City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: HELEN S. MCILVAINE, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF HOUSING
KARL MORITZ, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of a City Application through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for a U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development “Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing” Grant.
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ISSUE: Grant application to support further study of select Zoning for Housing initiatives and Alexandria-specific recommendations of the Regional Fair Housing Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Approve submission of the proposed City grant application; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to review the grant agreement and execute such documents as required to enable the City to accept the funding for the purposes proposed in the application to Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
BACKGROUND: In late July the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced its “Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing” (PRO Housing) competitive grant program. The $85 million fund seeks to help communities identify and remove barriers to affordable housing production and preservation. Pursuant to the application, these barriers vary, but may be “caused by zoning decisions, land use policies, or regulations; inefficient procedures; gaps in available resources for development; deteriorating or inadequate infrastructure; lack of neighborhood amenities; or challenges to preserving existing housing stock such as increasing threats from natural hazards, redevelopment that reduces the number of affordable units, or expiration of affordability requirements.” In their applications, jurisdictions are asked to describe and respond to the unique barriers in their communities. The competition will prioritize applicants that demonstrate progress and a commitment to overcoming local barriers to facilitate the increase in affordable housing production and preservation which are also experiencing an acute demand for housing affordable to households with incomes below 100 percent of the area median income.
DISCUSSION: The City believes that joining the Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) coordinated regional PRO Housing grant application lessens the potential burdens associated with grant administration while improving the likelihood of receiving funding. HUD provided technical assistance to the recently completed Regional Fair Housing Plan (Plan) and is familiar with its goals and strategies, including Alexandria-specific recommendations. HUD is also aware of, and supportive of, the City’s ongoing Zoning for Housing - Housing for All Initiative. While COG’s application is anticipated to include some regional initiatives, participating jurisdictions have been invited to propose studies to advance local projects which align with the goals and strategies of the Regional Fair Housing Plan.
Alexandria has proposed several potential study projects for PRO Housing grant funding: four will advance City-specific recommendations from the Regional Fair Housing Plan as part of the upcoming Housing Master Plan Update, while the two others will further implementation of recommendations from the Zoning for Housing - Housing for All Initiative. They include:
(1) Survey to review and evaluate tools and incentives, as well as national best practices, potentially including tax abatements, to enhance committed affordability across Alexandria’s stock of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
(2) Updated feasibility study regarding the impact of the City adopting an inclusionary zoning policy (IZ).
(3) Creation of a pattern book and development of a visioning exercise to help the community imagine how new housing typologies could be incorporated in existing neighborhoods zoned for single family homes. Facilitated discussions regarding expanding access to housing options, along with strategies, tools and identification of potential investment sources to redress past Alexandria discriminatory housing policies and practices and those impacted/displaced, including economically.
(4) Study of colocation of municipal facilities and housing. Including a ULI Technical Assistance Panel and community charette to plan for an ACPS-housing development on Block 23 of North Potomac Yard.
(5) Phase II of Zoning for Housing, including consultant expertise to modify sections of the City’s Zoning Ordinance, including those related to single family zones and townhome zones to facilitate the design and production of new multifamily typologies.
(6) Housing for All - Equity Component of Zoning for Housing - consultant expertise to distill information on historical inequities in the Alexandria housing market into goals, strategies, and metrics to ensure new Zoning for Housing programs are developed through an equity lens.
The City projects a request totaling $650,000 in HUD PRO funds to undertake these initiatives.
In the event one of the activities or projects proposed by the City is deemed infeasible for any
reason, staff will advise Council of the issue and collaborate with COG and HUD to reprogram
any associated funds for another project.
FISCAL IMPACT: The application requires participants commit local leverage to supplement the HUD grant funds, although no minimum or maximum requirements are set. Alexandria’s submission proposes using a mix of Planning and Zoning and Housing staff resources (within existing budget capacity) to carry out grant-funded activities. In addition, some of the $250,000 appropriated in FY 2024 to support studies related to the Housing Master Plan Update could be evaluated to supplement HUD grant funds for certain activities if additional support were needed. Awardees will have up to six years to use grant funds for projects.
ATTACHMENT: Presentation
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Christina Zechman Brown, Deputy City Attorney
Nancy Williams, Assistant Director, Department of Planning and Zoning
Eric Keeler, Deputy Director, Office of Housing
Tamara Jovovic, Housing Program Manager, Office of Housing
Kimberly V. Cadena, Housing Analyst, Office of Housing