Two District business groups have announced their support for the RFK Stadium plan proposed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and supported by the owners of the Washington Commanders.
“The DC Chamber of Commerce is proud to stand behind Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. government to support the future redevelopment of the RFK site,” the organization said in a statement supported by President and CEO Chinyere Hubbard. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring new life to a historic location, made possible by the largest private investment in D.C. history and a committed public-private partnership between the Washington Commanders and the D.C. government.”
She said that the new stadium will promote more opportunities for growth for the District and residents.
“This development will be a catalyst for economic revitalization by creating thousands of jobs, attracting vital investment, and serving as an anchor for city-wide prosperity,” Hubbard continued. “These future plans also align strongly with the goals outlined in Mayor Bowser’s DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan, ensuring that our city takes critical actions to promote economic growth and sustainability.”
As president and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce, Hubbard also noted the major benefits the stadium deal offers the District’s business community, saying it “will see real, tangible benefits as a result of this new development.”
Hubbard emphasized the overall benefits of the stadium’s new and improved return to RFK.
“A state-of-the-art stadium will serve as an anchor tenant for a transformational mixed-use infrastructure in Ward 7, featuring thousands of units of housing, a youth sports complex, parks, businesses, and new jobs,” she said. “This project is a smart investment that will strengthen our small business ecosystem, increase tourism, generate tax revenue, and ensure that economic benefits are felt by residents across all eight wards.”
Getting the RFK deal was not only a local fight or business deal, but a congressional effort as well.
“We congratulate Mayor Bowser on a promise made and a promise fulfilled. Thank you to the District government, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congressman James Comer (R-Kentucky), and members of Congress who moved this forward, as well as the Washington Commanders for making this incredible opportunity a reality for Washington, D.C.,” Hubbard said. “We look forward to working with the D.C. City Council to ensure the business community is heard during this process.”
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), led by Shawn Townsend, also favors Bowser’s revitalization of the RFK Stadium site.
“This transformative project represents a significant opportunity for the restaurant and hospitality industry in Washington, D.C.,” RAMW said in a statement. “The planned $3.7 billion redevelopment will not only bring a state-of-the-art, 65,000-seat stadium back to the heart of the city, but also includes the creation of vibrant mixed-use districts featuring housing, retail, entertainment venues, and green spaces along the Anacostia River. For our industry, this development is poised to be a catalyst for growth and revitalization.”
In addition to the possibilities for the restaurants, retail and more, RAMW also celebrated the idea of welcoming visitors to check out gems around the District.
“The influx of visitors for year-round events, including major concerts and sporting events, will drive increased demand for dining and hospitality services,” the statement said. “The inclusion of new restaurants, hotels, and recreational facilities within the development plan offers substantial opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Like the DC Chamber of Commerce, RAMW is looking forward to collaborating with other entities to create a new and improved RFK campus and beyond.
“RAMW is committed to working closely with city officials and stakeholders to ensure that the restaurant and hospitality community is an integral part of this redevelopment,” the statement said.