What is the main goal of the District Opportunity to Purchase (DOPA) program?

The main goal of the District Opportunity to Purchase (DOPA) program is to maintain and increase affordable rental housing. This initiative is designed to give tenants and community organizations a first opportunity to purchase rental properties when they go up for sale, particularly targeting properties that may be at risk of being converted to market-rate housing. By enabling these groups to purchase properties, DOPA aims to preserve affordable housing options in the District of Columbia, ensuring that low- and moderate-income residents can continue to live in their communities without being displaced by rising rents. This mechanism is an important tool in combating the loss of affordable housing stock, thereby supporting the overall stability of neighborhoods and communities.