Press Release: Council of the District of Columbia Approves At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds’ Budget Support Act Subtitles

News Release — At-large DC Council member Anita Bonds

May 7, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin B. Chavous

The subtitles provide homeownership grant assistance for educators, increase transparency within the Housing Production Trust Fund, and create a task force to develop a senior wellness center in Ward 3.

Washington, D.C. – Councilmember Anita Bonds, Chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Executive Administration, lauded the city council for approving her three proposed Budget Support Act subtitles: The Educators Housing Incentive Amendment Act of 2022, Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF) Accountability and Transparency Amendment Act of 2022, Ward 2 and 3 Senior Wellness Center Feasibility and Planning Task Force of 2022.

The first subtitle expands the definition of “participant” in the Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) First-Responder grant to include DC Public School (DCPS) and public charter schoolteachers. The EAHP provides all participants a deferred, 0% interest loan of up to $20,000 and a $10,000 matching funds grant toward the purchase of their first single family home, condominium, or cooperative unit in the District. “It is vital for the Committee to find ways to attract and retain great educators,” said Councilmember Bonds. “It is no secret that living in DC is cost-prohibitive for many. By expanding the EAHP First Responder grant we can help educators achieve their dream of owning property in the District so they can live where they work.”

The HPTF Accountability and Transparency Act will require the DHCD Director to submit a written report to the Council after the Director first publicly announces HPTF fund project recipients selected for further underwriting, including any explanation if there is a deviation from the ranking based on the criteria outlined in the RFP. “The changes proposed in this subtitle will increase transparency and accountability and bring clarity to how the city increases the number of deeply affordable units annually,” said Councilmember Bonds. “With the large amount of money allocated to the HPTF, it is very important for us to understand how project recipients are selected.”

Also, the Council approved the Ward 2 and 3 Senior Wellness Center Feasibility and Planning Task Force of 2022. This amendment establishes a Wards 2 and 3 Advisory Task Force for the planning and development of a new senior wellness center. The Task Force will be comprised of Mayoral appointees, District agencies, and Council appointees to evaluate and provide comments on the feasibility, development, and progress of the new wellness center. Additionally, the Task Force shall prepare a Plan that describes the state of the needs for Wards 2 and 3 senior populations and specific, identifiable risks facing the senior population.

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