REPORT: Housing for Workers in the Middle

The people who keep Washington, DC running should be able to afford to live here.

Teachers. Nurses. Firefighters. Hospitality workers. Nonprofit professionals. Small business employees. These are the workers who strengthen our neighborhoods, support local businesses, and keep the District’s economy moving. Yet for many middle-income households, finding an affordable home in Washington, DC has become increasingly out of reach.

Housing for Workers in the Middle explores the growing housing affordability challenge facing the District’s workforce and offers practical policy recommendations to expand housing opportunities while supporting long-term economic growth.

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About the Report

Housing for Workers in the Middle examines the challenges facing middle-income households in Washington, DC, and explores how housing policy can better support the workers who are essential to the city’s economy.

Drawing on research, data, and policy analysis, the report examines the current housing landscape, highlights promising practices, and identifies opportunities to expand housing options for middle-income residents while strengthening the District’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Who Are “Workers in the Middle?”

Workers in the middle are households that earn too much to qualify for many traditional affordable housing programs but not enough to comfortably afford market-rate housing in many DC neighborhoods.

These workers are critical to the District’s economy, yet many face growing challenges finding housing that aligns with their incomes.

Why This Matters

Housing affordability isn’t just a housing issue; it’s an economic competitiveness issue.

When workers can’t afford to live near their jobs, employers struggle to recruit and retain talent, commute times increase, and communities lose the diversity and stability that help neighborhoods thrive. Expanding housing opportunities for middle-income households is essential to maintaining a strong workforce, supporting local businesses, and ensuring Washington, DC remains a city where people across a range of professions can build their lives.

Key Findings

Affordability Is Slipping for Middle-Income Workers

Middle-income workers face growing housing affordability challenges as home prices and rents continue to rise.

Housing Impacts Workforce Stability

Housing affordability directly impacts employers' ability to recruit and retain workers across essential industries.

Housing Supply Matters

Increasing the supply of housing is critical to improving affordability over the long term.

Partnerships Can Expand Opportunity

Public-private partnerships can play an important role in creating housing opportunities for middle-income households.

Housing and Economic Development go Hand in Hand

Coordinated housing and economic development strategies can help strengthen both the District's workforce and its economy.

Recommendations

The report outlines a series of strategies to help expand housing opportunities for middle-income workers, including:

1. Increase Housing Supply

Support policies that encourage the production of housing across a range of price points.

2. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships

Leverage collaboration between government, employers, developers, and community organizations.

3. Support Workforce Housing

Develop and expand programs that help middle-income workers access stable, affordable housing.

4. Align Housing and Economic Development

Recognize housing as a key component of workforce development and the District’s long-term economic success.

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Housing for Workers in the Middle provides research, analysis, and actionable recommendations to help policymakers, employers, housing practitioners, and community leaders create a more affordable and economically resilient Washington, DC.

Download the full report to explore the findings and recommendations

Acknowledgements

This report was developed by The Coalition as part of our ongoing work to advance policies that strengthen Washington, DC’s economy and expand opportunity for residents and businesses alike.

We are grateful to the partners, stakeholders, and subject matter experts whose insights informed this research and contributed to the development of this report.