In a pivotal public hearing held on April 30, 2025, at the District of Columbia's city hall, the Committee on Business and Economic Development gathered to discuss significant developments in affordable housing. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Bill Benite, the founder and CEO of Dumas Collective, took the floor to present his testimony.

Benite, representing a firm dedicated to creating and preserving affordable housing in Washington, D.C., highlighted the critical role his company has played over nearly two decades. He emphasized the substantial investment made by the Department of Housing and Community Development, which has exceeded $300 million in partnership with Dante's Partners, translating into over $1 billion in total development costs. This investment has not only fostered stable communities but has also generated generational wealth for residents.

At the heart of Benite's testimony was a request for support on Parcel 13, a project that promises to deliver much-needed housing for both seniors and working-class families. He pointed out the lack of senior housing options in the vicinity of the Saint Elizabeth campus, underscoring the urgency of the project. Benite expressed pride in the legacy of the Neighborhood Development Company, which previously held development rights for Parcel 13, and assured the council of his commitment to seeing the project through.

Chairman Kenyan McDuffie and other council members listened intently, acknowledging the importance of investing in affordable housing, particularly for low-income residents. McDuffie took a moment to recognize Adrian Washington, the founder of the Neighborhood Development Company, for his contributions to equitable development in the district.

As the hearing progressed, McDuffie noted that the project would be presented to the council differently than previous proposals, hinting at the possibility of an additional hearing once an amended term sheet is available. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to advancing affordable housing initiatives in D.C., with a focus on supporting Black-owned businesses and local firms.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the future of affordable housing in the district, as stakeholders rallied around the shared goal of creating sustainable and inclusive communities. The path forward for Parcel 13 remains to be seen, but the commitment from both the council and local developers signals a promising step towards addressing the housing needs of D.C.'s most vulnerable residents.