Plus: What is the Missing Middle?

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** INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
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Dear Friend,
You may have noticed we've been talking about the Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) a LOT lately.

That's because we're at a critical time in our County's budget development for Fiscal Year 2021 and we need your help to amplify the message that we need more funding for affordable housing.

Walter Webdale, President and CEO of affordable housing developer AHC Inc., says AHIF "is absolutely essential for building or preserving affordable housing in our competitive real estate environment.”

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 are paid back, which means the money is re-invested into our community

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 (click the button below), 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.
Sign the Petition ([link removed])
Michelle Winters

Gratefully yours,

Michelle McDonough Winters
Executive Director

Read: AHIF is a Long-Term Investment, Not a One-Time Gift ([link removed])


** 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 ([link removed]) asking Arlington County to increase AHIF funding to $25 million and dedicate additional funds to our lowest-income households.
* Attend Open Door Mondays ([link removed]) where Arlington County residents can speak one-on-one or in small groups with a County Board Member in an informal setting. Help us fill slots on March 9, 16, 23, and April 6.
* Speak at a County Board meeting ([link removed]) on 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 ([link removed]) , customize, and mail it; or send an email (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20Support%20%2425%20Million%20for%20AHIF) 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 ([link removed]) , 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 (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Advocating%20for%20AHIF) .
Yes, I want to be an advocate for AHIF! ([link removed])


** WHAT IS THE "MISSING MIDDLE" AND WHY IS IT BEING STUDIED?
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** Plus: Arlington County Extends Survey Deadline to March 15
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The lack of many housing options that fall between more expensive single-family homes and condominiums or apartments within smaller multi-unit buildings is referred to as the “Missing Middle” of the housing market.

Some parts of Arlington are dominated by large and expensive single-family homes and high-end townhomes that are out of reach for middle-income households. Increasing the availability of these missing middle housing types can provide more variety in housing options and price points for a community. This makes it more possible for households such as young professionals, retirees, small families and others to find a place to live that meets their needs, contributing to a more diverse and vibrant community.

This year, Arlington County is studying our missing middle to determine if there are ways to increase the supply of housing in order to keep up with rising prices and population growth. Visit their Missing Middle web site ([link removed]) to watch their webinar, read the scope of study, and submit your feedback by March 15 ([link removed]) .
Learn More About Missing Middle Housing ([link removed])


** UPCOMING EVENTS
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March 26: Arlington County's Housing Matters Forum
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Arlington Mill Multipurpose Room 527
909 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA 22204

Arlington’s Housing Matters Forum provides an opportunity for residents to share information and discuss various housing topics. The goal is to strengthen community connections while engaging in discussions around community needs. March’s forum will focus on housing programs that lower rental costs for eligible residents like local housing assistance programs, Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8), lower cost apartments, and more. Download the flyer ([link removed]) or learn more here ([link removed]) .

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April 18: FREE Accessory Dwelling Workshop
3-4 p.m.
Kenmore Middle School

Are you curious about what it takes to create a new Accessory Dwelling on you property under Arlington’s updated rules? Join us at the Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo for a FREE workshop on Accessory Dwellings, also known as in-law suites or backyard cottages. You’ll learn from contractors and builders about how the process works and how to get started, plus meet others who are also considering adding an Accessory Dwelling to their properties. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

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SAVE THE DATE
May 21: Leckey Forum
Understanding the Amazon Effect:
Housing Supply for Our Future Workforce

5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
NRECA Building
4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203

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 and how we can create and preserve the housing supply needed to improve affordability for all.


** ARLINGTON FOR EVERYONE: STORIES ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORS
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Ted Hicks: Lifelong Community Leader

At age nine, Ted Hicks made history as one of four boys who began the desegregation of Girard College, a boys’ prep school in Philadelphia. Today, he’s a community leader working to help his fellow Arlingtonians.

Read Ted's story ([link removed])


** #HereForErik
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This week we learned that County Board Vice Chair Erik Gutshall is receiving treatment ([link removed]) for a brain tumor. Katie Cristol, his colleague on the Board, is calling for Arlingtonians to get involved for Erik's sake. She posted the following on Facebook:

"As you may have seen in the news, our colleague and friend, Erik, is facing a tough health challenge.

One of the reasons Erik is a great Board Member is that he really believes in the power of small groups of people to make change. He’s a former civic association president and commission chair, and he reminds me all the time that citizen engagement built everything that makes our County special.

Lots of folks have asked what we can do for Erik. For now, while he and his family need privacy, here’s what I think we can do for him: Go to a civic association meeting. Attend a public meeting. Volunteer. Embody Erik’s example and make this place better by showing up.

And take a picture of getting involved, and tag it #HereForErik so we can share how he’s influencing us to do good in Arlington."

If you'd like to find ways to get involved in our community, click the button below for the AHS SignUpGenius, which has a number of options for easy ways to show up.
Get Involved ([link removed])
Increasing the supply of affordable housing through education, policy, advocacy, and innovation.
Donate ([link removed])
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