In February 2012, Mayor Vincent C. Gray appointed 32 housing professionals, service providers and government leaders to the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force (CHSTF). They were challenged with the mission of helping our city leaders ensure the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

In March 2013, the CHSTF presented Mayor Gray, DHCD and partner agencies with their recommendations for the complex commitment of strategizing on how to create or preserve affordable housing for the District’s diverse population. Those recommendations were used as a guideline to develop a complete comprehensive game plan.  One of the task force’s most important recommendations led to the Mayor’s  Affordable Housing Initiative to create or preserve 10,000 affordable housing units across the  District  by the year 2020, our “10 x 20” goal.

To assist in executing this task, in July 2013, the Mayor appointed industry leaders to serve on the newly reconstituted Housing Production Trust Fund Advisory Board (HPTF).  DHCD, along with Deputy Mayors Victor L. Hoskins and Beatriz “BB” Otero, work closely with the Board to provide insight and support. The Board began meeting in August 2013 and meets monthly to discuss policy recommendations for expanding housing opportunities under the HPTF.