Kate Coventry

Make sure your councilmember knows they should support DC renters and protect TOPA! You can find their contact information here: dccouncil.gov/councilmembe...

Unfortunately, some CMs are also trying to strip TOPA rights from even more DC residents. @anitabondsdc.bsky.social introduced an amendment to take TOPA rights from every renter in a 2-4 unit building, which would have a devastating impact on the effectiveness of the program.

There are a flood of amendments coming from various CMs. The key amendment, from @chmnmendelson.bsky.social, @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social, @brianneknadeau.bsky.social would improve the bill significantly by taking out a harmful TOPA exemption and adding in additional protections for tenants.

The RENTAL Act is a bill up for a second vote in front of the @councilofdc.bsky.social today, and in the bill’s current form, it would speed up evictions and take away TOPA rights from thousands of renters.

The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act is a DC law that allows tenants a say when their building is for sale. They can negotiate to buy the building, improve conditions, & add affordability. TOPA is a national model for keeping buildings affordable & creating tenant power.

Tenants' rights are under threat at the @councilofdc.bsky.social; here’s what you need to know:

Republicans face a crucial stretch this week as they aim to deliver on Trump's agenda Three key committees are putting pen to paper on Trump's "big beautiful bill." But lawmakers are at odds over policies with far-reaching impacts on Americans' wallets and, for many, their health care.

It's been two months, and the bill to restore $1 billion to DC’s budget remains stalled in the US House. This will leave District residents to face steep reductions to programs and services before the end of September. DC deserves better.
www.npr.org/2025/05/13/n...

Simply comparing top tax rates doesn’t provide an accurate picture of how DC compares to other areas. In fact, it’s misleading given that statutory rates don't reflect all the adjustments & provisions made to the tax base, such as tax deductions, credits, and other preferences.

Today’s @Axios DC newsletter includes some misconceptions about taxes in DC. Looking at top tax rates, rather than effective rates, tells only part of the story. @ORAdcgov’s analysis consistently finds that DC residents’ level of tax responsibility is lower than our neighbors.

Five Misunderstandings About the Congressional Bill to Protect the District’s Budget Unless the US House takes action, DC will be forced to cut $1 billion from its current budget, in an attack on residents’ fundamental right to self-govern.

The US Senate has approved a bipartisan bill that would undo the $1 billion cut Congress forced on DC's current budget. The House should act next week to do the same.

Our Chief Policy and Strategy Officer, @tazramitchell.bsky.social, debunks 5 myths about the bill: www.dcfpi.org/all/five-mis...

The House may vote as soon as tomorrow on a federal government funding bill that contains a hidden, devastating surprise for the District of Columbia: a requirement that DC drastically slash its budget halfway through the fiscal yr, causing immediate cuts to police, schools, transportation & more.

Using Rising Rent Debts as Cover, Bowser Works to Rob Many Tenants of the Right to Buy Their Buildings Mayor Muriel Bowser is backing a series of changes to the city’s landmark law allowing tenants to try and buy their buildings.

The Mayor just announced huge housing legislation. Unfortunately, it does nothing to address rising rents and constrained supply. It would make it easier to evict people and strips many tenants of their TOPA rights.

Taxes are my love language