The Ward 5 Wave

Councilmember Zachary Parker

Join DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker each week for updates on Council activities, highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter, and interviews with DC agencies and community partners. You can also send in questions for him to answer on the podcast!

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22 episodes
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Avg 31 min
English

Episodes 22

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S3 · E12
September 11 · 14 min
Return from Recess, and Ward 5 Week & Day!
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage reflect on 9/11, 25 years after the terrorist attacks changed our country forever. They also highlight all of the fun events taking place September 13-19 for Ward 5 Week and Ward 5 Day. Councilmember Parker highlights an important markup as the Council returns for recess, ringing the alarm bells as a committee threatens to approve development rights for a developer who is actively being sued by the District and has a history of failed properties. Melissa also shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E11
August 28 · 32 min
Ward 5 Housing Conditions Tour
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker chats on-site with tenants and tenant organizers about his Ward 5 Housing Conditions Tour, including visits to the Hecht Warehouse, The Gale - Eckington, and 1400 Florida Ave NE (the focus of this episode). The Councilmember's Director of Constituent Services, Oliver Stoute, shares about the office's work in escalating tenant concerns and coordinating with District agencies. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares the highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E10
August 7 · 33 min
CM Elissa Silverman, Effective Oversight, and Summer Interns
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker sits down with the recently-sworn-in At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman, a familiar face (and voice) in the Wilson Building. They talk about effective oversight, CM Silverman's plans for the fall legislative session, and—of course—pizza. Ward 5 Council Office summer intern Autumn Peterson also joins to talk about her experience as a summer intern and offer encouraging words to high school and college students. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E9
July 24 · 29 min
Recess, DoorDash, Rats, Buses, and More!
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on Council Recess, a new congressional attempt to undermine DC Home Rule (supported by DoorDash), updates on rat abatement in Ward 5, budget wins for Ward 5 bus routes, and a save-the-date for Ward 5 Day (September 19, 2026). Melissa also shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E8
June 5 · 38 min
Fight for Funding and Happy Pride!
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on budget markups, concerns with remaining gaps in the FY27 budget proposal, and look ahead to the June 9 vote on the budget. Conversations center around juvenile justice, Credible Messengers program, funding for housing vouchers, childcare, and SNAP benefits, securing retail grants for 12th St NE and Rhode Island Ave NE, adding funds for the Langdon Park Recreation Center modernization project, rerouting of Metrobus routes, and more. They also wish neighbors a Happy Pride Month and reflect on recent events including Councilmember Parker's 4th Annual Black Pride Celebration and the May 30 Healthy Communities Spring Cleaning. Melissa shares the latest updates from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E7
May 8 · 17 min
Housing in the FY27 Budget, Youth Roundtable Reflections, and Talbert Street Homes
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage welcome At-Large Councilmember Robert White, Jr. to the show to talk about housing concerns in the Mayor's proposed FY27 budget, reflections on last week's youth rountable on "teen takeovers," and CM White's legislation on behalf of residents impacted by the Talbert Street homes saga. Melissa shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E6
April 24 · 36 min
Teen Takeovers, SOUL Act, Future Land Use, and More
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on the coversations buzzing in the Wilson building about "teen takeovers" and juvenile curfews, with proposals on how to respond and the announcement of Councilmember Parker's youth-centered roundtable on April 30. They also talk about the SOUL Act and its impact on youth within DC's foster care system. Finally, they reflect on recent budget hearings and the draft Future Land Use Map put out by the Office of Planning. Melissa gives highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E5
March 20 · 36 min
DC's Social Safety Net, Safeway Closing, and Economic Development
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage sit down with SPACEs in Action Policy Strategist Maneesh Horshin to talk about DC's child care subsidy, Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, the child tax credit, and how all these programs work together to stabilize our workforce and grow the economy. UPO Director of Legislative Advocacy, Ed Lazere, talks about TANF and how this cash assistance supports rougly 25,000 children in the District and why we must avoid cuts to the program. Councilmember Parker also details his FY27 Budget Letter to Mayor Bowser, reflects on the announcement that the Safeway at Hechinger Mall is closing, and shares some of his vision for community-centered economic development in Ward 5. Melissa shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E4
February 27 · 14 min
Potomac Interceptor Collapse Update with Councilmember Charles Allen
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker sits down with Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, chair of the Council's Committee on Transportation and the Environment. Councilmember Allen shares updates about the Potomac Interceptor Collapse, what he learned when he visited the site, and what neighbors can expect as work continues to repair the interceptor and begin remediation of the District's rivers. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E3
February 20 · 42 min
Budget Challenges, Advancing Adult Education, and Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker is joined by several community members and advocates from REACH (the Roundtable on Education in Adult Charter Schools), including Faith Gibson Hubbard. Guests share the importance and wide-ranging impacts of adult education opportunities and the ways adult charter schools help entire communities thrive. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage and Councilmember Parker discuss the recent Mayor-Council breakfast and anticipated budget challenges. They also reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Melissa shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E2
