The proposed resolution, known as the Friends of Wangari Gardens Grant Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026, addresses the urgent need for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to provide grant authority to improve water access at Wangari Gardens, a community garden-park. The resolution highlights that Friends of Wangari Gardens, a non-profit organization, has been relying on an expensive fire hydrant permit from DC Water for their water supply, which has significantly drained their financial resources. The Council has allocated $75,000 in the capital budget for the assessment, design, and installation of a water meter and potable water source at the garden, but emergency legislation is required to allow DDOT to grant these funds directly to the organization.

The resolution emphasizes that while DDOT is the custodian of the property, it lacks the capacity to manage the project effectively. Therefore, the Friends of Wangari Gardens should oversee the project directly. The emergency legislation clarifies that DDOT can make this grant despite existing constraints that typically tie grant authority to transportation goals. The Council has determined that the circumstances warrant immediate action, allowing the resolution to take effect without delay.