MURIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
November 25, 2024
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Chairman Mendelson:
Enclosed for consideration and adoption by the Council of the District of Columbia is a
proposed resolution titled “Installation of Statue of Bernardo de Gálvez Commemorative Work
Approval Resolution of 2024”.
The proposed resolution approves the installation of a commemorative work in honor of
Bernardo de Gálvez, to be located in public space adjacent to the Embassy of Spain.
I urge the Council to take prompt and favorable action on the enclosed legislation.
Sincerely,
Muriel Bowser
 1
2
-;;#~~
~ P h i l Mendelson
3 at the request of the Mayor
4
5
6
7 A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
8
9
10
11
12 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
13
14
15
16 To approve the installation of a commemorative work located in public space adjacent to
17 the Embassy of Spain at 23 75 Pennsylvania A venue, NW, to be known as
18 Bernardo de Galvez: A Friend oflndependence.
19
20
21 RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that
22 this resolution may be cited as the "Installation of Statue of Bernardo de Galvez
23 Commemorative Work Approval Resolution of2024".
24 Sec. 2. Pursuant to section 401 of the Street and Alley Closing and Acquisition
25 Procedures Act of 1982, effective March 10, 1983 (D.C. Law 4-201; D.C. Official Code
26 § 9--204.01), the Council approves the installation of a commemorative work, consisting
27 of a statue of Bernardo de Galvez, associated signage, and associated improvements, on
28 public space adjacent to the Embassy of Spain at 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
29 Sec. 3. Transmittal.
30 The Council shall transmit a copy of this resolution, upon its adoption, to the
31 Mayor and the Spain-USA Foundation.
32 Sec. 4. Fiscal impact statement.
33 The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement of the Chief Financial Officer as
34 the fiscal impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures
35 Act of 1975, approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-
36 301.47a).
37 Sec. 5. Effective date.
38 This resolution shall take effect immediately.
2
 Government of the District of Columbia
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Glen Lee
Chief Financial Officer
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia
FROM: Glen Lee
Chief Financial Officer
DATE: June 25, 2024
SUBJECT: Fiscal Impact Statement – Statue of Bernardo de Gálvez: A Friend of
Independence Resolution of 2024
REFERENCE: Draft Resolution as provided to the Office of Revenue Analysis on May
15, 2024
Conclusion
Funds are sufficient in the proposed fiscal year 2025 through fiscal year 2028 budget and financial
plan to implement the resolution.
Background
The resolution authorizes the installation of a commemorative installation known as “Bernardo de
Galvez: A Friend of Independence” on public space controlled by the District Department of
Transportation (DDOT), adjacent to the Embassy of Spain at 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. DDOT’s
Public Space Committee approved the project at its April 27, 2023 meeting, and the Office of Planning
Commemorative Works Committee Action recommended approval of the project on December 15,
2023.
Financial Plan Impact
Funds are sufficient in the proposed fiscal year 2025 through fiscal year 2028 budget and financial
plan to implement the resolution. The Embassy of Spain is funding the installation of the artwork,
and it has committed to funding all future maintenance.
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 203, Washington, DC 20004 (202)727-2476
www.cfo.dc.gov
 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Legal Counsel Division
MEMORANDUM
TO: Tomás Talamante
Director
Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs
FROM: Ben Moskowitz
Acting Deputy Attorney General
Legal Counsel Division
DATE: November 21, 2024
RE: Legal Sufficiency Review of Draft Resolution, the “Statue of Bernardo de Gálvez
Commemorative Work Approval Resolution of 2024”
(AE-24-631)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
This is to Certify that the Office of the Attorney General has reviewed the
above-referenced legislation and determined that it is legally sufficient. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to call me at (202) 735-7589.
_________________________________
Ben Moskowitz
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 409, Washington, D.C. 20004 Phone (202) 735-7589 Email: benjamin.moskowitz1@dc.gov
Application for a Commemorative Work on
District of Columbia Public Space
Washington, D.C.
Bernardo de Gálvez: A Friend of Independence
______________________________________________________________
Name of Commemorative Work
Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C
_____________________________________________________________________________
Location of Commemorative Work
Submitted by
Spain-USA Foundation
_______________________________________________________________
Name of Sponsoring Organization
Submitted to the District of Columbia Commemorative Works Committee
November 2022
___________________________
Date
Application for a Commemorative Work on District of Columbia Public Space
Page 2 of 23
November 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
I. Sponsoring Organization
II. Project Description
III. Project Location
IV. Project Design
V. Community Outreach
VI. Project Budget
APPENDICES
Appendix I: Proof of Sponsor’s 501(c) (3) status
Appendix II: Letters from local stakeholders
Appendix III: Sample of the sign and exact text of the sign.
Appendix IV: Public Law 113-229 113th congress
Appendix V: Schematic Plans
Page 2 of 23
Application for a Commemorative Work on District of Columbia Public Space
Page 3 of 23
November 2022
I. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION
1. Name or title of Proposed Commemorative Work
Bernardo de Gálvez: A Friend of Independence
2. Sponsoring Organization
Name of sponsoring organization: Spain-USA Foundation.
