How we treat our most vulnerable communities is a measure of how well the District is doing. As chair of the Council’s Human Services Committee for six years, I spearheaded legislation and pushed for funding to ensure a path to safe and affordable housing for every District resident, including through my amendment to the Homes and Hearts Act in 2021, which made more than 2,400 housing vouchers available, enough to end homelessness in the District.
Far too many of our residents struggle with excessive housing costs and displacement. Unless we preserve and build new affordable housing, the District’s growth will come at the expense of pushing out low-income families and people of color, particularly the communities that have made Ward 1 so vibrant and resilient.
Today, the D.C. Council had its second and final vote to approve the bill with some important changes that were requested by advocates like yourself. Since the bill’s first vote on November 7th I’ve been meeting with concerned stakeholders and I included two amendments to the final bill that will:
.jpg "Abigail4_(200x148).jpg")
Aiming to reduce the District’s infant mortality rate, last week Councilmember Nadeau introduced a bill that will provide all new parents in the District with a “Baby Box.” The boxes encourage safe sleep practices by serving as a bassinet for infants and will come with essential items for new parents. The bill is modeled after a recent statewide initiative in New Jersey and a long-time program in Finland. A majority of Councilmembers have signed onto the bill.
Bill from Councilmember Nadeau preserves rights of tenants while reducing barriers for single family homeowners
WASHINGTON – Today, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau introduced a bill to promote sales of single family homes by carving out a narrow exemption to the District’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). The bill preserves the rights of tenants while reducing barriers for single family homeowners by preventing the assignment of TOPA rights for single family homes when the landlord maintains the home as their primary residence. The bill is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Grosso, Allen, and Cheh
Be sure to click “confirm my email” when you receive the confirmation email.