ALEXANDRIA
The City Manager presented the FY27 proposed budget on Tuesday, February 24th. The proposal dedicates $11.6M for affordable housing investments, supported by real estate tax and meals tax revenue. Funding for Affordable Housing Development and Preservation rises to $14.6M (+5.4%), while most other housing programs remain level-funded. Sign up to speak at City Council Public Hearings, which will take place on Monday, March 9 and Saturday, March 14, with the final adoption set to take place on April 29.
Alexandria’s Planning and Zoning Virtual Community Update will be held online on Tuesday, March 17 from 6-7pm.These updates provide information on major development proposals, zoning and regulatory changes, and planning initiatives.
The City of Alexandria’s Office of Housing released the Draft Recommendations and Strategies for the Housing 2040 Plan. Feedback can be submitted online or through email and will help inform the final draft Housing 2040 Plan, which is anticipated to be presented for City Council consideration in June. The public is invited to provide feedback on the draft by Sunday, March 22.
Spring Garden Apartments, LLC is a 207-unit community of rent subsidized one- two- and three-bedroom apartments. The waiting list is currently open for one- and two-bedroom sized apartment units in the Section 8 Housing program for low and extremely-low income individuals and families is currently open. Applications for housing must be submitted online.
Opponents of Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing/Housing for All initiative have raised $28K to fund an appeal challenging the court’s dismissal of their lawsuit against the City’s 2023 zoning changes. The appeal, filed by the Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, seeks to overturn reforms that allow up to 4 homes on formerly single lots. The case will now move forward to the Virginia Court of Appeals.
The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) has been served with a $4.5M lawsuit by former CEO Erik Johnson, who was fired in September after it was revealed that he lived in an ARHA unit.
Community Lodgings is requesting a 3-year extension to move forward with plans to redevelop Elbert Ave into a 91-unit affordable apartment building, replacing an existing 28-unit property. The project would keep all units affordable to households earning 30% – 60% of AMI. The request will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on April 7.
ARLINGTON
The County Board Budget Work Sessions on the FY27 Proposed Budget will occur in March. All work sessions are open to the public in-person (but take No Public Testimony). Archived videos and presentations will be available on the FY2027 Budget Development website, where $98M are proposed for housing funding. Share your concerns at the Public Hearing on 3/24 about limiting Housing Grant funding, no additional funding for the AHIF, and the need for more eviction prevention funding! Contact Alice to join our March 11th HAA Meeting to discuss.
- Dept. of Human Services Work Session: Thurs, 3/12: 2:30-6pm
- Dept. of Community Planning, Housing & Devt. Work Session: Wed, 3/18: 1-4:30pm
- Budget Public Hearing (register to speak beginning 5 days prior): Tues, March 24: 6:30p.m.
- Tax Rate Public Hearing (register to speak beginning 5 days prior): Thurs, March 26: 6:30p.m.
- ALL-Commissions Hearing (no public comment): Wed, April 8: 2-4:30pm and 6-8pm
The County Board approved True Ground’s Leckey Gardens redevelopment proposal. This project will deliver 249 new affordable units (between 30-60% AMI and 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units) to this north Arlington corridor, the first under Plan Langston Blvd!
The Moderate Income Purchase Assistance Program (MIPAP) down payment assistance program is taking new applications. MIPAP provides first‑time homebuyers with a 0% interest loan and no monthly payments for up to 25% of the purchase price, capped at $112,500.
Arlington County has opened its 2026 Resident Satisfaction Survey to gather feedback (until March 31) on County services, programs, and overall quality of life, to help inform County priorities, decision-making, and future planning. In order to get diverse feedback, please share this opportunity with your network, clients and residents.
A Public Input Summary Report on the Comprehensive Plan Update is now available. The Comprehensive Plan is the County’s own guide for decision-making and prioritizing its public services and facilities as per Arlington’s Vision Statement. Watch for feedback opportunities as the County Board reviews the up-coming draft introductory chapter.
Arlington’s Draft FY27-FY31 Consolidated Plan is available for feedback. This HUD-mandated document lays out the County’s plans for its housing, housing services and community development programming. Written feedback can be emailed here. Public testimony can be given at the Budget Public Hearing on Feb 24th at 6:30pm.
The 2025 DESIGNArlington Awards highlighted excellence in architectural, landscape design and public art. AHC’s Terraces East and the new duplex on Washington Blvd at N. Vernon St. were both highlighted!
