Updates from Dan

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Farewell – reflections on being an ANC

1B12 – the best neighborhood in the country

It’s hard to believe that I’ve completed my term as ANC Commissioner for 1B12. As I’ve said many times, serving as Commissioner was one of the greatest privileges of my life.

On a personal level, it’s been wonderful to get to know so many people, in 1B12 and beyond, through ANC work. Back in 2018, I quickly realized that campaigning was an excuse to talk to lots of people. Today, so many interactions are mediated electronically, coordinated in advance and subject to strict time limits. Spontaneous interactions spark joy. I will admit that the work could be dry, but in this way, serving as your ANC made me happier.

More substantially, I am proud to have played a role in some of ANC 1B’s achievements over the past term. As chair of the Transportation Committee, I created and led a public engagement project on road safety, part of a broader movement that has helped our city begin to re-orient transportation towards people. I led 1B’s Comprehensive Plan Task Force, calling for a city that was truly inclusive. Read our submission here. I also testified before the DC Council about the Comp Plan. You can hear my testimony at 38:35 in the video from Day 1.

There were many more resolutions, about individual development projects, liquor licenses, and more. I was particularly proud to co-author a letter calling for a more just public safety budget, with strategies and programs to strengthen neighborhoods, not over-police them.

Beyond DC

After the 2016 election, I reflected on how best to combat the sickness that had metastasized in our nation. DC has limited federal representation. Around when I was knocking on doors for Ralph Northam’s campaign, in Virginia in 2017, I began to think that our nation was a series of struggling communities — not just one struggling country. 1B12 is not struggling by any means. Everyone in our country should be able to live in a place as great as this.

I got to thinking. How can I make my community better? And can I convince others to try to make their community better too?

My experience as ANC has given me a clear answer to the first question. Individuals can work together and figure out solutions to difficult problems. When that happens, communities get better. Nothing happens overnight in DC, or anywhere. And there’s still so much to do. But I believe I’ve made some progress, building on the work of so many others.

As for the second question, I leave it to you. Perhaps you do not even live in 1B12. Or perhaps you have another community that’s closer to your heart, like a school, or a church. Looking to 2021, with a new President and a COVID vaccine: how will you make your community better? It’s worth trying.

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An afikomen hidden in cyberspace — reflections on the Quarantined Seder

Every year, I look  forward to observing Passover with my family. This year, we’re under quarantine due to the Coronavirus.  Every year, it’s a tradition to hide the middle piece of Matzo for the children to search for and find.

A picture of the decorative covering for the festival matzo
A decorative covering for the festival matzo

Searching for the matzo is a riotous campaign, inevitably a competition by my wife Natalie and her sister Orly.

This year, at a virtual seder, I’ve been asked to hide the afikomen in cyberspace. Well, here it is.

The Afikomen!

If you’ve found this page, congratulations! You’ve found the afikomen.

The exercise feels funny but it’s profound: remaining adaptable, finding humor, and connecting with others in the face of considerable obstacles. I’m reminded of the Passover song, Dayenu, which means “it would have been enough”. In Jewish tradition, we thank God by saying, it would have been enough if he had only freed us from slavery in Egypt — but of course God did so much more than that, like feeding us manna and leading us to the Promised Land.

Holding a virtual Seder is less than ideal. At the same time I find myself being very grateful for what I have: an amazing family, great friends, a fulfilling job, and the privilege of serving ANC 1B12 as Commissioner. At a time when I can’t go to a restaurant, hug a friend or even walk down the street unmasked, I’m realizing how the very essentials really are enough for me. We must ensure that everyone in our community has the essentials they need — under quarantine, and at any time.

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ANC 1B Comp. Plan task force

Over the winter, I was asked to Chair ANC 1B’s task force on the Comprehensive Plan. The Comp Plan is DC’s guiding document, reflecting how the city will grow in the years to come. It’s a statement of priorities on housing, transportation, educational facilities, culture, design, and more.

As task force Chair, I hosted 3 public meetings and created a lengthy document for consideration by the full ANC. I was lucky to build on some excellent comments the ANC had made in a previous Comp Plan exercise, in 2017.