Address of sponsoring organization: 2801 16th Street NW, Washington DC
20009
Contact Person: Teodoro Sacristán Llorente
Telephone: 202 728 2352
Fax:
E-mail: emb.washington@maec.es teodoro.sacristan@maec.es
Tax Status of Principal Sponsor: The Spain-USA Foundation is an exempt
organization under 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Please refer to Appendix I for Proof of Sponsor’s 501(c) (3) Status
3. Description of Sponsoring Organization
Give a brief description/mission of the principal sponsoring organization and its
relationship to the proposed commemorative work. (i.e. history, when founded, other
projects sponsored, etc). A sponsor must be, “a Federal or District agency, or an
individual, group, or organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code” (Commemorative Works Act, Sec. 411. Definitions).
Established in 1999, the Spain-USA Foundation (SUSAF), a District of
Columbia non-profit foundation, seeks to promote, support and develop a
broad array of Spanish cultural, scientific and educational activities in the
United States with the goal of furthering greater cooperation and dialogue
between Spain and the United States.
What the SUSAF would like to achieve with the commemorative work is to
make known the decisive role played by Bernardo de Gálvez in the
American Independence, especially to Americans and Spaniards.
Page 3 of 23
Application for a Commemorative Work on District of Columbia Public Space
Page 4 of 23
November 2022
II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
4. Summary of Proposed Commemorative Work
Provide a brief project summary (describe the type of commemorative work, it’s location,
and goals of the project).
The statue of Bernardo de Gálvez was installed in June 2019. Unfortunately,
no permit was requested for installation. Once installed, the Embassy of
Spain requested authorization for the statue and also for the placement of an
information panel about the figure of Bernardo de Gálvez.
The bronze statue of Bernardo de Gálvez is placed at the Embassy of Spain,
located at 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., at the entrance to the
Chancellery, located on 24th Street, N.W.
The new project involves pulls the fence and landscape away from the
corner to create a small paved and seating area with the statue on a new
concrete base. The objective of this commemorative work is to make the
important role played by Bernardo de Gálvez in American Independence
known to all, particularly to Americans and Spaniards.
5. Subject of Commemorative Work
Provide detailed information about the proposed work and why the person or event
should be commemorated on District of Columbia (DC) public space. The subject of the
commemorative work should be of long-term historic importance and shall generally not
be any living person, any deceased person who has been deceased less than 10 years, or
any event that has occurred within 10 years of the application. If the proposed
commemorative work does NOT meet these standards, a detailed explanation should be
provided as to why the person or event should be commemorated despite the standard.
The statue honors Bernardo de Gálvez (1746-1786) who was a hero of the
Revolutionary War who risked his life for the freedom of the United States
people and provided supplies, intelligence, and strong military support to the
war effort. In recognition of this vital aid, Bernardo de Gálvez was conferred
honorary U.S. citizenship in 2014. (Public Law 113–229 113th Congress).
Please refer to Appendix IV for copy of Public Law 113–229.
Page 4 of 23
Application for a Commemorative Work on District of Columbia Public Space
Page 5 of 23
November 2022
6. Relationship of Commemorative Work to District of Columbia
History and Culture
Provide detailed information on how the subject of the proposed commemorative work
relates to DC culture or history. Commemorative works on public space proposed for
commemoration of local individuals, groups, events, or other significant elements of DC
culture or history generally should be given priority over other commemorative works. If
the proposed commemorative work does NOT meet these standards, a detailed
explanation should be provided as to why the person or event should be commemorated
despite the standard.
During the American Revolution, Bernardo de Gálvez was a hero of the
Revolutionary War who risked his life for the freedom of the United States.
As can be read in Public Law 113-229 113th Congresses (Appendix IV)
“The United States Continental Congress declared, on October 31, 1778,
their gratitude and favorable sentiments to Bernardo de Gálvez for his
conduct towards the United States.”
“Whereas Bernardo de Gálvez’s victories against the British were
recognized by George Washington as a deciding factor in the outcome of the
Revolutionary War”.
Bernardo de Gálvez also helped draft the terms of a treaty that ended the
Revolutionary War.
The Spanish war ship “Galveston”, commanded by Spanish General
Bernardo de Gálvez displayed the flags of all nations and fired a thirteen gun
salute during George Washington´s presidential inauguration parade in 1783.
Washington thought he owed a big portion of his victory to the King of
Spain, both for his military and economic support. Moreover, he seemed to
be particularly moved by the courage and fine military strategy of General
Gálvez, as the President warmly referred to the Spaniard in the
complimentary letters that he addressed to His Catholic Majesty from his
headquarters in New Windsor.
George Washington and other founding fathers exchanged multiple
correspondence about the financial and material aid that Spain sent to the 13
colonies.
Page 5 of 23
Application for a Commemorative Work on District of Columbia Public Space
Page 6 of 23
November 2022
Bernardo de Gálvez is one of only eight people to have been awarded
honorary United States citizenship.
