Statement on the Termination of the Columbia Heights-Mount Pleasant Vending Zone Manager Contract with District Bridges

At the Commission’s December 11 Public Meeting, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection informed the Commission that the Vending Zone Manager contract/relationship with District Bridges has been terminated, marking a necessary step toward finally addressing the tremendous challenges in sidewalk vending management that have persisted and worsened since the passage of the Street Vending Advancement Act of 2024 by the DC Council. At the Commission’s November 13 Public Meeting, I sponsored a resolution calling for this very change, which a majority of my colleagues voted to postpone until this month’s meeting. I have consistently emphasized the need for a fresh approach to vending zone management and oversight, one that ensures accountability and aligns with the broader needs of our neighborhood and the concerns of our constituents.

I remain committed to working closely with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), community partners, and the new Vending Zone Manager, once selected, to create a stronger enforcement regime. This approach will prioritize fairness, ensuring vendors adhere to the updated rules while fostering a vibrant and orderly public realm. Together, we can develop a framework that balances the interests of vendors, residents, and local and small businesses while maintaining the integrity of our shared public spaces.