The DC Commission on Poverty studies poverty issues, evaluates current and previous poverty reduction initiatives, and makes recommendations to the Mayor and the Council for strengthening and enhancing the economic status of persons experiencing poverty in the District.
The Commission shall approve a poverty-reduction plan and submit it to the Mayor and the Council. The first poverty-reduction plan shall set forth feasible, practical actions to achieve at least a 50% reduction in the District's rate of persons in poverty by 2026. Subsequent plans shall establish five-year goals for substantially reducing the rate of persons living in poverty.
The Commission shall be composed of 19 appointed by the Mayor and eight ex-officio members.
The Commission’s 19 appointed members shall include:
11 at-large Representatives who have experience in public policy or programs addressing poverty; and Eight ward Representatives who have experienced poverty within the previous three years.
The legislative requirements are HERE. If you are interested in applying to join the Commission, please visit the application page. Please note that applicants must be DC residents.
The Commission will also host at least four listening sessions annually.
Register for the upcoming listening session on March 21, 2024, HERE.
DC Commission on Poverty Public Meetings Schedule (Click to register):
- March 26, 2024
- April 23, 2024
- May 21, 2024
- July 23, 2024
- August 20, 2024
- September 24, 2024
- October 22, 2024
About the Poverty Commission Staff
Executive Director: Gordon-Andrew Fletcher, Esq.
Gordon executes the poverty-reduction plan to significantly reduce poverty in DC over the next four years, helping form the Commission, and supporting its activities.
Program Analyst: Chanetta Ratcliff
Chanetta supports the Commission on Poverty by providing research, outreach, and compiling data supporting poverty reduction in the District.
Program Analyst: Monea Smith
Monea conducts research, analysis, and outreach to support the Commission on Poverty.
DC Commission on Poverty Members
Ms. Sherry Pate, Community Member (Ward 5)
Mr. Absalom Jordan, Community Member (Ward 8)
Ms. Debra Byrd, Member At-Large
Ms. Corinne Cannon, Member At-Large
Dr. Marla Dean, Member At-Large
Ms. Nechama Masliansky, Member At-Large
Ms. LaToya Matthews, Member At-Large
Mr. Elijah Moses, Member At-Large
Ms. Rachael Stephens, Member At-Large
Mr. Robert Warren, Member At-Large
Ms. Khadijah Williams, Member At-Large
Ms. Natalie Craver, Non-Voting Ex-Officio Member (CFSA)
Ms. Joan Williams, Non-Voting Ex-Offcio Member (DACL)
Ms. Paige Hoffman, Non-Voting Ex Officio Member (DCPS)
Mr. Curtis Smith, Non-Voting Ex Officio Member (DHS)
Ms. Robin Diggs, Non-Voting Ex Officio Member (DOH)
Judge Mary Terrell, Non-Voting Ex Officio Member (DOES)