Budget & Taxes (Property Tax)

This bill amends an existing law to grant a ten-year real property tax exemption for the 603-unit Gale Eckington apartment complex in Ward 5, aiming to help the building owner invest in necessary repairs and maintain affordable housing. The tax break, which begins in 2031 and is capped at $21 million, is conditional on the owner first resolving all outstanding building code violations and fines issued before October 2031. During the exemption period, the owner must continue to make ongoing capital improvements, upgrade unit fixtures, and promptly address maintenance requests to keep the property safe and functional. The legislation also requires annual compliance checks by the Department of Buildings to ensure the owner meets these maintenance obligations while the tax exemption is in effect.

This bill waives property taxes for 20 years on qualifying housing developments at Washington Metro stations in the District. To qualify, developments must be part of a WMATA joint development agreement requiring at least half the project to be housing and 75% to be new construction or substantial rehabilitation. The exemption applies to properties currently generating no tax revenue for the District, aiming to unlock transit-oriented development at stations like Congress Heights and Deanwood. It takes effect January 1, 2026, to encourage mixed-use projects that increase housing density near transit hubs.