FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2026
Contact: Press@MoreAffordableDC.org
Phone: 202-744-2671
More Affordable DC Applauds DCBOE Vote Confirming Initiative as Proper Subject Matter
Supplementary Advisory Opinion from DC Attorney General Finds No Constitutional Concerns
WASHINGTON, DC — The ballot initiative campaign committee More Affordable DC today welcomed the decision by the District of Columbia Board of Elections (DCBOE) to approve the campaign’s third draft of the DC Housing Modernization and Accessibility Act of 2026 as “proper subject matter” for a District of Columbia ballot initiative. The initiative will soon become formally known as Initiative 88.
At the March monthly meeting of the DCBOE, the Board chose to delay their subject matter determination vote and seek supplementary advisory opinions from the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) and the Office of the General Counsel of the District Council (OGC). Over the last month, opponents of the initiative attempted and failed to make persuasive legal arguments concerning the initiative’s constitutionality. The OAG reviewed the opponents arguments and concluded that the proposed measure raises no constitutional concerns. The OAG’s determination and the DCBOE’s vote today clears a critical legal threshold and allows the initiative to move forward in the ballot qualification process.
“There’s been lots of surprise twists and turns getting here, but I appreciate the due diligence of the Board and I’m excited and ready to help the people of DC save money and stay rooted. Let’s go!” said Salim Adofo, Ward 8 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and proposer of the initiative.
Adofo emphasized that the initiative power is a central component of the District’s Home Rule framework, enabling residents to directly shape policy when legislative solutions fall short.
“With this decision, District voters are one step closer to having their voices heard on an issue that affects tens of thousands of renters,” Adofo added.
Kris Furnish, chairwoman of the campaign and a Ward 3 voter, said the ruling represents meaningful progress for residents struggling with rising housing costs.
“As a renter, I’m relieved to see this initiative move forward after a thorough legal review,” Furnish said. “This proposal would offer real, immediate stability to people across the city who are facing relentless rent increases. Today’s decision gives voters the opportunity to weigh in on a policy that could make a real difference in our lives.”
Next Steps in the Process
With the proper subject matter determination secured, the DCBOE will proceed with the formulation and adoption of the initiative’s short title, summary statement, and legislative text at next month’s meeting on May 6. Once finalized, the campaign will likely begin circulating petitions on Wednesday, June 3.
To qualify for placement on the November 2026 general election ballot, the campaign must collect signatures from at least 5% of registered District voters citywide, including 5% in five of the District’s eight wards, by Monday, July 6. However, due to the delays related to the proper subject matter determination, the campaign expects to utilize all 180 days to circulate ballot access petitions and would be placed on the next District-wide election.
More Affordable DC is a citizen-led initiative committee focused on stabilizing rents, modernizing housing policy, and expanding access to affordable housing in the District. For more information, and to try out the campaign’s Rent Freeze Calculator, visit www.MoreAffordableDC.org.
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