Alexandria to host open house on Housing 2040 draft plan
City seeks public feedback on recommendations addressing steep decline in affordable units
The City of Alexandria is inviting residents to weigh in on the future of local housing policy at an open house later this month, as officials work to address a dramatic loss of affordable housing over the past quarter-century.
The Office of Housing will host a community event on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center to gather feedback on draft recommendations for the Housing 2040 plan.
City Council held a work session on the plan last week, where staff presented draft principles focused on anti-displacement initiatives, housing stability and preparing for Alexandria’s changing demographics.
The data underscores the urgency: units affordable to households earning up to 60% of area median income dropped from 18,000 in 2000 to 6,900 in 2025. An additional 2,100 committed affordable units have affordability agreements expiring by 2040.
The median year Alexandria’s market-rate rental buildings were constructed is 1966, according to the presentation.
Staff estimated more than $100 million is needed to fund affordable housing projects currently in the pipeline, including about $47 million for projects with development approvals and $60 million for projects in coordinated development districts.
The plan also addresses the city’s aging condominium stock. About 48% of ownership units in Alexandria are condominiums, averaging 45 years old. Staff are exploring state and regional solutions to expand financing options and local tools to help associations address deferred maintenance.
Other key challenges include housing affordability for service and hospitality workers, a shrinking population of residents aged 20-34 and a growing senior population.
Topics at the open house will include affordable housing preservation, landlord-tenant rights and resources, housing options for seniors and people with disabilities, and housing sustainability. The event will feature breakout sessions with presentations.
Draft recommendations will be released on the Housing 2040 website before the event.
Registration is strongly encouraged. Residents who need interpretation services should indicate their preferred language by Feb. 21 using the registration form or by contacting Christopher Do at christopher.do@alexandriava.gov.
A public hearing is planned for spring. Parking is available near the recreation center at 1108 Jefferson St. DASH Route 34 provides direct service to the location.
For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/HousingPlan.