February 6 · 38 min
Get to know CM Doni Crawford; Council Priorities, Black History Month, Congressional Interference, and More
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker interviews the Council's new interim At-Large Councilmember, Doni Crawford. They talk Council priorities, books, music, Black History Month, the ongoing congessional interference in local policy, and more. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S3 · E1
January 16 · 34 min
Season 3 Kickoff! Selecting a New Interim CM, Oversight, and ICE
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage talk about the Council's process for appointing a new, interim At-Large Councilmember following former CM McDuffie's resignation in December 2025. They also look ahead to upcoming performance oversight and mark-ups. Councilmember Parker discusses the unacceptable actions of ICE in DC and across the country. Melissa wraps up the episode by sharing the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S2 · E26
Dec 19, 2025 · 39 min
Season 2 Finale! Child Tax Credit, 2025 Reflections, 2026 Changes
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage reflect on a busy fall legislative season, celebrating the big win for the District Child Tax Credit. They also discuss recent hearings on bills including environmental justice in Ivy City and improving access to PrEP. They also reflect on recent Committee on Youth Affairs hearings and the CARE for Youth Plan. Melissa wraps up with highlights from the most recent edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. Share your thoughts and offer recommendations for future episode topics and/or guests at ward5contact@dccouncil.gov.
S2 · E25
Oct 24, 2025 · 32 min
Changes to TOPA, SNAP Benefits at Risk, and Montana Triangle Zoning Hearing
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, Communications Director Melissa Littlepage, and Legislative Director Neferteria Brown chat about the Council's recent votes on the RENTAL Act making changes to TOPA. They also discuss the impending changes to SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown and passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" in Congress. Melissa and Councilmember Parker also share thoughts on the "Montana Triangle" (New York Ave, Montana Ave, and Bladensburg Rd NE) hearing in the Zoning Commission. Melissa wraps up the episode by giving highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S2 · E24
Oct 10, 2025 · 29 min
The CARE for Youth Plan
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker shares details of his recently introduced C.A.R.E. for Youth Plan - a 16-bill policy package designed to foster youth wellbeing in the District. Jenise "Mama Jo" Patterson, Founder and Director of Parent Watch, Inc., joins to share her perspective on how some of the legislation will help justice system-involved youth and their families. Committee on Youth Affairs staff Thomas Franco (Director) and Allison Bailey (Legislative Assistant) also detail some of the conversations and agency dynamics that informed the writing of the legislation. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage invites neighbors to get involved by learning more at ward5.us/careforyouth and sharing their thoughts at ward5.us/dcyouth. She also shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S2 · E23
Sep 26, 2025 · 22 min
Recap of Ward 5 Day, RFK Redevelopment and RENTAL Act, and Preview of Youth Affairs Policy Package
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage reflect on a vibrant and joyful time with neighbors at Ward 5 Day. Councilmember Parker also discusses the Council's recent votes on the RFK Redevelopment Deal and the RENTAL Act. He also offers a preview of a forthcoming policy package to foster youth wellbeing in the District. Melissa shares a few highlights from the most recent Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. You can read at ward5.us/news and subscribe to get the newsletter straight to your inbox every Friday evening at ward5.us/newsletter.
S2 · E22
Sep 5, 2025 · 25 min
Federal Overreach, Council's Next Legislative Meeting, and WARD 5 DAY!
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on the latest news about federal overreach in the District, sharing lots of resources including ward5.us/toolkit, ward5.us/report, ward5.us/resist, and ward5.us/onthehill. Councilmember Parker also shares information about what to expect at the Council's next Legislative Meeting on September 17, and hypes up the bigger-and-better-than-ever Ward 5 Day! coming on Saturday, September 20. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S2 · E21
Aug 8, 2025 · 37 min
Threats to DC Autonomy, DYRS Lawsuit, and Reflections on Second Budget Vote and RFK Redevelopment
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage talk about the federal government's latest threats against DC's autonomy, as well as a civil lawsuit against the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). Councilmember Parker also reflects on the Council's second vote on the FY26 budget and the vote on the RFK Redevelopment deal. There are quick plugs for upcoming back-to-school events and Ward 5 Day on September 20 (mark your calendar!). Melissa shares highlights from this week's Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S2 · E20
Jul 18, 2025 · 46 min
First Budget Vote Reflections and I-82 with Andy Shallal
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Busboys and Poets Founder and CEO Andy Shallal talk about the Council's first vote on the FY26 Budget, including discussions around Initiative 82 and the tipped minimum wage. Andy shares his insights as the owner of Busboys and Poets, which has 8 locations in the DMV (5 in the District). They also reflect on the state of the RFK Redevelopment deal. Councilmember Parker discusses his proposal for a capital gains surchage to address growing economic inequality in DC, and shares his thoughts on the Council funding part of Initiative 83 to bring ranked choice voting to the District. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage gives highlights from the latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
S2 · E19
Jun 13, 2025 · 24 min
Updates on RFK, Budget Oversight, and Cell Phones in DC Schools
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage discuss recent news about the RFK Stadium site redevelopment and reflect on a week full of budget oversight hearings. Phelps ACE High School (in Ward 5!) Principal, Cara Fuller, joins the episode to discuss new policies banning cell phones in DC Public Schools. The episode wraps up with reflections on last weekend's WorldPride festivities and preparations for this coming weekend's military parade and the forthcoming changes to Metro's bus network. Melissa also shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

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