Green New Deal For Housing Amendment Act of 2023
The bill amends existing laws to incorporate provisions for social housing developments, which include adjustments to current planning standards and funding mechanisms. It enhances the Housing Production Trust Fund Act and the Rental Housing Conversion and Sale Act by enabling district authorities to purchase and convert real estate into social housing. These changes are intended to bolster the supply of affordable housing while ensuring that properties are accessible for lower-income families, establishing long-term affordability through mechanisms that keep rents at or below 30% of tenants' incomes.
B25-0191, also known as the Green New Deal for Housing Amendment Act of 2023, establishes an Office of Social Housing Development within the District of Columbia. This office is tasked with promoting the construction and maintenance of District-owned residential properties that are designed as mixed-income housing. The legislation mandates that at least two-thirds of the units in such developments be rented as permanently affordable to extremely, very, and low-income households. Furthermore, it aims to create a governance framework that empowers tenants and integrates environmentally conscious building standards and community amenities.
The passage of B25-0191 has drawn both support and concern. Supporters view the bill as a significant step towards addressing the acute housing crisis faced by low-income residents in the District. However, some critics express concerns about the effectiveness of regulations regarding tenant governance and the feasibility of the environmental standards set forth in the legislation, particularly the push for net-zero emissions and the exclusion of natural gas in new developments. The interplay between social housing development funding and existing housing policies will likely remain a point of discussion among stakeholders.