The Ward 5 Wave

Councilmember Zachary Parker

Join DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker each week for updates on Council activities, highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter, and interviews with DC agencies and community partners. You can also send in questions for him to answer on the podcast!

  1. Get to know CM Doni Crawford; Council Priorities, Black History Month, Congressional Interference, and More

    5D AGO

    Get to know CM Doni Crawford; Council Priorities, Black History Month, Congressional Interference, and More

    DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker interviews the Council's new interim At-Large Councilmember, Doni Crawford. They talk Council priorities, books, music, Black History Month, the ongoing congessional interference in local policy, and more. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

    38 min
  2. Season 3 Kickoff! Selecting a New Interim CM, Oversight, and ICE

    JAN 16

    Season 3 Kickoff! Selecting a New Interim CM, Oversight, and ICE

    DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage talk about the Council's process for appointing a new, interim At-Large Councilmember following former CM McDuffie's resignation in December 2025. They also look ahead to upcoming performance oversight and mark-ups. Councilmember Parker discusses the unacceptable actions of ICE in DC and across the country. Melissa wraps up the episode by sharing the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

    34 min
  3. Season 2 Finale! Child Tax Credit, 2025 Reflections, 2026 Changes

    12/19/2025

    Season 2 Finale! Child Tax Credit, 2025 Reflections, 2026 Changes

    DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage reflect on a busy fall legislative season, celebrating the big win for the District Child Tax Credit. They also discuss recent hearings on bills including environmental justice in Ivy City and improving access to PrEP. They also reflect on recent Committee on Youth Affairs hearings and the CARE for Youth Plan. Melissa wraps up with highlights from the most recent edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter. Share your thoughts and offer recommendations for future episode topics and/or guests at ward5contact@dccouncil.gov.

    40 min
  4. Changes to TOPA, SNAP Benefits at Risk, and Montana Triangle Zoning Hearing

    10/24/2025

    Changes to TOPA, SNAP Benefits at Risk, and Montana Triangle Zoning Hearing

    DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, Communications Director Melissa Littlepage, and Legislative Director Neferteria Brown chat about the Council's recent votes on the RENTAL Act making changes to TOPA. They also discuss the impending changes to SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown and passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" in Congress. Melissa and Councilmember Parker also share thoughts on the "Montana Triangle" (New York Ave, Montana Ave, and Bladensburg Rd NE) hearing in the Zoning Commission. Melissa wraps up the episode by giving highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

    32 min
  5. The CARE for Youth Plan

    10/10/2025

    The CARE for Youth Plan

    DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker shares details of his recently introduced C.A.R.E. for Youth Plan - a 16-bill policy package designed to foster youth wellbeing in the District. Jenise "Mama Jo" Patterson, Founder and Director of Parent Watch, Inc., joins to share her perspective on how some of the legislation will help justice system-involved youth and their families. Committee on Youth Affairs staff Thomas Franco (Director) and Allison Bailey (Legislative Assistant) also detail some of the conversations and agency dynamics that informed the writing of the legislation. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage invites neighbors to get involved by learning more at ward5.us/careforyouth and sharing their thoughts at ward5.us/dcyouth. She also shares highlights from the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

    30 min
  6. Recap of Ward 5 Day, RFK Redevelopment and RENTAL Act, and Preview of Youth Affairs Policy Package

    09/26/2025

    Recap of Ward 5 Day, RFK Redevelopment and RENTAL Act, and Preview of Youth Affairs Policy Package

    DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage reflect on a vibrant and joyful time with neighbors at Ward 5 Day. Councilmember Parker also discusses the Council's recent votes on the RFK Redevelopment Deal and the RENTAL Act. He also offers a preview of a forthcoming policy package to foster youth wellbeing in the District. Melissa shares a few highlights from the most recent Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. You can read at ward5.us/news and subscribe to get the newsletter straight to your inbox every Friday evening at ward5.us/newsletter.

    23 min
  7. Federal Overreach, Council's Next Legislative Meeting, and WARD 5 DAY!

    09/05/2025

    Federal Overreach, Council's Next Legislative Meeting, and WARD 5 DAY!

    DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on the latest news about federal overreach in the District, sharing lots of resources including ward5.us/toolkit, ward5.us/report, ward5.us/resist, and ward5.us/onthehill. Councilmember Parker also shares information about what to expect at the Council's next Legislative Meeting on September 17, and hypes up the bigger-and-better-than-ever Ward 5 Day! coming on Saturday, September 20. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

    26 min
  8. Threats to DC Autonomy, DYRS Lawsuit, and Reflections on Second Budget Vote and RFK Redevelopment

    08/08/2025

    Threats to DC Autonomy, DYRS Lawsuit, and Reflections on Second Budget Vote and RFK Redevelopment

    DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage talk about the federal government's latest threats against DC's autonomy, as well as a civil lawsuit against the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). Councilmember Parker also reflects on the Council's second vote on the FY26 budget and the vote on the RFK Redevelopment deal. There are quick plugs for upcoming back-to-school events and Ward 5 Day on September 20 (mark your calendar!). Melissa shares highlights from this week's Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.

    37 min
See All (51)

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About

Join DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker each week for updates on Council activities, highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter, and interviews with DC agencies and community partners. You can also send in questions for him to answer on the podcast!

Information

  • Creator
    Councilmember Zachary Parker
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Councilmember Zachary Parker
  • Show Website
    The Ward 5 Wave

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