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
Budget Reductions Adopted By the DC Council Would Fall Heavily On Services For Low-Income Residents
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • May 13, 2004 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget
Report
Has Spending Per Poor Person Grown Since 1990?
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • March 24, 2004 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget
Press Release
Press Release: DC Spending Up Only 3 Percent Since 1990: But Funding for Services to Low-income Residents Has Fallen Sharply
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • March 16, 2004 • Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget
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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