Budget & Taxes

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 28, 2025

B 26-0086: Great Streets Program Expansion Neighborhood Retail Priority Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill amends the Retail Incentive Act of 2004 to expand designated "Retail Priority Areas" in four specific neighborhoods: Mount Vernon Triangle, Eastern Market, Barracks Row, and Georgia Avenue. It updates the geographic boundaries for these areas to include new parcels and streets, making retail businesses in these zones eligible for incentives like tax credits and streamlined permitting. The changes take effect February 4, 2025, and require congressional review as an emergency amendment. This directly affects property owners and small retailers in those designated neighborhoods by expanding access to existing retail support programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax credits to retail businesses in designated areas, directly advancing tax incentive programs under Budget & Taxes policy area.90% confidence

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Jan 9, 2026

B 26-0281: Reservoir District Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2025

This bill creates a 20-year real property tax exemption for specific parcels (Lots 809, 810, 814, 815 in Square 3128) owned by McMillan Parcel 2 Owner, LLC and McMillan Parcel 4 Owner, LLC. It requires the property owner to operate 449 housing units, with one-third designated as affordable for households earning 80% of the Area Median Income, and to contract with certified business enterprises for at least 35% of construction spending. The exemption begins October 1, 2029, but is reduced proportionally if the owner fails to meet these housing or contracting requirements. The tax break applies in addition to other existing tax relief for the property.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax exemption reducing government revenue, directly weakening budget resources despite affordable housing conditions.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 1/3 of 449 units be affordable (80% AMI) via tax incentive, directly advancing affordable housing goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Landlords Property Taxes

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signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 11, 2025

PR 26-0252: USBC Economic Development Corporation Revenue Bonds Project Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This bill authorizes the District of Columbia to issue up to $37.5 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds for the US Black Chambers Economic Development Corporation (USBC). The funds will finance acquiring and renovating specific properties in Ward 5, including the former BET headquarters at 1900 W Place, N.E., and adjacent parcels at 1301 W Street, N.E., 1235 W Street, N.E., and a parking lot. The bonds are structured as non-recourse to the District, meaning the District bears no financial liability or obligation for repayment, and the funds will directly support USBC's headquarters facility project. The resolution designates this as an emergency to expedite bond issuance and avoid delays in securing favorable market interest rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes tax-exempt revenue bonds ($37.5M) for economic development, directly utilizing tax policy to fund infrastructure projects, aligning with fiscal management and funding mechanisms.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 18, 2026

B 26-0090: Neighborhood Management Authority Act of 2025

The Neighborhood Management Authority Act of 2025 creates two neighborhood management authorities - one for the Greater U Street Corridor (dubbed the "Duke District") and one for Columbia Heights - to improve safety, maintain public spaces, support local businesses, and coordinate city services in these areas. Each authority will have a governing board of residents and business representatives, funded through dedicated local revenue streams like parking fees (e.g., from the U Street Performance Parking Zone), without requiring property tax increases. The bill aims to address specific community needs identified in prior initiatives, such as the U Street Safety Initiative and Columbia Heights Public Life Study, by enabling hyper-local management of resources and services. This structure is designed to help these neighborhoods thrive amid rapid development and growing public space demands.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds neighborhood authorities via dedicated local revenue streams (parking fees), creating new tax-based funding for local services and fiscal management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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signed · District of Columbia · Legislature May 1, 2026

B 26-0327: Schools First Amendment Act of 2025

This bill amends how District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) calculate individual school budgets by adding "average position cost" as a factor. This cost includes salary for school-based educators, specifically referencing Washington Teacher Union members. The key change requires adjusting each school's budget for the next fiscal year based on the projected increase in this average cost. The amendment modifies existing budgeting law (D.C. Code § 38-2851.01 et seq.) to incorporate this new factor. It directly affects DCPS school budget calculations and educator funding levels.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAmends DCPS budget calculation to include educator salary costs, increasing school funding allocation based on projected salary increases.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAmends DCPS budgeting to factor in teacher salary costs, ensuring funding adjustments for educator compensation per bill's explicit language.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates budget adjustments based on projected salary increases for educators (specifically referencing teacher union members), directly supporting wage stability and funding for workers in labor/employment context.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Teachers Collective Bargaining

