April 3, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
We live in the most beautiful city in the world. People tell me that all the time when they come to visit — that they love the beautiful trees, the parks, the wide avenues. They love to be able to walk and take our public transportation and ride our bikes. And we know at this time of the year, just like many people are doing around their own homes and yards, this is the time we clean up from a long winter. Here’s some of the spring cleaning you can expect to see happening across the city over the coming weeks:
- DDOT teams are hitting the streets this week with a plan to resurface 81 miles of road and restore 40 miles of sidewalk. If you see a pothole that needs to be filled, report it to 311.
- This week also marks the return of all DPW spring operations, including alley cleaning and graffiti removal. If your alley needs to be cleaned, report it to 311. If you see graffiti that needs to be removed, report it to 311.
- The Department of General Services is starting to get pools and spray parks ready for the summer.
- DC Health is launching a new targeted rodent control pilot.
As our District agencies kick off their own spring cleaning efforts, we’re asking residents to get involved and pitch in. In the words of DC Health Director Bennett: Don’t feed the rats and don’t give them anywhere to hide. Make sure you're bagging your trash tightly and you're not letting your bins overflow. And don’t put household trash into the city bins.
Teach your kids and grandkids to pitch in too. Talk to them about littering. Talk to them about how they can help pick up in their neighborhood and attend a community cleanup together on April 25.
 We also have a Helping Hand program if you want to organize your neighbors – DPW will provide you with the supplies. I used to always do this in my alley once a year, and maybe you can be a spring cleanup hero by organizing your neighbors.
So, find a way to pitch in and let's work together to keep DC beautiful!
Sincerely,
  View photos from March 2026 on Facebook.
Read "Muriel Bowser’s Historic Third Term As D.C. Mayor Sets Blueprint For Black Women In Politics" in Essence HERE.
Know a young person looking for something fun to do this weekend? DC teens are invited to King-Greenleaf Recreation Center for the Teen Spring Jam—two nights of music, games, and more in a safe, welcoming space made just for teens.
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When: Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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Where: King-Greenleaf Rec Center, 201 N Street SW
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RSVP: teenspringjam.splashthat.com
The Mayor's Office on Returning Citizens Affairs (MORCA) is inviting returning citizens and their families to celebrate Second Chance Month—a local and national observance highlighting the importance of supporting individuals returning home from incarceration and building stronger pathways to reentry.
Throughout April, MORCA is hosting a series of events designed to connect returning citizens with employment opportunities, critical resources, and community support.
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April 7 – Second Chance Simulation | Deanwood Community Center | An interactive experience that builds empathy and understanding around the reentry journey.
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April 13 – Returning Citizens Roundtable | Kenilworth Recreation Center | A community conversation on reentry policy and solutions grounded in lived experience.
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April 17 – Step Correct: Clothing Drive & Workshop | 899 North Capitol St NE | Professional attire and workplace guidance for job seekers.
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April 22 – MORCAShe: Strength in Her Story | 2100 MLK Ave SE | A film screening and reflective discussion centered on women navigating reentry.
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April 24 – Open Mic Night | 200 I Street SE | Spoken word, poetry, and storytelling celebrating resilience and second chances.
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April 30 – Welcome Home Expo | 555 12th St NW | Returning citizens can connect with employers, training providers, record relief services, and more.
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Spring is officially in full swing, and so is the DC sports calendar. This week is packed with home action across the city. Today was Opening Day at Nationals Park, with the Nationals taking on the World Series champion L.A. Dodgers. The Dodgers series runs through Sunday, April 5, before the St. Louis Cardinals come to DC for three games, April 6–8.
Over at Capital One Arena, the Capitals host the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, April 4. And the Wizards keep the arena busy later in the week, hosting the Bulls on April 7 and 9, and the Miami Heat on Friday, April 10.
Meanwhile, DC United host FC Dallas at Audi Field on Saturday, April 4. The Washington Spirit are also in season—and their next home match is Friday, April 24 at Audi Field, when they play the defending Shield winner Kansas City Current. And the 2025 UFL champions, the Defenders, will take on the Houston Gamblers at Audi Field on Saturday, April 11.
It's a full month of DC sports, so check out the schedules and show our home teams some love in the Sports Capital!
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