The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) applauds our District of Columbia leaders for their tremendous work in ensuring that the FY16 budget includes major investments across the continuum of housing and in creating economic opportunity for District residents.
The budget that the Council unanimously passed Wednesday, May 27, 2015 would not have been possible without the sustained voices of CNHED’s members, small business owners and advocates, Housing For All Campaign supporters, and others calling for investments in some of DC’s most effective programs. CNHED also appreciates our allies at the Fair Budget Coalition, WIN and the Way Home Campaign for our shared commitment to addressing affordable housing and homelessness.
We thank everyone who has taken action with us – including the morning of the vote as we faced the risk of losing $9 million for the Housing Production Trust Fund. Your advocacy ensured that funds raised through the Trust Fund’s dedicated tax are directed into the Trust Fund this year.
Today, Council Chair Mendelson presented for a vote by the full Council an FY16 budget that maintains or increases investments in nearly all of CNHED’s priority programs. The budget retains Mayor Bowser’s excellent foundation for key housing and economic development programs, and increases investment by approximately $9 million for other key programs such as the Local Rent Supplement Program, Permanent Supportive Housing, etc. that support the expansion of affordable housing.