The historic DC Council hearing on TOPA reform was yesterday, and what a day it was! Nearly 200 people showed up and more than two dozen people took the stand in front of the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization, all to support fixing TOPA.
Councilmember Anita Bonds, who chairs the Housing Committee, was shocked by the size of the crowd and was forced to ask a number of attendees to wait outside, as the room was over capacity.
"Well, I'm overwhelmed." – @AnitaBondsDC starts off the #TOPA hearing in awe of the crowd here to support changes to #FixTOPA. pic.twitter.com/HjdpSFGpB6
— DCAR (@dcarealtors) September 21, 2017
The hearing got started with a bang, as Council Chairman Phil Mendelson used his opening statements to announce his support for a full exemption from TOPA for all single-family homes. That was more than anybody bargained for, and the crowd responded by giving the Chairman a standing ovation. Chairman Mendelson pointed out several problems with TOPA as it currently stands, which he states would not be resolved by the proposed legislation.
I continue to be a strong advocate for Tenant’s rights. I feel an amendment to TOPA should be simple: exempt all single family homes…
— Phil Mendelson (@ChmnMendelson) September 21, 2017
Exactly! @ChmnMendelson reaffirms that TOPA takes rental units off the market and is "hurting long-time residents and young couples."
— DCAR (@dcarealtors) September 21, 2017
"In your opinion we are seeing fewer rental units because of this law?" @ChmnMendelson — Yes! @councilofdc @dcarealtors #FIXTOPA
— Michael Fowler (@202Realtor) September 21, 2017
"An accelerated process of gentrification through TOPA." – @ChmnMendelson on how TOPA has been abused. #FixTOPA
— DCAR (@dcarealtors) September 21, 2017
Councilmember Robert White also was not thrilled with the state of TOPA, expressing his skepticism toward the legislation as it currently stands.
"I don't want to call this extortion but…" — @RobertWhite_DC @councilofdc @dcarealtors #FixTOPA
— Michael Fowler (@202Realtor) September 21, 2017
Thank you to @RobertWhite_DC for showing the giant holes in @gotTOPA's arguments against fixing onerous TOPA laws #FIXTOPA @dcarealtors
— Michael Fowler (@202Realtor) September 21, 2017
All in all, it was a massive success, and we couldn’t be much happier with how the day went. NBC Washington was there to cover the hearing — you can watch their story here.
Thanks to all who showed up in support, and an extra special thank you to Councilmember Bonds. Without her, this hearing never would have been possible.
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