Housing Trust Fund
The Housing Trust Fund (HTF) holds approximately $542,524 in developer proffer contributions made prior to the city's adoption of the Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance in 2020. 11 separate matters touch this plan or program; each has its own status.
- Consent Agenda
A resolution adopting the establishment of the Housing Trust Fund process was approved as part of the consent agenda.
passedApproval of the consent agenda.
Beacon Landing
Beacon Landing is a 54-unit supportive affordable housing development in the city, developed in partnership by Wesley Housing and the Lamb Center. The project drew on 23 separate financing sources, including a $700,000 gap financing investment from the city's Housing Trust Fund in February 2023 — a critical contribution that enabled the project to assemble its full financing stack.
- December 2nd Council Presentation
HHCAB reviewed the historical context, uses, and sustainable investment options for the Housing Trust Fund, noting approximately $542,000 in existing developer contributions and proposed dedicated revenue sources, as part of the Council presentation.
- Housing Trust Fund, Process & Application Review
The board reviewed and discussed the draft Housing Trust Fund guidelines, application, and scoring tool; a motion passed unanimously to incorporate suggested changes (including affordability scoring weighting, governance representation, and scoring clarity) and present to City Council on July 14, 2026.
passedMotion to proceed with the Housing Program Manager incorporating suggested changes into the Housing Trust Fund Guidelines, Application, and Scoring Tool and presenting to the Council on July 14, 2026.✓ Light✓ LaCroix✓ Anderson✓ Bonaiuto✓ Vincent✓ Ihara✓ Jensen✓ Wilber✓ Derosier✓ Atwood✓ Gillespie✓ Napolitano✓ Hatch✓ Opoku-Yeboah· Delboy· Cabelli· Cattaneo
The City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan is the city's primary long-range land use and policy document, guiding development, housing, transportation, and related decisions. A five-year review process culminated on October 8, 2024, when City Council unanimously adopted Resolution R-24-30 approving the updated plan dated September 27, 2024.
- December 2nd Council Presentation
HHCAB reviewed the historical context, uses, and sustainable investment options for the Housing Trust Fund, noting approximately $542,000 in existing developer contributions and proposed dedicated revenue sources, as part of the Council presentation.
- Committee Activity
Board members discussed and prioritized next steps for the Housing Trust Fund at a dedicated table, including developing policies/procedures for distribution via RFP process, site development incentives, and exploring ongoing funding strategies for the $540,000 currently available.
- Strategy Team Updates
The strategy team reported $542,524 available with no new FY 2027 funding and no formal Council direction; near-term actions include refining policies and procedures for a competitive allocation process and preparing for a Council briefing. Discussion emphasized early advocacy and careful consideration of administrative capacity. The $600,000 requested to ensure ongoing revenue to the Housing Trust Fund was not included in the City Manager's FY 2027 proposed budget.
passedMotion to approve the information sharing/gathering approach of attending various Village in the City events for the Home Sharing Strategy Team.✓ Light✓ LaCroix✓ Delboy✓ Bonaiuto✓ Vincent✓ Ihara✓ Derosier✓ Atwood✓ Gillespie✓ Napolitano✓ Cattaneo✓ Opoku-Yeboah· Anderson· Jensen· Wilber· Cabelli· Hatch - Continue to Review Compiled Data
Members 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.
Pathway Homes
Pathway Homes is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Fairfax City that provides housing and supportive services to low-income residents. Its primary tracked project involves the redevelopment of a building at 4010 University Drive (Tax Map 57-4-02-087-B) in the CR Commercial Retail Zoning District and Old Town Fairfax Historic Overlay District.
- December 2nd Council Presentation
HHCAB reviewed the historical context, uses, and sustainable investment options for the Housing Trust Fund, noting approximately $542,000 in existing developer contributions and proposed dedicated revenue sources, as part of the Council presentation.
The Botanist
- December 2nd Council Presentation
HHCAB reviewed the historical context, uses, and sustainable investment options for the Housing Trust Fund, noting approximately $542,000 in existing developer contributions and proposed dedicated revenue sources, as part of the Council presentation.
Davies Property
The Davies Property refers to the redevelopment of 4131 Chain Bridge Road (a ~2.69-acre site currently containing a large vacant house), proposed by The Hill, A Davies Family, LLC. The application sought to rezone the parcel from RM (Residential Medium) to CU (Commercial Urban), retaining the Old Town Fairfax Transition Overlay District (TOD), with a General Development Plan for a mixed-use building of up to 276 apartments, approximately 10,796 sq ft of ground-floor commercial space, and a 3-level below-grade parking garage.
