She designed the methodology for Out of Reach, the widely cited annual report of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) on the gap between housing costs and wages of low income people.
She remained active with NLIHC as a researcher, policy analyst, and board member until her death.
In 1995, Jason DeParle wrote in The New York Times that she was the “dean” of the Washington Corps of housing advocates.
[2] Dolbeare worked with housing organizations past her retirement; she delivered a speech in Washington, D.C. nine days before her death.
The awards are presented yearly to print journalists who "do an exemplary job of illuminating the affordable housing crisis in the United States."