Opinion: 50 Years of Home Rule
By • December 11, 2024 0 25
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the District of Columbia’s Home Rule Act — a milestone for the residents of Washington, D.C., who fought for the right to self-governance after decades of disenfranchisement.
The 1973 Act, signed by President Richard Nixon, granted D.C. residents the ability to elect their own mayor and council, marking a significant step toward local autonomy. For half a century, home rule has allowed the District to build its own identity, set its own policies and tackle challenges in ways that reflect the values and priorities of its residents.
Under the leadership of Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. is the most dynamic city in America. Our finances are strong, crime is down and our economy is booming.
But as we celebrate this important anniversary, we must also remain vigilant. The threat of federal interference in D.C.’s self-governance looms large, especially with the reelection of Donald Trump as president.
As a former elected official, I witnessed firsthand how D.C.’s autonomy has been both a source of strength and a target for those who dismiss our democratic rights. Despite being a vibrant, diverse and economically significant city, D.C. remains uniquely vulnerable to federal overreach. Congress retains the power to review and overturn local laws, meddle in the city’s budget and block policies supported by a majority of residents. This imbalance makes D.C. home rule an ongoing experiment in democracy — one that requires constant defense.
Looking ahead to 2025, there is reason to believe the Trump administration could push for even greater federal interference. His political rhetoric often positions D.C. as a symbol of liberal excess, and his disdain for local decision making is well documented. Recent calls by some Republicans to dismantle home rule altogether, or impose federal mandates on the District, could gain traction in a second Trump term.
To protect D.C.’s autonomy, residents must remain organized, vocal and united. The 50th anniversary of home rule should not only be a time to reflect on past progress, but also an opportunity to recommit to the fight for full representation and self-determination. Local leaders, civic organizations and everyday residents must continue to push back against efforts to erode home rule. This means building coalitions with national allies who understand that the struggle for D.C. democracy is part of a broader fight for justice.
The city should reach out to President Trump and seek his help in addressing some of the issues the city is struggling with. To start, he should order all federal workers back to the office. Even if only two-thirds returned, that is several hundred thousand workers back downtown.
Second on the list is redeveloping our downtown and repurposing now-empty federal buildings. The president could also be helpful with projects such as RFK Stadium, the FBI Building, Union Station and Pennsylvania Avenue. Remember: Trump is a real estate guy who wrote “The Art of the Deal.”
As we honor the legacy of home rule, let us also prepare for the challenges ahead. The District’s fight for autonomy and equality is far from over, but with persistence and solidarity we can ensure that this milestone is a stepping stone toward our ultimate goals.
Jack Evans is the longest-serving member of the District Council, representing Ward 2 from 1991 to 2020. He has lived in Georgetown since 1993.
