City seeks public input on housing preservation plan at Dec. 4 meeting

Alexandria officials will present draft recommendations aimed at stemming the loss of affordable housing when the Housing Affordability Advisory Committee meets Thursday, Dec. 4.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Room 2000 at City Hall, 301 King St. No registration is required. Public comments will be accepted through Dec. 30.

The committee will review two Housing 2040 initiatives: the Affordable Housing Preservation project unveiled on Nov. 17, and the Common Interest Communities project presented on Nov. 15.

Alexandria proposes 40 strategies to preserve affordable housing, protect tenants

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

The proposals come as Alexandria grapples with a 62% decline in market-affordable housing since 2000, dropping from 18,000 units to 6,900. Another 900 subsidized units face expiring affordability commitments by 2040.

Many of the plan’s most significant tenant protections, including just cause eviction requirements and rent increase caps, would require approval from Virginia’s General Assembly.

A final community meeting is scheduled for Feb. 28, with implementation expected to begin in summer or fall 2026.

Materials from previous meetings are available at alexandriava.gov/HousingPlan.

What does 'affordable housing' actually mean? A guide to Alexandria's housing categories and income levels

When Alexandria officials talk about preserving “market-affordable” housing versus “committed affordable” housing, or serving residents at “60% AMI,” what do those terms actually mean? And why does it matter?

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

What would it take for Alexandria to preserve affordable housing like DC and San Francisco?

Editor’s note: This is the third in a series examining Alexandria’s Housing 2040 affordable housing preservation plan. Read my previous coverage on the city’s 40-strategy proposal and my explainer on affordable housing terminology and income levels.

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

More details on the meeting

Housing 2040 to Discuss Affordable Housing Preservation and Common Interest Communities at December 4 AHAAC Meeting

Members of the community are invited to join the Alexandria Housing Affordability Advisory Committee (AHAAC) for updates and discussion on two Housing 2040 projects on Thursday, December 4 starting at 7 p.m. Feedback is sought on recommendations and strategies for both projects. Updates on other ongoing Housing 2040 projects will also be provided. The meeting will be held in-person in Room 2000, City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA. Registration is not needed. Members of the public are invited to attend.The Affordable Housing Preservation project, focused on maintaining the affordability, livability, and financial viability of the City’s existing housing, released draft recommendations and strategies during a virtual community meeting on November 17. Both the November 17 meeting presentation and meeting recording are available online.
The Common Interest Communities project, focused on strengthening condo and other common interest communities, released draft recommendations and strategies during a virtual community meeting on November 15. The November 15 presentation and meeting recording are available online.

Background: The 2013 Housing Master Plan (HMP) established principles, goals, and strategies to address Alexandria’s housing needs through 2025. In collaboration with the community and local partners, the City is undertaking an update to the HMP through 2040. Presentations and recordings of the Housing 2040 meetings, including the March Community Meeting, April Preservation Panel Discussion, September Community Meeting, and Housing 2040 Projects, are available at alexandriava.gov/HousingPlan. Starting with the Housing Needs Assessment, the Housing 2040 process will establish new housing affordability goals and examine housing policies, programs, and tools to support all Alexandria residents and workers.

For updates on the Housing 2040 process, in addition to eNews, please visit the Housing 2040 website and follow us on X @HousingAlexVA and on Facebook @HousingAlexandriaVA.