District of ColumbiaB26-0146Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Downtown Arena Revitalization Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Tax breaks for arena land deals

The law keeps Lot 47 in Square 455 tax-exempt while the 1995 ground lease is active. Lot 47, Lot 884, and any adjacent leased airspace stay exempt while the new arena lease is active. Deed recordation and transfer taxes do not apply to transfers between the District and DC Arena L.P. (or its designee) made under the approved lease, the purchase and sale agreement, or the authorized airspace lease. Section 3 of the 1994 Arena Tax law is repealed effective December 17, 2024, to align exemptions with the current leases. These cuts lower costs for the arena owner and reduce District tax revenue from these parcels.

Local hiring and apprenticeships for arena jobs

The arena project must follow First Source hiring rules. District residents get priority for jobs tied to the Development and Financing Agreement. Apprenticeship requirements under District law also apply. This boosts local hiring and paid training during construction and operations.

Faster approval for arena signs

The city can change rules to allow more outdoor, digital, and canvas signs on the arena. The Council has 45 days to review any proposed rule changes; if it does nothing, they take effect. This speeds up approvals for the arena’s signage, but reduces active Council oversight.

District approves downtown arena contracts

The law approves three contracts dated October 18, 2024: the Development and Financing Agreement, the Amended and Restated Lease, and the Purchase and Sale Agreement with DC Arena L.P. The Mayor may sign and carry out these agreements. This clears the way for the project to proceed, without setting new funding amounts in this law.

Easements and free airspace for arena

The Mayor may grant easements over Lot 47 (Square 455) and Lot 884 (Square 454) to WMATA, nearby owners, the lessee, or others to carry out the arena agreements. The Mayor may lease nearby airspace to DC Arena L.P. or its designee at no rent while the Amended and Restated Lease is in effect. If NCPC does not review work in that airspace, District public space rules apply instead. This helps the developer and partners with access and space, while the District forgoes airspace rent.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Phil Mendelson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

Final Reading, CC