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Dear Neighbor,
It has certainly been quite the week for local news here in the District. Let’s jump right in and talk RFK stadium. For those of you who may have missed the news, on Monday, Mayor Bowser and the Washington Commanders football team announced an agreement to return the team to DC at the old RFK site with a new state-of-the-art facility. Under the terms of agreement, the Commanders would invest at least $2.7 billion in the construction of a new stadium, as well as anchor retail and development in the immediate areas around the facility. The District government investment would be a little north of $1 billion, which would include demolition and site prep of the current stadium, other horizontal infrastructure needs across the 170-acre site, the building of a new indoor Sportsplex facility, and bonds for parking garages. In addition to the stadium, there would also be 6,000 new units of housing across the site. Here’s the link to the presentation deck from the press conference. This proposal now heads to the Council for review and approval.
As with anything that comes before the Council, my team is working to properly evaluate the proposal and term sheet, including looking at comps from other stadium deals around the country. I have questions, like who bears the financial risk if there’s less parking revenue than predicted? The city of New York, for example, covered the parking bonds for the garages built for the new Yankee Stadium, and they haven’t made enough revenue to cover costs for over a decade.
One thing that has been top of mind for me is what has happened with other projects where the District either received or bought land from the federal government. There is a 67-acre property in Hill East, adjacent to the RFK site, known as Reservation 13. It was transferred to DC by Congress in 2006, but community planning for what to do with the site actually started in 2002. Only 3 buildings have been built to-date on that site, over 20 years later. The McMillian Sand Filtration Site which is 25 acres in Ward 5, was sold to DC by the federal government in 1987. The city launched a competitive bidding process to select a master plan developer in 2007. The first building on the property, Reservoir Park Recreation Center, opened last year – 37 years after the land was first sold. Sure – these examples can be viewed as an indictment of the government’s inaction at the time; delays are pervasive at every level of government. But they are also examples of how hard it can be for government alone to try to build things. The RFK site is double the size of both of these properties, and I don’t know about you, but I’m not interested in spending the next 20 years (nearly a quarter of our lease with the feds) debating what to do with the property. The fact that we have a private sector entity ready to go with an investment of their own is enticing. As consideration of this proposal goes forward, I truly hope people are thinking about this too. Mayor Bowser plans to include this proposal in her forthcoming FY26 budget proposal.
One other big piece of news is regarding the federal government in the budget reconciliation proposal as it pertains to Medicaid and FMAP. There are proposals floating on the Hill that would have the federal government reducing their match rate with DC by 20%. I recorded a video earlier this week explaining FMAP and why you should care. Take 3 minutes and get smart on the issue:
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
Pictured above: Today, Councilmember Henderson joined Mayor Bowser, Congresswomen Eleanor Holmes Norton, CEO of Children’s National Hospital Michelle Riley-Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of the DC Hospital Association Jaqueline Bowens, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, and fellow Councilmembers for a press conference at Children's National Hospital calling on Congress to preserve DC Medicaid. Congress is currently attempting to cut $880 billion dollars from the Committee on Energy and Commerce budget which will affect the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) that aids in funding Medicaid for the states and the District of Columbia.
On Tuesday, April 22, the Committee of the Whole held a public hearing on the “Open Meetings Clarification Amendment Act of 2025", which clarifies what constitutes a public meeting for the purpose of allowing the DC Council and Mayor to hold conversations and be briefed regarding potential threats as long as no official action is taken during the meeting. In her comments at the hearing, Councilmember Henderson emphasized the importance of transparency while advocating for flexibility in how Councilmembers engage in early policy discussions.
On Wednesday, April 23, the Committee of a Whole held a public roundtable on the "State Superintendent of Education Dr. Antoinette Mitchell Confirmation Resolution of 2025." During the roundtable, public witnesses from organizations that have worked with Dr. Mitchell provided anecdotes of support for her nomination. In addition, former State Superintendent of Education Christina Grant expressed that she has confidence that Dr. Mitchell possesses the necessary skill to lead the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
On Tuesday, April 29, the DC Council held its seventh additional legislative meeting to vote to extend the timeline for the Mayor to submit the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to the Council for review. In December 2024, the Council voted on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Submission Requirements Resolution of 2024, requiring the Mayor to send the budget to the Council by April 2, 2025, but issues stemming from Congress’s interference with the District’s FY25 budget complicated the budget transmission. The measure passed by the Council on Tuesday now requires the Mayor to submit the FY26 budget no later than May 15, 2025.
