"The RFP will challenge our city's nonprofit developers, for-profit developers, housing advocates, and faith-based community to submit their best proposals," DHCD director Stanley Jackson says in a statement announcing the funds. "We want to make sure that these limited resources are directed to people with the greatest need."

In an article earlier this year, Jackson wrote "the District's real estate market and economic climate have raised the bar; we must be prepared to work smarter and more closely with others to increase the supply of affordable housing and home ownership options." Proposal submissions will be accepted until October 15 and letters of commitment are scheduled for distribution in March of next year.

The multi-million dollar funding package is being drawn from the city's Housing Production Trust Fund, federal HOME and Community Development Block Grant funds, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.