DC Fiscal Policy Institute

08/27/2026

On September 3rd, head to the Mount Pleasant library to hear Vanessa Williamson discuss her book The Price of Democracy: The Revolutionary Power of Taxation in American History in conversation with DCFPI's Erica Williams!

More info: https://loom.ly/R7AWZXI

08/26/2026

Decades of historical and ongoing discrimination have greatly limited the economic outcomes of Black households, who in turn face the brunt of the District’s enduring affordability crisis.

Read more in our latest blog: https://loom.ly/tttZkiY

The perennial conversation around affordability in DC stems not just from high prices, but also from household incomes that are insufficient to cover costs—a situation that is particularly acute for Black households.

08/18/2026

High prices hit Black District households particularly hard because of the long-term suppression of earned income, driven by employment discrimination and systemic racism.

Read more on our blog: https://loom.ly/tttZkiY

08/11/2026

One year of military occupation in DC.
A statement from DCFPI.
Read by DCFPI staff.

08/10/2026

Property tax is one of DC’s largest sources of local revenue. By building a tax system based on people’s ability to pay—with the wealthiest paying the greatest share of their income in taxes —the District can address historic racialized wealth inequities and build an equitable economy of shared abundance.

Read more in our new property tax primer: https://loom.ly/e20Aako

07/06/2026

“DCFPI definitely applauds the DC Council for finding revenue to fill significant holes the mayor left…but it’s just a one-time fix. By failing to take up the wealth proceeds tax, which would advance racial and tax justice, it means lawmakers are kicking the can down the road,” Tazra Mitchell said.

https://loom.ly/9zUbRds

The DC Council plans to consider a wealth proceeds tax in September, rather than this summer.

06/25/2026

“You’re choosing rich folks’ comfortability over poor folks’ life, and that is the story of our community,” said Nadia Salazar, a Bolivian migrant and strategic campaigns manager at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute.

D.C. Council approves budget without wealth tax, leaving organizers disappointed. Advocates push for tax on wealthy to fund essential programs.

06/12/2026

Last night, President Trump threatened to revert DC to governance on a “federal basis.” The statement is the latest in this administration's pattern of interference in DC's autonomy & a direct threat to the democratic rights of DC residents.

Read more: https://dcfpi.org/press-releases/trumps-threats-to-home-rule-are-a-direct-threat-to-the-democratic-rights-of-dc-residents/

06/09/2026

What do we want to see in the DC Budget? Here's a start!

06/08/2026

Before the first budget vote tomorrow, tell your DC Councilmembers that it is time for a wealth proceeds tax. We need to act now to raise revenue, protect essential services, and make DC’s tax system fairer for everyone.
✉️:

The budget in front of the DC Council would invest scarce resources into disproven “trickle-down” tactics at the expense of health care and supports for workers and families. Send an email now: The DC Council must reject wasteful and ineffective corporate giveaways that won’t grow the economy....