agencies have to see our challenges firsthand.

• Personally invited Mayor Bowser to 8A01.  In January of 2026, I extended an invitation to Mayor Bowser to come walk Fairlawn.  Down Minnesota Ave, Q Street, 19th street to P Street up 18th.  
• Community Agency Walks: Coordinated and led focused multi-agency community walks with city directors and District representatives. By bringing agency heads directly to our blocks, we have successfully fast-tracked outstanding 311 requests, highlighted infrastructure cracks, and demanded swift administrative action.
• Permit & Progress Advocacy: Continuously pushing the District to streamline slow-moving permitting processes that stall development and construction on vacant lots, turning neighborhood eyesores back into community assets.

The Work Continues "I ran for Commissioner to ensure that SMD 8A01 gets its fair share of city resources and attention. While we have achieved major wins for Fairlawn and Anacostia, our work is far from finished. With your support, I will keep fighting every single day to keep our streets clean, our kids safe, and our neighborhood thriving." — Commissioner Donohue