DC Council 32nd Legislative Meeting (June 23, 2026): FY2027 Budget Passed, Open Primaries Funded

The Council of the District of Columbia held its 32nd legislative meeting of Council Period 26 on June 23, 2026, at 5:15 PM ET in the Johnny Wilson Building. Chaired by Phil Mendelson, the meeting addressed the final reading of the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act, emergency and temporary budget measures, and several amendments, including funding to implement the open primary provisions of Initiative 83. The council also discussed fiscal policy, use of reserves, and committed to a fall hearing on revenue options.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously without changes.

Discussion Items

Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act (Bill 26-659) – Final Reading

• Chairman Mendelson moved an amendment in the nature of a substitute that increased the workforce investment account from $100 million to $105 million, restored funding for Department of Transportation vacancy savings, added $2.1 million to the Board of Elections, $2 million to the Sustainable Energy Utility, and additional funds for school-based mental health, literacy and math initiatives, Department of Corrections lead-up/lead-out program, and special education transportation for Special Olympics.
• Chairman Mendelson also moved five amendments: (1) $150,000 for an FTE at the Ombudsperson for Children for oversight of juvenile facilities (later amended to NPS per Councilmember Allen); (2) two FTEs at the Department of Housing and Community Development; (3) technical clarification on contract termination costs; (4) a contingency list for excess revenues (first $150M to fiscal stabilization reserve, then $9M for housing authority, $3M for emergency rental assistance, $2M for credible messengers, $36M to workforce investment); (5) technical adjustment within the Office of Planning.
• Oral amendments by Chairman Mendelson: (a) moved $21 million for Park Morton redevelopment to the Bruce Monroe line; (b) moved $1.08 million for Johnson Middle School athletic field; (c) increased Garrison Elementary field funding from $500,000 to $1 million. All were accepted without objection.
• Councilmember Nadeau noted the budget still relies on one-time reserves and urged a tax system overhaul. She announced she would introduce a wealth proceeds tax bill and supported a fall hearing on revenue.
• Councilmember Fruman praised the budget as a "soft landing" and defended the use of reserves, noting the CFO’s liquidity concerns are being addressed.
• Councilmember Lewis George highlighted Ward 4 investments in schools, libraries, recreation centers, and workforce pay increases.
• Councilmember Pinto expressed reservations about using reserves but supported the budget, noting the need for fiscal responsibility and a progressive tax structure.
• Councilmember Parker thanked the chairman for restoring family success centers, Safe Shores, and funding for Langdon Park Recreation Center, and for addressing traffic safety and industrial land use.

Open Primaries Amendment (Councilmember Henderson)

• Councilmember Henderson moved an amendment to provide $965,250 from the workforce investment account to fund implementation of the open primary provisions of Initiative 83, which would allow approximately 85,000 independent voters to participate in primary elections. The funding is spread across FY27-29, with FY30 costs from unbudgeted resources.
• Supporters (Councilmembers Henderson, Pinto, Allen, Fruman, Parker) argued that 73% of voters approved the initiative, that independent voters are disenfranchised under the current system, and that the amendment respects voter will. They noted the successful rollout of ranked-choice voting in the June 2026 primary.
• Opponents (Councilmembers Felder, Treyon White) expressed concerns about weakening political parties and the funding source (workforce investment account). Councilmember Bonds questioned whether costs were fully captured.
• Chairman Mendelson stated he would vote no, saying party nominees should be chosen by party members.
• The amendment passed with a majority; two no votes (Felder and Treyon White) and two present (Chairman Mendelson and likely Councilmember Crawford) were recorded.

Other Legislation

• Fiscal Year 2027 Federal Portion Budget Request Act (Bill 26-658) – Approved unanimously as a final reading with leave for technical changes.
• Open Meetings Clarification Amendment Act (Bill 26-208) – Chairman Mendelson moved a clarifying amendment (non-substantive wordsmithing). Councilmember Allen confirmed that email messages are not considered meetings under the act but remain subject to FOIA. The bill was approved with two no votes (Allen and Lewis George) and one present (Treyon White).
• Fiscal Year 2026 Revised Local Budget Emergency Act (Bill 26-662) – Approved unanimously after an amendment in the nature of a substitute that included $22 million reduction in workforce investment to cover charter school special education costs, $10 million for child care subsidy pressure, and funding for DPR hours, school readiness, arts grants, and voting machines.
• Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Emergency Act (Bill 26-660) – Approved unanimously, conforming to the permanent budget, to ensure funding before congressional review.
• Fiscal Year 2026 Revised Local Budget Temporary Act (Bill 26-663) – Approved unanimously, conforming to the emergency act.

Key Outcomes

• The Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act (Bill 26-659) was approved on final reading as amended, with all in favor.
• The Open Primaries Amendment was adopted, providing $965,250 from the workforce investment account to allow independent voters to participate in primary elections starting in 2028.
• The council adopted emergency and temporary budget legislation for FY2026 and FY2027 to ensure continuity before permanent bills take effect.
• Chairman Mendelson committed to holding a public hearing in fall 2026 on tax and revenue options, including potential wealth taxes and other proposals.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 30, 2026, with additional legislative meetings on July 7 (Budget Support Act) and July 14 (final meeting before recess).