Mayor Bowser Releases Plan to Create Connected, Lively RFK Campus for Game Day and Every Day

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Office of Planning (OP) transmitted the RFK Campus Master Plan to the Council of the District of Columbia. The plan establishes a framework for developing 180 acres of land along the Anacostia River as a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient riverfront campus. The DC Council will now review the plan, conduct a public hearing on September 30, 2026, and vote to adopt it by the end of the year.

"With this plan, we're showing that we really can do it all: increase our housing supply, bring in jobs and entertainment, create new recreation opportunities and preserve our green spaces - and all anchored around an iconic stadium," said Mayor Bowser. "We know our responsibility with this site and we're grateful for everyone who provided feedback. This will be the largest economic development project in DC history. Our charge is to turn 180 acres of land on the banks of the Anacostia, on the monumental axis, into jobs and opportunity for our city and our residents. And that's what we plan to do."

The master plan will be used to steer site development, coordinate priorities with federal stakeholders, and set development and infrastructure improvement guidelines for the business community. It reflects feedback from residents, small businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders, including over 3,000 written comments received during a 45-day public comment period in summer 2026. OP and agency partners held more than 30 engagement events throughout the planning process to speak with a broad range of stakeholders.

The resulting master plan contains a development framework to guide the buildout of four distinct districts across the site, with an additional two districts dedicated to parks and recreation. It also provides guidelines for the design of new buildings, streets, and sidewalks. On game days, the campus's series of flexible open spaces will act as an extension of the stadium to accommodate crowds and pre-event activities. Year round, the campus will provide walkable amenities, park spaces, community gathering places, recreational features, and improved river access.

"I look forward to seeing how the Office of Planning has incorporated community feedback into finalizing the RFK Master Plan," said Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and as the Ward 7 Councilmember, I am committed to ensuring that the city gets it right at every stage of the process."

Based on community feedback from the comment period and the entirety of DC Government's public engagement, OP made updates to the master plan, including:

• New information on WMATA's planned Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit route, expansion of the Stadium-Armory Metro Rail station, roadway enhancements for the stadium opening in 2030, and strategies for improved pedestrian and bicycle connections east of the Anacostia River, as well as traffic operations and parking management guidance.
• A redesign of the Kingman Commons district to incorporate newly identified utility line locations, updated program needs, and additional park space.
• Clearer direction on zoning, development phasing, equitable distribution of affordable housing, priorities for local hiring, community benefits, and strategies to prevent displacement.
• New recommendations to create a place management entity and activate the site before and after construction with food trucks, farmers markets, community activities, and parking garage shared uses.

"We have appreciated hearing from so many people about their hopes for RFK campus, including how it should be inviting for all neighbors, from both sides of the river," said OP Director Anita Cozart. "The master plan supports this desired inclusivity with easy access to the river and recommendations for everyday activities like fitness trails, community gardens, food trucks, and farmers markets."

"From day one, we committed to public input being an instrumental part of the RFK Campus redevelopment, and we've delivered," said RFK Project Executive Brian Hanlon. "It's exciting to see the District continue to move closer to the goal line in developing a transformative project that will positively impact the lives of all Washingtonians."

The Council's Committee of the Whole has scheduled a public hearing on September 30 for the RFK Campus Master Plan and proposed legislation to update the site's land uses. Members of the public can register to testify and view the hearing live on the Council's website.

After approval of the final master plan, DC agencies, federal stakeholders, and the business community can start working together to begin development and infrastructure improvements. Learn more about the project, read the final plan, and subscribe to updates at OurRFK.dc.gov.