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Council unanimously passes Green Housing Coordination emergency amendment to tie affordable projects to greener standards
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Summary
The Council adopted an emergency Green Housing Coordination amendment that requires district‑funded affordable housing to meet Enterprise Green Communities Plus criteria, be all‑electric and install rooftop solar when feasible; sponsors said it balances housing production with climate goals and allows DCHA to issue bonds for renovations on 19 public housing complexes.
Councilmember Robert White introduced and the Council approved an emergency Green Housing Coordination Amendment on Nov. 4, 2025, which requires that new affordable housing projects receiving District funds meet Enterprise Green Communities Plus standards, be all‑electric and install rooftop solar where feasible.
White described the measure as a compromise developed with council colleagues, advocates and industry partners to keep affordable housing production moving while advancing climate goals. He said the bill provides clarity while state and municipal building codes evolve, and that it is intended as a bridge to updated regulations expected in 2027. White and supporters emphasized the measure would avoid project delays and allow the D.C. Housing Authority to issue bonds to start renovations on 19 public housing complexes scheduled to begin next month.
Councilmembers who raised caution nonetheless supported the amendment as a practical move to align laws and budget action; the amendment was accepted with no objection on the floor and the underlying bill was approved unanimously.
