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
Blog
Reflections on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day: DC Making Progress on Wage Equity, But There is Still Work To Be Done
By Claire Goldberg • September 21, 2022 • Early Child & Pre-K to 12 Education / Inclusive Economy / Income & Poverty
Blog
Large Black-White Disparities in Poverty and Income Persisted in 2021
By Erica Williams and Tazra Mitchell • September 15, 2022 • Income & Poverty
Budget Resource Page
What’s in the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget?
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • July 19, 2022 • Affordable Housing & Ending Homelessness / Inclusive Economy / Income & Poverty / Revenue & Budget
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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