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Mayor's legal counsel says office was stretched by federal shifts, major events and the snowstorm; pledges FOIA and OAH follow‑up
Summary
Attorney Edwards, head of the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel, told the committee MOLC pivoted to internal operations amid federal policy changes, assisted with major projects and emergency responses, and reported FOIA backlog cleared; he pledged to consult on OAH orders raised by a witness and to provide additional FOIA and training details on request.
Attorney Edwards, who leads the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel, told the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor that MOLC refocused on internal operations after federal policy changes and high‑profile events in 2025 and 2026 and that the office has been heavily involved in emergency and major‑event planning.
"We are completely current" on FOIA obligations, Edwards told the committee when asked about the backlog, and he described MOLC's role advising on litigation strategy, interfacing with the Office of the Attorney General, and coordinating legal support for matters such as the Commander stadium deal and preparations for the District's 250th birthday events. Edwards said turnover in agency general counsel offices increased the need for cross‑agency training and sharing of expertise.
On the public witness's OAH complaint about the Department of Buildings, Edwards said his deputy had been in contact with the witness and that he would consult with OAH and DOB to determine whether orders were not being followed and why. He pledged to return with more detail and to bring subject‑matter experts when requested.
Committee members asked how MOLC interacts with MPD and federal law enforcement on immigration‑related matters; Edwards said MOLC had reviewed MPD orders "as a hypothetical" and that MOLC advises when asked by chiefs or deputy mayors. He emphasized MOLC's consultative role and said it will weigh in when instances rise to the mayor's level.
Edwards also discussed MOLC's internal training plans, the judicious use of detailees to support capacity gaps, and MOLC's involvement in daily calls about the recent snow/ice storm, coordinating with DPW and other agencies as needed. He offered to provide the committee a training schedule and additional FOIA process briefings within about 10 days.
