83 episodes

We’re the District’s legislature, responsible for crafting laws. On Twitter, our goal is to engage with residents in an informative and conversational way.

If you think you already know all about our councilmembers, or the topics they tackle, then you clearly haven’t listened to our “Hearing the Council” radio show and podcast. Even Wilson Building staffers and journalists get whole new insight into councilmembers from our “getting to know you” episodes, and our deep dives on policy topics give members 30+ minutes to discuss and face questions on a single topic of interest to them. A must-listen for reporters, advocates, and political junkies.

Hearing the Council Council of the District of Columbia

    • News
    • 4.2 • 5 Ratings

We’re the District’s legislature, responsible for crafting laws. On Twitter, our goal is to engage with residents in an informative and conversational way.

If you think you already know all about our councilmembers, or the topics they tackle, then you clearly haven’t listened to our “Hearing the Council” radio show and podcast. Even Wilson Building staffers and journalists get whole new insight into councilmembers from our “getting to know you” episodes, and our deep dives on policy topics give members 30+ minutes to discuss and face questions on a single topic of interest to them. A must-listen for reporters, advocates, and political junkies.

    Christina Henderson Talks Opioids as a Public Health Crisis, Giving SNAP a Raise & Free School Lunch

    Christina Henderson Talks Opioids as a Public Health Crisis, Giving SNAP a Raise & Free School Lunch

    In her latest Hearing the Council video interview, At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson talked about three policy areas close to her heart. First, we discussed her "Sense of the Council" bill encouraging the Mayor to declare the opioid crisis in the District (and its resultant 400 deaths a year) a public health emergency. Second, we talked about her bill from last year giving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients a boost in their monthly food allotment. And third, we discussed her proposed bill to provide all District public school students with free school lunch. Plus, we closed out discussing Halloween, and her advice on how to build a "Good Frankenstein Councilmember" and a " Bad Frankenstein Councilmember" by combining the best and worst traits of her Council colleagues. Don't miss it!

    • 39 min
    Matthew Frumin Talks Ward Three for All

    Matthew Frumin Talks Ward Three for All

    In his sophomore Hearing the Council interview, Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin discusses his signature "Ward 3 for All" initiative. Ward Three has a reputation as a land of plenty, but Councilmember Frumin discusses how he plans to make it more welcoming to all the District's residents. From affordable housing and neighborhood schools to accessible transit and recreation opportunities, he talks about recent budget successes and plans for the future. But what is Ward 3's place in the District's broader social services network? We discuss that too. Plus, in the fun round, Councilmember Frumin talks IKEA furniture, driving cross-country, and fighting off barbarians.

    • 47 min
    Anita Bonds Talks Return to Office and Work from Home

    Anita Bonds Talks Return to Office and Work from Home

    In her latest "Hearing the Council" interview, At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds discusses the essential role the return-to-office movement plays in reinvigorating the District's downtown and to keeping our local budget balanced.

    In advance of a committee hearing on the topic, we discuss the stark economic realities that underlie the need for an accelerated return to the office, and the complex balance of these facts with the profound quality of life impacts that reduced work-from-home entails.

    And in the "fun round" at the end of the interview, Councilmember Bonds makes her personal picks for which of her colleagues she would match with which hypothetical tasks, such as camping, sharing their Rolodex/contacts, and writing poetry worth reading.

    • 40 min
    Charles Allen Talks DC's Many Mobility Options, Plus the Fight for Vision Zero

    Charles Allen Talks DC's Many Mobility Options, Plus the Fight for Vision Zero

    In his latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen discusses two complementary topics: the rich canvas of mobility options available to District residents, and the fight to avoid fatalities among the participants in this system (Vision Zero).

    From walking to the bus, and scooters to rental cargo bikes, District residents face an embarrassment of riches when deciding which flavor of transportation best suits each task or journey. We chat about our personal takes on this essentially urban decisionmaking experience.

    We also discuss the fight for Vision Zero...including why such a necessary effort needs to be a fight at all. We talk examples and motivations for the sadly uphill political battle to save lives.

    Plus, for the "fun round," Councilmember Allen picks which of his past or present colleagues he'd choose for which odd task, including why he'd be interested in Camping with Catania.

    • 39 min
    Zachary Parker Talks Tax Credits for Kids/Families, School Safety, & Firearm Industry Controls

    Zachary Parker Talks Tax Credits for Kids/Families, School Safety, & Firearm Industry Controls

    In his latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker talks about the return of Ward 5 Day, plus the status and prognosis of four bills he introduced: the District Child Tax Credit Act, Financial Support for Families with Children Act, School Safety Enhancement Act, and the Establishment of Reasonable Controls for the Firearm Industry Act. Plus, which of his Council colleagues he would pick to drive cross-country with, or to help fight off barbarians.

    • 36 min
    Brianne Nadeau Talks Investigating Sexual Harassment, Boosting Public Safety

    Brianne Nadeau Talks Investigating Sexual Harassment, Boosting Public Safety

    In her latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau tackles two topics that are fresh from recent headlines: the investigation of sexual harassment in the executive branch, and public safety in the District.

    She discusses Council legislation to ensure not just that prominent recent sexual harassment claims are investigated independently and thoroughly, but also that all future investigations meet a Council-established higher bar as well.

    She also addresses the topic that is front-of-mind for so many District residents these days: public safety. She discusses the recent Council emergency legislation on the topic, finding the proper balance between effective and excessive enforcement, and her theory on why crime rates are dropping in most US cities but not in the District.

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

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