ARLINGTON, VA – September 18, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Arlington County residents are invited to participate in a public forum on September 26 to review a draft set of guiding principles for Affordable Housing Goals and Targets put together by a community Working Group appointed by the County Manager, and share their ideas on these principles.
“Residents will once again have the opportunity to share their ideas on principles that will guide the setting of affordable housing goals and targets, representing the community values that impact affordable housing,” said Arlington County Board Chairman J. Walter Tejada. “We want to know how else we should prioritize our challenging housing needs.”
The forum agenda includes:
- Update on the affordable housing study
- Preliminary data report findings
- Public input on Draft Affordable Housing Principles
The community Working Group appointed in 2012 by the County Manager has developed seven draft principles:
- Housing affordability and accessibility are essential to promoting a sustainable, diverse, inclusive and economically vibrant community.
- A range of housing choices should be available throughout the County to accommodate households of all income levels and needs.
- Preventing and ending homelessness is a priority.
- Maintaining and expanding the affordable housing supply requires the participation and partnership of the public, private and non-profit sectors.
- Affordable housing investments should complement the quality and character of the surrounding community.
- Housing assistance will be targeted to the lowest income households; particularly those with children, members who are elderly, or members with disabilities.
- Equal housing opportunity should be a reality. Housing discrimination should not exist in Arlington.
Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Background
In April 2012, the County Board directed staff to work with the community and the Housing Commission to develop a process for a three-year affordable housing study. Then-County Board Chair Mary Hynes said that the purpose of the study was “to assess gaps in our programs and identify potential funding strategies to ensure the continued vibrancy and sustainability of our community for people at all income levels and stages of life.”
The County Manager appointed a community Working Group in February of this year to advise County staff on the study. The Charge defining the scope of the study was issued in December 2012. Members have held a series of meetings from March 2013 to present to review Affordable Housing Goals and Targets and draft a set of guiding principles.
To learn more about Arlington County’s investment in affordable housing, visit the County website.
What:
Affordable Housing Study Public Forum
When:
Thursday, September 26th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where:
The Navy League Building Auditorium
2300 Wilson Boulevard (entrances on both Wilson and Clarendon)
Who:
- Dr. Leonard Hamlin, Chair of the Affordable Housing Study Working Group
- Mary Hynes, Arlington County Board Member
- Barbara Donnellan, Arlington County Manager
- Housing Division Staff
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the “10 miles square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation’s Capital. Slightly smaller than 26 square miles, it is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, and one of only a handful with the prized Aaa/AAA/AAA bond rating. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods and quality schools, and has received numerous awards for Smart Growth and transit-oriented development. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world — including the Pentagon — Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
Media Contacts
Helen Duong
703-228-5027
