Get to know Maria Barry (4E03 candidate)
/
Name: Maria Barry
What is your ANC and SMD?
4E03, 16th to Georgia, Kennedy Street to North side of 1300 Block of Farragut and Northside of 1400 block of Emerson.
What is the best way for constituents to contact you?
mariabarry@gmail.com, maria barry ANC4C02 facebook -- will be changing that for 4E03
Introduction
I discovered a dedication to causes and social justice after working on a state-wide referendum in Maryland and completing my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1992. I started my career as a Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps member and have worked for numerous nonprofits and issue campaigns in senior development and external affairs roles over the past 20+ years.
Before joining American University as the Director of Community Relations, I served as the Vice-President of External Relations at Potomac Riverkeeper Network and was the Chief Development Director at Green Door Behavioral Health. During my career, I have served as an Executive Director, Partnership Officer, and Field Director.
I live in 16th Street Heights with my baseball playing teenage son (a senior at Jackson-Reed, formerly Wilson HS) and my husband, Dan, an environmental campaign advocate, and our dog, Waldo.
What's a hobby or something fun that you are interested in?
I love food! Cooking , eating, baking , farmers markets and exploring! I am also a BIG walker, enjoying rock creek park, walking on vacations in beautiful places and transit walking in DC.
What are your qualifications?
I am a passionate community leader dedicated to improving our neighborhood and our city. As the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 4C02, I have had the pleasure of representing 16th Street Heights residents since 2015 and am proud of my record:
Secured funding for the new “59” express bus on 14th Street, as part of group of local leaders
Initiated two local neighborhood traffic studies, resulting in traffic safety measures being installed to increase safety in our immediate area.
Co-founded the Uptown Farmers Market at 14th Street and Colorado Avenue. Continue to serve as a market volunteer.
Supported the advocacy of West Education Campus parents to secure a budget line item for full modernization of the school.
Serve as a member of the School Improvement Team (SIT) at West Education Campus.
Serve on the LAMB Community Committee (LCC)
Co-founded of Uptown Main Street, Secured funding for Uptown Main Street and helped to bring the Main Street funding to our neighborhood. Currently serve on the Economic Vitality Committee.
Serve on the Retail Strategy working group for the Northern Bus Garage Redevelopment project.
Co-founder and Past President of Friends of 16th Street Heights Parks. Worked to build community at the parks and revitalize Hamilton and Upshur Parks.
Currently serve as Secretary of the Board of Directors, Tenleytown Main Street
What are the ANC meetings?
4E is brand new and starts in January of 2023. No dates or location has been selected yet as the newly elected commissioners will do that in 2023!
Are you going to hold SMD meetings?
I currently do not hold SMD meetings but instead hold meetings directly with residents as needed.
Do you attend other meetings?
I attend Main Street and Bus Barn working group meetings. I am running for re-election to keep residents informed and provide a line of communication between community members, our Ward 4 Councilmember and other elected officials along with DC government agencies.
Maria’s Priorities
My top priorities include:
Supporting our local businesses through programs like Uptown Main Street to ensure a thriving commercial corridor and vibrant neighborhood
Advocating for local schools and daycares
Supporting increased affordable housing options in our neighborhood and throughout Ward 4
Continuing to support neighborhood traffic calming measures to make our streets safer
Work to ensure that there are clear lines of communication with WMATA and the Northern Bus Garage Replacement Project and that the project maximizes community benefits and minimizes any environmental, construction or neighborhood impacts.
I am a relationship-builder who respects and listens to all people. As your Commissioner for the past 7 years, I have brought people with different views together in order to find solutions that work for everyone. I promise to continue to be accessible, available for meetings, and actively seek input on issues facing our neighborhood.
Editor’s Note: All content is directly from the candidates with only minor edits for simple typographical issues. All photos are from the candidates. No endorsement is implied by these articles — hopefully you learn more about the people who want to represent you. Please vote!
