District of ColumbiaB26-0352Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Emergency Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

17 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.

No sales tax on PSLs

Sales of Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) for the Stadium are tax‑exempt for the term of the lease. A PSL lets you buy season tickets or similar rights. This cuts the sales tax cost for PSL buyers and sellers while the lease is in effect.

Tax breaks for RFK site deals

Deed recordation tax and some property and possessory‑interest taxes do not apply to Stadium and standalone parking parcels. The break only covers deeds between the District and Pro‑Football LLC (or an affiliate) under the authorized leases. It lasts only while those leases stay in effect.

Bonds, spending caps, and milestones

The District caps stadium construction spending at $500 million and limits garage purchases to $175 million by the District (plus $181 million from EventsDC). The Mayor can issue up to $759 million in bonds no earlier than October 1, 2025 (about $500 million net) for infrastructure and up to $210 million no earlier than October 1, 2031 (about $175 million net) for parking; the sports authority may issue up to $284 million (about $181 million net) for parking. A Parking Facilities Fund collects ticket and stadium tax receipts to pay bond debt and reserves; any extra goes to the Stadium Maintenance Fund. Money from selling Stadium Seat Rights must be used only for purposes in the Term Sheet. Bonds cannot be issued or spent until required protections are in the deal (parking‑revenue rights, operations agreements, a District sales office, LEED goals, local‑hire/apprenticeship/CBE agreements, and rent‑acceleration remedies). The project follows a 10‑stage construction schedule with deadlines measured from the zoning order’s effective date, or one year later if that order is judicially challenged.

Community benefits and reinvestment fund

The Team must sign a Community Benefits Agreement within 90 days and invest at least $50 million over 30 years. A Community Reinvestment Fund pays for local programs, using Team donations and up to $2 million a year from excess RFK funds. Money goes to census tracts in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8 for housing stability, small business support, wealth‑building, and public health. A nine‑member oversight committee tracks and publishes progress.

More affordable homes on RFK site

At least 30% of new homes on the site are affordable. Half of those go to households at or below 60% of median family income, and half to 30% of median income. Inclusionary zoning does not apply here; the deal documents set the program details.

Apprenticeship hours for DC residents

At least 10% of apprenticeship hours must go to DC residents. The target is 35%. Fines can be used if the 10% minimum is not met.

More RFK jobs for DC residents

The project targets 51% of new hires for DC residents. At least 20% of new jobs give a hiring preference to Ward 7 and Ward 8 residents. These rules apply to construction and related project hiring.

Big share for local small businesses

Certified business enterprises must get at least 20% of equity and 20% of development participation. At least 40% of the adjusted development budget must be subcontracted to small businesses, with a 50% goal. At least 10% of subcontracting is preferred for firms in Wards 7, 8, 5, and 6, in that order. If too few SBEs are available, qualified CBEs can meet the share.

Stronger traffic and parking near RFK

DDOT must make a traffic and parking plan with the developer and nearby neighborhood groups. The plan guides safe travel for riders, drivers, walkers, and cyclists. DDOT must enforce parking meters and residential permits in the area, including on Sundays and holidays.

Easier sign permits in Stadium District

The law defines the Stadium District Entertainment Area and allows special sign permits there. Business owners in the district can apply under the new rules.

Deal documents posted for the public

The Mayor must post all signed transaction documents online within 30 days. Any changes must also be posted within 30 days. The Council receives copies for the life of the lease.

New fund for RFK transit access

The RFK Transportation Improvement Fund pays for transit access projects serving the campus. Up to $20 million a year from excess RFK infrastructure money goes into the fund. The law sets the order for any annual excess: first $20 million to transit, the next $2 million to the Community Reinvestment Fund, and any amount over $22 million to the District’s General Fund.

Extra 4.25% tax on tickets

The law adds 4.25% to tickets for any public event at the Stadium. It also adds 4.25% to taxable items and services sold on site. It does not apply to some food and drinks or to parking services. The surcharge applies to a Stadium built on the RFK Campus after October 1, 2025.

Dedicated fund for stadium upkeep

A Stadium Maintenance Fund pays for maintenance, repairs, and capital work. If costs are higher than the fund balance, the Developer must pay the extra. The Mayor reports each year on deposits and spending. The District’s liability is limited to what is in this fund.

Faster site work with limited reviews

Stadium‑related buildings are exempt from zoning review until each gets a final certificate of occupancy. Utility and site‑prep work is exempt from certain historic reviews. The Urban Forest Preservation Act’s section 104a does not apply to the site (not the riparian area). A fee must be paid for each Heritage Tree removed. Environmental exemptions for the site get a 30‑day Council review window before taking effect.

Special deal rules and District powers

The Mayor can lease the site, sell seat rights, and grant easements after bond preconditions are met. The Mayor cannot sell certain RFK parcels, but can lease them once those conditions are met. Ownership of the Stadium and parking can be assigned to a District authority. Usual procurement and P3 laws do not apply to the project’s transaction documents after preconditions are met. The Mayor sets and signs the final financing and closing documents for the District.

No new local subsidies on site

The District cannot offer new local tax abatements, exemptions, or subsidies for the rest of the site. The law still allows tax‑exempt bonds, federal low‑income housing tax credits, and housing vouchers on the site.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Phil Mendelson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 11 • No: 2

House vote • 9/17/2025

Final Reading