Affordable Housing Strategic Plan
in progressStatus set at Planning Commission Regular Meeting/Work Session on Mar 9, 2026 · ▶ watch the moment
- Proposed
- Under reviewMar 9, 2026
- DecidedFeb 17, 2026
Summary
The Affordable Housing Strategic Plan is a City of Fairfax planning document developed to guide future study, prioritization, and policy development related to housing affordability. It was presented to the City Council at a work session on November 4, 2025, and formally adopted by unanimous (6-0) vote at a Special Meeting and Work Session on February 17, 2026. The plan was developed with research support from consultant TPMA and is structured around three core goals; it explicitly does not constitute an implementation plan or funding commitment, but rather a strategic framework subject to available resources and future City Council approval. Since adoption, the plan has been referenced as a guiding document in multiple related efforts, including the Housing Trust Fund guidelines development, Small Area Plan zoning ordinance amendments, and Comprehensive Plan implementation tracking — where it was noted as one of 20 updated land-use action items. The Housing and Community Advisory Board (HCAB) is actively working on refining Housing Trust Fund guidelines, and has recommended existing trust fund dollars be directed toward affordable housing preservation and development.
Open questions & options on the table
- Specific incentives and implementation details for retaining affordability on ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) properties remain to be determined.
- Whether and how key sites (e.g., Layton Hall, NOAA properties) might be emphasized for affordable/workforce housing (30–120% AMI) under the plan has been raised but not resolved.
- Housing Trust Fund guidelines are still being refined by HCAB; the process for rental assistance and first-time homebuyer assistance has not yet been established, in part due to the limited funds currently available (~$500,000).
- Identification of specific parcels to prioritize for affordable housing partnerships (informed by a market study combined with the Strategic Plan's recommendations) is ongoing.
- Final evaluation, selection, and funding allocation processes under the Housing Trust Fund are pending formal adoption of the guidelines.
What members have said
Voted yes on February 17, 2026 to adopt the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. No recorded commentary beyond the vote.
Voted yes on February 17, 2026 to adopt the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. No recorded commentary beyond the vote.
Voted yes on February 17, 2026 to adopt the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. No recorded commentary beyond the vote.
Voted yes on February 17, 2026 to adopt the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. No recorded commentary beyond the vote.
Voted yes on February 17, 2026 to adopt the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. No recorded commentary beyond the vote.
Voted yes on February 17, 2026 to adopt the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. No recorded commentary beyond the vote.
Positions as recorded in meeting minutes; votes without recorded comment aren’t summarized.
Discussion time
Minutes of named discussion per transcribed meeting.
Full history
[1a] A presentation on the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan was delivered to the City Council at this work session for discussion.
[9] A work session on the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan was held at the November 4, 2025 City Council meeting, as reported by staff.
[4] Council adopted the City of Fairfax Affordable Housing Strategic Plan as a strategic framework for future housing affordability study and policy development; it does not constitute an implementation plan or funding commitment.
passedApprove the resolution to adopt the City of Fairfax Affordable Housing Strategic Plan, as presented, directing city staff to use the plan as a strategic framework to guide future study, prioritization, and policy development of affordable housing-related policies, programs, and initiatives, subject to available resources and future City Council approval.✓ Amos✓ Bates✓ Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✓ McQuillen✓ Peterson[9] City Council supported the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan at the February 17, 2026 meeting.
Discussed alongside
Topics that come up in the same meetings.