FAIRFAX COUNTY
The Fairfax County Executive’s proposed FY2027 Advertised Budget Plan is now available and includes total expenditures of $231M supporting HCD and FCRHA activities. The recently updated Housing Needs Assessment shows the County’s rental housing market currently has a major gap for units 60% AMI and below. Last fiscal year, the County achieved a baseline of 1¼ cents of the real estate tax for affordable housing, but we need increases to reach the 2-cent target by FY27 to ensure dedicated funding. Housing advocates can testify on April 15. If you would like a copy of NVAHA’s budget talking points, please email Anika Rahman.
The Franconia Public Hearing is postponed to March 17th. You may provide testimony at public hearings in person, in writing, by phone or by video. Visit the ways to testify webpage to learn about speaking requirements and then register to speak. Click here for more information.
Fairfax County’s proposed Five-Year Consolidated Plan for FY 2027-2031 and One-Year Action Plan for FY 2027 have been released for public comment. The County is seeking community feedback on proposed priorities, strategies, goals and activities to guide the investment of these funds. Public comment ends on March 17 at 4:00 pm. You can submit testimony or comments.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority is accepting applications for academic scholarships. Up to 10 applicants will receive a $5,000 scholarship for postsecondary education including technical training. Fairfax County residents who live in affordable housing supported by the FCRHA can apply by March 30.
The first Vision Tysons: 2026 Development & Investment Summit will be held on March 12, from 3:30-7:30pm, at the Vault at Capital One Hall, bringing together public- and private-sector decision-makers to examine the trends, investments, and infrastructure priorities that are propelling Tysons’ success story forward. Registration required.
CITY OF FAIRFAX
The City Manager of the City of Fairfax presented the FY2027 Proposed Budget to the City Council on Feb. 24. The city continues to seek public input until the City Council adopts the final budget on May 5. View the proposed budget.
CITY OF FALLS CHURCH
City of Falls Church officials discussed the Virginia Village site at a joint work session with the EDA and Planning Commission on March 2, where staff outlined public outreach plans, Council worksessions, and potential zoning amendments by summer. The EDA already owns many of the Virginia Village apartment quad-plexes buildings, and could use bond funding to acquire more. City officials are also speaking with developers of affordable housing properties about a partnership for redevelopment. Community feedback will help shape both the updated guidance and future RFP for redevelopment.
LOUDOUN
On February 11, the Loudoun County Administrator presented Loudoun’s Proposed FY 2027 Budget to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) and the community. The budget includes $29M for housing, including the dedication of one full penny of the real property tax to the Housing Fund. NVAHA staff presented testimony at the February 26 budget hearing, supporting sustained investments in affordable housing and additional investments to address homelessness and create more Permanent Supportive Housing in Loudoun County. The BOS will hold closed budget work sessions with county staff in March and is expected to adopt the FY 2027 budget at the Board’s business meeting on April 7.
At its February 18 meeting, the BOS approved loans through the Attainable Housing Loan Program, funded from Loudoun’s Housing Fund, for the following developments:
- $6.25M to Good Housing and Green Street Housing to build Clear Springs Apartments, which will provide 180 affordable rental units. 19 units will be reserved for households earning 30% or below the Area Median Income (AMI).
- $18.5M to Fairfield Residential to build Dulles Plaza, which will provide 283 affordable rental units. 11 will be reserved for households earning 30% or below the AMI.
- $2M increase ($7M total) to Wellington Development Partners and Fellowship Square Foundation to build Dogwood Farm Station Apartments, which will provide 72 affordable senior housing rental units. 8 units will be for households earning 30% or below the AMI.
An offer has been made to purchase the Hiway Mobile Home Park in Lucketts. NVAHA is supporting and working alongside advocates from the Lucketts community as we consider ways to support the residents if the property is sold and explore all options for preservation of the community. Contact Amanda for more information.
NVAHA’s Loudoun Alliance will meet virtually on Monday, March 23 at 11:00am. Contact Amanda for more information.
CITY OF MANASSAS
On February 23, the Manassas City Council voted to authorize the conveyance of a city-owned parcel at The Landing at Cannon Branch to Good Housing Virginia LLC, advancing a proposed affordable housing development aimed at expanding workforce housing in the city. The roughly $37 million project was discussed during a Jan. 15 community meeting and multiple City Council work sessions. Representatives from Good Housing Virginia are proposing an attainable housing development on the former Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles property near the Cannon Branch site.
PRINCE WILLIAM
On February 17, the Prince William County Executive presented the Proposed FY 2027 Budget to the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) and the community. The proposed budget includes a $5 million contribution to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund. The total contributions to the Affordable Housing Reserve will increase to a $21 million investment from FY24-FY27. NVAHA encourages advocates to provide public testimony on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00pm at the Budget Public Hearing. If you would like a copy of NVAHA’s budget talking points, please email Jill Norcross.
