DC Council Advances $1B Commanders Stadium, Tipped Wage Rollback

The D.C. Council is advancing its fiscal 2026 budget which carries significant implications for local elections, tipped workers, and the Washington Commanders stadium project. Initiative 83, introducing ranked-choice voting, passed an initial funding vote, potentially reshaping elections by 2026. The budget proposes a compromise on the tipped minimum wage, rolling back Initiative 82 by setting an $8 hourly base and requiring employers to ensure tipped workers earn at least $20 per hour including tips, alongside capping restaurant service fees at 10%. While the budget allocates nearly $1 billion for the Commanders stadium at RFK, including $500 million for infrastructure, the council is delaying final approval to allow more scrutiny of the deal, which exceeds $1 billion in total costs over a decade. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasizes the necessity of council approval for the stadium funding to be meaningful, and council members acknowledge the opportunity to redevelop RFK but seek additional time. A final budget vote is expected within the next two weeks, with public hearings planned to discuss the stadium and wage proposals further.