Council Approves Key Step for Sphere National Harbor

The Prince George's County Council has cleared a key step for the Sphere project at National Harbor. Council members voted 8-0 Monday to create an Extraordinary Development District at the proposed site. The new district lets officials move forward with a Tax Increment Financing plan. That financing tool would help cover part of the venue's construction costs.

Officials say the vote itself does not approve construction or the venue's design.

Instead, it lets county staff begin building the financing framework. Labor unions used the meeting to press for guarantees on local jobs.

County Leaders React, Explain Sphere Financing Plan

Prince George's County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha addressed the vote directly. "It's just creating the district," Oriadha said during Monday's meeting. She added that the move lets officials start building the financing framework. County Executive Aisha Braveboy called the outcome a sign of unified support. Her reaction: "I think today's unanimous vote shows that we're all aligned in bringing this very important project to the county."

The Extraordinary Development District designation stems from state legislation passed earlier this year. Lawmakers approved House Bill 1247 in April, expanding the district's allowed uses. That change let officials apply the designation specifically to immersive entertainment projects. Tax Increment Financing is not a new tax on residents. Prince George's County has used similar tools for developments like Woodmore Town Center.

Union Leaders Push for Local Job Guarantees

Union leaders attended Monday's meeting to press for job protections. They called on the council to require a project labor agreement. Greg Akerman leads the Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council. He told reporters that project labor agreements ensure lasting careers, not just temporary work. Akerman said such agreements help residents access union apprenticeship programs. Council members acknowledged the concerns but did not address them during Monday's vote. Final approval of the Sphere project will require additional council action. That future vote will determine whether labor terms become a formal condition. An outside analysis projects the venue could employ more than 1,200 workers. That estimate includes 164 full-time corporate positions once the venue opens.

Sphere Venue Details, Economic Impact, and Timeline

Officials expect the completed venue to generate major regional economic activity. The outside analysis projects an annual payroll of $69 million. Total annual economic impact is projected to be near $1.3 billion once operational. Construction on the project is expected to take about three years. Sphere National Harbor would mark the second Sphere venue in the country. The Las Vegas original opened the Sphere Entertainment brand to global audiences. Plans call for a 6,000-seat venue featuring an exterior Exosphere display. County officials previously announced a $200 million incentive package for the project. That package combines state, local, and private funding sources. Governor Wes Moore and Peterson Companies both joined the project's original 2026 announcement.