ANC1E Approves $2,500 Grant for Lower Georgia Avenue Chili Cookoff

September marks six years of the annual, family-friendly community event designed to showcase local businesses and bring the community together

WASHINGTON — Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1E (ANC 1E) has approved a $2,500 grant to Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street, a District Bridges program, to support its Sixth Annual Lower Georgia Avenue Chili Cook-Off, a free community event scheduled for Sept. 20, 2026.

“Lower Georgia Avenue is powered by the small businesses, neighbors, and community organizations that make this corridor feel alive,” said ANC 1E Chair Josh Jacobson (1E06). “This grant is a direct investment in a free, family-friendly event that brings people together, showcases local businesses, and helps our neighborhood businesses reach more customers.”

The Chili Cook-Off will bring residents, visitors, and neighborhood businesses together along the Lower Georgia Avenue corridor. Participating local businesses will compete for the People’s Choice Award, with attendees invited to sample chili, vote for their favorite, and take part in community programming. The event is designed to strengthen small business visibility, build neighborhood identity, and draw more foot traffic to the Pleasant Plains, Park View, and Petworth communities along Lower Georgia Avenue. Those interested in attending may get more information by clicking here.

“Events like the Lower Georgia Avenue Chili Cook-Off help build the connections that make our neighborhood strong,” said Commissioner Philippa Hawker (1E03), whose district includes the event location. “By bringing residents and local businesses together, this event supports our small business community while creating a welcoming space for neighbors to gather, celebrate, and enjoy all that Lower Georgia Avenue has to offer.”

The grant application was submitted by Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street and reviewed by the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, which found the proposed $2,500 expenditure permissible. ANC 1E approved the grant on May 27, 2026. In addition to ANC support, the event is supported by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, individual donations, and contributions.

“This will be the sixth annual Chili Cook-Off for the Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street program, and it has become a big part of the Lower Georgia Avenue corridor’s unique identity by bringing local businesses and the community together,” said the event organizers.

Residents interested in learning more about ANC 1E’s grant process can visit ANC1E.org/grants.

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About ANC 1E:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1E represents the neighborhoods of Pleasant Plains, Park View, and the Howard University area. Commissioners are elected to advise the District government on decisions that affect their neighborhoods, including public safety, transportation, planning, zoning, and city services. All ANC meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to participate in shaping the future of their community.

About Advisory Neighborhood Commissions:

ANCs are nonpartisan, locally elected bodies in Washington, D.C., that represent neighborhood interests to the District government. While ANCs do not have legislative power, they are given “great weight” on decisions before city agencies and the Council. Commissioners serve two-year terms and are elected by single-member districts within each ward.