‘Connolly Heads DC Region Delegation in Backing Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Request for PRO Housing Funding’

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) spearheaded a group of Members of Congress from the National Capital Region in writing a letter to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge in support of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) application for Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) funding.

The letter, signed by various representatives and senators, highlighted the need for affordable housing in the metropolitan Washington region and the importance of the PRO Housing funds in supporting the implementation of regional housing initiatives. The Members emphasized that the lack of affordable housing is a significant barrier to housing equity and opportunity in the area and that the PRO Housing funds would help address this issue.

The COG’s application for PRO Housing funding includes goals such as increasing affordable housing, preserving existing affordable units, and working across jurisdictions to align zoning and increase overall housing supply. The letter also mentioned the support from community residents and elected officials for the regional fair housing plan.

The Members expressed their gratitude for Secretary Fudge’s consideration of COG’s proposal and emphasized the potential transformative impact that the PRO Housing funds could have on housing policy reforms in the region. They also expressed their willingness to engage further on this crucial issue and hoped for continued partnership with HUD.

Overall, the letter highlighted the collaborative effort among local governments, community members, and elected officials to address the affordable housing crisis in the metropolitan Washington region.