Mar 28, 2025, 11:09
by
Hannah Jane Costilow
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. HUD Cracks Down on Government-Backed Mortgages for Illegal Immigrants 2. HUD and DOI announce Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing 3. DC expands tax breaks for converting offices to residences 4. Plans move forward for controversial Franconia apartments on current government center site 5. Consultant places Fairfax in middle of pack for economic competitiveness.
By AUDREY FAHLBERG, National Review
The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced on Wednesday that non-permanent residents will no longer be eligible for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages, National Review has learned, part of a broader effort by the administration to ensure that American citizens are prioritized under taxpayer-funded housing programs.
By MICHAEL MATTHEWS, National Association of Counties
There is a shortage of more than 3.8 million housing units across the country, affecting communities of all sizes and economic backgrounds. This housing deficit contributes to rising home prices, increased rent burdens and challenges in housing accessibility for low- and middle-income families. By identifying and repurposing federal land for residential development, the task force aims to expand housing opportunities and alleviate these pressures.
By JONATHAN LEHRFELD, CoStar
The Washington DC government is taking steps to lure people to live in the city’s core by expanding its tax breaks for office-to-residential conversions and granting a 20-year tax abatement to a pair of projects that would turn workspaces into homes.
By DAN BRENDEL, Washington Business Journal
SCG Development Partners LLC is moving ahead with controversial plans for new housing at a county government center in Franconia, whose functions are soon to relocate.
By SCOTT MCCAFFREY, FFXNow
When it comes to preserving economic development gains in challenging times, localities need to have strategies to play offense and defense, and Fairfax County has room for improvement in both cases, a consultant told the Board of Supervisors earlier this week.