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
Income Inequality Grew Dramatically in DC Over The Past Two Decades
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • January 25, 2006 • Income & Poverty
Report
DC Families Need Help to Pay Rising Heating Bills this Winter
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • December 2, 2005 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget
Report
Losing Ground: The District’s Lowest-Income Neighborhoods Suffered Large Population and Income Losses in the 1990s
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • October 31, 2005 • 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
Issue Experts
