Coalition for Arlington Good Government

How will the proposed change in Arlington’s form of government affect our affordable housing initiatives?

The County Board form of government proposed would significantly reduce the County’s  ability to expand the stock of affordable housing under the site plan review procedure.  This loss occurs because Arlington County would no longer have the authority provided by the Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance.  This part of the Virginia code applies only to counties with the County Manager Plan.

While still being authorized to expend public money to preserve and create affordable housing, Arlington would lose the authority that enables it to require funds from private developers for the Affordable Housing and Investment Fund (AHIF).  This fund has been  an essential partner in a number of recent developments that added to the stock of affordable housing in Arlington.

Arlington County government would no longer have authority to acquire — by gift or purchase — residential property in order to preserve the property and to maintain the rents of some units at below market rents.

The Arlington County Board now has authority to adopt an ordinance requiring the County and the owner of a residential rental building to split the cost of reimbursing tenants for relocation expenses when a building is being rehabilitated.  No similar authority is available under the County Board Form.

Arlington County now has authority to provide grants to its employees to purchase or rent residences in the County.  There is no limit on the grant amount. If the form of government is changed as proposed, this authority would be subject to a limit of $25,000 per employee.

(This analysis is based on information included in the County Attorney’s memo dated April 15, 2010.)