The Fairness in Use and Negotiation for All Recreational Property Act of 2025 aims to enhance public engagement and oversight regarding exclusive use agreements for District-owned recreational properties that last three years or more. The bill mandates that the Mayor must hold at least one public hearing to gather community input before entering into such agreements. Additionally, the Mayor is required to provide written notice of the hearing to affected Advisory Neighborhood Commissions at least 30 days in advance, and the hearing must be held at an accessible time and location. The bill also stipulates that the Mayor must submit a proposed resolution to the Council for review and approval, which includes a detailed analysis of the agreement's terms, the current use of the property, and its fair market value.
Furthermore, the proposed resolution must contain a provision for an annual audit to ensure compliance with the terms of the exclusive agreement. The analysis accompanying the resolution must address various factors, including potential public uses of the property, the rationale for limiting public access, and the expected impact on racial equity. This legislation seeks to close existing loopholes that have allowed the Mayor to lease public recreational spaces without adequate public input or Council oversight, thereby ensuring that District residents retain their rights to access these valuable community assets.