Affordable Housing

Addison is such a champion for affordable housing that in 2021, two of the biggest real estate development companies in DC sent letters to DC government to block a bill Addison proposed that would have allowed the neighbors of Ward 4 to control the development of housing opposed to wealthy developers who are not from our community.

Addison will hold town halls in which Ward 4 residents will be able to VOTE for what gets built in THEIR neighborhoods.

Many luxurious apartments are being built and called "affordable" despite the fact that the average working-class or low-income DC resident can't afford it. 

 

Addison will finance programs that will build REAL affordable housing. 

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Besides the aforementioned housing goals, Addison will increase affordable housing by: 

1. ​

   • Advocate for zoning changes to allow for increased density in certain areas, promoting the construction of more affordable housing units.

   • Support rent control measures to protect tenants from steep rent increases, ensuring that existing affordable housing remains accessible.

   • Collaborate with local developers   to create mixed-income housing projects. Incentivize developers to include affordable units in their developments through tax incentives or grants.

     • Work with non-profit organizations and community development corporations to acquire land and develop affordable housing projects.

2. Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing:

   • Implement policies to prevent the loss of existing affordable housing stock due to gentrification or neglect. This may include offering grants or low-interest loans for property maintenance and renovations.

   • Establish programs to assist low-income homeowners with property taxes or home repairs to help them stay in their homes.

3. Housing Vouchers and Subsidies:

   • Advocate for increased funding for housing vouchers and subsidies to assist low-income individuals and families in affording housing in the private market.

   • Work to streamline the application process for housing assistance programs to make them more accessible to those in need.

4. Supportive Housing and Homelessness Prevention:

   • Allocate resources to provide supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with mental health issues or substance abuse disorders.

   • Invest in homelessness prevention programs, such as rental assistance and job training, to help individuals and families avoid becoming homeless in the first place.

5. Community Engagement and Education:

   • Engage with community members to understand their needs and concerns regarding affordable housing. Hold town hall meetings and listening sessions to gather input and feedback.

   • Educate the public about the importance of affordable housing and the impact it has on individuals, families, and communities.

6. Evaluation and Adjustment:

   • Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of affordable housing initiatives and make adjustments as needed. Monitor key metrics such as the number of affordable units created, the percentage of income spent on housing by low-income residents, and homelessness rates.

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