Our Work
In January 2024, the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA) and Alliance for Housing Solutions unified. This merger aimed to amplify the impact of affordable housing efforts across the region, combining resources and expertise. Through this unified approach, we continue advocating for local solutions, starting with the creation of local housing alliances, beginning with Arlington.
NVAHA-Arlington offers reliable and impartial guidance on budgeting, zoning, urban planning, and other topics to promote affordable, accessible, and diverse housing in Arlington.
We collaborate with pro-housing partners to help create an Arlington that welcomes everyone who lives, works, and enjoys our community.
LEARN
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN ARLINGTON
Do you want more than news? Are you interested in knowing what immediate steps you can take to support affordable housing in Arlington? If so join a NVAHA-Arlington group.
We offer three online groups to help you go deeper in housing issues and stay connected with others working and advocating for increased supply and greater affordability. Click the following groups to join.
HOUSING ACTION ARLINGTON
This coalition of housing and service providers and advocates meets monthly to share information, plan strategies, and advocate on a range of housing issues in Arlington.
ACCESSORY DWELLINGS
In this group, homeowners, architects, and realtors ask questions, share best practices, and provide support for those interested in developing accessory dwellings.
ARLINGTONWINS
Arlingtonians for Welcoming and Inclusive Neighborhoods is a separate community-based group that welcomes you. (ArlingtonWINs replaced the previous “Missing Middle Network.”)
arlington Leadership Group
Christian Dorsey | Mike Geary | Jane Green | Dave Liebson | Kathy Pryce-Jones
David Sisson | Mike Spotts | Michelle Winters
History
Arlington County’s development in the 19th century was closely tied to the expansion of the federal government, including the creation of some of the nation’s earliest public housing projects. By the 20th century, Arlington was losing thousands of low-income homes each year, prompting the formation of organizations like the Arlington Housing Corporation (1975) and the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (1989). In 2003, the Alliance for Housing Solutions (AHS) was established to support housing development and advocates, and to influence policy, helping to address these growing housing challenges. In 2024, AHS merged with NVAHA and became NVAHA’s first jurisdictional alliance, NVAHA-Arlington.
The Leckey Forum brings together research, best practices, and new ideas to support affordable housing development in Arlington and across the region. Originally established by the Alliance for Housing Solutions, the Forum has remained a valued annual tradition that NVAHA has proudly continued following the merger. Over time, it has become a respected and highly anticipated event for local government staff and elected officials, affordable housing advocates, designers, developers, and community members interested in advancing housing solutions.
AHS first began the tradition of honoring individuals for their contributions to affordable housing in Arlington in November 2008, marking the 5th anniversary of the organization. The following year, with the passing of AHS cofounder, long-time community activist and elected official Ellen Bozman, the event was renamed in her honor. The annual award continues to recognize an individual or organization that has provided significant leadership and innovation in supporting affordable housing in Arlington or Northern Virginia.
Contact
Alice Hogan
Director, NVAHA-Arlington
