D.C. Policy Center Renames Housing Policy Initiative to The Wilkes Initiative for Housing Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Washington, D.C. — March 11, 2025 — The D.C. Policy Center is proud to announce the renaming of its Housing Policy Initiative to The Wilkes Initiative for Housing Policy in tribute to the lasting impact of its Founding Chairman, Charles “Sandy” Wilkes. This renaming reflects Sandy Wilkes’s visionary leadership and deep commitment to advancing housing solutions that create a more equitable and prosperous District of Columbia. 

Under Sandy’s leadership, the D.C. Policy Center has become a leading voice in independent, data-driven policy research, shaping the conversation on housing affordability, economic growth, and opportunity for all in the District. His dedication to evidence-based policy and his unwavering belief in the power of research to drive meaningful change has left an indelible mark on the organization and the broader D.C. community. 

“The Wilkes Initiative for Housing Policy will continue to build on Sandy Wilkes’s legacy by delivering rigorous analysis and innovative solutions to address the District’s most pressing housing challenges,” said Yesim Sayin, Executive Director of the D.C. Policy Center. “His passion for economic and housing policy has been instrumental in shaping our mission, and this initiative will ensure that his contributions endure for years to come. His particular interest in workforce housing in order to ensure a viable middle class in our city is longstanding.” 

The Wilkes Initiative for Housing Policy will focus on developing actionable research on housing affordability, production, and access, with a particular emphasis on policies that support inclusive economic growth. The initiative will also expand its engagement with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to drive forward pragmatic, effective solutions that respond to the evolving needs of D.C. residents. 

Sandy Wilkes’s legacy in D.C. extends far beyond the Policy Center, with decades of leadership in real estate development, philanthropy, and civic engagement. “His steadfast commitment to improving the lives of D.C. residents through thoughtful policy and investment has been a guiding force in the region’s economic development.” Said Matt Klein, Chairman of the D.C. Policy Center. 

“As we celebrate Sandy’s enduring contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to his vision of a more vibrant and accessible housing market in D.C.,” added Ms. Sayin. “The Wilkes Initiative for Housing Policy is not just a name—it is a continuing promise to uphold the values and aspirations that Sandy championed.” 

About the D.C. Policy Center 
Established in 2016, the D.C. Policy Center is a non-partisan, independent think tank focused on advancing policies for a vibrant, competitive, and growing economy in the District of Columbia. The D.C. Policy Center provides objective, targeted, and the highest quality data analyses to support a productive policy debate in the District of Columbia.  

For more information about the D.C. Policy Center, The Wilkes Initiative for Housing Policy, and its ongoing work, please visit www.dcpolicycenter.org. 

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