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Preparation, Response, and Accountability: Jackie Reyes on Snow Cleanup in DC

Jackie Reyes outlines what worked, what fell short, and how DC must strengthen snow preparedness to better protect communities like Ward 1.



The recent winter storm put Washington, DC’s snow response and DC snow cleanup efforts under close scrutiny. As snow turned into sleet, freezing rain, and dense “snowcrete,” many District residents, especially seniors, families, and people with disabilities, were left navigating unsafe streets and sidewalks for days. Moments like these highlight how prepared the city is to respond to emergencies and whether core services are delivered equitably across neighborhoods.


While city crews worked hard under extremely challenging conditions, the storm exposed gaps in early activation, coordination, and communication, issues that continue to shape how DC snow cleanup is experienced in residential areas and walkable communities like Ward 1. Sidewalks, access to Metro stations, bus stops, and routes to schools are essential infrastructure, not secondary concerns, and delays in clearing them increased safety risks and community frustration.


Below, Jackie Reyes shares her assessment of DC’s response to the storm, what the city did well, where it fell short, and what must change moving forward. Her perspective is grounded in hands-on leadership and a clear principle: preparedness, communication, and accountability must be built into the system before, during, and after a storm, so public safety does not depend on who speaks up, but on a city ready to act.


1) How would you rate D.C.’s response to the recent storm?


D.C.’s response was mixed. Crews worked hard, but too many neighborhoods waited too long for safe streets and sidewalks. Core city services must be delivered equitably and efficiently, and this storm showed we are not there yet.


The storm brought snow followed by sleet and freezing rain, creating dense, ice-like “snowcrete” that standard plows struggle to remove. Extremely low temperatures afterward prevented melting, so early delays quickly became harder and more costly to fix. With a snow budget of roughly $7–$7.3 million, success depends less on dollars and more on early activation, clear leadership, coordinated response, and timely emergency declarations. When the city hesitates, costs rise and residents pay the price.


2) What did D.C. do well, and what went poorly?


The District made progress clearing major routes once the storm ended, but side streets, sidewalks, and communication lagged. Seniors, families, and residents with disabilities were especially impacted. In Ward 1, sidewalks must be treated as essential infrastructure, not an afterthought.


Crews should be staged before snow begins, and within 24 hours, safe routes to schools, Metro stations, and bus stops should be clear. In a walkable ward like ours, sidewalks matter just as much as streets.


3) If you were an elected official, what would you change about how D.C. handles snowstorms?


I would use oversight and budget hearings to push for faster deployment, clearer accountability, and stronger coordination, particularly in residential neighborhoods. During this storm, I did not wait. I grabbed a shovel, used a bobcat, and mobilized our Snow Warrior team.


Leadership means stepping up and communicating clearly before, during, and after the storm, not just reacting once problems arise. That is why I issued bilingual public safety updates and calls to action throughout the storm and recovery period. Preparedness, communication, and accountability should be built into the system, not dependent on who speaks up.


That’s why I issued Bilingual PSAs to keep residents informed:


Before the storm (English):


Before the storm (Spanish):


During the storm (English & Spanish updates):


Post-storm call to action:


Recovery stage & what to expect:


Communication plan pre and PostPreparedness, communication, and accountability shouldn’t depend on who speaks up, they should be built into the system.


4) Was D.C. right to reopen DCPS, or should schools have remained closed?


Students learn best in school, but safety must come first. Some schools were ready to reopen, while others were not. We need clear, neighborhood-based benchmarks and better coordination between snow clearance and school reopening decisions so families are not left guessing and students can return safely.

 
 
 

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