Even as DC’s economy grows, it is marked by stark racial inequalities in income, wealth, and poverty. Affording the basics, such as rent, food, and utilities is a daily challenge for many DC residents. This is disproportionately true for Black residents, one in five of whom live in poverty. Income support programs help people make ends meet and boost long-term education and health outcomes for children. By helping residents pay their bills, care for their children and possibly save for a rainy day, DC can help create more stability and a future of shared abundance.
Featured Publications & Resources
Report
Mayor Fenty’s TANF Proposal Will Increase Hardship Among Poor Families With Children And Will Not Help Families Move from Welfare to Work
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • July 23, 2009 • Income & Poverty / TANF & Income Support
Testimony
Testimony of Katie Kerstetter, Policy Analyst, DC Fiscal Policy Institute, at the Joint Public Hearing on the Food Stamp Expansion Act of 2009, District of Columbia Committee on Human Services & Committee on Goverment Operations
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • April 23, 2009 • Income & Poverty
Blog
Sign-On to Oppose Regressive Tax Increases in the FY 2010 Budget
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • April 15, 2009 • Income & Poverty
Latest on this Issue
Testimony
TANF Benefits Are a Lifeline for DC Families, and Limits and Cuts Will Do Major Harm
By Tazra Mitchell • June 6, 2025 • TANF & Income Support
Blog
Federal Layoffs Increase DC Unemployment and Threaten to Exacerbate Racial Inequity
By Shira Markoff and Connor Zielinski • June 2, 2025 • Income & Poverty
Blog
US House Details its Cruel Plan to Take Food and Health Care from the Poor to Give to the Rich
By Erica Williams • May 16, 2025 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget
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