David Grosso

David Grosso is an American attorney and independent politician who served as an at-large member of the Council of the District of Columbia from 2013 to 2021. A native of the District of Columbia, he focused his legislative career on progressive reforms in education, criminal justice, and public health. His tenure was marked by advocacy for marijuana legalization, police reform, and expanding social services, establishing him as a prominent independent voice in Washington, D.C. politics.

Early life and education

David Grosso was born and raised in Washington, D.C., attending local public schools. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following this, he returned to the District of Columbia to attend the Washington College of Law at American University, where he received his Juris Doctor. His early professional experience included work as an attorney and as a legislative aide to former Council of the District of Columbia member Sharon Ambrose, providing a foundation in local governance and policy.

Career

Prior to his election to the Council of the District of Columbia, Grosso built a diverse career in law, public policy, and community advocacy. He worked as a government affairs attorney for the firm Hogan Lovells, representing clients on matters before the District of Columbia government and the United States Congress. He also served as a senior policy advisor for the D.C. Public Charter School Board, focusing on education reform. His community involvement included serving on the board of directors for the D.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and working with organizations like Bread for the City, aligning his professional work with his interest in social justice issues.

D.C. Council tenure

Elected as an independent in 2012, David Grosso took office on the Council of the District of Columbia in January 2013, winning an at-large seat previously held by Michael A. Brown. During his two terms, he served as chairperson of the Committee on Education and was a member of several key committees, including the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. He was a leading voice on the Council of the District of Columbia for overhauling the District of Columbia Public Schools system and reforming the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Grosso chose not to seek re-election in 2020, and his seat was subsequently won by Christina Henderson.

Political positions and legislation

Grosso was a prolific legislator known for his progressive stances. He was the primary author of the Bread for the City Act, which aimed to reduce food insecurity, and the Student Access to Treatment Act, which allowed students to self-administer medical cannabis at school. He was a chief proponent of the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022, introducing measures to increase police accountability and ban the use of neck restraints. A strong advocate for marijuana legalization, he introduced early legislation to tax and regulate its sale in the District of Columbia. He also championed bills to decriminalize sex work, establish a paid family leave program, and create the Office of the Student Advocate.

Personal life

David Grosso resides in the Eckington neighborhood of Washington, D.C. with his family. He is an active member of the local community and has been involved with various civic and nonprofit organizations beyond his official duties. His personal interests and advocacy often intersect, particularly in areas of youth development and arts education.

Category:American city council members Category:Washington, D.C. politicians Category:American University alumni Category:University of Virginia alumni