Neighbors,

This has been an exciting and historic week in the District of Columbia!

On Monday, July 28, the Council officially passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Local Budget Act (LBA) and the Budget Support Act (BSA) on final vote, cementing critical investments in housing, public safety, education, and economic development for the upcoming year. These votes mark the culmination of months of hard work and thoughtful negotiation on behalf of our residents.

In addition to passing the budget, we turned our attention to a once in a generation opportunity: bringing the Washington Commanders back home to the RFK Stadium site. This week, we jointly hosted two hearings on the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025 (B26-0288), first hearing from passionate public witnesses, followed by testimony from Mayor Bowser and representatives of the Washington Commanders.

And today, we took another major step forward. The Committee on Business and Economic Development held a markup of B26-0288, and I’m proud to share that the bill passed unanimously. Later in the day, the full Council voted on the bill during our Legislative Meeting, passing it on first vote!

This legislation represents much more than a stadium. It’s a bold commitment to community investment, economic opportunity, and the long overdue activation of the RFK campus.

We look forward to continuing this momentum together.

In service,
Kenyan

Today, the Council took a major step toward revitalizing the RFK Stadium site by passing the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025 on first reading by a vote of 9 to 3.

I was proud to support this transformational legislation, which does far more than bring football back to the District. It activates 190 acres of long-dormant land into a vibrant, mixed-use community, featuring over 6,000 new housing units (including 1,800 affordable units), a $50 million Community Benefits Agreement, major investments in youth programming and workforce development, and strong requirements for local business and labor participation.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to drive inclusive growth, reconnect residents to the Anacostia River, and deliver real benefits to communities, especially in Wards 7 and 8. I look forward to continuing this work and seeing the bill advance to final passage.

This week, the Committee on Business and Economic Development jointly hosted two back to back public hearings on the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the Council’s consideration of this transformational legislation.

On Tuesday, July 29, we heard from nearly 500 public witnesses, residents, advocates, and community leaders from across the District. My team and I received testimony well into the night, wrapping up around midnight. The excitement to bring the Washington Commanders back home to RFK was palpable, and residents also voiced important concerns around housing, traffic, and affordability that continue to shape the conversation.

On Wednesday, July 30, the Committee heard from the Executive Branch and representatives of the Washington Commanders, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, City Administrator Kevin Donahue, OBPM Director Jenny Reed, and Commanders leadership: President Mark Clouse, Director of Real Estate Andy Van Horn, and VP of Public Affairs Kirtan Mehta.

Together, these hearings showcased the broad public interest, spirited debate, and high stakes surrounding the RFK redevelopment, and reaffirmed our commitment to a process grounded in transparency, equity, and community voice.

On Monday, July 28, the Council held its final vote on the District’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget, officially passing both the Local Budget Act (LBA) and the Budget Support Act (BSA) during the Legislative Meeting.

This second and final vote cements a budget that reflects our shared priorities: investing in affordable housing, supporting small and local businesses, advancing public safety strategies, and expanding programs for youth, families, and workers across all eight wards.

I was proud to support a budget that includes key economic development tools, new workforce investments, and targeted support for historically underserved communities. The FY26 budget is the product of months of collaboration, community input, and difficult decisions, but above all, it represents a strong, forward-looking commitment to the people of the District.

This past Wednesday, Team McDuffie had the honor of attending a dynamic networking session with over 100 bright and ambitious youth participants from the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and the Boys to STEM Academy. Students connected with professionals from across the energy and environmental sectors, gaining insight into real-world career paths and the many possibilities available to them. Our very own Chief of Staff, Artilie Wright, also took the opportunity to talk about bridging policy with innovation and shared how STEM intersects with public service and legislation on the DC Council.

The STEM Academy, which is now entering its 8th year, and Boys to STEM Academy, now in its 2nd year, have reached more than 1,300 students through free, week-long summer programs for rising high school juniors and seniors. Each session provides a safe, empowering space for students to dive into STEM, explore career pathways, and envision futures in fields that include college, technical training, and the trades.

This week, our office welcomed a dynamic group of students participating in the DC Youth Takeover at the Wilson Building. They came prepared with clear priorities and thoughtful policy proposals aimed at making DC a safer, more supportive place for young people.

Their agenda focused on expanding mental health support in schools, creating safe after-school spaces, and opening up job opportunities for youth. They also proposed innovative ideas like paid peer mentors in schools, youth voting seats on city boards, youth councils at agencies like DPR, and greater transparency in youth services.

We’re inspired by and grateful for their leadership and advocacy. Their voices are shaping the future of our city and we’re committed to listening, partnering, and acting.

Pictured from left to right: Shelia Bunn (Ward 8 Advocate), Atrayu Lee (rising senior at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School), Caliique Barnes (attending Morehouse), Autumn Peterson (attending LSU), and our Chief of Staff — Artilie Wright.

On Tuesday, July 29 at 12 PM, Team McDuffie joined partners for a community walk in Ivy City, beginning at the New York Avenue Men’s Shelter. We were accompanied by Councilmember Parker’s team, MPD, CSOSA, DHS, DBH, ANC Commissioner Rhodes, and local business owners to observe and respond to rising concerns around public drug use, illicit activity, and deteriorating alley and street conditions.

The walk served as an important step toward addressing what residents and business owners have called a growing crisis. In the coming weeks, Team McDuffie will help convene a multi-agency discussion focused on identifying solutions and next steps to confront this public health emergency and improve safety and quality of life in the Ivy City community.

On Wednesday, July 30, Team McDuffie partnered with Councilmember Pinto’s office to host a multi-agency outreach tabling event in front of the Kennedy Recreation Center in Ward 2. This neighborhood has experienced repeated gunfire and safety challenges, and our goal was to meet residents where they are by delivering on the ground support and vital resources.

Agencies and community partners showed up to provide information on housing, behavioral health, workforce programs, public safety, and more. We want to give a special shoutout to the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) for being part of the day’s effort.

We’re deeply grateful to all the vendors and partners who joined us, and we plan to return this fall with additional events in this area and other nearby blocks in need of focused outreach and support.

Join the Metropolitan Police Department for National Night Out 2025, a citywide evening of community building, neighborhood pride, and public safety awareness. Held on Tuesday, August 5, this annual event is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Residents across all eight wards will gather for cookouts, games, music, and family friendly activities hosted by each MPD District. In Ward 5, the Fifth District’s celebration will take place at Trinidad Recreation Center (1310 Childress Street NE) from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. You’ll have the chance to meet your local officers, connect with neighbors, and learn more about crime prevention programs and public safety resources available in the District.

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, National Night Out is a great opportunity to come together, build trust, and show that a safer city starts with strong community ties. For more information and a full list of locations, visit mpdc.dc.gov/page/national-night-out.