RFK Stadium: A Better Vision for DC
We are not anti-stadium. We are anti-public land deals that benefit corporate profit over District residents and the public good. Our vision creates housing, and jobs that serve ALL DC residents.
Take Action NowThis once-in-a-generation opportunity can’t be squandered on a stadium deal that prioritizes private profit over public benefit. WIN represents members from all 8 wards—some want the Commanders back in DC, others oppose a new stadium. Despite our differences, we’re united on this: any stadium deal must deliver real benefits to ALL residents and taxpayers, especially those East of the River. If this is truly going to be a “partnership,” as many parties claim, then the public must benefit from public investment.
Financial Transparency & Accountability
- Full disclosure of short- and long-term cost and revenue projections
- Guaranteed revenue sharing ensuring the city benefits financially every year
- Public investment that increases, not decreases, city revenue
Jobs & Economic Justice
- Full-time, year-round positions with living wages and benefits
- High-tech job training, apprenticeships, and career pathways
- Anti-displacement protections for existing residents
Housing That Serves Our Community
- Housing following the 1/3-1/3-1/3 principle: deeply affordable, workforce, and market rate
- Homeownership opportunities for residents on and near the property
- Investment that helps close the wealth gap and meets Black homeownership goals
Environmental & Community Leadership
- All-electric, cutting-edge facility with renewable energy
- Community-driven developments: grocery stores, childcare, restaurants, green space
- Meaningful input from Ward 7 residents on neighborhood development
THE CHALLENGE
Due to public attention and pressure, Council is now likely to hold off until the fall on formal actions around RFK campus redevelopment. Currently, the mayor’s budget allocates $141 million for RFK projects in the supplemental budget rather than using those funds to prevent cuts to other public services.
The bottom line: The city would receive just $26 million in tax revenue from economic activity – not even enough to cover the interest payments on the bonds we’d need to finance this deal. This isn’t partnership. This is a giveaway.
WHAT RESEARCH SHOWS
Brookings’ analysis of 30 years of stadium developments concluded that “no recent facility appears to have earned anything approaching a reasonable return on investment” and that “sports facilities attract neither tourists nor new industry.”
Most economic activity from stadiums benefits team owners, not local communities. The additional time until fall only helps WIN’s organizing on this critical funding and policy priority.
– WIN Strategy Team
TAKE ACTION
We need you to help secure a better vision for D.C. Here’s how you can make a difference:
TESTIFY AT COUNCIL
Make your voice heard at upcoming hearings and public sessions
CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
Reach out to your Ward and At-Large Councilmembers and demand A Better Vision for DC
JOIN WIN’S RFK LEADERS TEAM
Help us organize for the long haul and build community power
SPREAD THE WORD
Share our vision in your community and on social media using #BetterVisionDC
ORGANIZE LOCALLY
Canvas, make phone calls, and hold community meetings in your neighborhood