- December 2nd Council Presentation
HHCAB reviewed the historical context, uses, and sustainable investment options for the Housing Trust Fund, noting approximately $542,000 in existing developer contributions and proposed dedicated revenue sources, as part of the Council presentation.
Fairfax Square
Fairfax Square Professional Center (9840–9946 Main Street) is a ~10.4-acre commercial site on the north side of Main Street, adjacent to the Fairfax Square garden-style apartment complex. The property owner (Van Meter Companies) is proposing a phased mixed-use redevelopment that would demolish most of the existing low-slung commercial buildings while retaining the five-story office building and an existing bank; the concept calls for roughly 300 new apartment units in two or three buildings, along with some ground-floor retail (~10,000 sq. ft.).
- December 2nd Council Presentation
HHCAB reviewed the historical context, uses, and sustainable investment options for the Housing Trust Fund, noting approximately $542,000 in existing developer contributions and proposed dedicated revenue sources, as part of the Council presentation.
The City of Fairfax's Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) 5-Year Update is a long-term planning document covering a twenty-year horizon, required by state code to be updated every five years; the previous update was completed in 2021. Work on the update was underway by at least July 2025, with a public meeting held on November 20, 2025, at Katherine Johnson Middle School Library and a community survey open through the end of 2025.
- Upcoming Dates
A December 2, 2025 HHCAB presentation to Mayor and Council was announced, with the Housing Trust Fund identified as one of the two focus topics for the progress update. The board discussed potential uses of the Housing Trust Fund (rental assistance, mortgage assistance, affordable housing development, and preservation); HHCAB agreed to request ongoing dedicated revenue sources from Mayor and Council in December and to seek clarity on replenishment before finalizing use recommendations. During general updates, it was noted that the Economic Development Authority's office-to-residential conversion consultant recommended using the Housing Trust Fund to finance early feasibility studies and concept planning; this is a consultant recommendation, not yet a staff recommendation.
The Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center at 3740 Blenheim Boulevard is a City of Fairfax facility that has served as a venue for community events and, more significantly, as the anchor site for the broader Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center project.
- General Updates
Discussed as a potential topic for the December 2 Mayor and Council presentation, including exploring dedicated revenue sources such as a percentage of the transient occupancy tax. The Housing Trust Fund Strategy Team discussed potential criteria for fund use, replenishment strategies (including a tax abatement model similar to Richmond's), builder contributions in lieu of on-site affordable units, and down payment assistance; the Housing Program Manager will research Fairfax County's Affordable Housing Advisory Council's past advocacy for a dedicated revenue stream.
Fairfax Presbyterian Church
- General Updates
Discussed as a potential topic for the December 2 Mayor and Council presentation, including exploring dedicated revenue sources such as a percentage of the transient occupancy tax. The Housing Trust Fund Strategy Team discussed potential criteria for fund use, replenishment strategies (including a tax abatement model similar to Richmond's), builder contributions in lieu of on-site affordable units, and down payment assistance; the Housing Program Manager will research Fairfax County's Affordable Housing Advisory Council's past advocacy for a dedicated revenue stream.
The Housing and Homelessness Strategic Plan is a City of Fairfax initiative to develop a comprehensive affordable housing and homelessness strategy, undertaken in partnership with national consulting firm Thomas P. Miller and Associates (TPMA).
- Developing HHCAB's Workplan
The board discussed that there is currently no formal allocation process for the $540K Housing Trust Fund, though a draft framework of eligible uses exists; establishing a sustainable revenue stream, including contributions from all developers, was identified as a key priority. Seth Opoku-Yeboah was named champion for the Housing Trust Fund Strategy Team.
- TPMA Update
The Housing Trust Fund was referenced in the context of work plan ideas generated during the meeting, specifically a proposal to consider commercial development fees to generate affordable housing funding. A work plan idea was generated to consider implementing a fee on commercial development projects to generate funding for the Housing Trust Fund for affordable housing.
- Affordable Housing Strategic Plan
The Housing Trust Fund was identified as a tentative focus of the HHCAB's December 2nd presentation to Mayor and Council. The Housing Trust Fund strategy team held a working session; background materials noted the city currently holds $542,524 in proffer funds with no formal allocation process in place, and that the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan will include HTF recommendations for the November 4th council presentation.
- Dec 2, 2025City Council · item 4aPresentation and update from the Housing and Healthy Communities Advisory Board (HHCAB)
Current funding and future considerations for the Housing Trust Fund were discussed as part of the HHCAB presentation; no Council action was taken.
