City Service Roundup: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observed Schedules and Traffic Alerts

Official Holiday Service Modifications

The District of Columbia government will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026. In observance of the federal holiday, all District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations, and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) centers will be closed. Most non-essential government offices will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 20.

Residential trash, recycling, and food waste collections will follow a 'slide' schedule for the remainder of the week. Residents who normally receive collection services on Monday will be serviced on Tuesday. This pattern will continue through Saturday to ensure all routes are completed. Leaf collection will remain on its previously announced schedule. The Fort Totten Transfer Station is closed to the public today but will reopen for bulk trash and recycling on Tuesday.

Traffic Advisory: 21st Annual MLK Peace Walk and Parade

The Metropolitan Police Department has issued a traffic advisory for the 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk and Parade. Significant street closures and parking restrictions are in effect from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM along the following corridors:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE (from Marion Barry Avenue to Sumner Road)
• Sumner Road SE (from Firth Sterling Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue)
• Marion Barry Avenue SE (from Anacostia Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue)
• Anacostia Drive (from US Park Police Anacostia Facility to Anacostia Recreation Center)

Motorists should expect heavy delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes. Parking enforcement for expired meters and residential permits is suspended today, though enforcement remains active for the DC Streetcar route and emergency 'No Parking' zones.

Public Health and Utility Notices

DC Health announces that the Vital Records Division and all wellness centers are closed today. However, officials remind residents that National Passenger Safety Week begins today, January 19, encouraging all vehicle occupants to speak up against unsafe driving behaviors. For those in need of immediate assistance, low-barrier and hypothermia shelters remain open 24 hours a day during the winter season.

DC Water has initiated a temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW between Virginia Avenue and F Street NW starting today. This closure is necessary for well-monitoring activities related to the ongoing Potomac River Tunnel construction. Additionally, a section of the Rock Creek Multi-use Trail remains restricted near Pennsylvania Avenue NW to accommodate utility infrastructure repairs.

City Council Legislative Updates

The DC Council recently approved emergency legislation to eliminate the mandatory retirement age for police and fire personnel, ensuring essential public safety staffing remains stable. Furthermore, the Council has officially established the 'Soul of the City' Business Improvement District (BID), which will focus on the revitalization and beautification of the Congress Heights and Saint Elizabeths East corridors.