Official City Roundup: Council Oversight and Public Health Advisories

Public Notice: DCPS Performance Oversight Hearing

The Council of the District of Columbia’s Committee of the Whole has scheduled a public performance oversight hearing for the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This hearing, focused on government witnesses, is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. in Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building. The session is part of the Council’s annual oversight process to evaluate agency performance and fiscal management. Residents and stakeholders can access the hearing notice and witness lists through the Council’s Legislative Information Management System (LIMS).

Health Advisory: Elevated E. coli Levels in Potomac and Anacostia Rivers

The Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) and DC Water have issued a public health advisory following recent water sampling. Test results from February 16 and subsequent updates on February 19, 2026, indicate elevated levels of E. coli in both the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Officials attribute the spike to recent heavy rain and snowmelt. The DOEE advises the public to avoid unnecessary contact with the water, including activities such as wading or fishing. Pet owners are specifically cautioned to prevent animals from drinking from or entering the rivers until levels subside. While these levels are common after significant storm runoff, residents are urged to monitor official channels for updates on water safety.

Traffic Advisory: Special Event at the U.S. Institute of Peace

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced temporary street closures and parking restrictions in Northwest D.C. for Thursday, February 19, 2026. These measures are in place to accommodate a high-profile special event at the United States Institute of Peace. Motorists should be aware of the following restrictions:

• Emergency No Parking: 23rd Street NW from E Street to Constitution Avenue NW, effective from 12:01 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Street Closures: Full closures will be implemented on 23rd Street NW between E Street and Constitution Avenue starting at 5:30 a.m. and are expected to last until 1:00 p.m.

Inbound traffic from the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will be diverted during this time. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes such as the E Street Expressway or Independence Avenue.

Public Board and Committee Meetings

Several District boards and committees will convene today to discuss city infrastructure and educational standards:

• DC Water Environmental Quality Committee: A meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to discuss ongoing infrastructure repairs, including the Potomac Interceptor.
• SBOE Graduation Requirements Task Force: The State Board of Education will hold a virtual task force meeting at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom to review proposed changes to high school graduation criteria.
• Notice of Cancellation: The Construction Code Coordination Board’s regular meeting previously scheduled for today, February 19, has been officially cancelled.