The Committee on Human Services of the District of Columbia convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing community support and addressing pressing social issues. The meeting featured testimony from Lafayette Barnes, the newly elected chair of the United Planning Organization (UPO), who outlined the organization's extensive efforts to unite residents with opportunities.

Barnes emphasized UPO's commitment to community engagement through programs that focus on early learning, affordable housing, and workforce development. He highlighted the organization's role in providing grants to community-based organizations, enabling them to train Washington DC residents for job placements. UPO's Community Leadership Academy was noted as a significant initiative that empowers residents to engage with local leaders and advocate for their neighborhoods.

The discussion also addressed critical issues such as housing stability and economic security. Barnes pointed out that affordable housing remains a top concern for DC residents, as evidenced by UPO's tri-annual community needs assessment. In response, UPO has convened forums to explore solutions and has partnered with developers to create new housing units for low-income households.

Additionally, Barnes mentioned UPO's collaboration with the DC government, including its role in operating the Financial Empowerment Center and contributing to the DC Upward Mobility Project. He underscored UPO's long-standing relationships with various stakeholders, which have enabled the organization to effectively address the needs of over 55,000 residents in the past year alone.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue these discussions and explore further actions to enhance community support and address the challenges faced by residents in the District of Columbia.