Statement on the Restoration of the District of Columbia Tipped Wage Credit

Mayor Bowser’s decision to embed repeal in her budget wasn’t just symbolic — it was a catalytic moment that reframed the entire debate around Initiative 82. It brought urgency, direction, and ultimately, a path forward for the Council to act. We continue to believe that full repeal was the clearest and most effective way to address the crisis facing our industry.

We thank the DC Council for voting to restore the tipped credit and for acknowledging the need to bring greater balance to a policy that has contributed to record closures and job losses. The compromise reached provides operators with more clarity and a stronger foundation to plan for the future.

To be clear, this is a win for the industry. After months of advocacy, coalition-building, and tough conversations, the Council’s vote reflects recognition that the original path forward was not sustainable. While not a full repeal, this outcome brings immediate relief to operators and demonstrates that meaningful, data-driven engagement with the industry can lead to real solutions.

Still, the economic pressures on restaurants are far from resolved — and without continued action, more neighborhood staples will be at risk. We appreciate the Council’s commitment to monitoring real-time data and expect them to remain engaged as conditions evolve.

RAMW remains ready to work with the Mayor, the Council, and our partners to ensure DC’s restaurant community — its workers, owners, and diners — doesn’t just survive, but thrives.