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 4, 2025

B 26-0068: Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires the District of Columbia to guarantee free or low-cost after-school and summer programs for all public school students (ages 21 or younger, or 22 for special education) by 2036. It directs the Office of Out of School Time to coordinate funding, track program data, and increase high-quality program seats by at least 10% annually to ensure equitable access - prioritizing underserved neighborhoods and at-risk youth. Community-based organizations providing these programs will be key partners in meeting the goal. The law also limits the Office’s overhead costs to 7% of its annual budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates government funding for universal after-school programs, increasing public service expenditures and prioritizing equitable access through annual budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates free/low-cost after-school programs, requires 10% annual program expansion, prioritizes underserved communities - directly funds and expands educational access beyond school hours.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Apr 7, 2026

B 26-0462: 988 Lifeline Support and Sustainability Establishment Amendment Act of 2025

This bill creates a permanent funding source for Washington, D.C.'s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and related behavioral health services by imposing a modest monthly fee on telecommunications services (landlines, wireless, prepaid, VoIP). The fee structure mirrors the existing E911 charge, generating an estimated $12.5 million annually from D.C.'s 16.3 million telecom lines. Revenue will fund three key crisis response components: the 24/7 988 hotline, mobile crisis teams (CRT and ChAMPS), and crisis stabilization facilities. The legislation replaces temporary federal grants with a dedicated "988 Fund" within the Department of Behavioral Health, ensuring sustainable operations and reducing reliance on volatile budget allocations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes telecom fee to fund crisis services, generating $12.5M annually for essential public health programs, aligning with funding/advancing public services.95% confidence

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in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 3, 2026

B 26-0184: Helping Incentivize Returning Citizen Employment (HIRE) Amendment Act of 2025

The HIRE Amendment Act of 2025 creates a tax incentive program in Washington, D.C., for businesses that hire returning citizens (formerly incarcerated individuals) in full-time roles. It provides a $5,000 annual tax credit per employee for businesses that retain these workers for at least 90 days. The Department of Employment Services will manage the program, ensuring compliance and distributing credits. This law directly affects D.C. employers and over 2,000 returning citizens who reenter the city annually, aiming to reduce employment barriers and recidivism through financial support for hiring.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates $5,000 annual tax credit for businesses hiring returning citizens, reducing taxable income and incentivizing employment through fiscal policy.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates tax incentives for hiring returning citizens, directly reducing recidivism through employment support - a core criminal justice reform strategy.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentTax credit incentivizes hiring returning citizens, directly advancing employment opportunities and workforce inclusion under labor & employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 23, 2025

B 26-0378: Contract No. CW125486 with Modaxo Traffic Management USA, Inc. Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Act of 2025

This bill approves an emergency contract for traffic ticket processing services with Modaxo Traffic Management USA, Inc., authorizing payment of up to $6,002,005.94. It directly affects the District of Columbia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which uses these services to process traffic violations and parking enforcement fines. The contract, effective June 18-October 16, 2025, ensures uninterrupted enforcement services to generate revenue and improve public safety by deterring traffic law violations. The approval bypasses standard procurement rules under emergency procedures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes $6M payment for traffic fine processing to generate revenue, ensuring uninterrupted enforcement and fiscal stability through DMV revenue streams.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 31, 2025

B 26-0065: Solar Shade Expansion Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires the District's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to conduct a feasibility study by January 2026 identifying 20 specific locations - such as parks, roads, bike lanes, and private property - for installing solar canopies. These structures generate solar energy while providing shade, aiming to address heat exposure and expand renewable energy. The bill mandates that the District's Capital Improvements Plan fund five solar canopy projects starting in fiscal year 2027, and authorizes DOEE to issue grants to private entities for similar projects. It directly affects the District government, which must implement the study and funding, and private property owners who may access grant support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates Capital Improvements Plan funding for solar canopy projects, directly allocating budget resources to expand renewable energy infrastructure.92% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates feasibility study and funds 5 solar canopy projects to expand renewable energy infrastructure, directly advancing clean energy deployment.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates feasibility study and funding for solar canopies to expand renewable energy infrastructure, directly promoting clean energy generation and addressing heat exposure through climate-resilient projects.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds solar canopy projects for renewable energy infrastructure, advancing clean technology deployment in public spaces.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates solar canopies on bike lanes (transportation infrastructure), promoting sustainable energy use within transit corridors per feasibility study requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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