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The pending legislation will change the governance and financial structure of the market. ?Currently, the market is run by a part time market manager from the DC Department of Real Estate Services. ?An appointed committee of residents advises the market manager, but is essentially powerless to direct the affairs of the market with any authority. ?The market revenues and costs are handled as a part of the city's budgeting process and are subject to the vagaries associated with this process, vagaries that include sweeps and lack of transparency. ?For several reasons, over the past few years the market has run "in the red".?

I have not seen the draft legislation, but based on the recommendations of an Eastern Market Task Force and discussions with Tommy Wells, I suspect the legislation will propose the establishment of an Eastern Market Authority, similar to a convention authority, consisting of appointed professional positions with a full time market manager accountable to the Authority. ?The Authority would have full responsibility for operating the Market efficiently (notice not profitably--it would not be a for profit venture), with the city responsible for capital infrastructure costs for a set number of years. ?The legislation would also address other Market issues, such as grandfathering of vendors, operation and control of the weekend flee markets and quality control of the products and goods sold at the market.

It's necessary legislation, but sure to stoke broad debate. ?In the short time I've been the ANC's rep to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), I've come to learn that there are many, many nuanced issues at the market not normally apparent to the casual observer and market customer.

Hope that helps. ?Any questions?

Best,