ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-111
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
September 19, 2023
To recognize and honor the month of October as Housing Cooperative Month and to highlight
the importance of cooperatives within the District’s housing ecosystem.
WHEREAS, the United States has recognized October as National Co -op Month since
1964;
WHEREAS, the 6 fundamental values of cooperatives are self-help, self-responsibility,
democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity;
WHEREAS, the 7 cooperative principles are voluntary and open membership;
democratic member control; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence;
education, training, and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for
community;
WHEREAS, a housing cooperative is a collectively owned and managed entity that
provides an opportunity for homeownership and the development of long-term, sustainable
communities;
WHEREAS, housing cooperatives operate democratically with a member-elected board,
providing co- op residents with more input in the operation of their building;
WHEREAS, housing cooperatives preserve and propagate affordability for low -
and moderate-income individuals and families, combatting the affordable housing dilemma
while simultaneously catalyzing the social and economic growth of residents;
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has been dedicated to establishing housing
cooperatives since 1920 and has cherished their vital importance to the city’s history, fabric, and
landscape;
WHEREAS, the District has supported the creation of limited equity housing cooperatives
since 1979 and currently has over 4,300 limited equity cooperative units across approximately 100
buildings;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, the District of Columbia Limited Equity Cooperative Task Force
issued a report on limited equity cooperatives in October 2019, followed by a study
completed in February 2020 by the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic
Development, to deepen the District’s understanding of cooperatives in its existing housing
landscape.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Housing Cooperative Month Recognition Resolution of 2023”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and highlights the
significance of housing cooperatives throughout the District and declares October as “Housing
Cooperative Month” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.