Project2026 DC Election Briefing Book: What Mayoral and Council Candidates Need to Know

Image of a row of brick homes in the Fort Totten neighborhood in Washington, DC.

For the first time in 12 years, DC residents will elect a new mayor. They’ll vote in at least three new members of the DC Council. And, for the first time ever, residents will use ranked-choice voting in the June primaries.

This momentous election cycle comes amid a period of economic uncertainty for DC: tens of thousands of workers have lost jobs in the past year, and the District continues to face challenges balancing its budget. Residents with lower incomes are struggling to afford their rent, child care, utility bills, health insurance, and other essentials.

Created by the Urban-Greater DC initiative, this briefing book offers candidates, voters, and journalists critical background information and the latest evidence on some of the most important issues facing DC, including early education, housing, the labor market, and public safety. In the resources below, we share what policymakers need to know to confront inequities and create a city of shared prosperity.

For more information or to speak to one of Urban’s experts, please contact the government affairs team at [email protected].

Experts
People
Senior Fellow
Principal Research Associate
Senior Fellow
Senior Fellow
Research Assistant
Senior Policy Program Manager
Senior Policy Associate
Senior Policy Fellow
Principal Research Associate
Senior Research Associate

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This project is funded by the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation. We are grateful to them and to all our funders, who make it possible for Urban to advance its mission. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. Funders do not determine research findings or the insights and recommendations of our experts. More information on our funding principles is available here. Read our terms of service here.

Research and Evidence Housing and Communities
Expertise Housing Thriving Cities and Neighborhoods
Tags Greater DC Housing affordability and supply Housing markets Housing stability Housing subsidies Economic well-being Employment and income data Finance Infrastructure Job markets and labor force State and local finance State programs, budgets Taxes and business Nonprofit sector trends Foundations and philanthropy Financial stability Child care Child care and early education Child care subsidies and affordability Child care workers and early childhood teachers Children and youth Wealth inequality