5 REASONS 2020 WILL BE A GOOD YEAR FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
|
|
Dear Friend,
The start of a new year is a time for both reflection and for looking ahead. As I think about the housing affordability crisis our community faces it is clear that we can't stop or slow our pace. Now, more than ever, our neighbors need us to push for new, innovative ways to make sure everyone has a place to live that they can afford—especially the roughly 9,000 households living on 30 percent of our Area Median Income (about $36,000 for a family of four).
|
|
|
As I reflect on the progress we made in 2019 and look ahead at the opportunities of 2020, I have 5 reasons to be optimistic about affordable housing in the coming year. What would you add to the list?
I look forward to working with you in our mission to increase the supply of affordable housing right here in Arlington.
Happy New Year!
Michelle McDonough Winters
Executive Director
|
|
COUNTY BOARD SUPPORTS AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN 2020
|
|
Each January, Arlington County Board Members set the tone for the coming year through their New Years’ addresses. These speeches convey the members’ priorities and gives a glimpse into the specific policies they’ll be pursuing throughout the year.
This year’s addresses held several common threads—and one of them is affordable housing. Each of the five board members mentioned it in some capacity. Click below to read what they said.
|
|
JANE GREEN JOINS AHS BOARD
|
|
"I want to be part of the advocacy group that encourages both individual residents and elected leaders to be more expansive in their views of what housing can be in a thriving community." -Jane Green
The AHS Board of Directors welcomed Jane Green on Jan. 13, 2020. Jane is the development director of Greater Greater Washington. She is a graduate of Arlington’s Neighborhood College Program, is active in her civic association, and writes a biweekly column about housing for ARLnow called Making Room.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JANE
|
|
|
Friend: JOIN US AS AN ADVOCATE
|
|
Do you want to help advance affordable housing efforts right here in our community? 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.
We'll give you all the tools you need, whether you want to speak up at a meeting, join a letter writing campaign, or just be more informed as you talk to friends and neighbors.
|
|
|
|
Contact us or attend our February 12 Housing Happy Hour to learn more about advocacy opportunities in 2020.
|
|
February 12: Action for AHIF Housing Happy Hour
5-7 p.m.
3100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 200
Join us for (FREE!) drinks, networking, and a chance to learn why we're advocating for $25 million in Arlington's Affordable Housing Investment Fund.
RSVPs are not required but will help us plan.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
COUNTY RELEASES DETAILS ON MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING STUDY
|
|
|
County staff have released more details on the upcoming study on Missing Middle Housing, part of the Housing Arlington initiative. This document expands on the framework staff presented to the County Board in December. Read the proposed scope, charge and timeline for the study, as well as information on the extensive community engagement process being planned. Questions or comments? Reach out to [email protected].
|
|
|
Increasing the supply of affordable housing through education, policy, advocacy, and innovation.
|
|
|
|
|