- December 2nd Council Presentation Debrief
Funding mechanisms including a portion of property tax and the transient occupancy tax were discussed; if $600,000 were dedicated in FY27 it could support multiple initiatives, with clearer expectations needed on eligible uses and decision-making. The Housing Trust Fund was identified as a priority topic for 2026 working groups, requiring more sustained effort and analysis.
- Overview of HHCAB February Meeting Post-It Note Results
HHCAB board members' prioritized Housing Trust Fund ideas from the February 2, 2026 meeting were reviewed; dot voting indicated relative member priorities among the ideas generated. A project requested use of the existing $542,524 affordable housing funding balance; the request was shared with Council on January 23 and February 16, 2026, and the City Manager noted Council input was needed on the desired use of current funds, with staff offering to schedule a work session. The Strategy Team reached consensus to focus on the existing $542,524 balance for affordable housing development and to have staff develop competitive allocation policies and procedures, with the framework designed for reuse if additional funding becomes available.
- Overview of HHCAB February Meeting Post-It Note Results
Ideas for the Housing Trust Fund were generated and prioritized by the full HHCAB board at the February 2, 2026 meeting; results were reviewed at this Strategy Team meeting. The $600,000 requested to ensure ongoing revenue to the Housing Trust Fund was not included in the City Manager's FY 2027 Proposed Budget.
- Review of Draft Policies and Procedures
The Strategy Team reviewed draft policies and procedures, identifying areas needing refinement including priority language, scoring framework, and selection/approval authority. City Council has not yet directed staff to advance a formal approval process for accessing existing funds.
- Continue to Review Draft Policies and Procedures
The Strategy Team continued reviewing draft policies and procedures, agreeing on next steps to simplify the application process, establish a minimum scoring threshold, develop a multi-award funding approach, and explore alignment with the City of Falls Church's process.
- Closing Remarks
The Housing Trust Fund process was discussed: it is scheduled to go before City Council on July 14 for input and return for a vote in September ahead of the budget process; the Housing Trust Fund strategy team will meet May 20, and the full HHCAB will review the draft on June 1.
passedMotion to close the HHCAB meeting.✓ Light✓ LaCroix✓ Delboy✓ Anderson✓ Vincent✓ Ihara✓ Wilber✓ Jensen✓ Gillespie✓ Napolitano✓ Cabelli✓ Cattaneo✓ Hatch✓ Opoku-Yeboah· Bonaiuto· Derosier· Atwood - Continue to Review Draft Policies and Procedures
Draft guidelines and application were shared with Human Services, Community Development & Planning, Economic Development, the Development Ombudsman, and Virginia Housing. A meeting was scheduled with the City Manager, Attorney, Assistant City Managers, and Director of Community Development & Planning to review the draft before it is presented to Council.
- Continue to Review Draft Policies and Procedures
The strategy team reviewed draft policies and procedures, agreeing on Scoring Tool revisions and that updated materials will be submitted for the July 14, 2026 Mayor and Council meeting.
- Strategy Team Updates
The Housing Trust Fund Strategy Team was scheduled to provide an update.
- Jul 14, 2026City Council · item 12cWork Session – Housing Trust Fund Guidelines and Application
Housing Trust Fund guidelines and application were discussed during the July 14, 2026 work session; no formal action was taken.
- Continue to Review Draft Policies and Procedures
The Strategy Team was scheduled to continue reviewing draft policies and procedures for the Housing Trust Fund at this meeting.
- Housing Trust Fund Update
A Housing Trust Fund update was scheduled to be presented by Housing Program Manager Jamie Ergas.
In full
For years, no formal allocation process existed for these funds, and there was no dedicated revenue stream. Beginning in mid-2025, the HHCAB's Housing Trust Fund Strategy Team—with Seth Opoku-Yeboah as champion—undertook an extended process to develop guidelines, an application, and a scoring tool for competitive distribution of the existing balance. The Strategy Team consulted city departments, reviewed peer jurisdictions, and refined the draft through multiple committee and full-board meetings.
On June 1, 2026, the full HHCAB voted unanimously to direct the Housing Program Manager to incorporate suggested changes and present the materials to City Council on July 14, 2026. Following that July 14 work session (at which no formal action was taken), a resolution formally adopting the Housing Trust Fund process was approved unanimously by City Council on the consent agenda on September 22, 2026. A request for $600,000 in dedicated ongoing revenue for the HTF was not included in the City Manager's FY 2027 proposed budget, leaving the fund without a recurring revenue source.