I’m proud of the results. You can read ANC 1B’s final submission here.

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Making DC safer for all

I can’t remember a week like this in DC, attending two vigils for people killed on the streets. Under terrible circumstances, I was reminded of the power of community in times of grief.  I appreciate the leadership of Ron Thompson, Matthew Sampson, WABA and so many others, bringing people together to honor Abdul Seck and Dave Salovesh.

Amid the gatherings and calls for action, I’ve struggled to put into words how I feel about these events, and what we must do going forward. 

In 2003, a drunk driver almost killed me when I was growing up in Providence, RI. Just a few inches one way or another, and I would have been dead — not merely comatose for ten days. Though I can’t actually remember anything about the incident, it’s never really far from my mind. The experience of nearly losing a child traumatized my family. We have never really been the same. This past week I’ve thought about it a lot.

Another thing. Every day, because of my “day job”, I am afraid I’ll get an urgent text, with news that someone — a passenger, an employee — has been seriously injured or killed on the streets. It’s my responsibility to keep everyone safe. But it’s impossible to be truly safe on the streets in DC.    

Of course it’s worse in Baltimore. And in so many other cities around the country.  

I’ve thought for many years about ways to respond to this reality. One way is pressuring our elected leaders. Another is dedicating myself to transportation systems that are safe, sustainable, and low-cost. But I think we need to change the conversation.

In 1B, in our own small way, we are trying to do that. The Road Safety Sub-Committee has released a survey, in English and Spanish, about safe streets in ANC 1B. It’s the result of lots of hard work, led by Andrew Peters along with our Transportation Committee. We’ll send it far and wide, to all 1B stakeholders who live, work and travel in our neighborhood.

This effort seems wholly inadequate to the challenge before us. We’re trying to help our community understand why people want the streets to be changed. It’s not privileging one lifestyle over another. It’s making sure everyone can live their life, no matter they get around town.

In transport operations, we say that every unsafe action could lead to a crash, which could lead to a death. If you want to reduce deadly accidents in your fleet, the best way is to reduce the number of unsafe actions — which are always under your control.

As an ANC Commissioner, I’ve started to apply that principle to the streets. Every time someone feels unsafe moving through their community, it surely means there’s a heightened risk of an accident, which could lead to a death. So let’s try to reduce what we have control over: that feeling of danger that arises from things like high speed limits, narrow sidewalks, or absent bike lanes.

The road safety survey is about uncovering those unsafe feelings. We are collecting data so that we can let the city know what needs to happen. We are including everyone in the dialog, so that the broadest possible spectrum of road users understands it’s about safety. Not speed limits. Not bus lanes. Not even sidewalks.

It’s about freedom to live, no matter where you’re going or where you are coming from.

If you’re working on road safety in DC, you have my full support. Tell me how I can help. And come see us at the Road Safety Sub-Committee.

Update, 2020: the Committee’s work is done. Here is a link to the report.

ANC-1B-Transportation-Safety-ReportDownload

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The results are in!

After a full day at the polls, I’m officially Commissioner-elect in 1B12! I won more than 97% of the vote, with 783 ballots cast. I couldn’t have done it without you.

With Dan for DC shirts & plenty of rain gear, Dan, Natalie and friends stood outside the polls in 1B12.

This site will be a source for information about the Commission in general, and what I’m working on specifically. Stay tuned.

I’ll be sworn in on January 2.

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My responses to Greater Greater Washington’s ANC questionnaire

GGW’s voter guide is a great resource for DC residents looking to learn more about candidates in any neighborhood. Below, you will see their detailed questions and my responses.

