Press Briefing on September 21, 2026: Chairman Previews Legislative Agenda and Addresses Trial, Budget, and Tax Policy

Chairman Phil Mendelson held a press conference on Monday, September 21, 2026, ahead of the Council's legislative meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 22. He outlined the agenda for the Committee of the Whole (11:00 a.m.) and the legislative meeting (noon), then took questions from reporters on topics ranging from the Treyon White trial to ballot initiative reform, budget sustainability, and a planned October roundtable on revenue.

Consent Calendar

• In the Committee of the Whole, four bills are being marked up: (1) changing heating/air conditioning dates to October 1 and April 1; (2) permanent property tax exemption for Food and Friends; (3) clarifying real property tax exemption for Archdiocese of Washington parishes; (4) extending dates for the reservoir district tax exemption and clarifying affordable housing requirements. The strategic parking enhancement bill also clears committee.
• Two confirmations (Board of Library trustees, Eric's ID amendment for invisible disability symbol) are on the legislative agenda.

Media Q&A (Public Comments & Testimony Equivalent)

• Treyon White Trial & Reinstatement: Reporters asked about the possibility of reinstating committee assignments for Councilmember White (Ward 8) if he is acquitted. Chairman repeatedly declined to speculate, stating he has not looked at the issue and will not until the trial concludes. When pressed that the Council had already acted on ethics violations (expulsion vote in January 2025), Chairman acknowledged it is possible the Council could act on those grounds independently of the criminal trial, but again declined to speculate.
• Control Board Threat: Asked whether a White acquittal combined with election of a new mayor could give Congress pretext to impose a control board, Chairman said he has heard such speculation but considers it uncertain. He noted Congress would need to change the law and is preoccupied with budget and national security items. He has taken steps to improve federal relations, hiring a staff member and a firm to help react.
• Ballot Initiative Reform (Councilmember Bonds' Bill): Chairman expressed general support for Bonds' bill, which adds single-subject and other requirements. He argued that the initiative process lacks the deliberative safeguards (hearings, markup, multiple readings) that Council legislation undergoes, making single-subject rules appropriate. He also supports clarifying that initiatives affecting the budget are out of order under the Home Rule Act.
• Food and Friends Tax Exemption: Despite the CFO's determination that the organization no longer qualifies for property tax exemption, Chairman defended the Council's emergency approvals, noting that Food and Friends does important work and the exemption comes at no additional cost to the District. He attributed the CFO's position to technicalities about work performed outside the District.
• Petition Challenges: In response to questions about two individuals repeatedly challenging candidate petitions, Chairman defended the current system as ensuring candidates demonstrate a baseline of support. He argued that a long ballot with many nonviable candidates confuses voters and depresses turnout. He emphasized that the Board of Elections registrar validates challenges, providing a safeguard against abuse.

Discussion Items

• Revenue Roundtable (October 16): Chairman announced a roundtable to gather testimony on the pros and cons of various revenue proposals. He strongly criticized Chairman Comer's federal bill that would freeze the District's tax code, calling it "a horrible, horrible piece of legislation" that would prevent tax cuts, business license changes, economic development incentives, and even oversight changes. He stated the roundtable is not about immediate tax increases but about preparing for possible budget pressures in FY28. He confirmed about 40 witnesses will be invited, primarily subject-matter experts and representatives of organizations with tax expertise; everyday citizens are not the target audience for this hearing.
• Budget Cuts and Sustainability: Reporter Tom Sherwood pressed Chairman on an 8% cut in school funding and 7% cut in human services in the out-years of the financial plan, calling it "fantasy budgeting." Chairman responded that the cuts originated in the mayor's proposal, which the council adopted, and that two-thirds of the $650 million in one-time spending was the mayor's doing. He acknowledged the financial plan is not truly balanced but noted the council has avoided tax increases for the past two years. He indicated that if revenue growth or a surplus do not materialize, raising revenues next year becomes more likely.
• Education Collaboration with New Mayor: Asked about working with a potential Mayor-elect Lewis George, Chairman said he looks forward to collaborating on issues like child care subsidy, pay equity, and the uniform per pupil funding formula. He acknowledged there will be disagreements but is optimistic about working through them.
• Technology in Schools Roundtable: Chairman said the purpose is to hear from parents and educators about screen time overuse, inequities in access, and what DCPS and charter LEAs are doing. He does not have preset opinions but noted that Arlington County has imposed restrictions.
• Housing Legislation: Regarding the mayor's "Rental Act 2.0," Chairman said it rehashes prior Council work and may not be a priority this fall due to limited time. He supports changes to the eviction process but is unsure if that can be enacted before the end of the council period.
• Nationals Park Renovation: Chairman stated the mayor's description of a full renovation is "confused" and that nothing bigger is planned beyond discussions from over a year ago about typical ballpark upgrades.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken at the press conference. The Committee of the Whole will mark up bills on September 22, and the legislative meeting will include final reading of the FY26 supplemental budget temporary act, first reading of the fair initiatives bill, a rules change, and several emergency bills.
• Chairman staked clear positions: supports Bonds' initiative reform bill; opposes Comer's federal tax freeze; defends petition challenge system; supports Food and Friends exemption; critical of mayor's budget cuts but acknowledges need to address out-year fiscal gaps.
• The October 16 roundtable on revenue will proceed with invited experts; no immediate tax increase is planned.