The Housing Development Growth Amendment Act of 2025 establishes the Office of Social Housing Development within the District of Columbia government, focusing on the construction, maintenance, and management of mixed-income residential properties. The bill mandates that at least two-thirds of the units in these developments be family units, rented as permanently affordable for extremely low-, very low-, and low-income households. It outlines the governance structure of the office, which includes a board of residents with expertise in affordable housing, and sets forth its responsibilities, such as creating a centralized tenant application process and converting privately-owned properties into social housing. The legislation also emphasizes tenant governance by requiring tenant association leadership boards and includes provisions for tenant rights, ensuring that rent does not exceed 30% of a tenant's income.
Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to facilitate the office's operations, allowing for the appointment of a Director by the Mayor and enabling investments in social housing developments. It establishes a Social Housing Development Fund to finance the creation of social housing and mandates that at least 30% of new apartment units have three or more bedrooms. The bill also sets stringent environmental standards for social housing developments, requiring net-zero emissions and the preservation of commercial space for community amenities. Overall, the legislation aims to create a sustainable framework for affordable housing in the District, promoting tenant representation, environmental responsibility, and high standards of service in property management.