Landmark Legislation by Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
Over the course of his 13-year tenure on the D.C. Council, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie has advanced a comprehensive and strategic legislative agenda aimed at building a more equitable, inclusive, and resilient District. His work reflects a long-term commitment to addressing structural inequities while strengthening the foundations of opportunity for District residents across multiple policy domains. This landmark legislation highlighted below spans public safety and justice system reform; equity-driven economic and workforce development; sports, tourism, and major redevelopment projects; cultural and historic preservation; housing, land use, and anti-displacement; and racial equity, wealth building, and reparative policy.
Taken together, these efforts demonstrate a deliberate approach to policymaking that pairs immediate interventions with durable, systems-level reforms—leveraging legislation, budget authority, and oversight to ensure that public investments deliver measurable benefits for communities that have historically been left behind.
Disposition of District Land for Affordable Housing Amendment Act
Established minimum affordable housing requirements for the sale or transfer of District-owned land.
Housing Production Trust Fund Supplemental Funding Act
Dedicates excess General Fund dollars to the Housing Production Trust Fund to boost affordable housing.
NEAR Act
Body-Worn Camera Program Regulations Amendment Act
Established transparency and privacy rules for MPD’s body-worn camera program.
Fair Credit History Steering Act
Prohibited most employers from using credit history in hiring decisions.
Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act
Modernized juvenile justice system, banning juvenile life without parole and solitary confinement.
Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act
Ensured fair housing access for returning residents by limiting use of criminal records.
Expanding Access to Justice Amendment Act
Established free legal services for low-income residents in eviction proceedings.
Housing Production Trust Fund Target Modification Act
Raised minimum share of HPTF resources dedicated to lowest-income households.
Diverse Washingtonians Commemorative Works Act
Updated commemorative works process to honor diverse Washingtonians in each Ward.
Go-Go Official Music Act
In addition to designating Go-Go as D.C.’s official music, the act provided grants to local artists and support for preservation and archival history.
Diverse Emerging Fund Managers Act
Required reporting on diverse fund managers in public retirement funds.
Equity Impact Fund for 2020
Established the Equity Impact Fund to expand capital access for Equity Impact Enterprises (EIEs) and Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) that lack traditional financing, delivering revenue‑based investments, equity support, and tailored training through through Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). The fund helped under‑resourced, resident‑owned businesses hire locally, stabilize operations, scale sustainably, and build long‑term community wealth across the District.
Business Support Grants Emergency for 2020
Established to was established to provide financial assistance to eligible businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in sectors such as child development, retail, restaurant, and sports and entertainment.
DC Disparity Study
Funded study to evaluate barriers for POC- and woman-owned businesses.
Racial Equity Achieves Results (REACH) Act
Institutionalized racial equity in District government operations by passing the REACH Act, establishing the Council Office of Racial Equity (CORE) to embed racial equity analysis into legislative decision‑making, and ensuring that the Council conducts Racial Equity Impact Assessments (REIAs) on major bills. As of the end of 2025, approximately 500 REIAs were completed to date, strengthening transparency, accountability, and equitable outcomes across District policy.
Child Wealth Building Act (“Baby Bonds”)
Created a child trust fund to benefit families with low incomes and help narrow the District’s racial wealth gap.
The African American and Cultural Studies for 2021
Focused on developing a curriculum that emphasizes African-American history and cultural studies for high school students enrolled in District of Columbia Public or Charter Schools.
Direct Cash Assistance for 2021
Expanded direct cash assistance in 2021 by supporting guaranteed‑income pilots that provided unrestricted monthly payments to DC residents facing economic hardship, helping families stabilize housing, cover essentials, and build financial resilience during the pandemic.
Clean Hands Certification Equity Amendment Act
Exempted driver’s licenses and permits from Clean Hands requirements.
Medical Cannabis Amendment Act
Modernized cannabis program, embedding social equity protections.
Insurance Database Amendment Act of 2024
Created commission to study reparations in D.C.
Clean Hands Certification Economic Expansion Act
Raised debt threshold for Clean Hands certification to $1,000.
Career and Technical Education Study Amendment Act
Funded a comprehensive study of DC’s vocational education system, identifying gaps in career and technical education and evaluating youth career‑preparation pathways.
Downtown Arena Revitalization Act
Increased minimum certified business enterprise from 35 to 40 percent, ensuring greater participation from local businesses.
Historic African American Burial Grounds Preservation Fund Act
Establishes a District fund for historic cemeteries and burial grounds.
Certified Business Enterprise Program Protection Act
Authored requirements for 40% CBE and 20% CBE equity and development participation of the CBE program, improving oversight, accountability, and benefits for truly local, resident‑owned businesses.
Autonomous Vehicles Amendment Act
Advanced a framework for autonomous vehicles in DC, establishing safety standards, data requirements, and community protections as this technology evolves.
Official Sports Capital Act
Designated D.C. as the nation’s Official Sports Capital.
