An inclusive range of housing choices
Design a range of new housing options emphasizing affordable units and meeting a range of needs and incomes. Families' needs differ from those of singles, older adults staying in place, students or those with disabilities. Yet all residents could benefit from housing options closer to jobs, services, shopping and transit, thus strengthening equity all along Langston Blvd.
A revamped Langston Blvd. offers the opportunity to expand housing supply and options to suit different types of households (older residents, solos, intergenerational, lower-income).
Without safe and affordable housing, achieving other things in life—education, a good job, financial security—becomes tougher. Over the years, Arlington has worked on affordable housing with much success, preserving market-rate housing that exists and partnering with Arlington’s non-profits. Yet today’s challenges are daunting, especially the cost and availability of land.
Now we must get more strategic, more specifically attuned to Langston Blvd. For instance: prioritize funding from the county’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) for Langston Blvd. to support committed affordable housing. And as plans are being considered for new private market-rate development along Langston Blvd., seek opportunities for on-site affordable units (rather than developers paying into a fund that goes elsewhere in Arlington).
A revamped Langston Blvd. offers the opportunity to expand housing supply and options to suit different types of households (older residents, solos, intergenerational, lower-income).
Without safe and affordable housing, achieving other things in life—education, a good job, financial security—becomes tougher. Over the years, Arlington has worked on affordable housing with much success, preserving market-rate housing that exists and partnering with Arlington’s non-profits. Yet today’s challenges are daunting, especially the cost and availability of land.
Now we must get more strategic, more specifically attuned to Langston Blvd. For instance: prioritize funding from the county’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) for Langston Blvd. to support committed affordable housing. And as plans are being considered for new private market-rate development along Langston Blvd., seek opportunities for on-site affordable units (rather than developers paying into a fund that goes elsewhere in Arlington).
Prioritize County Resources for Langston.
The County has spent almost $213 million on land acquisition for affordable housing in Arlington since 2012. The County has spent zero dollars on acquiring land for affordable housing on Langston Blvd. Now that Plan Langston Blvd. is in place, however, spending for Langston Blvd. should receive priority. Such a targeted investment would support the priority of “committed affordable”* rental homes, which apply to families making 60% or less of the area median income (currently $68,340 for a family of four).
*“Committed affordable” (CAF) meansguaranteed by agreement with the federal, state, or county government to remain affordable to low- and moderate-income households for a specified period, generally 30-60 years.
Support a Range of Incomes and Housing Needs.
A one-bedroom apartment won’t fill the needs of a family with kids. And some types of housing may not suit elderly residents. Arlington must support a range of housing, such as deeply affordable units for low-income households. And when developers plan new private market-rate housing all along Langston Blvd., the county should seize opportunities for on-site affordable housing units (rather than projects paying into a fund to be spent elsewhere in Arlington).
Support a Range of Incomes and Housing Needs.
A one-bedroom apartment won’t fill the needs of a family with kids. And some types of housing may not suit elderly residents. Arlington must support a range of housing, such as deeply affordable units for low-income households. And when developers plan new private market-rate housing all along Langston Blvd., the county should seize opportunities for on-site affordable housing units (rather than projects paying into a fund to be spent elsewhere in Arlington).
Partner with Arlington's Nonprofits.
Non-profits have owned and operated affordable housing on some Langston Blvd. sites for decades. It’s a tried-and-true way to create CAFs. Could non-profits scour the county for possible parcels and acquire/develop additional sites? Add more housing to existing sites when feasible? Arlington should encourage compatible infill development within existing multifamily residential complexes to make more efficient use of land for housing and green space.
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