January 2024
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is excited to share some details about one of our new initiatives underway. This work addresses a complex issue facing the District, aligns with our mission to help District businesses and consumers flourish, and supports Mayor Bowser’s plans to revitalize our commercial districts.
When I arrived at DLCP in late September, one of my top priorities was putting additional resources and attention into our vending program. After studying patterns and collecting feedback related to vending activity across the city, DLCP has made significant progress toward a comprehensive vending compliance plan.
The primary goals of this plan are to: (1) create a seamless path to licensing for those who want to become licensed vendors; (2) address the various potential and actual harms posed by unlicensed vendors to District residents, visitors, businesses, and institutions through an increased presence in vending “hot spots,” including Columbia Heights; and (3) establish regular and structured collaboration with sister agencies that share enforcement authority – the District Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works, DC Health, and the Office Of Planning.
We recognize that organized, legal, equitable vending activity is an important part of many urban environments, and we want to be sure we are fostering such a culture in the District. Stay tuned as we expand this work.
Relatedly, at the end of December, we released an advisory regarding heavy-duty towing. This advisory is significant for food truck owners, owners of vehicles over 8,000 pounds, and tow truck companies, as it outlines guidelines and justifications for increased fees, when illegal operation of these trucks impacts public safety. You can read more about these guidelines here.
Finally, in the coming weeks, business owners and designated points of contact should expect to receive customized messages related to our Security Program, updates to the legacy Business Licensing Center portal, and the continued expansion of the Enterprise Business Portal being developed now.
Best Regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
DCLP appreciates local restaurant owners, staff, and the unique flavors they contribute to our community. As January 2024 comes to a close, the city is also wrapping up Winter Restaurant Week. During Restaurant Week, customers enjoy three-course culinary specials while boosting DC's economy, fostering community engagement, and supporting local businesses.
While we await another exciting Restaurant Week, DLCP would like to keep the momentum going and highlight family-owned restaurants within the District. This month, we spotlight Dionne's Good Food.
Dionne Bussey-Reeder, the Co-Owner of Dionne's Good Food, a family-owned restaurant and catering company, has been in business since March 2022.
A DC native, Dionne envisioned establishing her new restaurant in a neighborhood lacking culinary options. When the opportunity arose to open her establishment in the heart of Congress Heights, specifically at Sycamore and Oak—a facility designed to accommodate twenty entrepreneurs—it felt like the perfect fit.
Inside, patrons can enjoy a distinctive dining experience within the pavilion, resembling a food court strip mall, where culinary experts in food trailers craft delectable dishes. Dionne's Good Food boasts a diverse menu, featuring items such as fried chicken and salmon sliders, with the standout favorite among customers being the crab fries served with a special sauce. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage available resources, engage with the dedicated staff, and overcome barriers to transform their dreams into reality.
For more information or to explore their delicious menu offerings, you can visit their website at dionnesdc.com.
On January 18, Director Tiffany Crowe and Outreach and Engagement Director Keisha Mims were on site shortly after an unfortunate disaster in the Anacostia neighborhood. A gas explosion devastated a convenience store and caused injuries along Marion Barry Avenue SE.
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DLCP is currently assisting the businesses in the Anacostia Business District during this transitional period, including supporting relocation efforts.
there are any other businesses impacted by this incident, they are encouraged to contact 202-671-4500, and specifically share they were impacted by the explosion.
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Don't wait! Prioritize the renewal of your appraiser license before the fast-approaching expiration date on February 28.
As we step into the new year, DLCP will keep you informed about the following upcoming renewal cycles for the following licenses:
- Boxing/Wrestling
- Plumbing
- Body Artist
- Cosmetology
- Architect
- Security Officer
- Athlete Agent
- Special Police Officer
- Land Surveyor
- Professional Engineer
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Steam & Other Operating Engineers
- Interior Design
- Private Detective
- Accountancy
Our support team is ready to assist you through the renewal process.
Already, 2024 has been a busy and exciting year for DLCP. In January, alongside our sister agencies, DLCP and its boards and commissions kicked off the Performance Oversight season.
On January 24, Director Tiffany Crowe addressed the District of Columbia Council, emphasizing DLCP’s accomplishments and key priorities during the 2023-2024 Performance Oversight & FY 2025 Budget hearing. Crowe’s testimony included supporting Mayor Bowser's revitalization plans, prioritizing workforce needs, and driving economic growth and business innovation.
Director Crowe highlighted DLCP's ongoing collaboration with sister agencies such as DC Health, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), DC Fire and Emergency Management Services, and the Office of Tax and Revenue, all aimed at shaping the District's future economy. Strategic efforts at DLCP are focused on building a robust workforce and boosting morale through targeted hiring, transitioning, and recruitment.
If you missed the opportunity to watch the hearing, click the link below to view the hearing with the Committee on Public Works and Operations.
We appreciate your dedication to our agency's mission and anticipate the positive developments ahead.
Additional Upcoming Performance Oversight Hearings:
- February 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. – Board of Real Estate Appraisers
- February 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. – Real Estate Commission
In addition to Performance Oversight Hearings, DLCP is monitoring and collaborating with the Council of the District of Columbia on pending legislation affecting the agency. On January 24, 2024, the Committee on Business and Economic Development held a hearing on two bills:
Chairman John McGuire of the Board of Funeral Directors testified in support of the Funeral Directors Licensing Reform Amendment Act of 2023, which proposes the creation of an embalmer's license, amends the requirements for a funeral director's license, and establishes internship requirements for funeral directing or embalming.
Chairman Ronnie McGhee of the Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architects testified in support of the Landscape Architect Services Sales Tax Clarification Amendment Act of 2023. This bill clarifies that landscape architecture services, when performed by a licensed landscape architect in the District or provided by a design firm employing a licensed landscape architect in the District, are exempt from sales tax on real property maintenance and landscaping services.
Lastly, DLCP has updated the fines for infractions as required by the DC Code. These fine adjustments were published in the D.C. Register on January 19, 2024, at 71 DCR 598. These adjustments are based upon the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers in the Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area. Published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, these new fine amounts became effective on January 1. The revised fine details can be found here.
Both existing and aspiring small business owners gathered on Wednesday, January 17, at DLCP, for one-on-one interactions with attorneys at the Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic. DLCP's Business Resource Center partnered with the DC Bar Pro Bono Center, where attorneys provided customers with legal information on business formation, contracts, leases, and taxes. They also had the opportunity to ask questions related to small business legal issues.
DLCP's dedicated staff is at your service. Feel free to join us for our upcoming call sessions and events by clicking here.
DLCP follows the customary holiday closures aligned with federal and District government holidays. We will be closed for President’s Day on:
Monday, February 19, 2024.
Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Remember, DLCP provides a range of online services, tools, and resources, ensuring customers can engage in business activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
At DLCP, we are committed to following Mayor Bowser's initiative of building a team of the best and brightest employees to both work and live in the District.
We are currently seeking talented professionals who possess a relevant skill set and strong desire to serve the residents and businesses of the District.
- Paralegal Specialist, Grade 11
- Program Analyst, Grade 12
To apply to one of these opportunities, please visit dlcp.dc.gov/jobs.
Contact DLCP via email, or our online inquiry form at any time. We’re also available through the live chat on dlcp.dc.gov or by phone at 202-671-4500 during normal business hours.
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