RFK Campus Redevelopment Act
Transforms 180 acres of the RFK Campus into a mixed‑use community with a new Commanders stadium, 6,000+ homes including 1,800 affordable units, major retail and hospitality, 30% public open space, a $50M+ community benefits agreement, and strong labor and local‑hiring requirements.
Learn more about these landmark pieces of legislation
Explore the full story behind each bill including what it does, why it matters, and its impact on you and other constituents in the District of Columbia.
Public Safety & Justice Reform
Neighborhood Engagement Achieves Results (NEAR) Act of 2015
What it does: Embeds a public health framework into crime prevention.
- Creates ONSE to connect at‑risk residents to counseling and workforce programs.
- Pairs MPD officers with mental health professionals for crisis response.
- Requires MPD to publish stop‑and‑frisk and use‑of‑force data.
Why it matters: Moves beyond reactive policing by addressing root causes of violence.
Impact: Expanded community‑based safety programs and informed justice reform.
Body‑Worn Camera Program Regulations Amendment Act of 2015
What it does: Establishes transparency and privacy rules for MPD’s body‑worn cameras.
- Allows FOIA requests with privacy protections.
- Sets retention at 90 days, with extensions for investigations.
- Requires audits of the program.
Why it matters: Builds trust in law enforcement while protecting privacy.
Impact: Increased accountability and reduced misconduct.
Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act of 2016
What it does: Modernizes juvenile justice system.
- Bans juvenile life without parole.
- Ends solitary confinement for youth.
- Expands diversion and mediation programs.
Why it matters: Treats youth in developmentally appropriate ways.
Impact: Reduced unnecessary detention and improved rehabilitation outcomes.
Expanding Access to Justice Amendment Act of 2017
What it does: Provides free legal services to low‑income residents in eviction cases.
Why it matters: Housing stability is foundational to opportunity.
Impact: Prevented displacement and improved case outcomes.
Economic & Workforce Development
Fair Credit History Steering Act of 2015
What it does: Prohibits most employers from using credit history in hiring.
Why it matters: Removes barriers that disproportionately affect low‑income applicants.
Impact: Ensured fairer access to jobs.
Post‑COVID Small Business Support Efforts
What it does: Emergency grants, property acquisition fund, equity impact fund.
Why it matters: Stabilized small businesses during crisis.
Impact: Preserved jobs and neighborhood businesses.
Diverse Emerging Fund Managers Act (2020)
What it does: Requires reporting on diverse fund managers in retirement funds.
Why it matters: Promotes equity in public investing.
Impact: Improved accountability and broadened participation.
DC Disparity Study (2020)
What it does: Evaluates barriers for POC‑ and woman‑owned businesses.
Why it matters: Provides data to design equity‑focused procurement programs.
Impact: Expanded opportunities for diverse firms.
Medical Cannabis Amendment Act (2022)
What it does: Modernizes cannabis program with social equity protections.
Why it matters: Shifts policy from enforcement‑driven to equity‑driven.
Impact: Expanded diverse, locally owned cannabis industry.
Clean Hands Certification Economic Expansion Act (2024)
What it does: Reformed the Clean Hands Certification law so residents can still access essential services and economic opportunities even if they owe the District. This removed a barrier that disproportionately harmed low‑income and Black and brown communities and helping thousands stay eligible for business licenses, housing, jobs, and public benefits.
Why it matters: Removes hidden barriers to entrepreneurship.
Impact: Enabled more residents to obtain licenses.
Career Pathways Study Amendment Act (2024)
What it does: Analyze the history of vocational education in the District and identify CTE gaps.
Why it matters: Strengthens career alternatives to four‑year college.
Impact: Improved alignment between education and workforce systems.
Certified Business Enterprise Program Protection Act (2025)
What it does: Strengthens integrity and enforcement of the CBE program.
Why it matters: Prevents misuse of certification by larger firms.
Impact: Preserved opportunities for legitimate local businesses.
Autonomous Vehicles Amendment Act (2025)
What it does: Establishes framework for autonomous vehicles in D.C.
Why it matters: Positions D.C. as a leader in transportation innovation.
Impact: Enabled safe testing and deployment of driverless vehicles.
Sports & Redevelopment
Downtown Arena Revitalization Act (2024)
What it does: Approved redevelopment of Capital One Area with labor and community benefits.
- Applies First Source and apprenticeship laws.
- Supports Project Labor Agreement parameters for fair wages and benefits.
- Negotiated commitments for youth sports fields, camps, and transportation.
Why it matters: Ensures redevelopment yields inclusive economic growth—quality jobs, small business participation, and youth benefits.
Impact: Increased opportunities for local businesses and youth sports programs.
Official Sports Capital Act (2025)
What it does: Designates D.C. as the nation’s Official Sports Capital.
- Requires plan to attract/retain major events.
- Invests in youth/community sports.
- Provides ≥$500,000 annually for marquee events.
Why it matters: Treats sports as an economic engine tied to youth opportunity and tourism.
Impact: Expands events, investments, and related industries; elevates D.C.’s national profile.
