City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Should DC get rid of ANCs?
March 12, 2026 · 💌 Kaela
Hey, neighbor! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve made our first hires to expand our D.C. coverage. Reporter Emma Uber is joining us from the Washington Post and our part-time podcast host Michael Schaffer (previously of Politico and Washingtonian) is joining as Executive Editor. More to come!
There’s a gap in local news and we need to fill it! To support our expansion, become a City Cast DC member!
What's CITY Talking About
Could DC Get Rid of ANCs?
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions are the lowest level of D.C.'s local democracy. Now, some are arguing that they are useless, and worse, create hurdles to building livable neighborhoods. Today on the pod we’re taking a hard look at the system that lots of local activists consider sacred. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Former VA First Lady Runs Launches Congressional Campaign
Former Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe launched a congressional campaign in Northern Virginia’s newly redrawn 7th District. The new district still needs voter and court approval on April 21 before her campaign can become official. [Washington Post 🔒]
VA Officials Look To Scrap Data Center Tax Breaks
Virginia senators have voted to end the projected $1.6 billion annual tax break given to data centers, requiring them to pay the 5.3% sales tax. Opponents say the proposal could bring construction of data centers in Virginia to a screeching halt. [NBC4]
Bowser Opposes Downtown Congestion Pricing
The mayor’s office released a long-awaited study on bringing congestion pricing to D.C. The study was commissioned in 2019, but Bowser argues imposing a tax to drive downtown no longer makes sense as the neighborhood still struggles to recover from the pandemic. [Axios]
Sponsored Content
Don’t miss Folger Theatre’s As You Like It!
Envisioned by Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels and directed by Timothy Douglas, this production of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy offers a love note to DC, imbuing the Forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a resilient and redemptive place of belonging.
What To Do
Thursday, March 12
- 🖼️ Beyond the Frame: Inside Look at the National Portrait Gallery (Chinatown)
- 📖 Eyes on Reading: Lessons Learned — Reporting on Reading and Dyslexia at Planet Word (Downtown)
- 😆 Sprung Comedy Festival at Black Box Theatre (Silver Spring)
- 📚 Juliet Izon’s “The Encore” at Solid State Books (H Street NE)
- 🎵 Live! At the Library: An Evening with Amythyst Kiah at Thomas Jefferson Building (Capitol Hill)
Friday, March 13
- 🎤 Opera: “Passio” at In Series (Mt. Vernon)
- 🎵 AMALGAMATION Festival at Rhizome (Takoma)
- 🎉 Holi In the District (Union Market)
- 🍽️ National Refugee Shabbat + Dinner at Sixth & I (Chinatown)
- 📗 Book Talk: “Medium Rare” at Solid State Books (H Street)
- 🪩 00's Live Band Dance Party ft. So Fetch at 9:30 Club (Shaw)
- 🎸 Tunes: Gurriers (Alt/Indie) at DC9 (Shaw)
Sponsored Content
Sharing culture through the art of quillwork
Learn how the art of porcupine quillwork is used to create something special at the National Museum of the American Indian. Enjoy artist demonstrations, join a tour of the special installation Making a Statement, and get hands-on with objects to deepen your understanding of quillwork. Saturday, March 14, 11 AM.
🤧 It’s officially pollen season in the District (this picture makes my eyes itch). Here’s how to prep your home so you don’t spend D.C.’s best months sniffling.
Free · 5 days a week