With support from the Fund, Suzie Amanuel’s months-long investigation of Washington, DC’s at-risk affordable housing stock uncovered that the District quietly forfeited more than $3 million in competitive federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, resulting in a permanent loss of tens of millions of dollars in affordable housing equity. The Washington City Paper investigation revealed that the District’s top housing official failed to disclose this loss during a D.C. Council hearing and that the massive forfeiture was partly due to a “credit swap” used to bail out a well-connected developer whose apartment complex faces tenant complaints of mold and unsafe conditions. In response to the story, councilmembers demanded accountability and pressed the housing director for answers in a hearing.
Grantee reveals that DC housing agency lost millions in federal funds while bailing out well-connected developer; story sparks action from DC Council
