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D.C. Council to Soon Vote on Commanders Stadium Deal, Mendelson Says

July 24, 2025

D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson has announced a vote on a revised Washington Commanders stadium deal for August 1, with a second vote likely on September 17. The new terms, negotiated over the past 10 days, reportedly generate over $900 million in revenue for the District, including $674 million in tax revenue over 30 years and $50 million for community benefits. The revised agreement addresses previous concerns by restructuring debt financing, redirecting $600 million from the Sports Facility Fee to transportation improvements, and requiring the Commanders' leadership to relocate their offices to D.C. This accelerated timeline follows pressure from the Commanders, Mayor Bowser, and Republican leadership, though the Council still needs to finalize specific details through a Development Financing Agreement.

Who is affected

  • District of Columbia residents, especially those in Ward 7
  • Local businesses, including small businesses and certified business enterprises
  • Returning citizens and District youth seeking employment opportunities
  • The Washington Commanders organization and leadership
  • Youth sports participants who currently lack adequate facilities
  • Residents concerned about economic development and affordable housing
  • Community members potentially impacted by traffic and development

What action is being taken

  • D.C. Council is scheduling votes on the revised stadium deal for August 1 and September 17
  • Public hearings are being conducted prior to the Council vote
  • The Council and Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development are collaborating on next steps
  • A detailed Development Financing Agreement (DFA) is being drafted
  • A $50 million community benefits agreement is being developed
  • The RFK Now! movement is campaigning to encourage Council approval of the deal
  • Community listening sessions and surveys are gathering resident input

Why it matters

  • The deal would generate $674 million in tax revenue over 30 years for the District
  • It would create an estimated 16,000 jobs and 6,500 new housing units with one-third designated as affordable
  • The revised terms save the District nearly $55 million through restructured debt financing
  • The agreement includes $50 million for community benefits focused on youth sports and education
  • The development would address the lack of District-based facilities for competitive youth sports
  • The project represents significant economic development for Ward 7
  • The deal has been contentious, with concerns about public costs, maintenance responsibilities, and potential traffic congestion

What's next

  • The Council will draft detailed legislation reflecting the revised terms over the next several days
  • The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development will negotiate details with the team for the Development Financing Agreement
  • Subsequent lease agreements will be negotiated after the Development Financing Agreement is completed
  • Two public hearings will be held before the August 1 vote
  • If approved, the community benefits agreement will be implemented including workforce development, business opportunities, and affordable housing initiatives

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer