I introduced the Rent Stabilization Protection Amendment Act of 2023 on March 20 because we cannot sacrifice one form of affordable housing in favor of another. The bill applies rent stabilization protections like controls on rent increases to units rented to housing voucher recipients, ending the current exemption. The bill, which I crafted in consultation with the Office of the Tenant Advocate, is one critical step in addressing DCHA landlord overpayments and creating a voucher system that serves all residents without jeopardizing existing rent-stabilized housing.

The DC Housing Authority often pays landlords the maximum allowable rent instead of negotiating a reasonable fair market price, leading to wasted voucher funds, fewer individuals served, and a dangerous upward pressure on the housing market. These issues are exacerbated in rent-stabilized buildings because voucher recipients lease their unit at the market rate, not the rent-stabilized rate. As a result, landlords can earn 50 percent more by renting to voucher recipients. For instance, according to the Washington Post, DCHA pays $2,648 for one-bedroom apartments in a building on Connecticut Avenue in Ward 3, while the building has recently advertised similar units for $1,700. These backwards incentives encourage landlords to allow building conditions to deteriorate, pushing long-time rent-stabilized renters out so more profitable voucher tenants can move in. This unfair competition jeopardizes the rent stabilization protections that many Ward 3 families, working people, and seniors rely on.

To address these disparities, my bill levels the playing field for voucher recipients and private tenants.

In addition to introducing the Rent Stabilization Amendment Act, I serve on the Committee on Housing which is working to reform DCHA and develop a voucher program that works fairly for all. This includes improved transparency and accountability and additional wraparound mental and behavioral health services to support voucher recipients.

I recently participated in a crime walk on Connecticut Avenue and met a police officer who shared her story about how housing vouchers supported her family during a difficult time. Because of the voucher program, she was raised in a stable home with the support she needed to serve our community in law enforcement. If implemented properly, the voucher program has the potential to change the lives of our neighbors. The Rent Stabilization Protection Amendment Act is one step toward realizing that goal.

The Departments of General Services and Parks and Recreation are clearly struggling to implement the short-term repairs needed to reopen the Wilson Aquatic Center. I spoke with leaders of both departments, and I urged them to fix expeditiously the issue at-hand and plan for lasting long-term solutions to address ongoing problems.

The agencies provided the following updates about the Wilson Aquatic Center closure.

The ongoing issues primarily involve the center’s ventilation. When DC Health held its first inspection, the humidity exceeded safe levels. The Department of General Services attempted to install portable HVAC units, but DC Health had concerns that the units posed additional safety risks. The Department of Buildings concurred, finding that the units were located too close to the swimming pool, and issued a stop work order. To resolve this frustrating saga, the Department of General Services plans to relocate the portable units pending permit approval by the Department of Buildings. As further updates are available, my office will share them.

Interagency collaboration and transparency need to improve to prevent further delays and restore access to residents as soon as possible. I will continue pressing the agencies to reopen access to the Wilson Aquatic Center as soon as possible. I use the facility frequently and share the frustrations of many Ward 3 neighbors. DC’s most popular pool has remained closed for too long.

DC’s Comprehensive Plan identifies light pollution as an environmental hazard, and excessive nighttime lighting has harmful health effects, worsens obesity and anxiety disorders, and disrupts natural animal patterns. To raise awareness of the importance of protecting the night sky, I will join Lights-Out Hour DC and numerous local environmental organizations in turning off all non-essential lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on March 25.

This action coincides with the international Earth Hour when iconic global landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower will go dark for Lights-Out Hour. Consider joining them by turning off your home lights to draw attention to this critical environmental issue. For more information about Lights-Out Hour DC, click here.