Fairness in Use and Negotiation for All Recreational Property Act of 2025

This bill (B 26-0103) requires the Mayor to obtain public input and Council approval before entering into long-term exclusive leases of District-owned recreational property (like parks and sports fields) for three or more years. It directly affects District residents who use these public spaces and the Mayor’s office, closing a loophole where leases under $1 million could bypass review. Key mechanisms include mandating a public hearing with 30 days’ notice to neighborhood commissions and requiring the Council to approve a resolution detailing the lease terms, current public use, fair market value, and racial equity impacts. The bill ensures residents and Council representatives can review agreements before public access to these facilities is restricted.