August 2025
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
August was an exciting month at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) as we continued to spotlight and support the businesses that strengthen our District.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, DLCP featured two outstanding entrepreneurs: a honey vendor, whose story aligned perfectly with National Honey Bee Day on August 16, and a florist owner whose business continues to blossom here in DC. Their journeys highlight the creativity and determination of Black-owned businesses across the District. To read more about these stories, visit our DLCP Hub.
DLCP remains focused on creating a stronger business environment and enhancing the customer experience. A key part of this effort is the upcoming launch of the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act, which simplifies licensing fees and categories, making it easier for businesses to obtain licenses. This is an important step toward building a clearer, more efficient licensing process for our customers.
September will be another busy month for DLCP as our team supports the grand opening of Yeleen Beauty Makerspace in celebration of National Beauty and Barber Week, observed during the second full week of September. We are also excited to participate in the H Street Festival, connecting with residents, supporting local vendors, and sharing resources to help businesses succeed.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to strengthen the business landscape in DC.
Best regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
In observance of Labor Day, DLCP will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday!
We are excited to share that the Walk-In Center (WIC) will officially reopen on September 15 in its new home on the renovated second floor of 1100 4th Street SW.
The refreshed space is designed with customers in mind, bringing together DLCP, DOB, and DDOT services in one convenient location for in-person assistance.
DLCP Services
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Assistance with obtaining, renewing, and managing business licenses across industries, including vending and short-term rentals.
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Support for filing complaints and resolving consumer issues.
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Guidance for obtaining and renewing occupational and professional licenses.
DOB Services
DDOT’s Permit Center
We look forward to welcoming you back to the WIC starting September 15!
On Monday, August 25, staff members from DLCP joined the Amidon-Bowen Elementary School community to welcome students on their first day of school.
With signs, smiles, and cheers, DLCP staff helped create an energetic and supportive atmosphere as students, both new and familiar faces, arrived for the start of the academic year. The warm greetings at the front of the school set a positive tone for the day, reminding students that their community is cheering them on. |
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DLCP is proud to support events like this, which bring government and community together to encourage and uplift our city’s youth. By showing up for students, DLCP reinforces its commitment to fostering strong connections with District families and helping young learners start the school year with confidence and excitement. |
On Wednesday, August 20, staff from DLCP joined members of the DC Board of Accountancy at American University’s Kogod School of Business to speak with students in the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program. The session, which welcomed both in-person and virtual participants, served as an inspiring way to kick off the new academic year.
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Angela Meggett-Strudwick, Board Administrator for the DC Board of Accountancy, delivered an informative lecture on the CPA licensing process. Her presentation highlighted recent updates to the CPA pathway and changes in educational requirements for the CPA Exam. |
The discussion provided students with an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the profession and to better understand the steps needed to advance their careers. By connecting directly with students, DLCP continues its mission of fostering growth in the accounting profession and building a strong pipeline of skilled and licensed CPAs in the District. |
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On Monday, August 11, the DLCP Business Resource Center (BRC) had the pleasure of participating in a community event at the Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library. The occasion combined two exciting activities: a Business Diagnostic session and the library’s 2nd Annual Back-to-School Bash. The Back-to-School Bash brought the community together with giveaways, including school uniform shirts, backpacks, activity books, and more to help students start the school year strong. |
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Families enjoyed a variety of fun activities such as a petting zoo, face painting, drum lessons, lively music, and delicious food. BRC hosted an informational table, sharing resources and details about our mission to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. We answered questions, and provided guidance on navigating licensing and consumer protection processes. We look forward to continuing our outreach and supporting both residents and business owners across the District.
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Look below for DLCP-related Council happenings and new laws
On July 14, 2025, Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, along with Chairman Phil Mendelson, introduced B26-0332, Vending Modernization Amendment Act of 2025. The bill is a revised version of language in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act of 2025 submitted by Mayor Muriel Bowser.
As introduced, the Vending Modernization Amendment Act of 2025 would:
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Require a sidewalk vending license to vend from sidewalks.
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Require a mobile vending license to vend from roadways reserved for parking.
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Increase the enforcement of illegal vending by:
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Establish criminal penalties for unlawful vending.
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Help ensure public safety on sidewalks and streets by:
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Establishing that vending-related items, trucks, and carts left after vending hours are considered abandoned and subject to removal.
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Allowing the Mayor to designate mobile vending locations away from Metrorail escalators and elevators, Metrobus stops, alleys, and driveways.
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Help vendors establish and maintain legal vending businesses by:
The bill was referred to the Committee on Public Works and Operation and the Committee of the Whole and is awaiting a hearing.
On July 28, 2025, the modified Fiscal Year 2026 Local Budget Act of 2025 (Bill 26-260) and Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act of 2025 (Bill 26-265) passed second reading in the District of Columbia Council. The budget funds DLCP for Fiscal Year 2026 and helps DLCP regulate sidewalk vending and conduct criminal background checks on businesses applying for licensure. It also helps businesses come into compliance with business licensing laws. The budget will now be sent to Mayor Bowser for review.
Look for a Fiscal Year 2026 budget update in our Fall Edition External Newsletter!
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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