The D.C. Council has finalized its fiscal 2027 budget, sending it to Mayor Muriel Bowser and then to Congress for review. However, the approval process was not without controversy, as the council’s decision to use $150 million from reserve funds has sparked a heated debate with the city’s Chief Financial Officer, Glen Lee.
The budget, which restores cuts from the mayor’s original proposal, aims to balance the city’s financial plan. However, Lee has warned that using reserve funds could make the budget unbalanced, raising concerns about the District’s long-term financial stability.
Council Members Defend Use of Reserve Funds
Council Chair Phil Mendelson argued that the city is only dipping into a small portion of its reserves, ensuring that the reserves will remain well above the gold standard. Ward 6 Council member Charles Allen echoed this sentiment, stating that the move leaves the District in strong financial shape with more than 60 days of cash on hand.
However, some council members expressed concerns about relying on reserves. Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto emphasized the need for a responsible budget that sets the District up for success in the long term. She noted that an amendment was moved to ensure that any budget surplus would be used to replenish the reserves first.
Ward 5 Council member Zachary Parker warned that the public nature of the budget fight could attract unwanted attention from Congress, potentially spelling doom for the District
Implementation of Semi-Open Primaries
Included in the budget’s passage was funding to implement a major elections change that voters approved in 2026. The council signed off on funding to implement semi-open primaries, completing Initiative 83. This change will allow voters with no party affiliation to choose a party ballot in primary elections, opening the process to tens of thousands of independents who are currently shut out of primaries.
Council member Christina Henderson, who introduced the amendment, stated that the move reflects years of effort. Advocates welcomed the vote, arguing that because primaries are funded with taxpayer dollars, all voters should have a say. Lisa Rice, co-founder and CEO of Grow Democracy D.C., expressed her excitement over the vote.
However, not all council members were on board with the change. Mendelson voted against the amendment, arguing that political parties should control their own nomination process. He stated that it doesn’t make sense for non-Democrats to choose the Democratic nominee.
With the funding now approved, semi-open primaries are expected to be in place for the 2028 election cycle.
The city administrator had previously warned that the District would need a $1.1 billion increase in revenue just to maintain current services. The council ultimately restored about $400 million in cuts, including funding for housing vouchers, childcare assistance, and legal services.
