Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance

Want a say in affordable housing? Fairfax County Land Use Planning is working on two long-range planning projects with the potential to change affordable housing and land use policy for properties in the Richmond Highway Corridor Area. The first meeting will be on January 10, 2023, from 7 pm to 9 pm at Whitman Middle School.

If you need transportation, childcare, and interpretation accommodations, please reach out to [email protected] or call 703-704-6700.

¿Quiere opinar sobre viviendas asequibles? Fairfax County Land Use Planning está trabajando en dos proyectos de planificación a largo plazo con el potencial de cambiar la vivienda asequible y la política de uso de la tierra para propiedades en el área del corredor de la autopista Richmond. La primera reunión será el 10 de enero de 2023, de 7:00 p. m. a 9:00 p. m. en la Escuela Intermedia Whitman.

Si necesita adaptaciones de transporte, cuidado de niños e interpretación, comuníquese con [email protected] o llame al 703-704-6700.

Smart housing policy is more than just an increase in supply and denser development around urban and transportation corridors. Good housing policy is also about building in a way that is congruent with the clean energy transition. https://nvaha.org/housing-and-climate-change/

Housing and Climate Change | Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance - Providing Equal Housing Opportunities for All This post was written by Anna Janetos, Director of Policy and Programs. According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, “households consume 29% of global energy and consequently contribute to 21% of resultant CO2 emissions.” The built environment is a crucial sector for reducing c...

𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐧
Agree? Contact your Board of Supervisors representative today about prioritizing the need for more diverse workforce housing solutions in Loudoun County. Find out more at workforcehousingnow.org Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties

“I want to challenge ourselves to do more in areas pertaining to diversity and equity and inclusion for our staff as well as the communities that we serve… We’re running out of emergency assistance funding from the federal government coming off the pandemic, so we’ve been working with right-sizing our rents to make sure people can stay housed.” Kamilah McAfee, Wesley Housing's new CEO https://www.alxnow.com/2022/12/07/wesley-housing-wont-expand-affordable-housing-properties-beyond-d-c-metro-area/

Good article on tenant landlord law at the federal and state levels. Virginia must do a better job of tenant protections and creating parity between landlords and tenants.

What Are Your Landlord’s Legal Obligations? Depends on Where You Live Landlord-tenant relations are governed by a mix of laws at all levels of government and can vary a lot. We’re going to walk you through it.

Outstanding selection for new CEO! Welcome Kamilah McAfee and thank you to Shelley Murphy.

We are thrilled to announce the Wesley Housing Board of Directors has unanimously selected Kamilah McAfee as its next President and CEO, effective January 2, 2023. She will succeed Shelley Murphy, who has successfully led the organization for the last 15 years. Full press release: http://bit.ly/3ig8eWA

Thanksgiving, 2022.

Being grateful for what we have may be difficult given recent events and the troubling times ahead. But take a moment to think about what Howard Zinn once wrote:

"To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. ...If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places -- and there are so many -- where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. ...And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory."

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALLIANCE

https://nvaha.org/new-executive-director-for-the-northern-virginia-affordable-housing-alliance/

New Executive Director for the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance | Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance - Providing Equal Housing Opportunities for All The Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA) is pleased to announce the selection of Jill Norcross as our next Executive Director. Ms. Norcross is a strategic leader with an abiding commitment to strengthening communities and improving outcomes for residents th...

With evictions spiking again in Northern Virginia, we're grateful to Shelterforce for this graphic that identifies 6 policies for tenant power, some of which are being advanced as draft legislation for the 2023 General Assembly session.

Universal, affordable access to broadband is essential for all households in the Commonwealth.

The Right Way to Bring Broadband to Rural Communities | NCTA — The Internet & Television Association Across rural America, from the most remote areas of Alaska to the grain silos of Minnesota, cable internet service providers (ISPs) continually build out their broadband networks to connect as many unserved Americans as possible.Why it matters: In today's world, a high-speed broadband connection is....

I’m honored to receive this award that commemorates the legendary Ellen Bozman. Please join us online and support the advocacy work of both and !

Please join AHS on Dec. 4th for the 2022 Ellen M. Bozman Award! We will honor Michelle Krocker, a formidable leader and passionate advocate.

Learn more and register: https://loom.ly/hY2gmcI

Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance

Slow going on the redevelopment of the GenOn Power Plant site in north Old Town.