Crashing the Political Party with Dr. AJ Simmons
On Friday, April 18, Councilmember Henderson guest starred on the podcast Crashing the Political Party with Dr. AJ Simmons. The podcast highlights third parties and independent candidates and legislators. Councilmember Henderson shared details on what it’s like being an independent At-Large Councilmember and what running a campaign during the height of the COVID pandemic entailed. You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Under 3 DC Advocacy Day
On Tuesday, April 22, Under 3 DC held their annual Advocacy Day at the Wilson Building. Dozens of community members, advocates, and families gathered to share their support of early childhood development programs and highlight the positive impact these programs have had on their lives.
ANC 6/8F Regular Meeting
Later that evening, Councilmember Henderson attended the ANC 6/8F regular meeting. The hour-long conversation ranged from philosophical to nuts and bolts and covered budget challenges at the federal level, Councilmember Henderson’s priority to protect health care services – maternal, mental, dental, etc., and much more.
The DC Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Health Policy Forum
The following day, on Wednesday, April 23, Councilmember Henderson delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Healthy Policy Forum, presented by the DC Chamber of Commerce. Her address focused on the current landscape of health care in the District and how, as the Chair for the Committee on Health, she plans to further tackle issue such as: pediatric dental services, behavioral health rates, prior authorization reform, and the need for education for those who have the power to decide what and will not be funded in the District.
Petworth Porchfest 2025
On Saturday, April 26, Councilmember Henderson hosted local music acts Moongold and Ty L’Rubin during the annual Petworth Porchfest event. Porchfest started in 2021 as a way to encourage community gathering as the pandemic receded, support local artists and businesses, and inspire through the art of music.
Ask Me Anything! (AMA)
On Wednesday, April 30, Councilmember Henderson challenged District residents to “Ask Me Anything! (AMA)” about District government. Topics raised during the segment included the RFK stadium proposal, the District budget, the STEER Act aimed at traffic safety, the 2025 “State of the Air” report, Vision Zero, and more. You can view the conversation, here.
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson visited a Ward 8 business where she is pictured with Troy Prestwood and Cora Masters Barry.
Truck Touch 2025
On Saturday, May 3, 2025 at RFK Stadium’s Lot 8 (2400 East Capitol Street, SE — entrance off Independence Ave SE) the District will rev up with excitement from 8:00am to 1:00pm for the annual "Truck Touch" celebration. Watch local students take the wheel as they navigate a dynamic track in electric vehicles they’ve engineered themselves! You can get a front-row seat for the EV time trials from 9:00am to 11:00am, followed by wheel-to-wheel racing kicking off at 12:30pm. Hosted by the DC Department of Public Works, this free, family-friendly event invites kids to climb aboard big rigs while grown-ups get to test out equipment usually seen from a distance. The event will also offer free packed lunch for youth under 18.
You can register for this free event, here.
Around the World Embassy Tour
During the Around the World Embassy Tour, embassies from multiple non-European Union (EU) countries, will host open houses on May 3, 2025 to visitors and residents to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. Participants will learn about other cultures and traditions through food, fashion, arts and music, among other things. Washington, DC is home to more than 175 embassies, the second highest number of embassies in one city in the world. Registration is not required but encouraged. You can find more information, here.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Dedicated this year to the “Youth and the Future of Culture”, the 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will explore creativity, vitality, resilience, and intergenerational learning and exchange through the contributions and experiences of youth. This year activities will take place on the National Mall with musicians, entrepreneurs, skaters and artists, craftspeople and more. The event will take place from July 2 to July 7. You can find additional details, here.
Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.
Resilience Workshops for Federal Workers
The Center for Grounded Action is offering free resilience workshops for federal workers that have been impacted by the cuts to federal programming and divisions. Participants will be met with compassion and skills for resilience, a new understanding of stressors, challenge and fortified resilience. The center offers two effective practices to handle stress, and two relational skills to help those affected connect through this tough time. The workshops will be offered on May 4 at Piney Branch Elementary School (7510 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD) from1:00pm to 4:30pm and May 5 at Christ Lutheran Church (5101 16th St NW Wash DC 20011) from 9:00am to 12:45pm. You can register for the events, here.
