Support Affordable Housing in DC and Ward 3

We all know that affordable housing remains a challenge for too many DC residents -- a challenge that is particularly acute in our neighborhood.

The city is considering a new policy, called inclusionary zoning, that would address this problem. With inclusionary zoning, new developments along Wisconsin and Connecticut Avenues would be required to include a certain amount of housing for DC’s working families without impacting our existing neighborhoods.

The Zoning Commission needs to hear that we support inclusionary zoning in our neighborhood. Please attend the public hearing next week on Thursday, October 5, or send a letter of support (see action box #2 to the right).

What is Inclusionary Zoning?
Reasons to Support Inclusionary Zoning
More Information

What is Inclusionary Zoning?

The D.C. Zoning Commission recently adopted inclusionary zoning, which would require new residential developments to include a portion of affordable homes – in exchange for allowing some additional market-rate units on site. Now, the Zoning Commission will decide where in the District this requirement will apply. The D.C. Office of Planning proposed an inclusionary zoning map. Two public hearings are scheduled (for October 5th and 19th) to receive the public’s input on where inclusionary zoning should apply.

The proposed map has the potential to create nearly 200 affordable units each year and applies inclusionary zoning equitably and effectively across the city. But without broad support from District residents, certain neighborhoods may be excluded from inclusionary zoning thereby creating much fewer affordable homes.

The Zoning Commission needs to hear from residents that they want affordable housing in their neighborhood, that inclusionary zoning should apply extensively in the District, and that the proposed map achieves these goals.

For almost 30 years, hundreds of cities and counties throughout the United States – including Arlington County, Boston, Montgomery County, and San Francisco – have used inclusionary zoning to help meet their affordable housing needs and build vibrant, mixed income communities. Inclusionary zoning is a proven and effective strategy for producing and promoting the more equitable distribution of affordable housing.

Reasons to Support Inclusionary Zoning

• I want affordable housing in my neighborhood. People who work in the Disctrict should have an opportunity to live here too. Inclusionary zoning is one way to provide this opportunity.

• The proposed map equitably applies Inclusionary Zoning throughout the city. Inclusionary zoning should cover as many neighborhoods as possible.

• Inclusionary Zoning will have minimal impacts on existing neighborhoods. I support efforts to bring new housing opportunities to my neighborhood while preserving its character.

• The District needs more mixed-income communities and inclusionary zoning is a way to achieve that goal.

• Inclusionary zoning is an important part of a larger strategy to meet the affordable housing needs of current and future District residents.

• Affordable housing and historic preservation are compatible goals. Inclusionary zoning should apply in historic districts.

For More Information

Ward 3 Vision

DC Campaign for Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning
Contact: swade (at) washingtonregion (dot) net or (202)244-1105

More Information on Inclusionary Zoning

Attend the Public Hearing

Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 PM
One Judiciary Square
441 4th Street, NW, Suite 220-South
Metro stop: Judiciary Square

To speak at the public hearing:
Sign up at the start of the hearing
or in advance by contacting
Sharon Schellin at 202-727-6311

You will have 3 minutes to speak

Send a Letter of Support

It takes just 10 minutes to send a quick letter! Please label your comments "Z.C. Case No. 04-33A" and mail them to the Zoning Commission:

Sharon Schellin
Office of Zoning
441 4th Street NW, Suite 200 South
Washington, DC 20001

For suggested points to include, please look at our list of reasons to support inclusionary zoning.

(Sorry, the Zoning Commission doesn't take email!)

Read the Ward 3 Blog

Please read and comment on our blog, and tell your friends about it. Let's make our blog a virtual community gathering place for discussion of growth issues!