The DC Council unanimously approved a landmark affordable housing initiative Tuesday night, allocating $500 million to create 3,000 new affordable housing units in Ward 8 over the next five years.

The program, championed by Council Member Trayon White Sr., combines public funding with private partnerships to address the city's ongoing housing crisis. Priority will be given to families earning less than 60% of the area median income.

"Ward 8 has been underserved for too long," White said. "This investment will provide stable housing for working families and seniors who have been priced out of other neighborhoods."

Mayor Muriel Bowser praised the initiative as a model for addressing housing affordability citywide. Construction on the first 500 units is expected to begin by fall 2024.