POWER UP DC
POWER UP DC 2025 is tailored to empower DC small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders as they navigate their unique paths to success. Registration is free and includes a continental breakfast, an open plenary session, workshop tracks, business coaching, speed networking opportunities, access to a vendor marketplace, and a POWERUP registration bag. POWER UP DC takes place on Tuesday, May 6, from 8:00am to 3:00pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library Business Center (901 G Street NW Washington DC 20003)
Second Annual Healthy Homes Fair
Hosted by Electrify DC, the second annual Healthy Homes Fair aims to propel the region towards cleaner, more sustainable homes and buildings. The event will share information with residents on technologies, products, services and incentives that help combat climate change while making homes healthier. The fair will take place on Saturday, May 10, at the Catholic University of America, Pryzbyla Center (Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064) with the Academy segment from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and the Expo segment from 1:00pm to 5pm. District agencies will be participating.
Free Food Distribution from the Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Area Food Bank is here to support the large number of our neighbors who have been impacted by recent reductions in federal jobs and funding. Beginning on Saturday, April 5th, the food bank will be holding new pop-up food distributions twice a week. These pop-up distributions will offer pantry items and fresh produce on Thursdays from 5 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 – 11 a.m., or while supplies last each day. The distributions can be found in the parking lots of the following retail locations:
District of Columbia
Maryland
Virginia
Those in need of food assistance can learn more about these pop-up food distributions, as well as how to access support at other times and locations, by visiting capitalareafoodbank.org/dmv-help.
Health Insurance for Impacted Federal Workers
Enroll today in quality and affordable health insurance. All DC residents losing employer health coverage qualify for a DC Health Link private insurance plan offered by DC Health Link. Private health insurance plans start as low as $13 a month (depending on household income) and include 27 private health insurance plans to meet every need and budget.
You can schedule your virtual enrollment here.
Learn more by calling (855) 532-5465 or by visiting DC Health Link here.
Introducing Brandywine Valley SPCA
Starting January 1, 2025, the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) took over all animal care and control services for Washington, DC. In the first month, BVSPCA has also launched adoptions for dogs, cats, and other critters, Express Pet Health Services for family pets, as well as volunteer and foster programs to engage the community in our work. BVSPCA is already celebrating reuniting lost pets with their worried families, adoptions of pets needing a new home, and lifesaving medical care for DC animals in need.
You can learn more about Brandywine Valley SPCA and its services here.
To report an animal in distress in the District, please call BVSPCA at (202) 888-PETS.
Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaway
DPR Communal Farms are urban Agriculture sites that are organized as communal production farms, managed by DPR staff and community volunteers, with the purpose of providing various ways for community members to receive free food, volunteer, and participate in hands on educational opportunities. From May to November DPR Communal Farms host three Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaways where community members can pick up free veggies, volunteers on the farm, and/or participant in free programming.
Participants must register to attend any giveaway. Participants can register, here.
For questions or to receive updates on what is being harvested, volunteer opportunities, pop up giveaways, weekly programs and weather cancellations please email joshua.singer@dc.gov
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Utility Discount Programs (UDP) assists low-income District residents with reducing utility costs. To qualify, you must meet income guidelines and utility bills must be in the applicant's name. Eligible residents could receive discounts on electric, gas, and water and sewer bills. Applicants can apply by phone by calling 1-800-234-9473 or by creating an account and applying online, here.
As I continue to vigilantly track the activities at the federal level, I am keenly aware of how some of our own residents are being personally affected. Amid the recent firings of thousands of our nation’s federal government employees, I’m sharing some resources for those impacted who call the District home. You can find these resources as well as those shared by the Executive on my website, here.
You can visit us online at christinahendersondc.com. Or stay connected by following Councilmember Christina Henderson on her socials.
Website: christinahendersondc.com
Twitter (X): @CMCHenderson
Instagram: @christinahendersondc
Facebook: @christinahendersondc
Bluesky: @cmchenderson.bsky.social