The D.C. Council voted to approve the RFK Stadium redevelopment deal after the Washington Commanders made additional promises.

The final vote was nine councilmembers in favor, including D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), and three opposed. The decisive moment in negotiations came after the Commanders agreed to ensure more union jobs as part of the project, winning the support of local unions and union-backed members of the council. A second vote will be held in September to finalize the $3.7 billion deal.

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Mendelson praised the deal as a great economic opportunity, saying it was “not just about the Washington Commanders.”

“It’s about looking at other ways we can grow our economy than just relying on the federal government,” he said.

Mendelson, who was long opposed to the deal, said the council was able to “vastly improve” on what was first introduced.

Commanders owner Josh Harris hailed Friday’s vote as a “historic moment.”

“Can you imagine if we continued to have 180 acres with a falling down stadium surrounded by asphalt?” Bowser said after the vote, saying she was “very grateful” to the council for advancing the bill. “Last year when I sat across the table from [Commanders owner] Josh Harris and we said, we can do this … we set out on a course to make that happen. We’re getting real close to that.”

In a statement Friday, Harris called the council’s vote a “historic moment.”

“Like many fans, RFK was the site of memories that fueled my love for this team and this city,” he said. “Now we’re closer than ever to reigniting that energy for a new generation.”

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said she was “very grateful” to the council for their vote in favor of a deal she’s been pursuing for the past decade.

“Last year when I sat across the table from Josh Harris and we said, we can do this … we set out on a course to make that happen. We’re getting real close to that.”

Friday’s vote followed a lengthy hearing, during which over 500 locals presented their vision for the site. The foremost concern of witnesses was bringing jobs to the district, with locals urging leaders to use the stadium as a vehicle for economic opportunity and growth.

Some of the ideas presented at the hearing included building another metro station, parks, restaurants, shops, and areas for concerts, boxing matches, and conventions.

The Commanders sent a letter earlier this week detailing all the commitments they had made outside of funding for the stadium itself. Among the plethora of commitments included developing the spaces “with diverse uses in mind, including, but not limited to, a skate park, pole vaulting areas, a dog park, public plazas, traditional parks, and other public spaces.”

LOCAL JOBS, METRO STATIONS, CONCERTS: DC RESIDENTS MAKE DEMANDS FOR RFK STADIUM DEAL

The Commanders also pledged to build the stadium according to LEED standards, utilize “justice-involved individuals” for 15% of construction and permanent jobs, properly memorialize Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, invest $50 million over 30 years in community benefits prioritizing local wards, and more.

Under the current deal, the stadium is expected to be completed by 2030.