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PR 26-0666

Board of Zoning Adjustment Marquisha Powell Confirmation Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

Confirms Marquisha Powell as a member of the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment for the remainder of the term ending Sept 30, 2027, effective immediately.

Public Hearing Meeting - PR26-0666 was not considered
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Bill Summary · PR 26-0666

Summary of PR 26-0666 — Board of Zoning Adjustment Marquisha Powell Confirmation Resolution of 2026

Purpose

  • To confirm the appointment of Marquisha Powell to the District of Columbia Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA).
  • Powell would fill a vacant seat formerly held by Lorna John, for the remainder of an unexpired term ending September 30, 2027.

Key Provisions

  • Sec. 1-4: Legislative text establishes the form and effect of the resolution.
  • Sec. 2: Confirms Marquisha Powell, residing at Floral Street NW, Washington, DC 20012 (Ward 4), as a member of the BZA for the specified term end date.
  • Sec. 3: Requires the Council to transmit a copy of the resolution to the nominee and to the Mayor upon adoption.
  • Sec. 4: States that the resolution takes effect immediately.

Nominee Background (biographical materials provided with the bill)

  • Marquisha Powell is described as a Senior Associate at StudioMB with nearly two decades of experience in architectural design, focusing on repurposing existing structures while prioritizing green design and energy efficiency.
  • Education: Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Houston.
  • Professional emphasis includes:
    • Transforming existing buildings to maximize use and preserve green sites.
    • Balancing historic preservation with modern design.
    • Experience with projects in Washington, DC, including work for publicly visible developments.
  • Prior experience includes more than a decade at Page Southerland Page, Inc.
  • Powell is a Ward 4 resident.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Affected body: Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), a DC government board responsible for rulings on zoning variances, special exceptions, and special exceptions to map or use restrictions.
  • Affected individuals/entities: Ward 4 residents and property owners, developers, and others seeking zoning relief or variances before the BZA.
  • Impact: With Powell’s confirmation, the BZA will continue to function with a full or replenished membership, enabling timely decisions on zoning matters and contributing to the agency’s governance and oversight.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Nominating authority: Mayor Muriel Bowser (as part of the Confirmation Act process and relevant zoning statute framework).
  • Legislative action:
    • Introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson (Co-sponsor) on April 21, 2026.
    • Referred to Committee of the Whole on May 5, 2026.
  • Effective date: Upon adoption of the resolution (immediate effect per Sec. 4).
  • Confirmation process: The standard DC Council confirmation process applies, including Council review and potential public input as part of the Council’s oversight.

Additional Documentation

  • Legal sufficiency review: DC Attorney General’s Office (Office of the General Counsel) has reviewed the resolutions nominating Marquisha Powell and Michelle Pourciau and deemed them legally unobjectionable.
  • Related materials include Powell’s professional biography and executive summaries prepared for the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments.

Bottom Line

PR 26-0666 seeks formal confirmation of Marquisha Powell to a vacant seat on the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment, for the remainder of the term ending September 30, 2027, with the resolution effective immediately upon adoption. The nomination is accompanied by biographical notes and a legal sufficiency review.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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