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Bowser, Harris, Goodell Announce Commanders’ Return to RFK Campus

April 28, 2025

The Washington Commanders may return to RFK campus by 2030 under a $3. 6 billion deal announced by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, team owner Josh Harris, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The agreement includes a $2.

Who is affected

  • District residents, particularly those in Kingman Park and Ward 7
  • D.C. taxpayers funding the public investment portion
  • Youth and returning citizens (targeted in community benefits plan)
  • Local schools and nonprofits
  • The Washington Commanders organization and its fans
  • Labor groups and other stakeholders involved in the community benefits plan
  • Future residents of the proposed 5,000-6,000 housing units
  • Businesses that would operate in the new development

What action is being taken

  • The Bowser administration and Commanders are negotiating a $3.6 billion development deal
  • The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development is conducting stakeholder meetings about the development
  • A community benefits plan is being compiled with input from residents, labor groups, and stakeholders
  • The "Homes, Not Stadiums" group is circulating a petition for a ballot measure to prevent stadium construction
  • The D.C. Council is preparing to deliberate on the RFK campus development deal
  • EventsDC is coordinating community engagement events about the future of RFK campus

Why it matters

  • The project promises to create more than 16,000 jobs and generate $20 billion in tax revenue
  • The development would transform 180 acres of currently unused land
  • The District is committing over $1 billion in public funds during projected revenue loss and potential government furloughs
  • The plan includes 5,000-6,000 housing units and recreation facilities for community use
  • It would return the Commanders to the District after departing in 1996
  • The development could potentially host future Super Bowls and over 100 events annually
  • The project is described as a "catalyst for long-term, transformational economic growth" in D.C.

What's next

  • The D.C. Council needs to approve the deal by summer 2024, requiring seven council votes
  • A community benefits plan must be created prior to the council's approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget
  • The Bowser administration plans to conduct additional stakeholder meetings
  • WMATA will conduct a capacity study for transportation infrastructure
  • If approved, construction would aim for Commanders' return to RFK campus by fall 2030

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer