DCWIP Response to HUD report on DCHA and the emergency legislation proposed

December 13, 2022

In the wake of the HUD report on DCHA and the emergency legislation that was proposed last week (“DC Housing Authority Stabilization and Reform Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2022” PR 24-1107) a group of DC residents convened a meeting facilitated by DC Women in Politics. This diverse group of people were brought together because of our deep concerns about the crisis at DCHA and the proposed legislation.

We commend the Council for recognizing and responding to the crisis in public housing. First and foremost, the DCHA board must have the representation and expertise needed to provide proper oversight of the agency. The amended bill will:

• increase the number of voting tenant representatives from 1 to 4;
• prohibit the perceived retaliation against Commissioners who are whistleblowers; and
• provide for the skills and expertise of Commissioners to effectively address the recommendations found in the scathing 70-page HUD Report. Additionally, it will address residents’ deep concern that the tax-payer dollars be used to provide safe and sanitary housing and that all 8,000 units be fully occupied.

In keeping with the DC Women in Politics mandate to engage women elected officials and advocating for those without an adequate voice, this is the essential framework that DCWIP has crafted in the form of a detailed amendment to the proposed legislation. We are asking all Council Members, the Chairman, and the Mayor vote to adopt these proposed changes when they take up this legislation again on December 20, 2022 with the Committee of the Whole.

Any final draft legislation or amendments voted that do not include the essential six non-mayoral appointees should be an easy “no” vote for any DC Council member committed to affordable housing and good governance.

To review the entire Amendment click here.

DC Women in Politics is a nonpartisan, non-profit women’s advocacy organization interested in increasing the number of women elected to public office and promoting a women’s action agenda. Please Join Us to support our work.