Symbolic street name honors Devaughn

Summary#

The Kentrell Devaughn Way Designation Act of 2026 would symbolically designate the 1500 block of 45th Street NE, between Douglass Street NE and Quarles Street NE in Ward 7, as “Kentrell Devaughn Way.” It does not amend the Street and Alley Closing and Acquisitions Procedures Act of 1982, but says the designation is made under parts of that Act. Its stated goal is to honor Kentrell Devaughn’s memory and service to young people in the Ward 7 community. The bill has been introduced and is not law; it would take effect only after mayoral approval (or a veto override) and 30 days of congressional review.

  • The Council would give the named block a symbolic designation.
  • The bill does not set out a process for installing signs or changing maps, addresses, or other records.

What it means for you#

  • Residents and people using the block: The block would receive the symbolic name “Kentrell Devaughn Way.” The bill does not say that its layout, access, or traffic rules would change.
  • The District government: The bill does not assign an agency specific duties to carry out the designation or create a new service, benefit, fee, or penalty.

Money#

No cost information is available in the supplied materials.

  • The bill adopts a fiscal impact statement from a committee report, but that report and any cost estimate were not supplied.

What is unclear#

  • The bill does not say whether signs will be installed, who would install them, or whether maps, addresses, or other records would change.
  • “Symbolically designates” is not explained in the bill.
  • The Street and Alley Closing and Acquisitions Procedures Act is referenced, but its text was not supplied, so the existing rules and how this designation fits with them could not be verified.
  • The committee’s fiscal impact statement was not supplied.

Case for#

  • The bill appears intended to recognize Kentrell Devaughn in the community where he was born and raised.
  • A symbolic street designation could provide public recognition without, on the text supplied, changing traffic rules or access to the street.
  • The sponsor’s letter says Devaughn was a coach and mentor whose work touched young people in Kenilworth and across the District.

Case against#

  • The bill does not explain how the symbolic designation would be carried out, so its practical effect for residents and visitors is unclear.
  • A street designation recognizes Devaughn’s memory, but the bill does not create services or other measures addressing gun violence or supporting young people.