Overview
- The council voted in a first-pass budget that restores roughly $400 million to programs cut in Mayor Muriel Bowser’s FY2027 plan, according to initial votes reported June 9–10.
- Chair Phil Mendelson funded the restorations mainly with a $150 million draw from one reserve account and revenue tied to decoupling from recent federal tax cuts.
- Restorations target early childhood educator pay equity, expanded childcare subsidies, legal aid, paid family leave, health coverage for low-income residents, 659 housing vouchers, $15 million for charter schools, and $300 million for Stadium-Armory Metro upgrades.
- Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee warned that using reserves and one-time revenue will weaken the District’s ability to respond to future downturns and could create a fiscal cliff for the next budget year.
- The council will hold a second budget vote on June 23 and may consider new revenue options this summer and fall to avoid recurring shortfalls, with the mayor set to respond within 10 days after final council approval.