Mayor Bowser Announces Legislation to Protect and Strengthen DC’s Housing Ecosystem
Washington, DC – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the introduction of the Housing Omnibus Amendment Act of 2023, a comprehensive piece of legislation that will protect and strengthen the District of Columbia’s housing ecosystem. The bill includes a range of measures to address the city’s housing affordability crisis, including:
- Expanding rent control: The bill would expand rent control to cover all rental units in the District, regardless of when they were built. This would provide much-needed relief to tenants who are struggling to keep up with rising rents.
- Increasing the supply of affordable housing: The bill would require developers to set aside a percentage of new units for low- and moderate-income households. It would also provide funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing.
- Protecting tenants from eviction: The bill would strengthen tenant protections against eviction, making it more difficult for landlords to evict tenants without good cause. It would also provide legal assistance to tenants who are facing eviction.
“Housing is a basic human right,” said Mayor Bowser. “This legislation will help us to ensure that all DC residents have access to safe, affordable housing.”
The Housing Omnibus Amendment Act of 2023 has been praised by housing advocates and tenant organizations.
“This bill is a major step forward in the fight for housing justice in DC,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “It will help to protect tenants from eviction, increase the supply of affordable housing, and expand rent control. These are all essential measures to address the city’s housing affordability crisis.”
The bill is expected to be voted on by the DC Council in the coming months.
Additional Information
- The Housing Omnibus Amendment Act of 2023 is a companion bill to the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act of 2023, which was introduced by Mayor Bowser in January. The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act would give tenants the right to purchase their rental units if the building is being sold.
- The District of Columbia has a long history of housing discrimination. In the early 20th century, the city was racially segregated, and black residents were forced to live in overcrowded and substandard housing. Today, the District is still grappling with the legacy of housing discrimination, and black and brown residents are more likely to experience housing insecurity than white residents.
- The housing affordability crisis is a major problem in the District of Columbia. According to a 2022 report by the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the District is $2,300 per month. This is unaffordable for many families, especially those with low incomes.
The Housing Omnibus Amendment Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that will help to address the housing affordability crisis in the District of Columbia. The bill would expand rent control, increase the supply of affordable housing, and protect tenants from eviction. It is a major step forward in the fight for housing justice in DC.
Mayor Bowser Announces Legislation to Protect and Strengthen DC’s Housing Ecosystem
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