County Budget Work Session Recap

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

AHS and NVAHA Hold Community Conversation on Local Budget Advocacy

The second AHS Community Conversation took place on March 21 with our partner, the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA). The Community Conversation, Lunch and Learn event featured tips from AHS Policy Consultant, Alice Hogan, on the local budget process, advocacy, and relationship building to advance affordable housing options in the region. Missed the discussion? Want to pick up a few tips to bolster your advocacy skills? Watch the recap on our newly relaunched YouTube channel here.

Interested in more Community Conversations? The first AHS Community Conversation, which focused on the history of race, housing discrimination, and zoning segregation in Arlington is also available on our YouTube channel. You may view the first Community Conversation here.

AHS Asks County Board to Protect Housing Funds In 2024 Budget

On March 28, the County Board received testimony on the FY2024 budget. Though there was some maintenance of funding for housing related initiatives, many housing advocates and community members were shocked that the county would propose to cut Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) funding in half. AHS board chair, David Leibson delivered testimony as did AHS board member, Jane Green, and AHS policy consultant, Alice Hogan. View their testimonies below.

New AHS YouTube Series! Ep.1 EHO Vote

AHS AHS Episode 1: EHO Vote March 22, 2023

Alliance for Housing Solutions, Arlington Housing Show (AHS AHS) premieres today!

AHS AHS is your home for all things housing! In this first episode, we review the Arlington County Board discussion, vote, and rationale for unanimously approving Expanded Housing Options (EHO) in the county's zoning ordinance at their March 22, 2023 meeting.

Alliance for Housing Solutions: Recommendations and County Board Outcomes on Expanded Housing Options