{"id":857,"date":"2025-01-06T19:48:55","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T19:48:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/?p=857"},"modified":"2025-01-06T20:17:44","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T20:17:44","slug":"new-years-resolution-2025-replace-iz-with-social-housing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/857","title":{"rendered":"New Years Resolution 2025: Replace IZ with Social Housing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The data and facts shared by the recent <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/828\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"828\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DC Auditor report on the failed 15-year Inclusionary Zoning program<\/a><\/strong> reveal the critical mismatch between the supply and demand for <a href=\"https:\/\/dhcd.dc.gov\/service\/inclusionary-zoning-iz-affordable-housing-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) units<\/a> and systemic flaws in the program&#8217;s implementation, flaws that demonstrate that IZ should be replaced with Social Housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the key points distilled from the the Auditor&#8217;s report and some broader implications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Issues:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Waitlist Disparity<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>18,000 households are on the IZ waitlist for only 2,000 units. This immense gap underscores the severe shortage of affordable housing options within the program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Most waitlisted families require 3+ bedroom units, yet 65% of available IZ units are designed for single individuals, illustrating a misalignment between what\u2019s being built and actual housing needs.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Affordability Concerns<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Households participating in IZ are spending up to 50% of their income on housing, which is well above the affordability threshold and violates the program&#8217;s intent, showing the IZ program is not delivering truly affordable options for the targeted population.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vacancy Loopholes<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Developers gain the benefit of increased luxury density but are reportedly leaving IZ units vacant. This loophole undermines the purpose of the program and enables profit-driven motives to overshadow public interest.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lengthy Move-In Times<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The average 13-month waiting period to move into an IZ unit adds further strain on families and individuals already struggling to find stable housing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Implications:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Auditor&#8217;s Report demonstrates that the IZ program&#8217;s design and enforcement mechanisms are failing to address the actual housing crisis, favoring developer interests (providing lots more luxury density) over community needs (far too little &#8220;affordable&#8221; housing that isn&#8217;t truly affordable or targeted for families).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SO WHAT TO DO?!?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Focusing on <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/786\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"786\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">social housing<\/a><\/strong> as the alternative to Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) will help address the structural issues highlighted by the Auditor&#8217;s startling IZ report. Social Housing, unlike IZ, prioritizes truly affordable, community-driven housing units that serves DC in the most efficient and reliable way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Social Housing is the Solution<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Meeting Actual Demand<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unlike IZ units, which are misaligned with household needs (e.g., 65% for singles while most families require 3+ bedrooms), social housing can be designed to cater directly to the demographics of the community, particularly families.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Affordability Without Profit Motives<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Social housing operates outside the speculative market. Rents or costs are capped based on household income, ensuring no family pays more than 30% of their income on housing.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No Vacant Units<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Social housing prioritizes occupancy. Units are not held vacant for profit-driven reasons but are allocated to households in need, ensuring that public resources are fully utilized.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community Stability<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Social housing fosters long-term stability by providing permanent, affordable housing rather than temporary or precarious arrangements like IZ units.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Faster Access<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A well-managed social housing program avoids the excessive bureaucracy and delays of IZ, offering faster solutions to families on waitlists.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public Accountability<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Social housing is owned and managed by public entities or non-profits accountable to the community, rather than private developers prioritizing luxury profits.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Proposed Actions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Advocate for Social Housing Pilot Projects<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identify underutilized public land or existing properties that can be converted into social housing. Use these pilot projects (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/app.dcoz.dc.gov\/CaseReport\/ViewExhibit.aspx?exhibitId=360852\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">such as at 1617 U Street<\/a><\/em>) to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of social housing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reallocate IZ Resources<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Redirect funds and incentives currently given to developers under IZ toward building and maintaining social housing units.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure Funding<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leverage public financing (bonds, taxes on luxury developments, or inclusion of social housing in federal and state housing grants) to sustainably fund social housing projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prioritize Community Input<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Establish community boards to oversee social housing initiatives, ensuring developments meet local needs and maintain public trust.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Message for Advocacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Our current housing policies, like Inclusionary Zoning, are failing our communities. With 18,000 families on the waitlist for only 2,000 units\u2014most of which are not even family-sized\u2014it\u2019s clear that the IZ program is not a solution. Social housing offers an alternative: truly affordable, stable, and community-oriented homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By moving away from developer-driven models and embracing public, accountable housing solutions, we can address the housing crisis and create a future where everyone has a place to call home. Let\u2019s stop prioritizing luxury density and start prioritizing people. It\u2019s time to invest in social housing.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.savedcpublicland.org\/the1617project\/alerts\">A PILOT AT 1617U STREET<\/a><\/strong> &#8212; See the latest filing here: <a href=\"https:\/\/app.dcoz.dc.gov\/CaseReport\/ViewExhibit.aspx?exhibitId=360852\">https:\/\/app.dcoz.dc.gov\/CaseReport\/ViewExhibit.aspx?exhibitId=360852<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">HOW BAD IS IZ?!? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>See the charts below to see IZ housing costs <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/742\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"742\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>based on the DMV&#8217;s Area Median Income<\/strong><\/a> using the Auditor&#8217;s discovery that some IZ participants are paying 50% of their income to real estate developers for their &#8220;affordable&#8221; IZ unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_LOW_50percentaff.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"906\" height=\"630\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_LOW_50percentaff.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-869\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_LOW_50percentaff.png 906w, http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_LOW_50percentaff-300x209.png 300w, http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_LOW_50percentaff-768x534.png 768w, http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_LOW_50percentaff-624x434.png 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 906px) 100vw, 906px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_Moderate_50percentaff.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"906\" height=\"630\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_Moderate_50percentaff.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-868\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_Moderate_50percentaff.png 906w, http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_Moderate_50percentaff-300x209.png 300w, http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_Moderate_50percentaff-768x534.png 768w, http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IZHousing_Moderate_50percentaff-624x434.png 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 906px) 100vw, 906px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y3_Hf_84Mn0?si=9F1tJOHVGwz-vtbp\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The data and facts shared by the recent DC Auditor report on the failed 15-year Inclusionary Zoning program reveal the critical mismatch between the supply and demand for Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) units and systemic flaws in the program&#8217;s implementation, flaws that demonstrate that IZ should be replaced with Social Housing. Here are the key points [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":843,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-857","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/857","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=857"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/857\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":871,"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/857\/revisions\/871"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dc4reality.org\/updates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}