RFK Campus Redevelopment Act (2025)
What it does: Activates 180 acres into mixed‑use community with housing and jobs.
- Labor & local business requirements: First Source, apprenticeship, CBE participation.
- Community Benefits Agreement: ≥$50M over 30 years for jobs, youth, housing stability, health equity, sustainability.
- Caps District contributions; adds stadium sales tax.
Why it matters: Embeds affordability, labor equity, community reinvestment, and accountability in redevelopment.
Impact: Catalyzes Anacostia Waterfront growth, creates jobs, expands affordable housing, and funds long‑term reinvestment.
Cultural & Historic Preservation
Diverse Washingtonians Commemorative Works Amendment Act (2019)
What it does: Updates the process for approving commemorative works on public space to make it clearer, more inclusive, and intentional.
- Clarifies definitions and distinguishes commemorative works from other public art.
- Expands committee composition to include diverse citizen members.
- Aligns agency review with CFA/NCPC when required.
- Encourages honoring native Washingtonians and minority groups.
Why it matters: Modernizes commemoration to reflect D.C.’s diverse history and addresses gaps in prior processes.
Impact: Broadens representation in public spaces and strengthens trust in approval processes.
Go‑Go Official Music Act (2019)
What it does: Recognizes go‑go as D.C.’s official music and directs preservation/support of its history and legacy.
- Affirms cultural identity rooted in D.C.
- Requires mayoral plan to support and archive go‑go.
- Eliminates statutory curfews restricting youth attendance at dance halls.
Why it matters: Preserves a historically Black, locally rooted art form and connects cultural recognition with equity.
Impact: Elevates go‑go within institutions, supports preservation, and sustains the genre.
Historic African American Burial Grounds Preservation Fund Act (2025)
What it does: Establishes a dedicated District fund to preserve, protect, and honor historic African American cemeteries and burial grounds.
- Creates the Paul E. Sluby, Sr. Preservation Fund.
- Provides grants for preservation, mapping, education, and repatriation.
- Supports community‑led efforts and strengthens public memory.
Why it matters: Addresses neglect and erasure of sacred sites; advances preservation and racial equity.
Impact: Provides sustained resources to stabilize endangered burial grounds; fully funded in FY26 budget.
Housing & Anti‑Displacement
Disposition of District Land for Affordable Housing Act (2013)
What it does: Establishes minimum affordable housing requirements for the sale/transfer of District‑owned land.
- ≥30% affordable near transit; ≥20% elsewhere.
- Sets affordability levels for rental and ownership units.
- Waivers only if subsidies exhausted.
Why it matters: Ensures public land serves public needs near high‑opportunity corridors.
Impact: Increased supply for very low‑income households and set durable standards.
Housing Production Trust Fund Supplemental Funding Act (2014)
What it does: Directs surplus General Fund dollars to HPTF.
Why it matters: Creates predictable mechanism to invest surplus in affordability.
Impact: Strengthened capacity to address housing shortages and displacement.
Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act (2016)
What it does: Ensures fair access to rental housing for returning residents.
- Limits use of criminal records in housing decisions.
- Requires transparency and written explanations for denials.
Why it matters: Removes structural barriers and prevents blanket bans.
Impact: Expanded access for returning residents and strengthened accountability.
Housing Production Trust Fund Target Modification Act (2019)
What it does: Raises minimum share of HPTF resources dedicated to lowest‑income households from 40% to 50%.
Why it matters: Directs more dollars to households with greatest instability.
Impact: Improved equity in housing production and reduced homelessness pressures.
Racial Equity & Wealth Building
Racial Equity Achieves Results (REACH) Act (2020)
What it does: Institutionalizes racial equity across District government operations.
- Creates Office of Racial Equity and advisory boards.
- Requires agency action plans and training.
- Mandates racial equity tools in budgeting.
Why it matters: Codifies equity as a guiding principle.
Impact: Lays foundation for more equitable decisions and resource allocation.
Child Wealth Building Act (“Baby Bonds”) (2021)
What it does: Created a child trust fund to benefit low-wealth families.
- Automatic enrollment; $500 initial deposit.
- Annual deposits based on family income.
- Funds usable for education, homeownership, entrepreneurship.
Why it matters: Interrupts intergenerational poverty and closes racial wealth gaps.
Impact: First municipal baby bonds program in the U.S.; promotes equitable asset building.
Direct Cash Assistance (2022)
What it does: Funds $1.5M in direct cash assistance programs.
Why it matters: Unrestricted cash advances racial and gender equity.
Impact: Provided $900/month for one year to families in Wards 5, 7, and 8.
Insurance Database Amendment Act of 2024 (2023)
What it does: Created a Commission to study reparations in DC.
- Studies harms of slavery and systemic racism.
- Recommends compensation and redress mechanisms.
- Creates public slavery‑era database.
Why it matters: Acknowledges D.C.’s historical role in anti‑Black racism.
Impact: Sets stage for future compensation and redress.