September 2026
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
What a summer! In August, we launched Phase II of the District’s Unified Business Portal, BOSS, and while it is a great step forward, there is still more work to be done. Look for our BOSS Bulletin newsletter, for details about system updates and features added. Any feedback about your experience should be sent to boss@dc.gov.
Previous feedback from users has been both helpful and impactful. Many have noted improvements in clarity, navigation, and overall experience. DLCP continues to gather user insights to strengthen the portal and identify opportunities for future enhancements that make business processes more seamless.
September brings a noticeable shift across the District. Students are returning to classrooms, families are settling into new schedules, and many of our local businesses are preparing for a busy season ahead. It’s a time that encourages focus, planning, and a fresh start for many in our community.
This month, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is highlighting our latest consumer advisory: Know Your Rights — Tips for Safe Back‑to‑School Renting. As students and families secure housing for the academic year, staying informed is essential. The advisory provides practical guidance, outlines key protections, and offers reminders to support confident and responsible renting. This resource, along with other updates, can be found in the Consumer Protection section below.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Your engagement and collaboration help move our work forward and support the many businesses and residents who rely on these services every day.
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
Labor Day offers the District a chance to pause and recognize the dedication of workers who keep our city moving every day. It’s a moment to spend time with loved ones, enjoy the long weekend, and reflect on the contributions that shape our community.
DLCP will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the holiday, and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8. We encourage residents and businesses to plan ahead for any licensing or consumer protection needs during this short closure.
DLCP’s Consumer Protection Unit is introducing its Back‑to‑School Consumer Advisory, designed to support District residents with timely information and practical guidance for the start of the school year. Please review the advisory below to stay confident and informed.
To file a complaint, visit the DLCP Complaint Portal or contact us at dlcp@dc.gov or (202) 671‑4500 for assistance. DLCP investigators review each submission and take appropriate enforcement action when necessary.
DLCP team members joined the Amidon‑Bowen Elementary School community on Monday, August 24 to welcome students on their first day back. With signs, smiles, and cheers, staff helped create a lively and encouraging atmosphere as both new and returning students arrived to begin the academic year. The warm greetings at the school entrance set a positive tone for the day and reminded students that their community is rooting for them.
DLCP is proud to take part in events like this, which strengthen connections between government and the community while uplifting the District’s youth. By showing up for students, DLCP highlights its commitment to supporting District families and helping young learners start the school year with confidence and excitement.
On Wednesday, August 26, representatives from DLCP visited American University’s Kogod School of Business to meet with students in the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program. The session, offered both in person and virtually, provided an engaging start to the new school year and encouraged students to explore more in their field.
Angela Meggett-Strudwick, Board Administrator for the DC Board of Accountancy, led a detailed discussion on CPA licensure. She walked students through recent updates to the licensure process and changes to academic requirements for the CPA Exam, offering clear guidance on what future accountants can expect. The presentation gave students a direct look at the pathway toward becoming licensed and helped them better understand how to prepare for their professional journey.
By connecting with students in this setting, DLCP continues its work to support the development of future accountants and strengthen the pipeline of licensed CPAs in the District.
To help keep the community informed, DLCP is excited to share a free workshop offered by the DC Department of Buildings (DOB). The “Build With Confidence” workshop is a great opportunity to learn useful tips on permits, inspections, and planning your next project.
When: Thursday, September 17
Time: 12:00 to 3:30 PM
Where: 3rd floor at 1100 4th Street SW, with a virtual option available.
The Business Resource Center continues to provide practical tools and learning opportunities for District entrepreneurs. This September, the BRC is offering a range of workshops, coaching sessions, and resource events designed to support business owners at every stage of their journey.
Take a moment to explore the complete September event lineup below, and sign up for the sessions that best align with your business objectives.
DLCP partners with nine Boards and Commissions that help set licensing standards, maintain professional oversight, and promote consumer protection across the District. These groups meet regularly to review industry issues, consider regulatory topics, and offer a transparent forum for the public to follow their ongoing work.
Community members and stakeholders can stay informed about upcoming meetings by checking the monthly calendar on our website, which includes dates, times, and links to additional details.
The DC Council has been on summer recess since July 15, 2026 and will return to session on September 15, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. As Council Period 26 nears its conclusion, the fall legislative calendar is expected to be robust.
The first Legislative Meeting of the fall will take place on September 22, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. To watch the hearing and stay up‑to‑date on Council activities, please visit www.dccouncil.gov.
Also on September 22, 2026, the Committee of the Whole will hold its first Work Session, immediately followed by the Legislative Meeting. The D.C. Council Secretary has issued several announcements regarding the end of recess.
New Legislation
On July 10, 2026, Chairman Mendelson introduced the Illegal Occupancy Enforcement Amendment Act of 2026 (B26‑0757) at the request of the Mayor. This legislation aims to strengthen enforcement against unlawful stays in short‑term rentals, vacation rentals, and hotels by:
Clarifying guest rights by:
- Establishing that guests have no lawful right to remain after the conclusion of their reservation; and
- Affirming that individuals who stay beyond their permitted term are trespassing and may be removed if necessary.
Supporting public safety by:
- Ensuring clearer enforcement tools for property owners and operators; and
- Providing regulatory clarity to prevent the misuse of short‑term accommodations.
A public hearing on B26‑0757 (Illegal Occupancy Enforcement Amendment Act of 2026) is scheduled for September 23, 2026.
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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