There is a portrait of Bernardo de Gálvez hung in 2014 in the US Congress
honoring him.
There is another sculpture of Bernardo de Gálvez in Washington DC,
located at Virginia Avenue and 22nd Street, N.W., near the United States
Department of State building in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood in
Washington, D.C..
III. PROJECT LOCATION
7. Project location
Describe the proposed project location (street address/square/lot or public space
designation). A map and site plan should be included.
The project would be placed at the Embassy of Spain, located at 2375
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037, at the entrance to the
Chancellery, located on 24th street, N.W.
The Embassy is located near Washington Circle, which features a large
equestrian statue of George Washington. As mentioned above, Bernardo de
Gálvez and Washington were contemporaries and both fought during the
Revolutionary War.
The Embassy represents the Spanish Government and fosters the close
relations between the two countries, promoting mutual understanding and
cooperation between our two countries.
The Embassy of Spain is an appropriate location for Bernardo de Gálvez
statue because he was a Spanish military that was conferred honorary U.S.
citizenship in 2014.
It is a great opportunity to educate American visitors, as well as other
visitors to the Embassy and Consulate, about the life of Bernardo de Gálvez
a Spanish citizen who was granted honorary U.S. citizenship, and about the
strong historic relations between the United States and Spain.
Page 6 of 23
Application for a Commemorative Work on District of Columbia Public Space
Page 7 of 23
November 2022
The objective of this statue and sign is to make the important role played by
Bernardo de Gálvez know to all, particularly to Americans and Spaniards.
Figure 1. Location of the Embassy of Spain
8. District Government Agency with Oversight
Indicate the District government agency with oversight of the proposed District public
space where the proposed Commemorative Work is proposed to be located and
summarize discussions the Sponsor has had with the government agency.
The proposed commemorative work is located in the public right-of-way of
of 24th Street NW that is under the control of the Department of
Transportation (DDOT). In addition to working with DDOT to place the
commemorative on land under their administrative control, there are local
and federal agencies required to review the application for design and
location:
 The Historic Preservation Office (HPO). The Historic preservation
Office has reviewed the application and determined that this project
does not need to be reviewed by the HPRB and can simply be
Page 7 of 23
Application for a Commemorative Work on District of Columbia Public Space
Page 8 of 23
November 2022
reviewed and approved by their staff. Please refer to Appendix II for
interaction with HPO.
 The Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2A (ANC-2A). Please refer
to Appendix II for letters of support.
 The DC Office of Planning.
We have had discussions with DDOT and our contact there is Catrina
Felder.
9. Existing Conditions
Describe existing conditions of the proposed site of the commemorative work and the
general conditions of the surrounding area within ½ mile (land use patterns, zoning, etc.)
Include clear photos and a site plan of existing conditions (sidewalks, utilities, site
topography, streets).
The proposed location of the commemorative work is in the public right-of-
way of 24th Street NW, between Pennsylvania Avenue and L Street. 24th
Street has a total width of 90’ with 29’ set aside on both sides of the street
between the curb and property line. The public space along 24th Street
includes 12’ set aside for sidewalk and 17’ set aside as landscaped “public
parking”, the area of public space set aside for landscaping. The location of
the proposed commemorative work is in the 17’ set aside for landscape
purposes.
The Near Northwest Planning Area encompasses the 3.6 square miles
located directly north and west of Central Washington. Most of the area has
historically been within Ward 2, although in past and present times, Near
Northwest has also included parts of Wards 1, 5, and 6. Near Northwest is
known for its historic architecture, well-established neighborhoods, lively
shopping areas, and nationally recognized institutions. These features
provide enduring reminders of the city’s growth, from the 18th century to
today’s international city. The Georgetown Historic District, established in
1950 in response to the demolition of large numbers of waterfront and canal-
related historic buildings, was the first historic district established in the city.
Today, more than half of Near Northwest land area is included in historic
districts. In 2017, the area had a population of 79,374, or about 11.8 percent
of the city’s total. From 2000 to 2017, the population grew by over 10,800
people from 68,539 representing a 14 percent increase. With 54 percent of
the population in Near Northwest between the ages of 18-34, young
Page 8 of 23
Application for a Commemorative Work on District of Columbia Public Space
Page 9 of 23
November 2022
professionals make up a much higher percentage of the population in this
area than they do in the city – a difference likely due to the presence of
several university campuses in the area.
The site is located in RA-5 Zone. The Residential Apartment (RA) zones
permit urban residential development and compatible institutional and semi-
public buildings. The RA-5 zone provides for areas developed with
predominantly high-density residential.
The immediate surroundings of the property where the projected structure
would be installed includes apartment blocks, offices and some residential
houses. The Embassy building has eight floors, the facade of the first three
floors being like that of a residential house, and the facade of the other five
floors is glass.
The surrounding buildings are also mostly eight floors tall. The building
across the street has on its first floor the entrance lobby of the building and a
coffee shop.
Pennsylvania Ave is a busy street with no on-street parking. 24th Street is
smaller, does not have as much traffic and has parking spaces on both sides
of the street, although parking i