Ward 8 - Housing

HOUSING

AARP DC is working to ensure voters are prepared to vote and informed of where the candidates stand on issues of importance.

Using AARP research and survey data, AARP DC created a questionnaire for all candidates listed on the primary ballot to share their vision for the issues that matter most to older District residents, their families, their caregivers, and their providers. These include transportation, housing, access to nutritious foods and addressing health disparities. Click here to see the candidate's answers on the other topics.

Candidates

Democratic Primary

• Salim Adofo (SA)
• Mike Austin (MA)
• Sheila Bunn (SB)
• Trayon White Sr. (TW)
  

In 2022, 85% of District residents 45-plus said that “staying in your own home as you get older” was of importance to them. What policies do you support to protect older District residents and their ability to safely age in a place of their choosing?

SA - Provide grants or tax credits to homeowners to help cover the costs of making their homes more accessible. This could include things like installing ramps, widening doorways, adding grab bars, or installing stairlifts.

Incentivize the development of housing options for older adults, especially those with disabilities, to ensure that they have a range of living arrangements that meet their needs.

Implement property tax reductions or deferrals for older residents who are living on fixed incomes.

MA - Aging should come with dignity not displacement. I’ll expand home repair programs, strengthen property tax relief, and improve access to in-home care and transit. I’ll champion affordable, multigenerational housing and implement the Displacement Prevention Act I helped develop while at the Council. In Ward 8 and across D.C., residents deserve to grow older in the homes and communities they built.

SB - I endorse the District's Age Friendly DC Plan and funding DACL's Safe at Home Program. Senior village housing and property tax relief for those aged 65-75 promote aging in place. Rent control laws can protect renters' rights and limit rent hikes. Expanding Transport DC and Seabury ConnectorCard will improve access to healthcare, groceries, and community events.

TW - Candidate did not respond