Thank you to everybody who joined Supervisors Boddye and Bailey for a robust discussion on housing in Prince William County, to IKEA for hosting, and to our informative speakers. We heard from economists and housing advocates (view presentation slides), along with residents navigating our challenging housing market.
Highlights from Our Presenters:
- Keith Waters, Ph.D. (Assistant Director of GMU Fuller Institute): Dr. Waters shared how housing trends intersect with economic growth, emphasizing that our region’s rapid job creation far outpaces the availability of homes. He highlighted how this imbalance risks undermining economic stability and quality of life if left unaddressed.
- Tanya Washington and Mark McCaskill (Prince William County Planning): Our planning team walked us through updates to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which focuses on ensuring housing affordability and diversity, with a goal of creating quality housing options for every stage of life. New policies encourage developers to diversify housing types, create homes at every price point, and design neighborhoods with walkability and livability in mind.
- Joan Duckett (Director of PWC Housing): Ms. Duckett spoke about the critical role of federal programs like Housing Choice Vouchers, which recently reopened after a long waitlist. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) supports ongoing community activities through various programs. These include the Neighborhood Housing Rehabilitation Program, which focuses on improving housing conditions, and the Affordable Rental Rehabilitation Program, which aims to enhance affordable rental options. Additionally, the Dawson Beach Transitional Housing program provides transitional housing support for community members in need. She also discussed the County’s recently created Housing Trust Fund, an exciting new initiative to bridge funding gaps for affordable housing projects.
- Jill Norcross (Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance): Mr. Norcross shared regional success stories, like Arlington’s Gilliam Place, where public-private partnerships have delivered tangible results. She reminded us that addressing housing affordability requires innovation, investment, and community advocacy at all levels.
- Mike Wilson (VOICE/St. Paul UMC): For 15 years, VOICE has championed housing justice, securing over $500 million in investments and achieving significant milestones such as Arlington’s Missing Middle initiative and Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing reforms. With the introduction of the statewide Faith in Housing legislation, VOICE seeks to empower congregations to convert surplus land into affordable homes for low-income residents.
- Local Residents: Perhaps most moving were the stories from community members navigating today’s housing market. Their experiences put a human face on the statistics, underscoring the importance of ensuring Prince William County remains a place where all can thrive.
Our Path Forward:
We’ve made progress, but the work is far from over. Housing that meets the needs of our growing community is fundamental to maintaining Prince William County as a thriving, vibrant place to live, work, and play. Whether through zoning updates, financial investments, or regional collaborations, we must continue to innovate and act boldly.
Thanks again to everyone who participated, shared your stories, and brought your ideas to the table. Together, we can build a future where housing in Prince William County meets the needs of every resident, at every stage of life.