Deeply Affordable and Targeted Housing
All Ward 5 residents deserve safe, quality, affordable housing as a foundation for their well-being and success. In the short-term: no one should lose their home due to the pandemic. Zachary wants to expand home ownership as a means of building wealth, make sure landlords receive the rent they are owed, and ensure that renters can stay in their homes without being punished. In the long-term, DC must dramatically increase investment in affordable housing, targeting those in greatest need, while protecting long-time homeowners against the pressures of rising property taxes.
As your Ward 5 Councilmember, Zachary will fight to:
★ Leverage city-owned land and purchase additional property to increase the amount of affordable housing in the District
★ Prioritize deeply affordable housing for residents who make less than 30% of the area median income and develop permanently affordable housing models like community land trusts, social housing, and limited equity co-ops
★ Increase the availability of 3- and 4-bedroom units to accommodate the needs of large and multi-generational families, like those in Brookland Manor
★ Expand housing options for seniors and LGBTQ+ youth who face some of the most significant barriers
★ Increase access to home ownership through expansion of the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) and implement better community outreach
★ Provide eviction diversion programs that require tenant protections and programs to make landlords whole like STAY DC
★ Protect and expand the city’s rent control protections, including newer and smaller buildings, and close loopholes such as voluntary agreements
★ Promote smart development to expand neighborhood resources and amenities (i.e., childcare centers, restaurants, coffee shops)