What hopes and/or concerns do you have for 14th Street NW? Would you support bus lanes on 14th Street NW?
I hope that 14th street can continue to be a vital center of cultural, commercial and residential activity in DC. My concerns for 14th Street would be that its growth and popularity cause an increase in prices which would, in turn, put pressure on local businesses and existing residents. I hope that the building stock grows, so that 14th Street can continue to host a diverse set of businesses and residents. As more people flock to the corridor, and as its residential population increases, non-car transportation solutions aren’t just preferable – they are essential to mitigate congestion and increase safety. 14th Street is also an important north-south commuting route. For both of these groups, bus lanes would meet an important transportation need. I’d also support a more holistic evaluation of the transportation needs of the corridor, including separated bike lanes and additional facilities for bike(/scooter) parking.
As U Street continues to become a destination site for DC, what hopes and/or concerns do you have for the corridor? How will you work to ensure our public spaces are safe, clean and inviting, and how will you support residents most at risk of both physical and social/cultural displacement in the neighborhood?
Let’s be clear: U Street has a long history as a destination in DC, from the “Black Broadway” era to today. I hope that this incomparable legacy continues, and grows even stronger in the years to come. My biggest concern would be that development could cause us to lose some of what makes this place special. That includes residents who are at risk of displacement. But I don’t think that outcome is assured — in fact, I think that growth is needed to preserve and strengthen U Street. I’ll address this by proactively engaging with the community and the city on new development projects. We have two very large publicly-owned parcels in 1B12, at 14th and S, and at the Reeves Center. These represent tremendous opportunities for affordable housing, for arts, for public spaces, and for economic growth. I’ll help convene a group of residents to provide input to DMPED on both of these developments. This ensures better outcomes, and also helps increase awareness about changes to our community. Similarly, regarding public space – I believe in proactive engagement with the groups that can help address these problems. Perhaps businesses could sponsor larger solar-powered trash receptacles; or the District’s Clean Team could optimize its schedule to address the times when trash accumulates most rapidly in public space.
What hopes and/or concerns do you have for new homeless shelter?
I think the new shelter is a huge opportunity to continue to strengthen the broader Ward 1 community. (I’m not aware of plans to locate a shelter in 1B12.) 1B12, and many other SMDs, are vibrant because of the concentration of so many different kinds of activity. Twenty-somethings, families with children, and senior citizens all reside in the same area. A homeless shelter is simply another source of activity in a neighborhood. Of course, it’s important that the city is prepared for possible challenges. But right now, I’m more concerned that these facilities, if not designed properly, could disrupt neighborhoods — for example with auto-centric planning, or excessive barriers (e.g. fencing) that would prevent them from integrating into their surroundings.
How would you handle negotiating a settlement agreement for a controversial bar/restaurant in your single member district?
Generally speaking, I believe most business owners are good actors, and that restaurants and bars strengthen the communities where they operate. With that in mind, I’d handle settlement agreements like I handle negotiations in my day job: transparently, with clearly-defined desired outcomes, a detailed understanding of all issues, and above all a focus on facts. I understand business planning and operations, and I have experience writing and negotiating contracts of a variety of sizes. I’ll apply this knowledge to achieve a realistic balance between community interests and business interests. I’d bring a clearly-defined set of community concerns, and respectfully engage with the business owners to find a solution agreeable to all sides.
What will you do as commissioner to address crime and public safety concerns in your community? What is your opinion of the NEAR Act, and how will you engage with it as a commissioner?
We need systemic solutions to complex problems like crime and public safety. Traditional “tough on crime” policies haven’t proven to be effective, and they alienate the communities they are intended to protect. I strongly support the NEAR Act’s approach to crime as a public health problem. Whether it’s providing anti-bias training to police officers or creating an office focused on engaging vulnerable citizens, I’m glad DC has begun to recognize that the most effective way to prevent crime is to support strong communities. That’s how I’ll address crime and public safety concerns in my neighborhood. I’ve already met with our DCPD District Commander, who shared his thoughts on how we could work together. As Commissioner, I’ll make sure I am connected with all resources available to promote public safety, from DCPD to MOCRs and all else. Through my listserve and through my efforts to increase attendance at ANC meetings, I’ll help residents understand the resources available, beyond 911 and 311. Public safety challenges stretch across ANC, Ward and even city boundaries. I will also seek to collaborate with other Commissioners and officials from other impacted jurisdictions, to support citywide solutions.
If there were a way to improve bus transit or bike infrastructure in your neighborhood, but it required removing on-street parking, how would you approach the situation? Give a specific example if possible.
First, I’d want to understand the general arguments in favor of the new infrastructure. I’m a supporter of buses and bikes, but I’m also a supporter of pedestrians. It’s possible that wider sidewalks could be a better use of public space. Generally speaking, I’d attempt to build consensus in support of the bus/bike infrastructure improvements. Assuming that bus/bike improvements are the optimal outcome, I’d take a few steps to accurately understand what my constituents are thinking about the possible changes. This is a very important topic, so it’s worth spending time. At a minimum, I’d put out an online survey to a neighborhood listserve, I’d have a public meeting to solicit feedback, and I’d even go door-to-door for a few hours. Much of the time, I think the loudest voices come from the handful of residents who stand to lose almost-free use of a public resource, the street. My approach is aimed at capturing the opinion of a representative cross-section of residents, and also helping people understand the rationale behind transportation improvements that might, at first, seem to be an inconvenience. In any case, I can think of very few situations where I’d vote against removal of on-street parking. (Curb cuts are the most obvious exception.) As I’ve already explained to prospective constituents, we may disagree but you’ll always understand why I’m voting the way I do. And to mitigate community opposition, I’d be glad to explore alternative solutions, perhaps leveraging the ample residential garage parking in 1B12.
