Anthony Crispino

The Council of the District of Columbia discussed and adopted the local portion of the budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The approved expenditure levels are in accordance with section 446(a) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The budget allocates funds to various governmental functions including governmental direction and support, economic development and regulation, public safety and justice, public education systems, human support services, and operations and infrastructure.

The Council of the District of Columbia convened to discuss and enact the Fiscal Year 2025 Revised Local Budget Emergency Act of 2025. Key adjustments were made to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, impacting various sectors including Governmental Direction and Support, Economic Development and Regulation, Public Safety and Justice, Public Education System, Human Support Services, Operations and Infrastructure, and Financing and Other. The council addressed limitations on retroactive pay increases, amendments to the Universal Paid Leave Implementation Fund and the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund, and established a restaurant sales tax holiday. Additionally, grants were allocated to the National, Lincoln, and Howard Theaters, and non-lapsing account transfers were authorized. The session also covered capital project funding rescissions and increases.

Mayor Bowser's Transformational Growth Agenda for the District of Columbia focuses on attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue to grow the local economy. Key areas include investing in downtown revitalization through activations, conversions, and master planning, doubling down on sports and entertainment by attracting the Commanders and enhancing theaters, and investing in the tech sector by reviving incentives and supporting startups. The agenda also aims to reduce barriers to business growth by reforming zoning, pausing energy performance standards, and reforming TOPA, while providing tax support and retail incentives.