GenOn Power Plant Will Not be Demolished Until Mid-2024 Hilco provided an update on the long-term redevelopment of the former power plant.

Axios Finish Line: Helping heroes About 15 in every 100 veterans are living with PTSD.

APAH's renovations and upgrades to improve energy efficiency will lower resident utility bills and keep this housing affordable.

County slated to award APAH nearly $1M for renovations to affordable housing complexes | ARLnow.com Two affordable housing complexes in Arlington are teed up for renovations, including units on a site also set for redevelopment. Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing will upgrade 62 units at the Marbella Apartments (1301 N. Queen Street) and 101 units at the Arna Valley View Apartments (2300...

https://www.ffxnow.com/2022/11/09/county-paves-way-for-construction-on-metrowest-town-center-now-with-pedestrian-improvements/

County paves way for construction on MetroWest town center — now with pedestrian improvements | FFXnow County paves way for construction on MetroWest town center — now with pedestrian improvements Angela Woolsey November 9, 2022 at 11:45am The MetroWest town center will have three residential buildings, with interim open space before the final one is built, and two office buildings on currently und...

"The developers seeking to redevelop the West Falls Church Metro station property and expand Virginia Tech’s nearby Northern Virginia Center campus will present their proposals and answer questions at an informational meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 15." https://www.ffxnow.com/2022/11/04/west-falls-church-developers-will-detail-plans-at-meeting-this-month/

West Falls Church developers will detail plans at meeting this month | FFXnow West Falls Church developers will detail plans at meeting this month Angela Woolsey November 4, 2022 at 11:00am A rendering of the proposed development outside the West Falls Church Metro station (via WMATA) If the proliferation of major developments planned around the West Falls Church Metro statio...

Coming soon to ! New Silver Line Station, New Bus Routes, New Garages. Learn more at loudoun.gov/silverline.

Can we have community conversations that move beyond talking points and entrenched polarizing positions? Check our this presentation on combating NIMBYism. Maybe it's time to lose that term. What do you think?https://housingforwardva.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/HV-Overcoming-NIMBY-3.0-2019-11-20-1.pdf

See how Arlington's Missing Middle Housing draft initiative has responded to community concerns. The rest of Northern Virginia is watching.

NEW: County Board says draft Missing Middle changes respond to community concerns | ARLnow.com The Arlington County Board says a draft version of zoning changes that could allow Missing Middle housing types includes provisions that respond to community concerns raised this fall. After contentious meetings this summer, the county hosted community conversations

Evictions Are Back In Force As Housing Advocates Rue 'Missed Opportunity' Pandemic-era tenant protections were largely effective in keeping eviction filings low. Without them, things are mostly back to normal, but with pricier rent.

Who can afford to own here? Arlington County Virginia – Government kicks off this initiative today with a plan for study, analysis & recommendations to address affordable homeownership challenges. We’ll be following this closely.

https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Housing/Housing-Arlington/Homeownership-Study

Homeownership Study The Homeownership Study, which includes the former Condominium Initiative, will examine program outcomes, assess opportunities, and determine whether the County’s existing programs and policies support Arlington’s homeownership goals.

Housing Solutions Lab has created a helpful template that includes all of the elements needed to develop an effective local housing plan.

Two proven strategies for addressing housing affordability - especially for lower income households - are expanding the supply of housing choice vouchers (a federal allocation) and increasing affordable housing development and preservation (local and state level). We know what works; let’s do this!
https://www.cbpp.org/research/housing/addressing-the-affordable-housing-crisis-requires-expanding-rental-assistance-and

Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis Requires Expanding Rental Assistance and Adding Housing Units | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Closing the housing affordability gap will require a comprehensive housing strategy, including developing new units, preserving existing affordable housing, and expanding rental assistance. Expanding the Housing Choice Voucher program, as the 2023 House-passed HUD funding bill calls for, would most....

Check out the new Tysons Tracker.

Annual updates were just made to the Tysons Tracker! 🤩 Take a few minutes to check out this interactive online platform to see the new land use and development data from August 2021 through July 2022.

Some of Tysons’ development activity and major accomplishments of the past year include: approval of 2 major zonings; delivery of 5 buildings, 1 public facility and 4 permanent park spaces; and review of the Silver Line Metro Rail ridership. It's been a busy year!

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/new-land-use-and-development-data-available-tysons-tracker

Check out this timely and important session at the Virginia Governor's Housing Conference Nov 16 in Crystal City.

