HHCAB Committee Meeting (Housing Goals & Targets)

Discussed

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  Approval of Minutes · Minutes approval was scheduled per agenda; no outcome recorded in the minutes.
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  Continue to Review Compiled Data · Members held an extended working discussion covering funding context, land use strategies, Housing Trust Fund use and growth, production vs. tenant-based assistance, housing terminology, implementation approach, NOAH preservation, state legislation, housing goals and data, community engagement, the Green Acres opportunity site, housing and environmental sustainability, and sequencing of goals and funding. No formal votes or motions were recorded.

  • Funding Context and Peer JurisdictionsMembers noted no dedicated affordable housing funding has been committed in the City of Fairfax and discussed peer jurisdictions (Prince William County and Henrico County) that leveraged data center revenue as alternative funding strategies.
  • Land Use and Regulatory StrategiesIn the absence of significant financial resources, members discussed revising the Comprehensive PlanComprehensive planThe city's long-range vision for land use, transportation, housing, and parks. Rezonings are judged partly on whether they fit it. and land use map and streamlining permitting and zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. processes to increase housing supply.
  • City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Planin progresswikiRevising the Comprehensive PlanComprehensive planThe city's long-range vision for land use, transportation, housing, and parks. Rezonings are judged partly on whether they fit it. and land use map was identified as a potential land use strategy to increase housing supply in the absence of significant financial resources.
  • Housing Trust Fundin progressMembers discussed using the HTF for predevelopment gap financing and subordinate debt, noted that Virginia Housing REACH funds require a dollar-for-dollar local match (up to $3 million), and identified replenishing and operationalizing the HTF—including establishing clear policies and sustainable funding mechanisms—as a key priority.
  • Meals TaxA portion of the meals tax was discussed as a potential dedicated revenue stream to grow the Housing Trust Fund over time.
  • Production vs Tenant-Based AssistanceMembers identified increasing affordable housing supply as the highest-impact strategy while also acknowledging the value of tenant-based rental assistance, citing pilot programs in the City of Alexandria as examples.
  • Workforce Housing TerminologyMembers discussed the misleading nature of defining workforce housing solely at 80% AMI and suggested more inclusive alternatives such as 'attainable housing' or 'housing affordable at needed price points.'
  • Affordable housing preservationin progressPreservation of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) was identified as an important strategy; members discussed adopting a preservation policy similar to Fairfax County's Affordable Housing Preservation Task Force, and noted recent and pending state legislation supporting NOAH preservation.
  • State Legislation and Policy OpportunitiesMembers highlighted proposed 'faith in housing' legislation enabling faith-based organizations to develop housing on their properties, potential state limits on ADUAccessory dwelling unitA second, smaller home on a single-family lot: a basement apartment, a garage conversion, or a backyard cottage. permit fees, and the importance of ensuring local faith communities are aware of these opportunities.
  • Green AcresGreen Acres was discussed as a potential opportunity site for additional housing; however, it is subject to a covenant reserving the School Board's right to retain it for a future school if enrollment demands require, and a 2016 feasibility study found it not best suited for its current community center use.
  • Housing and Environmental SustainabilityMembers discussed environmental benefits of increased housing densityDensityHow many homes are allowed per acre of land., referencing Arlington's 'missing middle' zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. changes, noting that denser multifamily housing can reduce sprawl, lower land costs, and align with climate goals.
  • Community Engagement and Public EducationMembers emphasized proactive public education and outreach to address community resistance (NIMBYism), including raising awareness of HHCAB's role, clarifying housing terminology, and strengthening City-led advocacy efforts.