The County Manager's proposed FY 2024 budget includes both reduced and stable funding of housing programs.
Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) - AHS laments the very low proposed $9.5M allocation. This amount is roughly half the funds provided in the last few budget cycles. In the face of the great need for preservation and development of affordable units, this program is severely underfunded.
Housing Grants - The budget continues current funding at $14.5M, which is great news. AHS will request the completion of the HG Study, in order to assess future needs of and how to support households who do not meet the current program qualifications.
Committed Affordable Unit (CAF) Inspections - AHS will ask for ongoing funding of the CAF inspection program to better ensure coverage of the 11,000+ CAF portfolio.
Eviction Prevention - AHS applauds the allocation of $3.6M to eviction prevention efforts. AHS will seek details regarding fair distribution as there is an anticipated increase in evictions following the end of COVID-related federal rent and food subsidies.
Key dates:
Final Budget Vote: - Saturday., April 22, 9am.
How to advocate for housing in the county's budget:
Access the County Budget here.
Email the County Board with your housing priorities: Countyboard@arlingtonva.us
Attend Open Door Monday to speak directly with a County Board Member: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/County-Board/Open-Door-Mondays