Where would you like to see new bicycle lanes, sidewalks, or other infrastructure to make it safer for residents, families, and seniors to walk and bike? What are the top Vision Zero priorities for your community?
I have my own ideas, below, for specific improvements in my SMD. But I want to think bigger. I believe ANCs can help build support for Vision Zero in general, separate from specific improvements. When neighbors understand the overarching objectives, it helps reduce knee-jerk opposition to changes. Through committees, workshops, surveys and on-the-street interactions, I’d proactively engage 1B12 residents in Vision Zero-focused discussions and education. These would also be opportunities to generate ideas on specific infrastructure improvements. A few ideas immediately jump to mind based on my walks around the SMD. I’d love to see: * Bike lanes on U Street * Wider sidewalks on parts of V Street * Wider sidewalks by Dunbar Apartments on New Hampshire Ave. * Better procedures to increase safety of construction zones, especially on 14th and U Streets
What role do you think your ANC could play in addressing housing affordability challenges? How can your neighborhood contribute its fair share of the housing our growing city needs?
ANCs should help their constituents understand why we need more housing, not help amplify voices against it. In 1B12, many fights have already taken place. It wasn’t always easy, but there are now many more residents living around 14th and U streets. Yet there is still more that we can do. I mentioned above the DPR lot and the Reeves Center – two large publicly-owned development opportunities. If I’m on the ANC, I’ll work closely with DMPED, the Council, and whomever else to make sure that abundant and affordable housing is a component of both of these projects. I’ll convene a community process, and help make the case that more housing will strengthen our already-vibrant community. There are many ways to achieve that goal, whether they are condos/rowhomes for families, affordable apartments, market-rate condos — or so much else. There’s no right answer, or predetermined number of units for a specific project. My view is individuals should offer their opinions on how they’d like to see the neighborhood grow — but an ANC needs to make sure everyone knows that neighborhood growth creates a strong community, and a stronger city.
What is the biggest controversy in your neighborhood not already listed on this questionnaire, and what is your position on it?
Right now, there’s a small-but-important controversy winding its way through the ANC committees. A local business applied for a permit to store their trash on public space, after an expansion that included outdoor seating. Neighbors protested because of impacts on cleanliness, and the precedent that would be set by allowing a business to store trash on public space without demonstrating a hardship. The business’s position is that since the ABR committee agreed to a settlement agreement, pending compliance with all relevant laws, they should be able to put the trash in public space. My position is that the restaurant should not be able to put the trash in public space, because of the precedent it would set. We don’t want a situation where restaurants plan to utilize sidewalks for trash, so that they can monetize parts of their land intended for waste storage. If there’s a hardship, and there’s no space to store the trash, then an exception should be granted. But as a general rule, public space is for people, not business’ trash storage.
Why do you think you are the best person to represent your SMD? What’s your vision for your ANC in 2 years?
I’ve got a positive vision, deep knowledge of the community and urban policy, and a track record of leadership in complex situations. As an entrepreneur and as a business leader, I’ve worked with the DC Government, Metro and community groups to help launch complex transportation projects — in one case, 300 vehicles contracted to deliver MetroAccess service; and later, a rideshare company called Split. In my spare time, I read about urban policy and think about the gap between how things are and how they should be. Over the past few years, my leadership has been recognized: I’ve spoken on panels at places like the Aspen Institute’s Center for Urban Innovation; and I was selected to attend Next City’s Vanguard conference in New Orleans this fall. But more than anything, I love my neighborhood, where I’ve lived for seven years. It would be a great honor to serve this community in a small way. In a time of national political polarization, I can think of nothing more important than strengthening our local communities. That’s what I’ll do on the ANC.
Sometimes community members advocate for a position that is in their narrow interest, but is counter to broader city-wide interests and is highly problematic position if all communities across DC were to act that way. How will you lead in such a situation? Give a local example if possible.
I think this is the greatest challenge that faces Commissioners, and in fact I’ve already encountered it. Since I announced my candidacy in July, I’ve been going door-to-door. It turns out that a neighbor was part of a group that supported a liquor license moratorium, in the news a few years back. I am vehemently opposed to this but that didn’t change how I conversed with my neighbor. I listened carefully and explained that I could make a few promises: I’d always explain the rationale behind my decisions; I’d always be glad to speak in more detail with any constituent; and I’d always make the decision that I felt strengthened the community. That’s always my goal. My neighbor responded by saying that as long as the process was clear, they’d be more comfortable with the final outcome. This is how I’ll react if a community member is advocating for a position that’s not in the community or city’s best interest. I start with the question, does this make the community stronger? My conception of community starts with residents but encompasses visitors, other District residents, and even includes people who might be considering a move to the area. When a resident’s interests conflicts with the community’s interest, I’ll listen carefully to all points of view, and work to address the individual concerns in a way that doesn’t impact the desired outcome. Then, I’ll make a case for the correct course of action, building consensus among a broad group of stakeholders – including those who don’t go to ANC meetings, and those who don’t read GGW.
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Vision Zero

Road safety is very important to me. More than 15 years ago, I was nearly killed by a drunk driver.

Today, I did something I have never done before. I testified before the DC Council. The topic was DC’s Vision Zero initiative. If you have a few moments, you can hear my testimony at 3:58 of this video.

It was very powerful to be in the hearing room. With a few exceptions, everyone was in agreement: in order to make our city safer, we have to stop prioritizing cars over all other forms of transportation. In recent years, DC has become more dangerous. This is unacceptable.

One of my top priorities is to create a Vision Zero working group within 1B to identify dangerous areas and support DDOT in finding solutions. I’m already working on building connections with similar efforts around the city.

But these efforts will be hindered unless our city changes its transportation paradigm. We can’t fight tooth and nail for every small change. Instead, we have to have a framework that puts pedestrians — the most vulnerable users — first. If the safety benefits weren’t enough, there’s evidence from around the globe that these policies have significant positive impacts on sustainability, economic development and culture.

There are so many who have been working on these issues for years. These issues are on the agenda in DC because of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, the Coalition for Smarter Growth, among other great organizations. My own reading, personal and professional experiences are the foundation for my beliefs — but these groups have led the way on advocacy in DC, and they have sharpened my thinking on important policy issues. If you don’t know about them yet, it’s well worth your time to find out more.

There will be much more to come on this topic.

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Vanguard in New Orleans

This site is focused on my campaign for ANC Commissioner in DC, so it might seem strange for a post about New Orleans. But I wanted to share briefly with you all an incredible experience I had at a conference for urban leaders. It will inform the work I do as Commissioner in 1B12.

At Studio Be

Next City is a non profit that publishes stories about positive urban change around the country. Every year, they host a conference called Vanguard, with top young leaders from around the world. This year, I was honored to be invited to attend Vanguard — one of 40 selected from a pool of over 500. Vanguards are advocates, policymakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists and more. They are change-makers who are realizing a better future for their city.

