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
Testimony
Testimony of Ed Lazere, Executive Director, DC Fiscal Policy Institute at the Public Oversight Roundtable On Poverty Issues: Developing a Public/Private Strategy Aimed at Eliminating Poverty Among District Residents District of Columbia Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • January 17, 2008 • Income & Poverty
Press Release
Press Release: DC’s “Two Economies” Headed In Different Directions, Report Finds
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • October 24, 2007 • Income & Poverty
Report
DC’s Two Economies: Many Residents Are Falling Behind
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • October 24, 2007 • 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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