RELEASE: CSG applauds progress in DC’s Inclusionary Zoning program and pushes to strengthen policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2014

CONTACT
Cheryl Cort, Policy Director, Coalition for Smarter Growth
202-675-0016 ext.122
202-251-7516 (mobile)

cheryl@smartergrowth.net

WASHINGTON DC — Coalition for Smarter Growth Policy Director Cheryl Cort issued the following statement today in response to the Gray Administration’s release of the DC inclusionary zoning annual report and the administration’s proposed revisions to the program:

“We welcome the long overdue progress report on DC’s inclusionary zoning program. The report shows that inclusionary zoning – which requires new buildings to have 8 to 10 percent of units set aside as affordable – is beginning to deliver moderately price housing throughout the city, including expensive neighborhoods like Dupont Circle and 14th & U. Chances are almost any residential construction site you encounter is likely to be building at least 8% moderately-priced or more affordable housing.

While the inclusionary zoning program is showing progress, most of the units produced are available to residents making up to 80% of the area median income level – almost $70,000 for a two-person household. While individuals at that income level can certainly have problems finding convenient housing, it’s also important to create more housing available for lower income levels. It’s time to work with the DC Zoning Commission to revise the policy to provide more affordable housing at the 50% area median income level, which will help further address our affordable housing crisis.”

View DHCD’s report here:

http://dhcd.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dhcd/publication/attachments/2013%20Inclusionary%20Zoning%20Annual%20Report.pdf and Proposed IZ regulations

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

###