Central Nova News

Alexandria's Director of Housing, Helen McIlvaine, was honored with the Ronald F. Kirby Award for Collaborative Leadership at the Annual Meeting of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) in Washington, D.C. The award recognized McIlvaine's instrumental role in driving innovation and developing creative strategies to address Alexandria's housing challenges.

McIlvaine's achievements include changes to multifamily residential zones and the recent Zoning for Housing/Housing for All effort. Her tireless leadership in the preservation and production of affordable housing in the City, along with her work with nonprofit and private developers and the local housing authority, has made a lasting impact on people's lives.

Mayor Justin Wilson congratulated McIlvaine, stating, "As Director of Housing, Helen has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to successfully collaborate with multiple stakeholders and advocate for the needs of all Alexandrians."

Under McIlvaine's leadership, the Office of Housing is actively involved in implementing Alexandria's 2013 Housing Master Plan and the Regional Housing Initiative, which aims to create 4,250 affordable housing units by 2030. The Housing staff is also working on advancing the Zoning for Housing/Housing for All and Alexandria West Small Area Plan initiatives in 2023.

City Manager James Parajon commended McIlvaine and the Office of Housing, saying, "Helen's leadership in Alexandria continues to bring innovative solutions to current housing challenges and stronger relationships with our community partners. We are all thrilled that she is being recognized through this award."

Prior to joining the City in 2006, McIlvaine led development efforts at three nonprofit housing organizations: Catholics for Housing, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, and Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing. She was a practicing attorney before transitioning to affordable housing development and finance.

The Kirby Award, presented in memory of Ron Kirby, COG's Transportation Planning Director from 1987 to 2013, honors government executives who work collaboratively with elected officials, stakeholders, and their communities to shape a better region.

Congratulations to Helen McIlvaine for her well-deserved recognition and for her dedication to improving affordable housing in Alexandria.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.alexandriava.gov/news-citywide/2023-12-15/alexandrias-director-of-housing-helen-mcilvaine-receives-ronald-f-kirby