Dear Ward 5 neighbors,
It would be hard to imagine a busier week on the Council than the one we just wrapped up. From our second budget vote on Monday that lasted nearly 8 hours, to two days of RFK redevelopment hearings that stretched late into the night, to today’s vote on the redevelopment deal, we tackled massive issues and made consequential decisions.
At each step, I have been clear-eyed and focused on winning for working-class Washingtonians.
I am proud of the many budget wins we secured for Ward 5 and all District neighbors in our first budget vote two weeks ago. During this week’s second vote, I fought hard to secure revenue raisers that would have made a measurable, material difference in the lives of thousands of middle- and low-income residents who are being harmed by the FY26 budget cuts. Unfortunately, my amendment proposals failed. I also opposed permanent alterations to the tipped minimum wage schedule in amendments to Initiative 82 that would harm tipped workers. Again, unfortunately, these changes moved forward. But knowing the RFK redevelopment vote was around the corner, I stayed focused on winning for everyday Washingtonians.
Throughout the week, I negotiated with the Washington Commanders and local unions to ensure there were clear, defined labor protections in the deal. And we won! Late last night, agreements were reached and signed, securing Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and Labor Peace Agreements (LPAs) on the stadium and hotels in the mixed-use development. These labor protections for both construction and post-construction secures a major win for workers and Washingtonians, representing hundreds of good-paying jobs with benefits over several years. The strength and solidarity shown by union members throughout this process was inspiring, and this outcome would not have been possible without their determination. I am proud to stand with labor today and every day, and relieved the week ended with a much-needed win for the working class. This afternoon, the Council voted in favor of the project, effectively moving to bring the Commanders home and with it, thousands of good-paying jobs with good benefits for DC residents.
There are even more details below, highlighting all of our work this week both inside and outside the Wilson building. Whether it’s leading public safety walks, coordinating with District agencies to tackle illegal dumping and rat abatement, or advancing common sense policies that put people over profit, the mission is the same: fight for everyday Washingtonians.
