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DCHFA appointees defend oversight amid questions on 9% credits and conflicts
Summary
Heather Wellington and Johannes Fuller were reappointed as nominees to the DCHFA board in a committee hearing that examined rising costs, the agency's role in 4% and 9% LIHTC administration, the $10M stabilization grant and safeguards against conflicts of interest among board members.
Heather Wellington and Johannes Fuller appeared before the Committee on Housing for reappointment to the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency board. Wellington, the current board chair, described the agency’s role in underwriting and stabilizing projects amid rising construction costs and interest rates. Fuller emphasized fiduciary oversight and the board’s responsibility to preserve DCHFA’s credibility with capital-market partners.
Chair White raised why DCHFA administers 4% but not 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; the nominees said the arrangement is nuanced and under discussion. The committee also scrutinized recusal and ethics practices after recent reporting on politically connected developers receiving agency funds; Wellington said the agency has counsel and ethics procedures and that board members recuse when conflicts arise. Wellington described post-award monitoring for the portfolio stabilization grant—"they are required to be audited"—and said staff checks include tracking arrearages, occupancy and debt service to assess program impact.
Members asked for better transparency and continued partnership between DCHFA, the council and practitioners; Wellington and Fuller offered to participate in round tables and share evaluation materials. The committee closed without a confirmation vote at this hearing and left the record open for written testimony.
