Housing has become a crisis in Arlington. Supply is completely out of alignment with demand. We need an all of the above approach to increasing the housing supply. Subsidies for a few existing unites and a few one-off affordable housing projects a year will not reduce rents. We have a multitude of levers to pull, and we need to start yanking.
Housing Policies
Transit-Oriented Development
Focus dense development at the most desirable locations, Metro stations, and remove zoning restrictions. Abandon the rules that limit building height between Metro stations.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are complete and independent units on existing land. Anyone in Arlington who wants to expand housing on their own land, should be able to.
Coordination with Richmond
Arlington does not have as much independence as it requires to solve its own problems quickly. We need to work with Richmond to gain more autonomy on housing projects.
Reduce Parking Minimums
Parking minimums force new developments to build costly underground parking or take up scarce surface space that could be used for housing, retail, or other more productive uses.
Mixed-Use Developments
Housing should stimulate economic activity. Grocery stores, malls, bars, and restaurants, should all come with housing developments. It creates more economic activity and it incentivizes dense walkable communities, which are safer, happier, and more financially sound.
Expedited Permitting
Reduce the costs and timelines associated with new developments and reviewing them. Provide quicker feedback to developers.
Comprehensive Development Plan Review
The development plan that governs Arlington's built environment needs to be updated to reflect the needs of the community and the changes in transportation preferences.
Robust Community Involvement
Ensure that new housing projects incorporates the feedback of the local community.