WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Chairman Phil Mendelson filed new legislation Friday, pulling the RFK Stadium deal from the full 2026 budget and instead putting it forward as a standalone piece of legislation.
“Separating this measure from the Budget Support Act enables the Council to hold a public hearing singularly focused on the proposal,” wrote Mendelson. “It also comports with the law, which requires that a tax abatement financial analysis must be completed by the District’s Chief Financial Officer before the Council takes any action.”
At Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is a co-sponsor of the legislation.
According to Mendelson, the legislation is “substantively identical” to the legislation introduced by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
He also said the legislation in no way indicates funding for the project is in jeopardy. Rather, he said it leaves the funding in the budget.
“The Commanders want to open their new stadium in five years. We want to see that, too, and will work within the Commander’s 2030 timetable,” wrote Mendelson.
Mendelson said the Council’s Budget Office is currently doing an economic impact analysis, which will be completed in early July. Consultants are also doing a risk assessment and stadium comparative analysis, which are expected to be completed in mid-July.
“We want to make sure we get this deal done. I’d love to have this deal done before the Commanders start their season, but the council has a process,” said McDuffie. “Anyone who cares about the stewardship of DC tax dollars should support what we’re doing.”
McDuffie said this will not jeopardize the deal.
“Anyone who has concerns about that should not be concerned. This process is moving forward,” he said.
Under the terms of the deal, D.C. is required to vote on the deal by July 15– a deadline councilmembers have said is impossible to meet.
DC News Now reached out to both the Mayor’s Office and has not heard back.
However, Bowser said earlier this month, “As long as this deal goes with the budget, I think our agreement lives. If it doesn’t, our agreement dies,” she said. “(The team is) outraged, I think they feel blindsided by the discussion.”
A statement from a spokesperson for the Commanders said, “The Washington Commanders are committed to working with the Council around the clock to keep this project on schedule and deliver a world-class stadium for the District by 2030. This is about more than just a stadium: it’s an investment in families, local workers, and long-term economic opportunity that will transform this community, [the] District, and the region. Any substantive delays will jeopardize D.C.’s ability to attract premier concerts, global talent, and marquee events, including the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Most importantly, it will slow new jobs at a time when the District needs them the most. We are hopeful the Council will continue to work in an expedited way to approve this deal and deliver a significant win for the people of D.C.”
The legislation has been referred to the committee for consideration on July 1.
