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
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
Report
The District Should Use Its Upcoming TANF Bonus to Increase Cash Assistance and Remove Barriers to Work
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • September 29, 2004 • Income & Poverty / TANF & Income Support
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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