HousingForward presents ZONED OUT at VAGHC 2022 - HousingForward Virginia On November 16, housing providers, planners, architects, and local officials convene for a conversation on zoning and housing affordability.

This is such an exciting initiative for the families along the Route 1 corridor. Thank you SupervisorRodneyLusk for shepherding this project to completion!

This is an exciting pilot program that has enjoyed considerable success in other cities across the country - the guaranteed income program.

This is a great opportunity for all those who qualify. Apply today!

October is Affordable Housing Awareness Month in Arlington. Check it out.

Virginia Rent Relief Program Update

Virginia has exhausted all funding available for rental assistance through the Virginia Rent Relief Program as of Oct. 14, 2022. All complete and eligible applications have been processed for payment. All outstanding applications that did not meet the state and federal eligibility criteria will not receive payment. There are no longer funds available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) and from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) (P.L. 117-2) for rental assistance through the Virginia Rent Relief program.

For information on tenant resources for Virginians, clickhttps://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/Docx/rrp/tenant-resources-doc.pdf

www.dhcd.virginia.gov

“Our vision is that in perpetuity, 30% AMI households can live there,” said Michael Spotts, an Arlington resident who runs the consulting firm Neighborhood Fundamentals, and a co-author of the ACF report. “Barcroft has been a place where people at those income levels can call home. As this neighborhood redevelops, we want to ensure people can continue to call that neighborhood home.”
https://www.arlnow.com/2022/10/11/how-a-penske-truck-rental-lot-along-columbia-pike-could-figure-into-the-barcroft-redevelopment/

How a Penske truck rental lot along Columbia Pike could figure into the Barcroft redevelopment | ARLnow.com The Penske truck rental location on Columbia Pike -- which once had an ART bus crash into it and stay there for a month -- has closed. And the replacement for the storefront and expansive parking lot, at the Pike's intersection with S. George Mason Drive, may be something completely different. The s...

CALLING RISING HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEADERS

In 2023, NVAHA will convene the ‘Rising Housing Leaders Network of NoVA”, providing an opportunity for members to meet both virtually and in-person for a variety of activities, as well as a learning environment for topics of interest.

Early career professionals in the housing and community development space, either nonprofit or for-profit, are encouraged to join us, including those engaged in tenants’ rights groups and community organizers. We also welcome rising professionals in the healthcare, environmental and transportation space – or any sector that is critical to maintaining healthy, sustainable, and diverse communities.

Please reach out to [email protected] if you are a younger professional who is interested in joining this group.

Read more here: https://nvaha.org/calling-rising-housing-and-community.../

Calling Rising Housing and Community Development Leaders | Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance - Providing Equal Housing Opportunities for All The COVID-19 pandemic has changed business operations in fundamental ways. In many industries, virtual interaction is now far more common than in-person interaction. Virtual workplaces do offer a variety of benefits, such as greater flexibility and time management, leading to better work-life balanc...

From our friends at the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. Northern Virginia is diverse and highly educated, making it an attractive location for new businesses. Let’s be sure we have adequate housing supply and choices that are affordable to maintain NoVA as the state’s economic engine.

Exciting new affordable housing development in Loudoun - 52 units, certified green development (by 4 separate programs!), and less than a mile from Ashburn's new Metro station. Kudos to our partner and Managing Partner Kim Hart.

Good Works, Green Street to Break Ground on Loudoun’s Most Energy Efficient Building - Loudoun Now Loudoun-based attainable housing developer Good Works and Maryland-based Green Street Housing on Friday plan a groundbreaking for Waxpool Apartments, a

Metcalfe: The Cost of Housing in Loudoun: The Economics of Workforce Housing - Loudoun Now When AOL opened its headquarters in Ashburn in 1996, it started a mad rush of competitors vying for real estate in Loudoun County. Just last month, the AOL building brought back employees to celebrate and share memories one last time before the building gets torn down to make room for a new data cen...

"Infrastructure literally supports communities, creates jobs, builds businesses, and fosters trade while being a vehicle from which other economic activity flourishes in addition to providing basic human services."

Read more from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University on how infrastructure, including its links to housing, can become more equitable:

https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/connecting-americans-prosperity-how-infrastructure-including-its-links-housing-can-become-more

Connecting Americans to Prosperity: How Infrastructure—Including Its Links to Housing—Can Become More Equitable The greatness of our nation’s physical infrastructure (buildings, transportation systems, communication networks, water systems, etc.) is matched by