Summer Edition
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
I hope you are enjoying the summer months, and staying safe as temperatures rise. I keep hearing that these past few months have been incredibly busy for businesses and families, and it's hard to believe we're already in midsummer. As I look back on the progress made by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), we’ve been busy too, and I’m proud of the strides we’ve made.
In June, in collaboration with the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology, DLCP successfully hosted the 16th Practitioners Forum – the largest since the COVID-19 Pandemic. This event provided continuing education credits to practitioners, barbers and cosmetologists in our community. Attendees were also able to provide DLCP with valuable feedback about their experiences with the Board and our agency. Throughout the month, the District and DLCP recognized the contributions of our diverse local LGBTQ community. We recognize one such local business below.
In July, my team and I had the opportunity to testify before the DC Council about several pieces of pending legislation. These bills represent what local leaders believe will help further protect consumers, regulate businesses, or expand economic opportunity within the District. In some cases, these bills aim to do all three. Further details about these hearings can be found below.
Looking ahead, we are excited to honor August as Black Business Month. August is a tricky month for many families, with travel, summer coming to a close, and school restarting, but we plan to add one more thing to everyone’s agenda – celebrating Black businesses all month long.
We invite entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to visit our website, visit us in person at our Business Resource Center, or contact one of our Ward-based business consultants via email.
Stay cool out there!
Best regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
DLCP is excited to partner with The Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) for their 2024 Open House on Tuesday, July 30, from 12 to 7 PM.
The event will take place at 1231 Marion Barry Avenue SE, offering a day packed with opportunities and resources to help you and your business thrive.
Don’t miss an opportunity to learn about updated Beneficial Reporting requirements with the FINCEN division of the Department of Treasury and business mentorship with the Coalition of Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED).
This Open House is more than just an event; it's a chance to network, learn, and grow. Please click here to secure your spot.
On July 11, Director Crowe and DC Department of Buildings (DOB) Director Brian Hanlon testified before Phil Mendelson, Chairperson of the District of Columbia Committee of the Whole, regarding the General Contractor Licensing Amendment Act of 2024. This bill aims to introduce occupational licensing for residential and commercial contractors and establish the Board of Residential and Commercial Contractors.
The proposed legislation outlines specific eligibility criteria for licensing both residential and commercial contractors. The Board will be responsible for issuing licenses to qualified applicants, while administrative duties will be shared between the Board and DLCP. If you missed the opportunity to watch the hearing, click the link below to view.
Also on July 11th Councilmember Charles Allen, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, conducted a public oversight roundtable to discuss B25-0798, the Moped Registration Accountability Amendment Act of 2024, along with the regulation of mopeds and motorcycles in the District.
This proposed legislation would mandate that motor vehicle dealers provide written notice to consumers about a vehicle’s classification and registration requirements prior to sale. The legislation would prohibit motorcycle or motor-driven cycle rental operators from renting vehicles that do not meet registration or identification requirements, or from affixing false identifying information (such as engine displacement) to rental vehicles.
Lastly, the bill requires rental operators to register all motorcycles or motor-driven cycles in their rental fleets. Anisah Crosby, Acting Chief of Compliance at DLCP, testified on behalf of the agency during the hearing. You can access the recording of the hearing through the link provided below.
The District has updated its architectural licensure requirements to align with recent changes from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). This new rulemaking removes the previous five-year limitation on the validity of passing scores for the Architect Registration Examination (A.R.E.), commonly known as the "rolling clock."
Under the revised policy, a passing score on a section of the A.R.E. will now remain valid for the life of that exam version plus one subsequent version. This change, adopted by 45 states, aims to provide a more flexible path to licensure, particularly benefiting those who may experience career interruptions, including women and people of color.
DLCP spotlights Sheena Spearman who stands to benefit from these new rules.
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Sheena brings more than 20 years of architectural experience in the District to her current role with the Navy, where she focuses on project management. Despite moving away from traditional architecture, she continues to see licensure as a key part of her career.
"The Navy is really big on pushing us to have licenses. I have a broad background, and I feel blessed to have worked in various architectural archetypes. This new rulemaking makes it easier for me to maintain and utilize my architectural license, especially in my current role. I plan to use my license to engage in design whenever I can," says Spearman.
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Sheena is a strong supporter of the new rulemaking, understanding the challenges women often face in balancing everyday responsibilities. "I know a lot of my women friends who don't get licensed because they are starting families, which makes it harder for them. This new policy will make it easier for women to continue on the path to licensure," says Spearman.
To learn more about Sheena Spearman, click here.
Thanks to innovative new programs, Tyra Banks opened her SMiZE & Dream ice cream pop-up shop on July 19, 2024, in the District.
Located in Woodley Park, this temporary brick-and-mortar shop is part of Tyra’s expansion of her ice cream brand, inspired by her famous term "smize," which means to smile with your eyes. Among the visitors, Vice President Kamala Harris stopped by with her nieces, adding to the excitement of the event.
DLCP has been at the forefront of supporting such entrepreneurial ventures. Keisha Mims, DLCP’s Director of Outreach & Engagement, attended the opening, showcasing DLCP's commitment to promoting local businesses. Mims enjoyed a scoop of SMiZE ice cream with Tyra, exemplifying the agency's hands-on approach to community engagement.
SMiZE & Dream ice cream shop will remain open until September 20.
During the month of June, the District celebrates Pride Month with various mayoral-sponsored events. At DLCP, we shine a spotlight on Thurst Lounge, a vibrant establishment located in Northwest DC, where inclusivity and diversity flourish. In an interview, we explore the inspiring stories of two business owners who not only shape their enterprise but also make an impact in the District.
