Too many DC residents are locked out of civic participation simply because they cannot find or afford care for their loved ones. If we truly believe in public engagement, our government must remove the barriers that prevent people from showing up.

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As a DC Council At-Large member, Patricia will introduce legislation requiring District agencies that host public meetings to provide:

• On-site childcare for the first 20 children, and

• On-site senior care for up to 5 seniors

at public meetings, hearings, and community forums.

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This policy ensures parents, caregivers, and multi-generational families can participate fully in the decisions that affect their lives — without having to choose between civic engagement and caregiving responsibilities.

This legislation would require District government agencies hosting public meetings open to the public to provide on-site care services, including:

• Childcare services for up to twenty (20) children per meeting

• Senior care or supervised elder support for up to five (5) seniors
   

The goal is to eliminate structural barriers to civic participation, increase public engagement across all eight wards, and ensure equitable access for working families, caregivers, and seniors.

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Agencies may fulfill this requirement through licensed providers, partnerships with community-based organizations, or contracted service providers, with appropriate safety, accessibility, and liability standards.

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