Friends,

As we celebrate Thanksgiving weekend, below is a summary of the County Board's actions in November, progress on affordable housing, the tax rate for next year, and an update on this month's news related to our ideals.
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Summary of the Fiscal Year 2021 County Budget in 7 minutes, 10 seconds.
The Board's biggest action this past month was on our budgets for this year and next. With respect to this year, I was very pleased to work with my colleagues to secure $500K in emergency stabilization funding to help renters in danger of increases or dislocation this year. That modest amount was, in my view, appropriate given increases in rents in certain cases and to add to the significant investments we already make to help our lowest-income neighbors.

With respect to next year's budget, I was thrilled to support an amendment that passed unanimously that will increase by at least $3 million and up to $5 or $9 million funding for our revolving loan housing program (AHIF) that we use to help provide affordable housing units. See the budget direction below which includes a particular focus on those Arlingtonians most in need---those under 30% of area median income. ($36K for a family of four--approximately 9,000 Arlington households.)
Direction to the County Manager on the FY 2021 Budget ([link removed])
We must follow through on the housing wins in the budget guidance which can be accessed through the blue button above, but, along with the passage of an ambitious Community Energy Plan, this was one of my proudest board meetings of the year. Each of you were with me and the Board a week ago Tuesday and in the month of work that led to the victory on budget guidance for affordable housing.

One other key part of the budget guidance: we are highly unlikely to increase the tax rate next year. The growth in tax assessments will make Fiscal Year 2021 an easier budget year than this year and enable us to invest without raising the rate. That assessment growth, the fact that infrastructure improvements for stormwater and other items are funded in the capital budget, and the fiscal restraint I promised last year are why I agree with this approach.

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2 minute 30 second summary of the Budget--Operating is different from Capital.
Both will be under consideration in separate processes over the next 6 months.

A second big action: the County Board has our draft legislative package ready for our Senators and Assembly Members. The Board will be having a conversation on Tuesday, December 3rd from 3 to 5 pm. If you want to listen go here on Tuesday: [link removed] For a summary of where we are as we move toward the start of Session, click below:
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Specific Areas the County will focus on in Richmond in 2021, in addition to ERA and Gun Safety
Third, the Board approved the redevelopment of the Harris Teeter site near Ballston and made changes to help encourage affordable housing in the corridors. On housing, we allowed more density at sites in our corridors consistent with our plans. We decided to limit heights for such sites, which I see, on balance, as not necessary given the applicability of the changes. Not all that I wanted, but the allowance of additional density in targeted areas is a step forward for affordable housing for sure.

In other actions in November, the Board took action with respect to scooters, regulating their use consistent with the reality that we cannot ban them and want to make their use safe. All our actions are summarized in the 33 minute searchable video that you can reach by clicking below:

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The video segments on the Harris Teeter, density changes for affordable housing, and scooters.

Two other newsworthy items. The mental health docket hearing I mentioned last month occurred: the consensus application will in fact move forward with the opportunity for revisions next year as needed. This is a win that many of you and I care a lot about.

Amazon's proposed building in Pentagon City is very likely to be considered at next month's Board meetings. The community benefits associated with the project will include $20 million in funding for affordable housing and a park. I will look at the final proposal and am still working to ensure workers on the construction part of the project are protected, but I am favorably inclined. The benefits package and LEED Platinum building are consistent with my vote in favor of the performance agreement with Amazon earlier this year.
Framing the Months Ahead: How We Grow Matters
Finally, I want to point you to my thoughts on the debate about growth and our future that is ongoing. The button below has a link to an ARLNow article that presents a discussion of growth that I think is a good cliff notes version of some of the debate.
ARLnow article Describing some of the Debate about our Future ([link removed])
My view is more closely aligned with continuing to evolve, and yes, grow. Specifically, I reject fully the notion that we are headed in Houston's direction. We will continue to evolve thoughtfully as we apply Arlington values to our next chapter. I grant, however, that we must do more on stormwater and flooding and a few of the specific requests in the article. And we will. More on that in the coming months.

For those still with me, thank you for reading this far, and for giving me the profound honor of working for the ideals we share.

Matt

ps: Want to learn about the water main break and what Arlington County is doing about it? [link removed] Want pictures of the break near Chain Bridge? [link removed] ([link removed])

pps: Want to learn about stormwater via pictures and an excellent story map? [link removed]

ppps: One website you may want to know of that will celebrate Arlington's 100th anniversary next year: [link removed]

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