By Lauren Gygax, CCAN’s Executive Operations Associate and Special Projects Coordinator

Last summer, we saw how easily D.C.’s strong sustainability and community safeguards can be sidelined when a powerful third party with deep pockets enters the picture. Community leaders and activists struggled to defend critical health, housing, and climate priorities as soon as the Washington Commanders’ billionaire owners and their political allies joined forces.

The fight began in early 2025, before the D.C. Council voted on a deal proposed by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Washington Commanders to revitalize the RFK Stadium site and bring the Commanders back to D.C. Unfortunately, the fine print of this deal told a different story: DC taxpayers could end up paying nearly $1 billion for stadium and parking costs while billionaire team owners reap the rewards.

The plan lacked affordable housing commitments, clear sustainability requirements, and protection for nearby Ward 7 and 8 neighborhoods. In short, the proposed deal was a poor investment that would not create returns for the city.

From the outset, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) has fought alongside housing, labor, and concerned community members of Ward 7 and 8 for a more equitable deal. Community advocates held a press conference, got people to testify during public hearings, and lobbied D.C. council members. CCAN has often deployed these tactics successfully, but in this instance, a rushed timeline and the presence of a powerful third party made it especially difficult.

How the RFK Stadium Deal Took Shape

Mayor Bowser tried to rush the deal through by inserting it into the annual budget bill, minimizing public input and council deliberation. Although the Councilmembers removed it from the budget, Chairman Phil Mendelson set a vote just days after the already lengthy, contentious budget season, giving little time for the Council or community advocates to prepare. In DC, every legislation gets voted on twice. The second vote, planned for September 17 after the Council recess, made it extremely hard for community members to speak to Councilmembers beforehand.

That said, CCAN and other advocacy groups worked together to ensure that our voices were heard. Right before the first vote, coalition group ‘No Billionaires Playground’ and community organizers put together a press conference and rally in front of the Wilson Building. Over 500 D.C residents testified against the deal later that day. CCAN and other allies demanded sustainability standards, housing commitments, and stronger environmental protections.

What Advocates Tried to Secure: A Step Forward

The D.C. Council voted 9-3 to approve the RFK Stadium redevelopment deal during the first vote on August 1, and the final package included a few environmental and labor wins, largely thanks to Councilmember Charles Allen, including:

• Materials and methods consistent with the goal of achieving LEED Platinum v. 5 – which is often called “the world’s leading green building standard.”
• Removal of 2,00 parking spots and a pause on one garage
• $600 million transit fund to improve public transportation
• Adherence to stormwater and floodplain standards for the Anacostia River
• Project labor agreement and labor peace agreement for the stadium and hotels on the site.

Because the D.C Council votes twice on every legislation, the coalition continued the fight before the second vote in September. Environmental groups continued to meet with Councilmembers to push for much stronger environmental provisions. CCAN emphasized accountability and enforcement, challenging vague language like “goal of achieving” LEED platinum and calling for more than just a pause on the garage.

We urged the Council to uphold D.C. laws such as the Greener Government Buildings and the Anacostia Environmental Waterfront Standards Acts to ensure sustainable, flood-safe construction. We also encouraged Metro capacity improvements by the first Commander’s game and a citizens’ oversight committee to continue to hold the team accountable.

What We Learned by Lobbying the Council

Lobbying helped us see what was happening behind the scenes. Councilmembers told us that they shared our concerns about the project meeting construction benchmarks and environmental goals, and they agreed with many of CCAN’s proposed changes to increase accountability and enforcement. They also acknowledged that the Commanders’ team had received a $1 million waiver for cutting down heritage trees, confirming the patterns of seeking exemptions from D.C. laws.

Yet, most councilmembers hesitated to introduce amendments unless assured of seven votes in support. They did not believe that they had enough leverage to press harder and told us that the team would threaten to walk away with any additional changes. Unfortunately, the second Council vote was even more telling. Despite our extensive outreach and sustained calls from community and environmental advocates, the bill passed again, 11-2, with minimal changes.

The amendments to strengthen the language around meeting LEED platinum status and zero waste standards were voted down. The fight demonstrated how quickly corporate influence can undermine community needs.

Looking Forward: Capital One Arena

The RFK experience offers a clear takeaway: D.C.’s sustainability laws mean little without enforcement. Developers repeatedly lobby for exemptions, weakening implementation of laws such as the Greener Government Buildings Act and the Anacostia Waterfront Environmental Standards Act.

We’re seeing it again now. As Capital One Arena plans major renovations, its owner is seeking exceptions from D.C.’s energy efficiency standards — déjà vu from the RFK deal. This time, however, there is hope: the Green Building Advisory Council has denied the request for exemptions, is insisting that the arena reduce on-site energy use. It’s a crucial stand for accountability and a precedent we need to build on as we look to the future at the RFK Stadium project.

What Comes Next

The RFK Stadium fight isn’t over. The Commanders’ development still must meet key D.C. sustainability laws, and community voices remain critical in ensuring accountability moving forward. The coalition’s power came from unity — environmental, housing, and labor advocates working together for shared goals. Councilmembers could learn from that example: holistic advocacy brings better outcomes for everyone.

As D.C. eyes future development, including RFK and Capital One Arena, we must continue to demand transparency, accountability, and equity. Community groups, Councilmembers, and regulators must all stand firm, making sure billionaire developers play by the same rules as every D.C. resident.