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PR 26-0561

Archdiocese of Washington Parish Real Property, Deed Recordation, and Transfer Tax Exemption Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

DC Council fast-tracked tax exemptions for the Archdiocese of Washington's parish properties, reducing municipal revenue while bypassing standard public review procedures.

Resolution R26-0356, Effective from Mar 03, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 003793
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Bill Summary · PR 26-0561

Legislative bill overview

This emergency resolution, introduced by DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, grants real property tax exemptions and transfer tax exemptions to the Archdiocese of Washington for parish properties. The resolution was fast-tracked through final reading and approved on March 3, 2026, with minimal deliberation between introduction and passage.

Why is this important

The resolution addresses property tax treatment for religious institutional real estate in the District. Such exemptions have significant fiscal implications for DC's tax base and municipal revenue. Additionally, emergency declarations bypass standard notice periods and public comment procedures, raising questions about transparency in tax policy decisions affecting specific organizations.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: The exemptions reduce DC's taxable property base and municipal revenue without identified offsetting funding sources
  • Transparency concerns: Emergency passage limits public input and legislative debate on tax policy decisions
  • Precedent: Granting exemptions to one archdiocese may invite similar requests from other religious organizations, creating equity questions
  • Scope ambiguity: The resolution references "parish real property" without clearly defining which specific properties qualify or the total fiscal exposure
  • Due process: Property owners unable to influence tax treatment decisions made under emergency procedures
  • Accountability: Limited documentation of the rationale for emergency declaration versus standard legislative procedures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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