Councilmember Frumin Statement On the District Meeting New Housing Goal

Earlier this week, Mayor Bowser announced the District has surpassed the administration’s goal to create 36,000 new housing units by 2025. This achievement is an important step toward providing sufficient housing to meet the diverse needs of our city. However, there remains a tremendous opportunity and need to add more, including more affordable units, and I am committed to supporting additional housing in Ward 3.

The biggest obstacle has been the high cost of land acquisition, which leads to higher prices paid by renters to cover those costs. I will continue to advocate for an acquisition fund and other investments that make it easier to build affordable housing. Affordable housing is not limited to rental housing, however, which is why I supported full funding for the Home Purchase Assistance Program, which provides interest-free loans and closing cost assistance to qualified applicants in the District.

I am proud of how many people in Ward 3 strongly support increased density along commercial corridors and increased affordable housing. I believe both can be done in ways that are responsive to the surrounding communities and with buy-in from nearby neighbors. New housing opportunities for people with varied income levels help foster the vibrant and inclusive communities we all want.