Mapping D.C.'s Affordable Housing Investment

The District has created thousands of affordable homes, but analysts see a need for more targeted intervention.

1 minute read

September 25, 2018, 6:00 AM PDT

By Elana Eden


Washington D.C. Row Houses

Kim Seidl / Shutterstock

For several years, D.C. has pursued a multi-pronged affordable housing agenda that includes ambitious preservation targets, inclusionary zoning, and public housing, among other strategies. Now, an interactive map from the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute shows exactly where those investments have gone and which income levels have benefitted.

The map includes detailed information on all affordable housing projects created, preserved, or put in the pipeline in the District since 2015. Users can explore by zip code, affordability level, and program or agency.

The dataset shows that thousands of affordable homes have been created or preserved through D.C.'s various programs. But only a small portion are accessible to the lowest-income brackets, and little affordable development at any level is coming to "desirable" areas west of Rock Creek Park. 

"The District must be more strategic about where, and to whom, its housing investments are directed," the Institute urges.


Tuesday, September 11, 2018 in D.C. Financial Policy Institute

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog