Affordable Housing
Every family deserves a place to call home. Izola is fighting for real rent control, affordable housing development, and protections to keep working families in our community.
The Crisis We Face
Montgomery County is in an affordable housing crisis. Rents are skyrocketing, families are being priced out of their neighborhoods, and our workforce can't afford to live near their jobs.
Izola knows this crisis firsthand. She's fought to freeze rents during the pandemic, advocated for rent stabilization in Rockville, and stood with tenants against displacement. Now she's ready to bring that same fight to the County Council.
Izola's Plan
Real Rent Control That Works
Montgomery County passed rent control in 2024, but we need to strengthen it. Izola will fight to:
- Close loopholes that allow landlords to raise rents excessively between tenants
- Expand rent control to cover more units and protect more families
- Ensure strong enforcement with real penalties for violations
- Protect tenants from retaliation when they exercise their rights
Build Truly Affordable Housing
We need thousands of new affordable homes—not luxury condos marketed as "affordable." Izola will:
- Increase funding for the Housing Opportunities Commission to build affordable units
- Require developers to include affordable units in new developments (inclusionary zoning)
- Prioritize affordable housing near transit and jobs
- Support community land trusts that keep housing affordable permanently
- Convert vacant buildings and underused properties into affordable homes
Anti-Displacement Protections
Long-time residents shouldn't be pushed out by gentrification and rising costs. Izola will:
- Create a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act so tenants can buy their buildings
- Establish anti-displacement zones in at-risk neighborhoods
- Provide legal support for tenants facing eviction or harassment
- Expand rent relief programs for families in crisis
- Protect mobile home parks from conversion or closure
Housing as a Right
Izola believes housing is a human right. She will work to:
- Expand supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness
- Ensure every family has access to safe, stable housing
- Address root causes of housing instability through job creation and living wages
- Provide emergency rental assistance to prevent homelessness
Izola's Record
Led temporary rent freeze during pandemic to prevent evictions and keep families in their homes
Fought for rent stabilization in Rockville and continues to advocate for county-level rent control
Served on Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission, working to expand affordable housing access
Why This Matters
Affordable housing isn't just about having a roof over your head—it's about stability for families, good schools for kids, and a community where everyone can thrive. When working people can't afford to live in Montgomery County, we all lose.
Izola has fought for affordable housing for years, and she won't stop until every family has a place to call home.