WIN organizes to convert underutilized public land into mixed-income affordable housing and homeownership opportunities—especially for Black and brown families.
The Issue
While DC faces a housing crisis, valuable public land sits underutilized or is developed without sufficient affordable housing. Meanwhile, entire wards—especially Upper Northwest—have seen little progress toward affordable housing goals.
Our Vision
Public land should serve the public good. WIN envisions using public lands for mixed-income affordable housing and homeownership opportunities that help create generational wealth.
What We’re Organizing For
Reservation 13 (RFK Stadium Site):
- 1,000 homes for Black homeownership on Reservation 13
- 2,000 affordable homeownership opportunities when DC gets control of adjacent RFK land
Ward 3 Public Land WIN Ward 3 congregations are organizing for affordable housing in Upper Northwest, where little progress has been made toward Mayor Bowser’s goal of creating 1,990 affordable units in the Rock Creek West planning area.
Chevy Chase Civic Core – WIN Ward 3 is pushing for 100 units of affordable housing (30-80% AMI) as part of the Chevy Chase Library and Community Center redevelopment. We’ve appeared at ANC meetings, submitted testimony to the Zoning Commission and National Capital Planning Commission, and met with development teams.
Western Bus Garage – Advocating for affordable housing at WMATA’s new zero-emissions facility in Friendship Heights and at the existing 44th Street site once vacated.
Policy Advocacy – WIN Ward 3 is working to change policies affecting affordable housing production along the Wisconsin and Connecticut Avenue corridors.
Building Understanding
In 2024, WIN brought the Undesign the Redline exhibition to Upper Northwest, educating communities about how policies like redlining systematically denied Black residents and other people of color access to housing. This work builds understanding and support for current housing justice efforts.
Get Involved
For Ward 3 residents: Contact Jamie Butler at jgb3611@gmail.com to join monthly WIN Ward 3 meetings.
For all members: Connect with your congregation’s core team or contact an organizer to join public lands advocacy.
