Washington, DC is at a pivotal moment in confronting its housing crisis. With rents rising and affordability slipping further out of reach for many working individuals and families, the city must act with urgency to modernize outdated housing policies that are standing in the way of solutions. As a trusted nonprofit dedicated to preserving and expanding affordable housing for moderate- and low-income residents, the Washington Housing Conservancy (WHC) has been engaged in policy conversations through the DC Council, Federal City Council, DCBIA, Housing& (formerly HAND), and other key partners. Our mission is rooted in ensuring that more Washingtonians can live in communities of opportunity—and we know that policy reform is essential to that vision.
This month, WHC submitted testimony to the DC Council on several pieces of legislation critical to strengthening housing stability across the District. We strongly support the proposed exemption in the RENTAL Act for the sale of buildings already covered by affordability covenants of at least 20 years—common-sense policy that eliminates unnecessary administrative burdens while preserving affordability. We also addressed the Common Sense TOPA Reform Act, which rightly seeks to simplify the process but still introduces procedures that could unintentionally delay housing preservation and increase costs, undermining its intended impact. Finally, WHC voiced strong support for the inclusion of the Nonprofit Workforce Housing Properties Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2025 in the Budget Support Act—a measure that will support mission-driven nonprofits working to provide stable, affordable homes. We believe this moment demands bold but thoughtful reform—and we stand ready to work alongside the Council and community to get it done.
Our full testimony from the 2026 DC Budget hearings can be found below:
Committee on Housing Hearing Testimony
Committee on Business and Economic Development Oversight Hearing Testimony
Preserving housing affordability and promoting economic mobility in the DC-region
The Washington Housing Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your investment helps us expand our work. Your gift is 100% tax-deductible. EIN 83-1866109
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