STAND UP for 

THE dISTRICT’s

RESTAURANT

COMMUNITY

Does Anyone Think DC's Restaurant Scene

Is Better Off Since Initiative 82 Passed?

In 2025, DC Council achieved a hard-earned compromise on Initiative 82.

While the original voter-passed initiative aimed to support restaurant workers, the reality told a different story: workers earned less, a record number of neighborhood restaurants closed their doors, and dining costs soared. 

Now, well-funded national advocacy groups are back with another proposal that sounds promising but threatens even greater harm to the local businesses and workers who make our neighborhoods vibrant.

DC deserves better than being a platform for outsiders' national agendas.

Our restaurant community—the servers, bartenders, chefs, and owners who know your customers' names and their orders—built something special here. We weathered a pandemic.

We adapted to unprecedented challenges.

We deserve policies designed for us, not imposed on us.

Support the Cause

As we work to create a brighter future for DC’s restaurant workers, operators, and diners, your donation will directly support critical advocacy efforts. Thank you for generous contribution.

3% Cover the Fee

How DOES THE

Tipped Wage Credit

Actually Work?

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