D.C. Council approves Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act, setting stadium and mixed-use plan in motion

The Council of the District of Columbia on Aug. 1 approved Bill 26-288, the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025, authorizing a redevelopment plan for the RFK campus that includes a new stadium for the Washington Commanders, a mixed‑use development, community benefits and various finance and environmental provisions.

Why it matters: The measure — reported out of the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole — formalizes subsidies, revenue-sharing arrangements and standards for the project that project officials and council members say will accelerate development on the site, fund transportation and provide community benefits, while critics warned the public cost is large and accountability for mixed‑use development deadlines is weak.

Council Chair Phil Mendelson introduced the committee print and described the changes incorporated into the version considered at the Committee of the Whole. He summarized key dollar figures and programmatic commitments, including a $500 million stadium subsidy, roughly $356 million for two parking garages (for a potential $856 million in direct subsidies), and the council's estimate of roughly $674 million in tax and parking revenues to the District over 30 years (the team’s estimate was higher at $744 million). Mendelson also noted a $50 million community benefits pledge from the team and a $600 million transportation improvement fund created by the legislation.

Council member McDuffie, who led the bill’s presentation from the committee on business and economic development, framed the measure as the result of months of public engagement and negotiation. “Today marks a proud and hopeful moment for our city,” Council member McDuffie said,…