Anita Bonds

It's budget season at the Council and the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor (CEAL) is in full swing. Budget Oversight Hearings are underway and the full schedule is now available. 📅 For more details or to sign up to testify, visit https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/

Join us in wishing Councilmember Bonds a very Happy Birthday! We appreciate all that you do for us and the city. Thank you for your steadfast leadership!

This week, during CEAL’s fourth performance oversight hearing (POH), we welcomed testimony from Director Charon P.W. Hines and her executive team, Melanie Johnson and Joan Williams, of the Department on Aging and Community Living (DACL), Commissioner Johnson of the Commission on Aging along with Karen Zuckerstein and former Commissioner Guleford Bobo, and more than 40 public witnesses.   Fun Fact: February 2026 marks the 7th anniversary of the DC Office on Aging becoming the Department on Aging and Community Living!   With support from my Council colleagues, I introduced the “District of Columbia Department on Aging and Community Living Amendment Act of 2018” which amended the “District of Columbia Act on Aging of 1975”. The 1975 legislation established the DC Office on Aging and was co-sponsored by our former Mayor and then Councilmember Marion Barry. Mayor Muriel Bowser officially signed DACL’s official designation into law on February 8, 2019. ___   We’re a little more than halfway through our POH schedule and it has been a fruitful process! Thank you to all government and public witnesses that have taken their time to give testimony thus far. I also want to extend a special thanks’ to the seniors in attendance and for the well wishes I received during the hearing as my retirement from the Council approaches.   With just three hearings remaining, tune in to our next POH on February 26th at 9:30 AM as we examine the Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining, the Public Employee Relations Board and the Department of Employee Services (Government Only). For more details, visit lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/ or find the link in our bio.

Today, I join the nation in mourning the loss of iconic Civil Rights leader, Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. He was an influencer of his time and a promoter of justice. In addition to his efforts in uplifting the black community, Reverend Jackson was concerned with the wellbeing and equity of all, especially those that were downtrodden and marginalized. I want to give special appreciation to Reverend Jackson’s family during his tenure of service as Shadow Senator for the District of Columbia where, in this role, he promoted economic wellbeing for the residents of Washington, DC. When I think of good government, where all share in the shaping of our democratic Republic, I think of the impact Reverend Jackson had on it. So much of what our country desires most - inclusion, government by the people with justice, equality and equity for all -is because of his work and leadership. Reverend Jackson, a staunch proponent of the Voting Rights Act, challenged the Democratic National Committee to expand voter participation and registration, efforts that coincided with his historic run in the democratic primary for president in 1984 and then again in 1988. He was daring and bold and practiced what he preached. Beyond his service as an ordained Baptist minister, he possessed a strong suit of connecting deeply with community and people from all walks of life. It was easy to buy into his philosophy and actions – he stood up and out in promoting labor rights, voting rights, and economic fairness. My deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones, and all those who were transformed by his advocacy and work to “Keep Hope Alive”.

The latest CEAL Performance Oversight Schedule (POH) is available! 🗓️ For more details on upcoming hearings, visit lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/ or find link in bio. Schedule is subject to change.

Even though Black history is everyday, we take time in February to reflect on the legacy of generations that came before us. We celebrate with discussion and remembrance - honoring the Black community and its role in shaping this city and country. In 2026, we mark 100 years of Black History Month and commemorate a rich history of contribution, culture, and resilience.    Happy Black History Month!

Give thanks for '25 blessings, friendships & service, even while recalling the chaos, turbulence and unthinkables of '25. Welcome 2026 with joy. Happy new year DC.

Just a few moments over the last few weeks, including a wonderful holiday potluck celebration with CM Bonds and staff. Today we celebrate Councilmember Bonds 13th year of public service! She is eternally grateful to serve, even though celebrating is bittersweet. She still seeks to do more and is counting on 2026 to deliver more for the district and its people. We celebrate her ongoing service to the community and hometown that she loves. Thank you! 🎉

Happy Veterans Day DC as we show gratitude to those that served in our country's armed forces protecting freedom for us all.

I want to extend my deepest congratulations to the newest cohort of youth government leaders that were sworn-in as part of the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute (MBYLI) Youth Government Swearing-In Ceremony last week! Taking the Oath of Office is 21 youth leaders, representing each ward, including 2 youth mayors. It was a pleasure to join the ceremony.

This past Wednesday, I had the immense pleasure of attending the Commission on Aging's FY2026 Annual Retreat. In attendance were community leaders and partners; DACL, wellness centers, and senior villages all focused on collaboration and the evolving needs of our seniors through quality living. Discussion at the retreat was extensive and covered many significant topics including the wide variety of resources offered through various programs across the District.

As part of my activities this week, I had the occasion to greet members of the insurance industry at The District of Columbia Insurance Federation (DCIF)'s annual legislative reception.