AHS URGES ARLINGTON: INVEST $25 MIL IN AHIF
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Dear Friend,
In the last twenty years Arlington has lost 16,000 market-rate affordable rental units, including a total of 1,270 in 2019 alone. The County, in partnership with affordable housing developers, has been working to replace that loss with committed affordable units—but so far has only added 8,377 units, or about half of what has been lost.
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That’s why the Alliance for Housing Solutions is urging Arlington County to invest $25 million in the Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) in Fiscal Year 2021.
The AHIF is a revolving, low-interest loan fund that has served as Arlington’s main financing program for affordable housing development and renovation since its inception in 1988. The loans help fill a gap in a project’s development budget to make their affordability feasible. As developers pay back their loans the money is re-invested in future affordable developments.
I invite you to join us to ask the County to invest in Arlington's affordability between now and the end of March.
Start by signing our petition, and read on to find out the many ways you can make your voice heard in support of affordable housing right here in our community.
Michelle McDonough Winters
Executive Director
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Friend: JOIN US AS AN ADVOCATE
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Join us in advocating for $25 million for the Affordable Housing Investment Fund, a revolving loan that helps nonprofit developers build and preserve housing so our lowest-income neighbors can continue to live in Arlington.
Here's how:
- Sign the AHS petition asking Arlington County to increase AHIF funding to $25 million and dedicate additional funds to our lowest-income households.
- Attend Open Door Mondays where Arlington County residents can speak one-on-one or in small groups with a County Board Member in an informal setting.
- Speak at a County Board meeting on February 22, March 21, and the March 31 budget hearing. Share your concerns in a 2-5 minute slot during the public comment period.
- Write to County Board Members to tell them you support allocating $25 million for AHIF in fiscal year 2021. Download our letter template, customize, and mail it; or send an email to all five County Board Members.
- Follow us on Social Media so you can see and share our updates. Use the hashtag #InvestInArlingtonsAffordability when advocating for AHIF dollars.
- Share with your neighbors so they can join us in advocating for members of our community who are most vulnerable to displacement. Download our flyer, or share our information via social media.
Want help knowing what to say or how to get started? Click the button below and add your name to our Sign-Up Genius, or email Alice Hogan.
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WHAT IS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INVESTMENT FUND?
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The Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) is a revolving, low-interest loan
program that supports affordable housing development and preservation in Arlington County.
Here’s how it works:
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April 18: All About Accessory Dwellings in Arlington
Time TBD
Kenmore Middle School
Are you curious about what it takes to create a basement apartment or backyard cottage under Arlington’s updated Accessory Dwelling rules? Come and learn from homeowners, contractors and others about how the process works and how to get started.
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Coming Soon! Leckey Forum: Understanding the Amazon Effect
The Leckey Forum is a free event designed to educate the public about housing affordability issues. This year our focus will be on the impact Amazon's new headquarters will have on our community. Date, location, and registration details will be announced soon.
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PLAN LEE HIGHWAY DIGITAL WORKSHOP OPEN THROUGH FEB 24
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If you missed the in-person workshop you can still share your voice online.
How do you imagine living, working and doing business on Lee Highway in 2050?
Give your feedback online with the Plan Lee Highway Digital Community Workshop, open now through February 24.
Just like with the in-person workshop, visit a digital neighborhood workshop station to learn more and provide your input.
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING MASTER PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
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Arlington County's 2019 Affordable Housing Master Plan Annual Report is now available. This annual report is intended to inform the public on the wide array of housing-related activities supported by the County that are essential to realizing the County’s vision:
“Arlington will be a diverse and inclusive world-class urban community with secure, attractive residential and commercial neighborhoods where people unite to form a caring, learning, participating, sustainable community in which each person is important.”
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Increasing the supply of affordable housing through education, policy, advocacy, and innovation.
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