FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC (December 17, 2024) – At-Large Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. today released his 2024 Annual Report, detailing progress during the last year toward reforming District agencies and systems, including the D.C. Housing Authority, the emergency rental assistance program, public safety, and how the District spends taxpayer dollars and tracks effectiveness. As chair of the Council’s Housing Committee, Councilmember White is proud to have passed legislation that expands affordable housing access for low-income residents and fought to improve and protect access to public benefits like SNAP.

On public safety, three measures from Councilmember White’s Whole Government Response to Crime Act were included in the Council’s comprehensive Secure DC crime bill: requiring a firearm tracing data report to track the sources of guns used in crimes so we can stop the flow of firearms into the District, establishing a Victim Services Coordinator within the Office of Victim Services and launching a public awareness campaign about the resources available to crime victims, and creating an Emerging Adult Services Director to coordinate programs aimed at reducing crime. Additionally, three of Councilmember White’s bills tackling the spike in youth crime moved forward and had hearings: the Youth Mentorship Through Community Engagement Act, the Vocational Education for a New Generation Act, and the Truancy Reduction for Student Success Act.

“As I look back on 2024, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in making D.C. stronger, safer, and fairer for everyone,” said White. “From pushing for real changes residents can feel at the D.C. Housing Authority to fighting for programs that help residents in need, my team and I worked hard to deliver results that matter. Whether it’s expanding affordable housing or supporting families facing tough times, we’re focused on making D.C. a place where everyone can thrive. In the coming year I’m excited to keep working together to build a better future for all of us.”

Key Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report:

1. Housing & Human Services

• Reform of the DC Housing Authority (DCHA): Under Councilmember White’s leadership, the Housing Committee pushed for greater transparency and accountability at DCHA, including the appointment of a new executive director and increased funding for public housing repairs, resulting in 223 more leased units in less than a year.
• Increased Funding for Affordable Housing: White worked with DC’s housing agencies and Chairman Mendelson to identify funding needs and secure an additional $24.5 million for affordable housing, including the Housing Production Trust Fund and Housing Preservation Fund.

2. Public Safety Initiatives

• Youth Crime Prevention Package: After meeting with young residents, parents, and community leaders, White drew on what he’d learned to introduce his Safer Today, Safer Tomorrow package of legislation featuring three bills aimed at addressing youth crime, including vocational education, mentorship, and truancy reduction.
• Support for Crime Victims: As part of his Whole Government Response to Crime Act, White helped introduce legislation to improve victim services and raise awareness among residents about the resources available to help crime victims.

3. Budget Accountability & Reforms

• Financial Oversight & Transparency: White proposed significant budget reforms, including a financial performance review, longer-term financial projections, the creation of the Sunset Advisory Committee to hold agencies accountable to meeting their mission for residents. These initiatives are designed to make D.C.’s budget process more transparent, sustainable, and accountable to residents. White succeeded in getting funding for two full-time employees in the Council Budget Office to begin implementing these reforms.

4. Support for Vulnerable Residents

• Homelessness Prevention & Support: White increased funding for street outreach programs and secured resources for homelessness prevention, domestic violence survivors, and returning citizens.
• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): During budget season, White went to Council colleagues to try and find any additional funds that could be put towards emergency rental assistance. This resulted in a $6.7 million increase to the ERAP budget, ensuring more support for residents struggling with rent payments. As the Council considered emergency ERAP reform legislation he worked with both tenants and landlords to develop and successfully pass an amendment to ensure the Council’s ERAP reform bill was balanced and made it easier for residents facing emergencies to apply for funds. 

5. Community Engagement & Listening to Residents

• Throughout the year, Councilmember White has worked directly with residents through community office hours in every Ward, meetings, and neighborhood events. He remains committed to listening to the needs of Washingtonians and addressing their concerns.

Councilmember White’s full 2024 Annual Report is available for download here.