On February 3, 2026, the Board of County Supervisors approved the revisions recommended for the Prince William County Affordable Housing Fund Policies and Guidelines, to include restructured Scoring Criteria and authorization for County staff to make funding decisions on behalf of the Board, based upon Board approved clear, express and objective criteria and standards as outlined in the Affordable Housing Fund Policies and Guidelines.
The County’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) hosted its first informational Affordable Housing Fund meeting with developers and housing industry leaders last week. OHCD will be hosting a Pre-Application Meeting for the $16M Affordable Housing Fund NOFA on March 11, 2026, at 1:30pm at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building. More information will be provided on the OHCD website.
The Prince William County Office of Housing and Community Development invites interested parties to participate in two upcoming virtual public review and comment sessions for the Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2027) Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan identifies local housing and community development needs and outlines how federal funds are proposed to be used to address those needs. Through a cooperative agreement with the City of Manassas and City of Manassas Park, Prince William County administers these federal funds on behalf of residents in both cities. Read the report and find out how you can comment by March 23.
The next meeting of NVAHA’s newly formed Prince William Local Alliance will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 4:00-5:00pm via Zoom. Please email Jill Norcross if you would like to be added to the calendar invite.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
The 16th Annual Northern Virginia Housing Expo will be held on Saturday, March 7 from 10am-3pm at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA. There will be 10 free workshops designed to help navigate renting, buying, and/or managing your finances in Northern Virginia. Contact info@novahousingexpo.org for more information.
The Fundamentals of Affordable Housing Development Course will be held March 26- 27, 2026, presented by George Mason University’s Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship. This is a two-day, in-person class at the Mason Square campus in Arlington, Van Metre Hall, Room 113. For more information, contact mabough2@gmu.edu.
VIRGINIA
Virginia Housing typically updates the Minimum Design and Construction Requirements (MDCR) on a biennial basis in conjunction with updates to the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). Although the last update occurred for the 2025 tax credit year, a mid-stream update to the QAP recently occurred for the 2026 tax credit year, which provided an opportunity for minor revisions to the MDCR. The link below provides the 2026 MDCR, and a 2025/2026 MDCR comparison chart providing a summary of the changes. To access both the 2026 MDCR and the 2026 Universal Design Guidelines, visit Rental Housing Financing A&E Process.
The National Zoning Atlas shared the first-ever VA statewide zoning report, which may be useful as Virginia localities confront housing affordability and growth pressures. Nearly 52,000 pages of zoning codes statewide were reviewed and found that most residential land allows only single-family homes by right. Apartments, ADUs, and smaller lots are often prohibited or require discretionary approval, even near jobs and transit. Advocates and practitioners can review the report, the public map, and “Zoning Snapshots” to check out the zoning in your area.
FEDERAL | NATIONAL
Last month, the House of Representative Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 HUD Appropriations Bill, was signed into law. The final agreement provides $77.3 billion for HUD in FY26, representing an increase over the continuing resolution enacted for FY25. This funding preserves and strengthens essential housing and homelessness programs, supports continuity for supportive housing across the country, and includes targeted adjustments that help communities keep pace with rising rents, higher operating expenses, and growing service needs. This analysis from Ballard Spahr further breaks down the funding categories.
Action Requested: There is a proposed rule change from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that would require everyone in a household receiving federal assistance to prove their residency status. The Keep Families Together Website includes resources to educate housing and immigration advocates on the harms of the proposed rule. Comments are needed about the negative impacts of this proposed rule. Submit comments via regulations.gov by April 21.
Action Requested: A proposed rule by HUD would allow strict time limits and work requirements as a condition for rental subsidies. The decision to impose new restrictions would be up to local housing authorities and private property owners who rent to people using a housing voucher, known as Section 8. Time limits could be as short as two years, and work requirements up to 40 hours a week. Public comments can be made here by May 1.
ARTICLES & TOOLS OF INTEREST
- Record Year for Affordable Housing Construction, Rent Cafe
- Housing Un-Affordability Soared to New Highs in 2024, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
- Legal Funding Concerns Loom Over HUD’s Headquarters Relocation to Virginia, Politico
- How the Appropriations Bill is a Sign of Our Collective Power, NAEH, National Alliance to End Homelessness
- Back to Basics: How Continuums of Care Collaborate, Coordinate, and Commit to Ending Homelessness, HousingForwardVA
- Our Churches Are Being Priced Out of Virginia, Virginia Mercury
- Factory-Built Housing, HousingForward VA