It's Time to Replace the Failed Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) “Affordable” Housing Program with the Green New Deal for Housing in 2025

For more info: www.dc4reality.org/updates

The recent independent DC Auditor report exposes the systemic flaws in the 15-year-old Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) program, highlighting a critical mismatch between the supply of IZ units and the demand for affordable housing. Despite its long policy duration, the program has failed to deliver on its promises:

• Demand Outpaces Supply: With 18,000 households on the waitlist for only 2,000 IZ units, the program leaves tens of thousands without viable housing options.
• Misalignment with Needs: 65% of IZ units are designed for singles, while most families on the waitlist need 3+ bedrooms. This imbalance exacerbates the housing crisis for family-sized households.
• Unlawful “Affordability”: Many current IZ participants spend up to 50% of their income on housing costs, which directly contradicts the legally required principles of affordability (spending no more than 30% of one's income on housing costs).
• Vacancy Loopholes: Developers gain lots of luxury density while leaving IZ units vacant, undermining the public good and sidelining the people the program is meant to serve.
• Delayed Access: With an average move-in time of 13 months, IZ offers no timely relief for families in need.

After 15 years of broken promises, it's clear: Inclusionary Zoning is not the solution.

The Path Forward: Green New Deal for Social Housing in 2025

It’s time to replace the failed IZ model with social housing, a proven alternative that prioritizes people over profits:

• True Affordability: Social housing ensures no household pays more than 30% of their income on rent.
• Family-Focused Solutions: Units are designed to meet the actual needs of the community, especially families requiring larger spaces.
• No Vacant Units: Publicly managed social housing eliminates developer loopholes, guaranteeing occupancy and stability.
• Community Accountability: Social housing is run by public entities or non-profits, ensuring transparency and prioritizing the public good.
• Fast and Equitable Access: By cutting through bureaucratic delays, social housing offers timely solutions for those in need.

2025: A Year for Truly Affordable Housing for All

As we enter 2025, we have an opportunity to embrace social housing as a transformative solution to the District’s housing crisis. It’s time to shift from failed policies to a bold new approach that guarantees housing as a human right.

Let’s move forward with social housing—because everyone deserves a place to call home.

###

See how disingenuous IZ really is and why :: click here :: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3_Hf_84Mn0