UNCOVER THE HISTORY OF RACE & HOUSING IN ARLINGTON
AHS believes that understanding and confronting the historical causes of racial inequities, including discrimination and segregation in the housing system and the legacy they have left behind, is fundamental to addressing today’s societal and housing challenges. In September 2020, we held the first in a series of community conversations to help uncover some of our community’s history that hasn’t been widely publicized.
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This seven minute video explores the history of race and housing in Arlington, from the first African American landowners to the zoning policies that regulate where and what kind of homes can be built in our neighborhoods today.
We invite you to learn more about the history of race and housing by visiting a new section of our web site dedicated to this important topic.
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ARLINGTON LAUNCHES DIALOGUES ON RACE AND EQUITY
Amid our national conversation on race, Arlington County is calling on its collective community to participate in steps towards true justice and equity.
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Over the next few months, Arlington will host various dialogues with three focus areas. AHS encourages all Arlingtonians to engage in this process.
- DRE in Your Community – We encourage Arlington residents to sign up for small interactive virtual conversations with neighbors to learn and discuss race and equity in Arlington County.
- DRE Together – We are inviting partners, including Arlington nonprofits, civic associations, faith organizations, and businesses to join us in hosting interactive conversations within their own networks and with other organizations. DRE Partners will receive facilitator training and dialogue resources. Sign up now to be a partner.
- DRE in Your Neighborhood – Launching later this year, provides for neighbor-to-neighbor facilitated conversations in the community.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Affordable Housing Study Master Plan Review: Kick Off Webinar
Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m.
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Arlington County is conducting a five-year review of the Affordable Housing Master Plan. As an initial step, the County is updating its Housing Needs Analysis. The kick-off webinar will cover:
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Characteristics of Arlington County’s population
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Current housing affordability and housing needs throughout Arlington
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Housing demand forecasted housing through 2045 based on the most recent population and jobs patterns
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County Kick-off of Missing Middle Housing Study
Wednesday, October 28 at 7 p.m.
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The Missing Middle Housing Study will explore how new housing types could help address Arlington’s shortfall in housing supply and gaps in housing choices. All members of the community are invited to virtually attend the study’s kick off to learn why this study impacts everyone, what the process will include, and how to fully participate.
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Live in Arlington Information Fair
Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Co-sponsored by the Arlington County Housing Division and BU-GATA, this virtual event offers free workshops on such topics as home buying, eviction prevention and tenants rights, condo ownership, and more.
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Ellen M. Bozman Affordable Housing Award
Sunday, November 15 from 7-8:30 p.m.
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Join us to honor Arlington Thrive and the Church at Work for their efforts to keep Arlington families housed during the pandemic. Read more about the awardees and register below.
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ARLINGTON FOR EVERYONE GEAR
October is Affordable Housing month, and we have great gear to help you show your support. Shop our new line of shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, fanny packs, and more!
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CHAMPION SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: VIRGINIA HOUSING
Our Champion Level Partners in Affordable Housing give $10,000 or more per year.
Special thanks to Virginia Housing for supporting the work of AHS and our partner the Lee Highway Alliance to expand the community’s knowledge and understanding of missing middle housing through their Community Impact Grant program.
AHS and LHA will collaborate on educational materials and outreach to engage and inform stakeholders as part of the County’s Missing Middle Housing Study and the Plan Lee Highway initiative.
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About Virginia Housing
Formerly known as VHDA, Virginia Housing was created in 1972 by the General Assembly to help Virginians attain quality, affordable housing.
Today, the organization is self-supporting and receives no state taxpayer dollars to fund such programs as providing mortgages for first-time homebuyers and financing for apartment communities and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
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They offer free homebuyer classes, support housing counseling, and help people with disabilities and the elderly make their homes more livable. Virginia Housing also administer the federal Housing Choice Voucher and Housing Credit programs in Virginia.
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GET INVOLVED
Join the Alliance for Housing Solutions on the platform Mobilize.io to learn, share ideas, and be part of policy discussions. You are welcome to join any of the following groups that spark your interest.
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Housing Action Arlington
Join this coalition to discuss policy updates, advocate for affordable housing resources, and coordinate across housing and service providers. AHS facilitates a monthly meeting (currently via Zoom) for providers and advocates. Join here.
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Missing Middle Network
Learn about and support efforts to allow more missing middle housing through zoning and land use policy reforms. Join here.
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Accessory Dwelling Discussion Group
Learn, discuss, and share efforts to create accessory dwellings through practical discussions, tips, and resources. Join here.
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Increasing the supply of affordable housing through education, policy, advocacy, and innovation.
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