This experience reinforced my belief in community-driven development and urban change. Our central task was to generate ideas for the Claiborne Corridor Cultural Innovation District. This non-profit is raising money to transform Claiborne Avenue, a thriving black neighborhood that was destroyed by a six-lane elevated highway. A combination of federal, state, and local actors caused the highway to run straight down Claiborne Avenue, condemning more than 300 black-owned businesses and accelerating disinvestment. (Imagine if a highway was run straight down U Street — which, of course, almost happened.)

A transportation planner’s first instinct would likely be to remove the highway, opening up land. But the CCID engaged with the community and learned that they did not want the highway torn down — because it would lead to gentrification and displacement. Instead, the CCID created a visionary plan, to reactivate the space beneath the interstate with parks, art, play areas, gathering spaces, shops and more.

The keynote speaker was B-mike, an activist and artist who shared his story and philosophy with us in his studio. (See the image above.) The Vanguard group visited New Orleans’ waterfront, its bikeshare garage, and historic buildings rehabbed for new use.  We heard from the head of the creative arts high school, community leaders, New Orleans data experts, and more.

The Blue Bikes garage in New Orleans

The conference culminated in the Big Idea Workshop. We broke into groups and developed proposals for the Claiborne Corridor in six key areas: Economic Development, Transportation, Environmental Sustainability, Healthy & Safe Communities, Affordable Housing, and Cultural Preservation.

The ideas were incredibly well-developed and carefully presented, even after just a few hours of group work. As part of the Economic Development group, we proposed ideas like a geographically-focused CDFI, and an employment program for the nearby health industry cluster. Listening to the other groups, I considered what it would mean for U Street to have community health centers or a bus rapid transit line with bus stops that functioned as hubs for mobility options.

But the best part of the conference was the extraordinary group of people. With every conversation, I was inspired to do more to help the city. My invitation to this conference came before I decided to run for ANC — so I’m especially thrilled to have the experience, which taught me so much about how to lead in cities, especially amidst changing neighborhoods and systemic pressures.

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Public Engagement forum for the DCPS Chancellor Search

Tonight I went to a public engagement forum held at Cardozo Education Campus, just up the hill from 1B12. The Mayor is gathering public input on the replacement to the Chancellor of DC Public Schools. The previous Chancellor resigned in scandal earlier this year, after reporters discovered that graduation rates were being calculated fraudulently.

The interim Deputy Mayor for Education chaired the forum. Attendees sat at tables of about 8, with one facilitator from the DC Government. Each group went through exercises designed to generate ideas about two critical questions: What should be the top priorities for DCPS? What are the critical qualities in the next Chancellor?

I learned a lot from the discussion at our table, a group of parents, alums, and future parents — including three political candidates and two education professionals. Everyone shared a commitment to making DCPS strong. All agreed that the school system was not on the right track. What did that mean for the priorities of the school system? Some themes in our discussion included:

  • Equity. We must close the gaps between schools across the city.
  • Human capital. Teachers need to be treated as professionals, to attract and retain great talent.
  • Public trust. The next Chancellor must work to ensure the public can trust DCPS leadership and results.
  • Readiness for the world. Our schools should prepare all students to thrive in tomorrow’s economy.
  • Sharing best practices. DCPS should take practice the best schools, and bring them to schools that need improvement.

What do those priorities (and others) mean for the new Chancellor? In our discussion, four themes stood out to me:

  • Unquestionable integrity
  • Executive leadership skills (financial, administration)
  • Extraordinary stakeholder management and community relations skills
  • A bold vision for educational policy

Even if I’d had a videocamera, I wouldn’t have been able to capture everything that was discussed. So I’m very glad the DME team is orchestrating a clear, thorough process for the search. Two more community engagement forums will take place across the city.

It was a wonderful opportunity to be around so many education professionals, and to see that support for our school system is broad and deep, extending even to non-parents.

Garrison Elementary School sits right across the street from 1B12. My neighbors’ children attend school there, or at countless other institutions across the city. As ANC Commissioner, I’ll help ensure residents know how to interact with the city, and help organize efforts to make our voice heard on this topic. Commissioners don’t have any formal role in education policy, but there are few things more important — I think we all need to be engaged.

Tonight’s forum was a great start.

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