DCAR at work
July 2021
DCAR signs Digital Equity Pledge
This week, DCAR signed a pledge from the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED). By doing so, we are committed to finding ways to close the digital divide for all Washington, D.C. residents, regardless of income levels and resources, to ensure everyone has access to high-speed internet.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD-assisted renter households have particularly low connectivity rates. Forty-five percent of Washington, D.C. households earning less than $25,000 per year do not have access to high-speed internet and 34% of households earning $25,000-$50,000 per year do not have access to high-speed internet.
The pledge states, in part:
Together, we can create a District where residents can:
- Get a fair shot at career opportunities
- Assist their children with online learning or homework
- Access essential online life and health services, such as vaccinations or check-ups
- Engage safely with family, friends, small businesses and their greater communities
- Additional information from CNHED about digital equity and inclusion can be found here.
June 2021
DCAR testifies on District’s FY 2022 budget
On June 25, DCAR testified before the D.C. City Council on the District’s FY 2022 budget, praising the emphasis that is placed on housing and noting the $24.5 million slated to help low-income, first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs assistance.
Further, DCAR pointed out that while the budget provides $102 million toward temporary shelter renovations, city officials must work diligently and compassionately to provide assistance to homeless District residents who currently reside in tents.
DCAR also noted that the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs has made innovative improvements, but critical issues remain. With the present plan to fund the split of DCRA into two departments, DCAR offered its assistance when that process is completed. With REALTORS® having day-to-day interactions with DCRA, they can provide constructive feedback on ways the agencies can improve the experiences of customers. Video of DCAR’s testimony is available here.
May 2021
DCAR continues testifying on key REALTOR® issues
On May 20, DCAR testified and raised several concerns regarding the Eviction Records Sealing Act and the Fair Tenant Screening Act. In particular, the DCAR Public Policy Committee is deeply troubled with the Fair Tenant Screening Act because it proposes heavy, undue burdens on small housing providers. Read testimony.
On May 21, DCAR was a part of an expert panel representing small housing providers to discuss how the district can equitably end various moratoria enacted during the public health emergency. Read testimony.
Most recently, on May 25, DCAR voiced praise and constructive criticism for the chairman’s Eviction Protections and Tenant Screening Act. This legislation incorporates amenable ideas from the two legislative items heard on May 20 and presents a compromise. Read testimony.
April 2021
Exemption to the eviction moratorium
Through our call for action and targeted grassroots lobbying, the D.C. Council passed Councilmember Anita Bonds’ emergency legislation, on a 12-1 vote, allowing evictions for health and safety purposes. The legislation is now on Mayor Muriel Bowser’s desk, where we expect she will soon sign it into law.
Pausing an increase in license fee renewals
The D.C. Real Estate Commission was on a path toward adopting a $60 license fee renewal increase when DCAR organized a call for action (CFA) to oppose the increase – with eye-popping results.
307 DCAR members participated in the CFA and emailed the Commission in protest, asking why this was being adopted during a public health emergency. DCAR members also crowded the virtual room at the April 13 commission meeting to make our association’s presence known.
As a result, the Commission walked back the $60 increase.
Your voice makes a difference
We can’t stress enough how pivotal call-for-action campaigns are to advocacy efforts. The last two CFAs are testaments to how quickly DCAR members can mobilize. We urge you to continue to pay close attention when we activate campaigns—it’s a call to arms to protect our industry and we need your help! Thank you for everything you continue to do to support the issues that matter most to you.
DCAR members out in front
March Madness isn’t reserved for basketball fans only. At the D.C. Council, March is packed with performance oversight hearings, which help the Council make budget decisions for the following fiscal year, that last well into the evening. In total, DCAR provided comments at six separate hearings. We want to recognize and thank the members that represented DCAR: President Fred Bates, Anthony Graham, Bonnie Roberts-Burke and Jean Poitevien (who waited for nine hours to testify!).