Sandra Mattavous-Frye Recognition Resolution of 2026

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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-147

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

March 31, 2026

To recognize Sandra Mattavous-Frye, on the occasion of her retirement, for her many years of
dedicated service to the District as the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia.

WHEREAS, Sandra Mattavous-Frye is a distinguished graduate of Howard University
and the Antioch School of Law, where she obtained a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Juris
Doctorate specializing in banking, corporate finance, and securities law;

WHEREAS, she has served with the Office of People’s Council (“OPC”) for more than
30 years, including as Deputy People’s Counsel, Director of Litigation, and Energy Section Trial
Supervisor;

WHEREAS, her remarkable journey with OPC began in 1984 as a Law Clerk, evolving
through decades of service as a Senior Attorney, Trial Supervisor, Director of Litigation, and
Deputy People’s Counsel;

WHEREAS, following 29 years of advocacy, she was appointed by Mayor Vincent Gray
and unanimously confirmed by the Council of the District of Columbia in 2011, subsequently
leading the office through four terms of "zealous representation" as the People’s Counsel;

WHEREAS, during her tenure as People’s Counsel, Ms. Mattavous-Frye secured
millions of dollars in ratepayer savings and navigated complex regulatory challenges, including
the Pepco-Exelon merger and the expanded protection of DC Water consumers;

WHEREAS, she demonstrated visionary leadership by establishing the first OPC Energy
Efficiency and Sustainability Section and launching the District’s inaugural "Value of Solar"
study to provide a roadmap for renewable energy deployment across all eight wards;

WHEREAS, she spearheaded critical investigations into the abusive practices of third-
party energy suppliers, securing settlements that provided essential refunds and emergency
energy assistance to hundreds of low-income residents;

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WHEREAS, her commitment to institutional memory and transparency culminated in the
publication of Currents of Change: OPC’s Journey to Protect Utility Consumers, a history book
capturing the evolution of the agency she helped build and lead into the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Mattavous-Frye’s "passion for giving voice to the voiceless" has left an
indelible mark on the District’s legal and civic landscape, having mentored generations of public
interest attorneys and advocates dedicated to the fair treatment of all residents;

WHEREAS, Ms. Mattavous-Frye has received numerous awards, including, the
University of the District of Columbia Advocate for Justice Award (2013), the State Regulatory
Practitioner Award from the Energy Bar Association (2016); the Outstanding Citizens Award
from the DC Federation of Citizens Associations (2018);

WHEREAS, in addition to the aforementioned awards, in 2021, Ms. Mattavous-Frye
received the Robert F. Manifold Lifetime Service Award, which is given to “individuals who
have demonstrated the highest level of dedication to public service over their career” and is the
highest honor awarded by the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates;

WHEREAS, on the occasion of her retirement in April 2026, the District wishes Sandra
Mattavous-Frye and her family all the best in this new chapter of her life; and

WHEREAS, the District and the Council will greatly miss her kindness, passion,
collaboration, professionalism, and unrivaled expertise.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Sandra Mattavous-Frye Recognition Resolution of 2026”.

Sec. 2. The Council recognizes Sandra Mattavous-Frye, on the occasion of her
retirement, for her many years of dedicated service to the District as People’s Counsel for the
District of Columbia.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.