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
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
Report
Trends In Funding For Human Services In The District of Columbia
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • April 18, 2005 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget
Testimony
Testimony of Idara Nickelson, Policy Analyst, At the Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2004 and Fiscal Year 2005 Spending and Performance by the Department of Human Services District of Columbia Committee on Human Services
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • February 22, 2005 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget / TANF & Income Support
Latest on this Issue
Testimony
Implementation of Federal Cuts to SNAP is Critical to Preventing Harm to DC Residents
By Tazra Mitchell • March 6, 2026 • Income & Poverty
Blog
DC Child Poverty Back to Extreme Level After Short-Lived Progress
By Connor Zielinski • February 19, 2026 • Income & Poverty
Testimony
Public Comments in Opposition to Proposed Federal “Public Charge” Rule
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • January 15, 2026 • Income & Poverty
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