Budget & Taxes

This bill creates a streamlined process for property owners to change commercial buildings to residential use (Class 1A) in Washington D.C. Owners must apply with documentation before the change takes effect, and tax rates adjust based on when the application is submitted (full year for Oct-Mar applications, second installment for Apr-Sep). If properties aren't used for residential purposes within 3 years or by permit expiration, the tax classification is reversed ("clawed back") with penalties. It directly affects owners converting commercial properties to residential use, particularly those with new building permits or substantial rehab permits. The bill takes effect January 28, 2026, as an emergency measure.

This resolution declares an emergency to allow the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to transfer $75,000 in allocated funds directly to the nonprofit Friends of Wangari Gardens. The funds will cover the cost of installing a permanent water meter and potable water source at Wangari Gardens, a community garden-park on DDOT-owned property. Currently, the garden relies on an expensive fire hydrant permit (costing $5,525 annually in 2025), depleting its budget. The resolution bypasses standard grant rules that require projects to align with transportation goals, enabling DDOT to fund this water access project directly through the nonprofit.

This resolution authorizes the Council of the District of Columbia's General Counsel to take legal action - including initiating lawsuits or defending cases - to obtain agency budget enhancement requests required by D.C. law (D.C. Official Code § 47-318.05a). It directly affects the Council and District agencies that must submit these budget documents. The key provision grants the General Counsel authority to pursue these requests in court if agencies fail to provide them, ensuring the Council can access required budget information. The resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.

This resolution declares an emergency to modify District of Columbia building energy requirements. It would exempt certain residential and nonresidential projects from strict net zero energy compliance, adjust the definition of net-zero standards under the Clean Energy DC Building Code, and repeal a requirement for subsidized housing projects to meet additional net zero energy standards. These changes aim to provide budget certainty for the District's Executive in fiscal year 2027 and give affordable housing developers time to adjust to modified standards, addressing concerns about funding shortfalls for projects like the Congress Heights pool and Fort Davis Recreation Center. The resolution takes immediate effect without requiring a full legislative review process.