A CURATED LIST OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVES, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTS AND ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, STATEWIDE AND NATIONALLY FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTERS

January 2024

Happy New Year, Housing in Action Readers. We are grateful for your engagement, interest and support. As we move into 2024, we invite you to read our 2023 Year in Review and to learn more about our recent Unification with the Alliance for Housing Solutions. We hope you will continue to stay involved with the work of our organization and our expanding local alliances. If you know or work with someone who would be interested in our newsletter, please invite them to sign-up here.

Alexandria

Last month, the City’s announced news of the proposed Potomac Yard Arena Development with Monumental Sports & Entertainment. Review this summary impact analysis for further details on the potential economic benefits to the city and state.

Alexandria’s Healthy Homes Network, a coalition of organizations and City agencies, has launched a comprehensive engagement effort to understand resident priorities around home hazards and conditions. Alexandrians are invited to take a brief online survey. The survey, a part of Alexandria’s larger Healthy Homes Initiative, is available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Dari, and Pashto.

Learn more about Alexandria’s Legislative Package for the 2024 General Assembly. In general, Alexandria will protect and expand the stock of affordable housing, enforce the provisions of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, prevent evictions and protect individuals and families who are precariously housed and facing housing challenges.

Arlington

Last month, the County approved a financing plan for Barcroft Apartments, developed by Jair Lynch. The plan commits the county and property owner to keep at least 134 units for households earning up to 30% AMI, including 1,335 units at 60% AMI to avoid displacement of current residents, and an additional (up to) 10% of PSH units, depending on available subsidies. The plan also provides rent stabilization efforts for current residents.

Stay informed about Melwood and Wesley Housing’s proposed project by reading the latest updates from the Special GLUP Study.

The Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) will meet again in person and on-line on January 18 at 7pm to review the Goodwill and AHC proposed affordable housing project.

Learn more about Arlington’s Legislative Priorities for the 2024 General Assembly. In general, Arlington supports a significant increase and a sustainable source of funding for the Housing Trust Fund, and tenant rights and eviction prevention.

Fairfax

Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is offering a free information session on January 17 from 12 - 1 pm. The session aims to highlight how participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program can provide landlords a steady rental income and help increase the availability of rental properties for local program participants.

Enterprise Community Development acquired Coralain Gardens, a garden-style apartment complex in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County. The acquisition marks the first deal facilitated through Fairfax County’s right of first refusal (ROFR) assignment process through the County’s recent Affordable Housing Preservation initiatives.

In response to community feedback and requests, Supervisor Lusk has deferred the public hearing regarding the transfer of the Franconia Governmental Center property to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The new date for the hearing is January 23rd at 4:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

The Board of Supervisors public hearing for the Agape House Plan amendment which considers an option of up to 232 units of affordable independent living is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

Learn more about Fairfax County’s Legislative Program for the 2024 General Assembly. In summary, the County supports substantially increasing the Housing Trust Fund, funding for Permanent Supportive Housing, tenant eviction protections, expanded homebuyer and downpayment assistance, additional state housing tax credits and protections for residents of mobile home parks. Advocates are welcome to speak to the Fairfax County Delegation to the General Assembly at a public hearing on Saturday, January 6, at 9 a.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Loudoun County

Congratulations to Loudoun County for passing the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite last month, specifically Chapter 9: Attainable Housing, which seeks to implement the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan through the creation and preservation of Affordable Dwelling Units, Unmet Housing Needs Units and Affordable Housing Units.

Loudoun County extended the deadline for the CDBG Competitive Public Service Application to no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 12. The public service application is intended for projects that provide public services that primarily benefit low-and moderate-income residents.

Learn more about Loudoun County’s Legislative Program for the 2024 General Assembly. In general, Loudoun supports increasing opportunities for attainable housing, funding for permanent supportive housing, strategies for increasing tenant protections, and state income tax credits.

Prince William County

Kudos to Prince William County for allocating $5 Million from their FY2023 surplus funds “to begin the establishment of a new affordable housing fund pending future development of an affordable dwelling unit ordinance and creation of a housing trust.” NVAHA and our advocacy partners are excited about the local affordable housing investments being made in the County.

Learn more about Prince William County’s Legislative Program for the 2024 General Assembly. In summary, Prince William will closely monitor and report on from the Governor and General Assembly addressing affordable housing. In addition, the county will track all legislation pertaining to local authority, land use planning and housing matters, correlating all bills to the county’s current land use, planning policies and regulations.

Northern Virginia

Virginia DHCD and the Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) program is holding an input session in Northern Virginia on January 30, from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22201. The session will reflect on changes in the program over the last two years and hold breakouts for nonprofit and for-profit developers to discuss future changes to the program.

The 2024 Northern Virginia Housing Expo is offering discounts for exhibitors through January 31. The 2024 Northern Virginia Housing Expo will be held on March 23, at Charles Colgan High School in Manassas.

Virginia Housing increased program limits to serve higher income levels with housing loans in Northern Virginia. Households that make more than $228,000 a year can now qualify for first-time homebuyer assistance in Northern Virginia. The sales price limit for a loan for homes in Northern Virginia also increased to $725,000.

State

The Virginia General Assembly Session begins January 10. In order to prepare, you can register to attend these advocacy sessions:

The Virginia Poverty and Law Center and Legal Aid Justice Center will host an online advocacy training for tenants or tenant advocates on January 8 at 7:00 pm. They will discuss the legislative process, how to influence your legislators, and share our legislative agenda on tenants' rights and housing.

Virginia Housing Alliance is hosting Advocacy Day on February 20 at St. Paul’s Church, 815 E Grace Street, in Richmond, VA. Register here and if you are interested in carpooling with NVAHA, please email [email protected] with “Advocacy Day” in the subject line.

Virginia Housing commissioned a study, conducted by Chmura Analytics on the Role of Housing in the Economic Competitiveness of Virginia’s Communities, lays out recommendations for state, regional, and local efforts to integrate housing and economic development strategies. NVAHA’s February Lunch & Learn will be on the topic of Housing and Economic Development.

Articles of Interest

More Transparency in Lender Mortgage Rates Could Make Homeownership More Affordable, Urban Land Institute
Freddie and Fannie Increase Investments in LIHTC equity, Novogradac/FHFA
Northern Virginia isn’t the only place making pro-housing changes to Zoning Ordinances, read more about Charlottesville’s new ordinance, Cville Tomorrow
Northern Virginia Winter Shelter List, NVRC
Northern Virginia Homeless Drop In List, NVRC