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
Press Release
Press Release: DC’s Shortage of Affordable Housing Worsening
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • January 13, 2005 • Affordable Housing & Ending Homelessness / Income & Poverty
Report
Squeezed Out: The Worsening Shortage of Affordable Housing for Low-Income DC Households
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • January 13, 2005 • Affordable Housing & Ending Homelessness / Income & Poverty
Testimony
Testimony of Ed Lazere, Executive Director, DC Fiscal Policy Institute At the Public Hearing on Labor Relations and Retail Business District of Columbia Committee on Public Interest
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • October 7, 2004 • Income & Poverty
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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