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Thurst Lounge, founded in December 2023 by Brandon Burke and Shaun Mykals, stands out for its commitment to representation, offering a space where individuals can freely express themselves and feel valued. "Thurst Lounge is special because it authentically represents and welcomes everyone," stated Brandon Burke.
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Located at 2204 14th Street NW, Thurst Lounge's choice of location celebrates the area's rich cultural history and vibrant community. The building's legacy ties to Odessa Madre, a black LGBTQ+ pioneer known as "The Queen of the Underworld" in 1930s and '40s DC, who once owned the nightclub here.
During Pride Month, excitement fills Thurst Lounge, especially after the challenges posed by COVID-19. One of the most memorable moments for the business was during DC Black Friday, which is the Memorial Day weekend in DC when they experienced high demand and long lines, with visitors coming from out of town and abroad.
Both Shaun and Brandon reflect on the growth of their business, acknowledging its potential for expansion while prioritizing enjoying the current space. Shaun highlights the importance of purpose and community in pursuing their passion project. "Having a purpose and being surrounded by the right people are essential in this journey," Shaun stated.
Learn more about Thurst Lounge at: thurstlounge.com.
DLCP has issued important updates regarding the renewal process for Occupational and Professional Licenses (OPL). We strongly encourage you to take action! Please prioritize the following renewals by their deadlines:
- Land Surveyor: August 31
- Professional Engineer: August 31
Access DC will display for renewal. You should receive renewal notification 30 days from the day your license becomes eligible for renewal and a final notice seven (7) days before its expiration.
Please continue to monitor your inbox for updates specific to your account.
In-person outreach to District-headquartered small businesses has begun as part of the DC 2024 Small Business Census, a District government effort to survey our District-headquartered small businesses. If you did not complete the 3–5 minute survey over the phone when called by a member of our team, a member of the Small Business Census team will visit your business in person at the address we have on file. Surveyors will identify themselves as members of the DC Small Business Census team and wear a white polo shirt with the words “CENSUS SURVEY TEAM” on the chest.
If your business is closed at the time we visit, we will leave a flyer at your place of business with a unique survey code. Using this code, which may be on the front or back of the flyer, you can take the survey on your own time.
The Small Business Census will help us to better understand who makes up our small business community and ensure that DC is a place where small business owners of all backgrounds can thrive.
You can learn more at dmped.dc.gov/sbc or reach out to us at DCSmallBusinessCensus@bbcresearch.com with any questions. We greatly appreciate your participation!
On June 7, DLCP hosted the "Train the Trainer" event with CNHED and Georgetown Main Street to help business development leaders assist small businesses in obtaining a basic business license. More than 40 leaders learned the essentials, including:
- Secure business identity with Corporate and Trade Name Registration.
- Ensure tax compliance with the Internal Revenue Service and the DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR).
- Navigate zoning regulations with the Office of the Zoning Administrator.
- Complete the Basic Business License Application.
Thank you to our business leaders, Georgetown Main Street, CNHED, and DC Government partners: OTR, Department of Health, DOB, and Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA).
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On June 17, DLCP, along with the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology, hosted the 16th Annual DC Barber and Cosmetology Practitioners Forum at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The event aimed to support professionals in the barbering and cosmetology industries in obtaining six continuing professional education (CPE) credits, which are required for license renewal.
Forum Committee Chair Patrick Guarniere and Co-Chair Vernon Martin delivered welcome remarks, highlighting the significance of education reform, safety, and welfare in the barber and cosmetology industry.
DLCP Board Administrator Kimberly Troxler emphasized the importance of understanding the licensing process and regulations for professionals in the beauty industry.
The forum featured a variety of workshop sessions where participants could listen to guest speakers discuss the history of barbering, ethics, and professionalism.
Events like this enhance DC's economy by creating employment opportunities and advancing the barbering and cosmetology industry.
Look below for new laws, regulations, and important Council Hearing dates.
Budget Update
On June 12, 2024, the Council for the District of Columbia passed B25-787, the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024. In addition to funding the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection for Fiscal Year 2025, the Council fully funded the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive Amendment (BEST) Act of 2021. The BEST Act (a) streamlines the basic business licensing processes for new and existing businesses; (b) reduces the number of basic business license categories; and (c) reduces the initial and renewal fees for basic business licenses.
Legislative Update
The Committee on Business and Economic Development held a hearing on B25-619, the Clean Hands Certification Economic Expansion and Revitalization Amendment Act of 2023. The bill would (1) exempt business and occupational and professional licenses from the Clean Hands requirement and (2) increase the Clean Hands debt limit from $100 to $2,500. (NOTE: The Council increased the debt limit from non-Department of Motor Vehicle debt to $1,000 in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act of 2024. All other debt will remain at $100.)
The Committee on Public Works and Operations held a hearing on the following bills on July 2, 2024, and July 3, 2024:
B25-749, the Amplified Sound Mitigation Act of 2024- This bill would authorize DLCP to regulate and enforce amplified sound in the public space and update the required specifications for sound level meters.
B25-639, the Licensing for Accountability of Management of Properties (LAMP) Amendment Act of 2024- This bill would require entities that provide property management services in the District of Columbia to be licensed.
The Committee of the Whole held a hearing on B25-737, the General Contractor Licensing Amendment Act of 2024 - This bill would create a Board of Residential and Commercial Contractors and establish eligibility criteria for the licensure of residential and commercial contractors.
Rulemaking Update
Architecture Continuing Education Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: The final rule will allow license renewal applicants to attest to having completed the continuing education requirements. The board will conduct sporadic audits to verify accuracy.
DLCP D.C. Register Notices Updates - July 12, 2024
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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