RFK Now! Commends DC Council Preliminary Passage of Legislation to Bring Commanders Home, Redevelop RFK Site
Council Gives Initial Passage to RFK Stadium Deal
Final Vote Planned for September 17
WASHINGTON, DC — RFK Now!, the grassroots campaign mobilizing support for the return of the Washington Commanders to the RFK Memorial Stadium site, applauds the DC Council for its preliminary passage of the “Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025.” The bill includes a carefully negotiated deal to bring a world-class stadium, 6,000 units of housing, thousands of union jobs, dedicated green space, and a state-of-the-art sports complex for District kids. The second vote on final passage is scheduled for Sept. 17.
“We are pleased that the Council listened to DC residents and advanced a great deal for our city,” said Malcom Fox, Executive Director of Opportunity DC and Organizer of RFK Now! “Just a few years ago, bringing the Commanders home seemed impossible. With today’s vote, we’re on track to secure the largest private investment in DC history. This is an enormous win that will generate opportunity in Ward 7 and across the District for decades to come.”
Following the vote, the campaign co-chairs — all small-business owners and community leaders who rallied voters in support of the deal — had this to say:
“As the founder of two small businesses in the District, I know economic opportunity when I see it. I’m not even a football fan — but this is a deal that we can’t afford to pass up.” – Tiffany Tate, a resident of Brightwood in Ward 4
“Sports are part of my DNA. And our city’s DNA. Again and again, I’ve seen the transformative power of partnership and community. This deal to bring the Commanders home will bring economic vitality and community investment.”
– Susan Shorters, a resident of Ward 3 whose father played for the Washington Grays, DC’s Negro League Baseball Team
“This is a massive win for the working people who make our city run. Bringing the team home is not only a source of pride but a launchpad for economic opportunity. People want to work. People want to build. Thanks to this vote, they’ll have that chance.”
– Socrates Cala, a resident of Riggs Park
Leading up to the successful vote, RFK Now! elevated community voices and built support across all eight wards. Canvassers knocked on more than 10,000 doors across the District. The campaign also facilitated 5,500 emails and 500 calls to Council offices. Throughout the process, it heard directly from residents who overwhelmingly want to bring the Commanders home and deliver long-promised jobs, housing, and investment into Ward 7.
RFK Now! would like to give special acknowledgement to Mayor Muriel Bowser who spearheaded this incredible effort, and Chairman Phil Mendelson who worked diligently to expedite the bill and negotiate with the team to improve the return on investment. And deep gratitude for DC Councilmembers who were supportive of this important project from the very beginning also deserve recognition: Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie, Brooke Pinto, Anita Bonds, and Wendell Felder, who is fulfilling his promise to deliver unprecedented investment for Ward 7.
We also want to acknowledge those who came to understand the value of this important bill to the residents of DC and eventually voted yes for passage: Councilmembers Charles Allen, Janeese Lewis George, Christina Henderson, and Zachary Parker.
Unfortunately, despite overwhelming support from DC residents and untold benefits to the District through jobs, housing and economic impact, Councilmembers Robert White, Brianne Nadeau and Matthew Frumin voted against the deal and the transformational opportunities it will create for District residents to thrive.
Find more information at rfknow.team.