Last week, the DC Council voted to approve the redevelopment of the RFK site, clearing the way for the Washington Commanders’ return to the District and a comprehensive plan for the 180-acre campus.
The final legislation—the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act of 2025—passed 11-2 by the DC Council. The $3.7 billion deal includes a $1 billion commitment from the District, and when entirely constructed, is expected to include not only the stadium but also parks, youth sports facilities, mixed-use development, and green space. The stadium is slated to be completed by 2030, with further development of the site planned after that.
The Future of RFK’s Trees
For Casey Trees, much of our concern focused on the future of the site’s 30+ Heritage Trees and 125+ Special Trees. We were particularly troubled by the DC Council’s exemption that would grant developers blanket permission to remove these trees, setting a dangerous precedent for development practices across the city.
Unfortunately, despite a groundswell of support, the exemption was included in the Council’s final legislation. And while many environmentally-focused amendments were proposed and debated, all were eventually declined. This means that some Heritage Trees may be removed.
However, there’s reason to hope. On the same day as the vote, the Commanders issued a letter with commitments to protect as many Heritage Trees as possible, maintain large areas of green space, and implement zero-waste measures.
While these commitments are not legislated, we welcome the Commanders’ pledge to protect the majority of the Heritage Trees, and we are encouraged by their public commitment to minimize tree loss across the development.
significant Community Support for trees
The attention these issues received from the DC Council and the Commanders’ leadership could not have been possible without the advocacy and support of the community.
In August, we launched an online petition calling on the Council to remove the exemption and protect RFK’s trees—and our community rallied with an incredible response. Support for the trees at RFK gained significant coverage in the local, regional, and national press. As of today, more than 4,250 supporters have signed the petition.
In addition to tree protection, Casey Trees was proud to join over 30 local organizations and community groups calling for commitments to clean energy, sustainable transportation, clean water, zero waste, affordable housing, accessible green space, and protections for wildlife and the nearby Anacostia River.
See below for the existing tree map compared against the site concept design. The Commanders’ leadership has committed to protecting all the Heritage Trees in the Festival Plaza and as many Heritage Trees as possible in other areas of the plan. Additionally, they have committed to planting new trees and working collaboratively with the District to protect the riparian area near the Anacostia River.
Continued advocacy
This is more than a stadium project—it presents a rare opportunity to build a resilient, green community space that benefits all residents.
We appreciate everyone who joined us in support of preserving our community’s trees and environment. While the redevelopment will move forward, Casey Trees will continue to advocate for environmental and tree protections that the Commanders have promised, and we will keep our supporters updated as the project planning progresses.
We will also closely monitor the development and work with all of our partners to ensure that RFK becomes a genuinely accessible and vibrant green space. Our determination is unwavering, and we call on the Commanders’ leadership to uphold their promises of stewardship and partnership as this transformative project moves forward.
Want to stay involved? Advocates can still support the trees on the site by signing our petition at caseytrees.org/RFK and staying updated through our newsletter.
