Committee advances tax-forgiveness, timeline-extension for two So Others Might Eat properties
March 17, 2026 | Committee of the Whole, Committees, Legislative, District of Columbia
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Committee of the Whole advanced a combined bill on March 17 that would extend nonprofit workforce-housing certification timelines and forgive or refund certain real-property taxes for two properties owned by So Others Might Eat (SOME): 2607 Connecticut Avenue NW (Woodley Park) and 4111 Kansas Avenue NW (Petworth).
Chair Phil Mendelson introduced the committee print for Bill 20-616125, which merges two prior bills addressing the properties. Mendelson said 2607 Connecticut includes 23 studio apartments targeting households at 0–30 percent AMI, and 4111 Kansas includes about 40 one- and two-bedroom units serving individuals and families. He described SOME as an interfaith nonprofit founded in 1970 that provides housing, wraparound services and other supports to residents.
The committee record summarized testimony from SOME representatives that, without retroactive tax relief, the organization could face an unanticipated cash-flow shortfall that might risk debt service, financing opportunities or property stability. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) produced a tax abatement financial analysis (TAFA) that concluded the abatements were not financially necessary; Mendelson said the committee nonetheless finds the societal value of the permanent-supportive and deeply affordable housing warrants approval.
Councilmember Anita Bonds and Councilmember Fruman urged support for the bill, highlighting SOME’s long history of service and the role of the Woodley Park site in expanding access to high-opportunity neighborhoods. Councilmember Zachary Parker said he supports SOME’s mission but raised procedural concerns about repeatedly moving forward when the OCFO’s TAFA finds abatements unnecessary; Parker said the council should have more line of sight into an organization’s financial position before granting abatements, though he said he would support the print “in part because I believe in the mission.”
Mendelson said the key issue is retroactivity: the OCFO’s analysis suggests SOME’s parent organization could cover historical liabilities, while applicants say retroactive bills (the committee cited roughly $506,000 for one property in the hearing record) would strain operations. Mendelson added that the Connecticut Avenue item was prefunded in the FY26 budget while the Kansas Avenue portion remains unfunded; he said Councilmember Louis George’s share of that obligation is about $700,000 and that the council may need to address funding when the budget is considered.
The chair moved to print the committee report with leave for staff to make technical and conforming changes; the committee approved the report by unanimous voice vote and directed staff to place the matter on the non-consent agenda for the March 31 legislative meeting. The measure’s Section 3 was noted as subject to funding because of an outstanding balance.
Chair Phil Mendelson introduced the committee print for Bill 20-616125, which merges two prior bills addressing the properties. Mendelson said 2607 Connecticut includes 23 studio apartments targeting households at 0–30 percent AMI, and 4111 Kansas includes about 40 one- and two-bedroom units serving individuals and families. He described SOME as an interfaith nonprofit founded in 1970 that provides housing, wraparound services and other supports to residents.
The committee record summarized testimony from SOME representatives that, without retroactive tax relief, the organization could face an unanticipated cash-flow shortfall that might risk debt service, financing opportunities or property stability. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) produced a tax abatement financial analysis (TAFA) that concluded the abatements were not financially necessary; Mendelson said the committee nonetheless finds the societal value of the permanent-supportive and deeply affordable housing warrants approval.
Councilmember Anita Bonds and Councilmember Fruman urged support for the bill, highlighting SOME’s long history of service and the role of the Woodley Park site in expanding access to high-opportunity neighborhoods. Councilmember Zachary Parker said he supports SOME’s mission but raised procedural concerns about repeatedly moving forward when the OCFO’s TAFA finds abatements unnecessary; Parker said the council should have more line of sight into an organization’s financial position before granting abatements, though he said he would support the print “in part because I believe in the mission.”
Mendelson said the key issue is retroactivity: the OCFO’s analysis suggests SOME’s parent organization could cover historical liabilities, while applicants say retroactive bills (the committee cited roughly $506,000 for one property in the hearing record) would strain operations. Mendelson added that the Connecticut Avenue item was prefunded in the FY26 budget while the Kansas Avenue portion remains unfunded; he said Councilmember Louis George’s share of that obligation is about $700,000 and that the council may need to address funding when the budget is considered.
The chair moved to print the committee report with leave for staff to make technical and conforming changes; the committee approved the report by unanimous voice vote and directed staff to place the matter on the non-consent agenda for the March 31 legislative meeting. The measure’s Section 3 was noted as subject to funding because of an outstanding balance.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
