D.C. Council approves rule change to let mayor file FY2027 budget during spring recess

The Council of the District of Columbia on April 7 unanimously approved the "Council Period 26, Recess Rules Amendment Resolution of 2026," allowing the mayor to file the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget measures during the Councils upcoming spring recess. "The purpose of this resolution is to amend the rules to permit the filing of the mayor's proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 during the council recess," Chair Phil Mendelson said during the brief additional meeting.

Mendelson listed the measures covered by the rules change, saying it would permit filing of the Local Budget Act, the Budget and Support Act, the revised local emergency act, the revised local budget temporary act, and the federal portion budget request. He cited a March 31 letter from the Chief Financial Officer indicating budget formulation was complete and entering a 10-day CFO review; Mendelson said the budget is expected to be officially transmitted on April 14, 2026 to avoid a conflict with the June 16, 2026 primary election. Mendelson also said the resolution does not fix a specific filing date but authorizes filing during recess and asked that general counsel be allowed to make technical edits to ensure all measures are included.

The Chair moved the resolution, it was put to a voice vote and "the ayes have it unanimously," Mendelson declared. He noted Council Members Nadeau, Henderson, Tran White and Robert White were participating virtually and that Council Members Felder and Bonds had joined on the dais. No individual roll-call vote tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.