Attorney General Brian Schwalb

10/21/2026

Voting in DC is simple, secure, and reliable. Read our advisory on DC voters' protections against coercion and election interference.

Attorney General Schwalb Issues Advisory on Protecting District Residents’ Right to Vote October 21, 2026 Ahead of November Elections, OAG Offers Guidance on Legal Protections Against Voter Intimidation and Interference Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued a know-your-rights advisory on ...

10/20/2026

The massive turnout at the DC SCORES gala is a testament to the profound impact it has on our schools and communities.

For over three decades, DC SCORES' programs and volunteers have instilled joy, self-expression, and a sense of belonging in students across our city.

Here’s to continuing to support this amazing organization that does so much for our young people in DC!

10/20/2026

NEW RELEASE: Today, we released our recommendations to simplify and modernize DC's Comprehensive Plan for land use.

The Comprehensive Plan is a set of goals, recommendations, and policies that guides how land in DC should be used.

DC 2050 is the first complete rewrite of DC's Comprehensive Plan in two decades. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape our city's future.

Our newly-released recommendations lay out ways the Plan can make building in DC easier, faster, and more transparent — even before upzoning.

1️⃣ A shorter, simpler Comprehensive Plan

The current version is over 1,300 pages long and includes hundreds of policies and actions. DC can dramatically reduce its length and complexity with a simpler structure that follows best practices from the American Planning Association and other localities.

2️⃣ Clear land use guidance to prevent legal delays

Under District law, zoning decisions must not be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. As a result, ambiguities spur legal challenges and foster distrust within communities. DC cannot afford to have promising new projects stall in legal proceedings for years or even decades.

3️⃣ Simplifying the Future Land Use Map

The current Map contains 59 land use categories. We recommend reducing them to nine categories with clear density bands. The Office of Planning is already moving in this direction with 10 new "Place Types." Additional changes can help prevent legal challenges.

4️⃣ A more accessible Comprehensive Plan

DC should emulate recent planning efforts by other cities that incorporate a web-based format and more visuals. An online format with more sophisticated maps, charts, and graphics will empower more DC residents to participate in shaping DC 2050 and use it to make building in DC better in years to come.

5️⃣ Using Wards as the geographic basis

The current Comprehensive Plan divides DC into 10 planning areas, such as Mid-City or Upper Northeast. But Wards are far more familiar and a source of identity for DC residents. Wards are also the basis for other District plans and policies. DC should use Wards instead of planning areas.

Together, these changes will make the Comprehensive Plan more intuitive and accessible to DC residents who wish to shape our city's future.

Combined with future zoning changes enabled by DC 2050, they will also make it easier and less costly to build the housing we need in DC.

Dive in:
Summary 📙: oag.dc.gov/DC2050Summary
White Paper 📘: oag.dc.gov/DC2050WhitePaper

10/14/2026

DEFENDING DISTRICT LAW: Last year, DC passed a law to fast-track evictions for tenants who commit a violent or dangerous crime in their building.

Now, that law is being challenged in a case where a tenant pled guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon — after assaulting a leasing office employee in their building while armed with a knife.

We are fighting in court to defend this common-sense provision.

Incidents like this are rare, but they require prompt action to keep tenants, building staff, and nearby neighbors safe.

This is also critical for ensuring that DC can continue to create and preserve the affordable housing our residents need.

10/14/2026

Today, we returned to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit to argue against the illegal National Guard deployment in DC.

We are staying in this fight because the US military should not be policing American citizens anywhere in America — and that includes DC.

The continued presence of thousands of armed National Guard troops in the District infringes on our fundamental rights and our local autonomy.

It also sets an incredibly dangerous precedent for our country that we cannot afford to leave unchallenged.

It is long past time for this illegal deployment to end.

10/14/2026

The deployment of the National Guard in DC is illegal. We are back in court today on behalf of the District.

10/13/2026

DC WORKER WIN: Construction company Welch will pay $1.7 million for its role in a widespread, illegal worker misclassification scheme.

Welch has staffed projects in DC worth tens of millions of dollars, including the City Ridge development in Ward 3.

We sued Welch, general contractor Whiting-Turner, and three labor brokers in 2024.

Our lawsuit alleged that the five companies cheated hundreds of workers out of wages and benefits by misclassifying them as independent contractors.

Worker misclassification also enables companies to avoid paying taxes into critical safety net programs like unemployment insurance and Social Security — shifting the burden to the rest of us.

This settlement requires Welch to pay $1.7 million in penalties and worker restitution.

It also requires Welch to overhaul its practices to comply with District law.

The company will ensure all workers on its projects in the District are correctly classified through certified payroll reports and subcontractor audits.

We are rooting out misclassification from DC and getting money back for the workers who earned it.

10/12/2026

Before the government buildings, federal monuments, expansive streetscapes, and residential neighborhoods of present-day DC, this land was lined with Native American villages, quarries, burial mounds, and hunting and fishing sites for thousands of years.

Traces of these Native American sites have been uncovered all across our city — from the hills of Van Ness and Chevy Chase to the riverbanks of the Potomac and the Anacostia.

On Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor the Piscataway, the Nacotchtank (Anacostans), and all who first made the District their home.

We also celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities across our country that endure today.

10/11/2026

I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Talib Shakir.

As Director of The Office on Returning Citizen Affairs - ORCA, Talib championed a comprehensive approach to public safety and economic opportunity for DC residents. He dedicated his career in public service to mentoring young people, providing resources and opportunities to returning citizens, and empowering DC residents to transform their lives.

We are forever grateful for his great contributions to our city. DC needs more leaders like Talib.

10/08/2026

It was an honor to join American University Washington College of Law and its renowned Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program for a meaningful conversation on the intersection of law, public policy, and community impact.

Thank you for the warm welcome and brilliant questions, Eagles!