Press Release: Chairman Mendelson Announces Recommended Changes for Council Period 24

News Release — DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday December 22, 2020

CONTACT:

Lindsey Walton

WASHINGTON, DC – DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson unveiled his recommended changes to the structure of the Council’s committees for Council Period 24.

“I’ve made these recommendations after meeting with all members individually, at length to discuss reorganization,” Mendelson said. “I have done my best to consider their priorities and suggestions. Ultimately, these changes will be voted on by the full Council.”

“The agencies under the former Committee on Government Operations will be merged with the Committee on Facilities and Procurement. My recommendation is that Councilmember Robert White remain chair of the combined committee.

“The Committee of the Whole will continue its jurisdiction over Education, as it has for the past two years.  In Council Period 23, all education hearings were held jointly and all legislation advancing to the full Council was marked up by the Committee of the Whole, of which all Councilmembers are a member.  I expect this to continue in the new Council Period.

“The Subcommittee on Redistricting, chaired by Councilmember Elissa Silverman, will make recommendations on changes to Ward and ANC boundaries in response to the Census. She will also remain chair of the Committee on Labor & Workforce Development.

“Given the unprecedented set of challenges faced by the District in the face of the ongoing pandemic, Councilmembers Charles Allen and Vincent Gray will co-chair a special oversight committee responding to COVID-19. This committee will oversee the continued response to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically those disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

“Oversight of District cultural agencies, the Office of Cable Television, and the Libraries will be added to the now-Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs chaired by Councilmember Trayon White, to continue its focus on supporting the District’s youth.

“Oversight of Government Ethics (BEGA) will move to the Committee on Human Services under Councilmember Brianne Nadeau. Oversight of Executive Offices of the Mayor will move to the Committee on Housing and Executive Administration, under Councilmember Anita Bonds.”

A vote by the Council on the Chairman’s recommendations, along with updated rules and committee memberships, will take place at the Council’s organization meeting in January.

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