AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACCESS

Policy Mission

Housing is a human right. Ward 5 must remain a place where working families, seniors, long-term residents, and transient residents can afford to live. We will fight displacement, expand affordable units, and create pathways to homeownership for Ward 5 families.

Community Concern

Ward 5 is under intense development pressure, particularly along the NoMa, Edgewood, and Ivy City corridors. While new development brings opportunity, it also drives the displacement of long-term, lower-income residents. Median rents in Ward 5 have increased dramatically over the past decade.

Policy Priorities

Affordable Housing Production

Advocate for dedicated Ward 5 allocations from the DC Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF)
Support government-owned mixed-income development on DC-owned land parcels throughout Ward 5
Advocate for a minimum of 30–60% affordable units (at AMIs of 30–80%) in all new large developments in Ward 5
Champion workforce housing for unique populations that serve in the District (teachers, police officers, medical community)

Tenant Protections & Anti-Displacement

Strengthen enforcement of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) in Ward 5
Support emergency rental assistance expansions for Ward 5 households through funding provided to community organizations and explore expanded income thresholds
Work with DHCD to bring more Ward 5 buildings under Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) covenants

Homeownership & Wealth Building

Expand DC’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) outreach in Ward 5
Research the most effective way to administer the HPAP program and suggest the removal of the lottery system
Create a Ward 5 First-Time Homebuyer Cohort in partnership with local CDFIs and credit unions
Advocate for acquisition funding to support Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in Ward 5
Strengthen, define, and enforce laws prohibiting squatting

Supportive & Transitional Housing

Support development of new permanent supportive housing units for populations experiencing housing instability
Partner with nonprofits to create transitional housing pathways tied to workforce training programs and re-entry programs for the formerly incarcerated
Draft legislation to gain access to blighted property for transitional housing with 24-hour support and in-house workforce development