Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of public policy issues and headlines from around the Northern Virginia Region, the Commonwealth, and Capitol Hill.
by Danielle Finley, Associate Director of Political Engagement
Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of Public Policy Issues and Headlines. In this Issue: 1. NAR Submits Comments on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's Duty to Serve Plans 2. How Kamala Harris’ new policy plan could impact housing in Virginia 3. Arlington elected officials fire entire Human Rights Commission 4. Judge rules plaintiffs have standing for trial to reverse Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing overhaul 5. Sign Shows Fairfax City Supports Economic Development, New Business..
NAR Submits Comments on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's Duty to Serve Plans
By MATTHEW EMERY, NAR News
NAR submitted comments to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's (the GSEs) Duty to Serve Plans. FHFA requires the GSEs submit plans in three-year increments about how they are going to serve traditionally underserved markets, especially for rural housing, manufactured housing, and very low-, low-, and moderate-income consumers. The proposed plans align closely with NAR policy, and we thank FHFA and the GSEs for continuing to explore and execute plans to help underserved markets.
How Kamala Harris’ new policy plan could impact housing in Virginia
By CHARLOTTE RENE WOODS, Virginia Mercury
Virginia Democratic lawmakers praised Vice President Kamala Harris’ housing policy plans in a virtual call Wednesday afternoon. The gathering came on the heels of a new campaign ad highlighting Harris’ plan to build three million new homes and rental units if elected president. The plan is part of a proposal she unveiled ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which includes providing $25,000 in down payment assistance for some first-time homebuyers and tax incentives for builders. A 2021 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission study found that most Virginians affected by affordable housing issues are renters.
Arlington elected officials fire entire Human Rights Commission
By SCOTT MCCAFFREY, Gazette Leader
Arlington County Board members on Aug. 26 fired all current members of their Human Rights Commission, opting for a nuclear-option response in addressing the long-running feud between the two bodies. The dueling entities had “a fundamentally different set of expectations” about the Human Rights Commission’s responsibilities, County Board member Matt de Ferranti said, necessitating a fresh start.
JUST IN: Judge rules plaintiffs have standing for trial to reverse Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing overhaul
By JAMES CULLUM
Alexandria residents fighting the city’s massive Zoning for Housing/Housing for All overhaul won a battle in court today, as Judge David S. Schell ruled their case has standing and can go to trial. The plaintiffs, all Old Town residents, have been fighting to reverse the zoning changes since they were approved by City Council in Dec. 2023. While initial efforts were dismissed in court, their amended filing specified how their individual properties would be harmed as a result.
Sign Shows Fairfax City Supports Economic Development, New Business
By MICHAEL O”CONNELL, Patch
Drivers on Eaton Place in Fairfax City may have noticed new signage on one of the office buildings in WillowWood Plaza. On Monday, Fairfax City Economic Development celebrated the installation a new sign" reflecting its recent rebranding.