The Housing Acceleration bill package, introduced by Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr., aims to enhance the supply of affordable housing in the District of Columbia by streamlining construction and preservation processes. This package includes three key components: the Green Housing Coordination Amendment Act of 2025, the Housing Permit Streamlining Amendment Act of 2025, and the Powering Local Utility Guidance in Housing Act of 2025 (PLUG in Housing Act). The Green Housing Coordination Amendment Act focuses on aligning net zero energy (NZE) requirements for subsidized housing with best practices, ensuring that developers incorporate renewable technologies and minimize fossil fuel use. It also mandates that developers seeking Housing Production Trust Fund dollars adhere to Enterprise Green Communities Certification Plus standards and encourages the installation of rooftop renewables.
The Housing Permit Streamlining Amendment Act aims to expedite the permitting process for affordable housing projects in high-cost areas by providing discounted access to the Department of Buildings' Accelerated Plan Review program. This is crucial as affordable housing projects often face significant regulatory burdens that can delay construction. The PLUG in Housing Act addresses challenges related to utility provider clearance in the permitting process by assigning the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to offer administrative assistance, technical consulting, and improve data transparency between utility providers and developers. Together, these measures are designed to eliminate barriers to affordable housing development and promote energy-efficient housing options for District residents.