D.C. Council to vote on RFK master plan featuring 6,500 homes and transit upgrades

Key points

• The D.C. Office of Planning finalized the master plan after receiving over 3,000 public comments, with a draft released in June 2026.
• The plan covers 180 acres along the Anacostia River and includes six districts with specific height and land-use rules.
• Housing targets include up to 6,500 units, with at least 30% designated as affordable, alongside 1,200 hotel rooms and 287,000 square feet of retail space.
• Transit improvements include expanding the Stadium-Armory Metro station and launching a Gold Line bus rapid transit route connecting Union Station to the campus via H Street and Benning Road NE.
• The stadium is designed to hold over 70,000 fans, is capable of hosting a Super Bowl, and is expected to open by fall 2030.
• The D.C. Council will hold a public hearing on September 30, with a vote on adoption expected within weeks.

Background

This master plan follows the release of stadium renderings in September 2026, which showcased a unified seating bowl inspired by the original RFK Stadium. The plan integrates the stadium into a broader mixed-use neighborhood, reflecting a shift toward transit-oriented development in D.C. The project aligns with recent trends in stadium redevelopment, such as the Kansas City Royals' Crown Center plan, which also emphasizes mixed-use development and public-private funding splits.

How outlets are covering it

Axios emphasizes the transit-focused approach, noting that Metro ruled out a second infill station in favor of expanding Stadium-Armory and introducing the Gold Line bus route. NBC4 highlights the community input process, noting that over 3,000 residents provided feedback that shaped the plan, and underscores the economic impact with 30,000 construction jobs. UrbanTurf provides a detailed breakdown of the plan's components, including the six districts, the Gold Line route, and the inclusion of a Sportsplex recreation facility. All sources agree on the key figures for housing, jobs, and transit, but differ in emphasis: Axios focuses on the transit funding gap, NBC4 on community engagement, and UrbanTurf on the specific land-use details.

Why it matters

The RFK master plan represents a significant shift in D.C.'s approach to stadium development, prioritizing transit and mixed-use neighborhoods over car-centric design. The plan's success will depend on the D.C. Council's approval and the ability to deliver the promised transit infrastructure by the 2030 opening. The project also sets a precedent for future stadium developments in the region, potentially influencing how other cities approach similar projects.

What to watch

The D.C. Council will hold a public hearing on September 30, followed by a vote on adoption. If approved, the plan will guide the development of the RFK campus, with construction expected to begin in the coming years. The Commanders are expected to begin construction on the stadium, with the goal of opening by fall 2030. The D.C. Council may also amend the plan before the vote, and the next mayor could propose further changes.