Fairfax County, Virginia is a bustling and diverse community located just outside of Washington D. C. With a population of over 1.1 million people, it is the most populous county in the state. As with many growing communities, there is a need for affordable housing options for its residents.
In this article, we will explore the policies in Fairfax County, VA that aim to provide affordable housing for its residents.
The Importance of Affordable Housing
Before delving into the specific policies in Fairfax County, it is important to understand why affordable housing is crucial for any community. Affordable housing refers to housing that is priced at a level that is affordable for low to moderate-income households. This includes individuals and families who earn less than the area's median income. Having access to affordable housing allows individuals and families to have a stable and secure place to live. It also allows them to allocate more of their income towards other necessities such as food, healthcare, and education.Affordable housing also plays a vital role in reducing homelessness and promoting economic diversity within a community.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is the primary agency responsible for implementing affordable housing policies in Fairfax County. The FCRHA was established in 1964 and is governed by a board of commissioners appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The FCRHA's mission is to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities to low and moderate-income households in Fairfax County. They work towards this mission through various programs and initiatives that we will explore further.Affordable Dwelling Unit Program
The Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program is one of the most well-known and successful affordable housing programs in Fairfax County. It was established in 1988 and requires developers of new residential projects to set aside a certain percentage of units as affordable housing. Under this program, developers must set aside 12% of units for households earning up to 70% of the area median income (AMI) and 8% of units for households earning up to 50% of the AMI.These units are then made available for rent or purchase at a reduced rate. The ADU program has resulted in over 17,000 affordable units being created in Fairfax County.
Workforce Dwelling Unit Program
The Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Program is another initiative aimed at providing affordable housing for moderate-income households. This program was established in 2005 and requires developers to set aside a certain percentage of units for households earning between 70-120% of the AMI. Under this program, developers must set aside 12% of units for households earning between 70-100% of the AMI and 8% of units for households earning between 100-120% of the AMI. The WDU program has resulted in over 3,000 affordable units being created in Fairfax County.Other Affordable Housing Programs
In addition to the ADU and WDU programs, Fairfax County also offers other affordable housing programs such as the Rental Assistance Program, Homeownership Assistance Program, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program.These programs provide financial assistance to eligible households to help them afford housing in Fairfax County. The Rental Assistance Program provides rental subsidies to low-income households, while the Homeownership Assistance Program offers down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers. The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, provides rental assistance to eligible households who choose to live in privately owned housing.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite the efforts of the FCRHA and other agencies, there are still challenges when it comes to providing affordable housing in Fairfax County. One of the main challenges is the high cost of living in the area, which makes it difficult for low and moderate-income households to afford housing even with assistance. To address this issue, Fairfax County has set a goal to create 5,000 new affordable units by 2034. This goal is part of the county's Comprehensive Plan, which outlines strategies and policies for managing growth and development in the area. The plan also includes initiatives to preserve existing affordable housing units and promote economic diversity in all neighborhoods.Conclusion
Fairfax County, VA has implemented various policies and programs to provide affordable housing for its residents.These efforts have resulted in thousands of affordable units being created and have helped many low and moderate-income households find stable and secure housing. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, and the county is continuously working towards improving its affordable housing options for all residents.
