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Improve Housing Opportunities

In the region’s high-priced urban housing market, affordable housing continues to be threatened by the escalating costs of property and rents. Walter is committed to expanding safe, decent and affordable housing opportunities for homebuyers and renters in Arlington, and will continue working towards that goal.

During his time on the County Board, Walter has helped make important progress, including:

  • Expanding allocations of Arlington’s landmark Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) revolving loan program, helping to finance thousands of affordable housing units through preservation, renovation, and creation
  • Protecting affordable housing communities, working directly with tenants, neighborhoods and advocates in Buckingham (including the Gates of Ballston and Buckingham Villages 1-3), Columbia Grove, and Buchanan Gardens
  • Including housing goals in Arlington’s Comprehensive Plan, and focusing affordable housing planning studies in communities at risk, such as Ft. Myer Heights North, Columbia Pike, and Buckingham

  • Working for the creation of 2,400 committed affordable units through 2010

  • Creating a real estate tax relief program to protect senior citizens from being forced out of their homes over tax bills

  • Enhancing existing tenant support programs, as well as monitoring and strengthening tenant relocation programs and benefits
  • Adopting an affordable housing ordinance, now codified into state law, which ensures committed units or financing dollars from site plan projects – whether residential, office or commercial

Walter will continue to pursue additional, innovative approaches that preserve existing affordable housing and that create new housing options for working households.