Mayor Justin Wilson, City Of Alexandria | City Of Alexandria website
Mayor Justin Wilson, City Of Alexandria | City Of Alexandria website
On July 1, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) partners celebrated a multimillion-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding is intended to support collaborative efforts among DC area jurisdictions to enhance affordable housing production and preservation.
The HUD Pathways to the Removal of Obstacles (PRO) grant provides over $3.5 million to communities that have shown progress in addressing local housing barriers. "This is a first of its kind grant funding to further develop, evaluate, and implement housing policy plans, improving housing strategies, and facilitate affordable housing production and preservation," stated HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Marion McFadden. She added that this funding will help jurisdictions like Alexandria advance housing supply through various initiatives such as land-use reform and development financing.
Under COG's leadership, several Virginia partners including the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, as well as Maryland jurisdictions Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, the City of Gaithersburg, and the District of Columbia will share this funding. The funds aim to support ongoing efforts related to the Regional Fair Housing Plan and regional housing targets set in 2019.
"Every policy issue we take on as a region...comes from housing," said City of Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. He emphasized that successful housing policies are crucial for broader community success.
The announcement event took place at Spire Apartments in Alexandria—an Affordable Homes & Communities development funded by low-income housing tax credits along with city loans and federal HOME funds—and included a check presentation and property tours.
For disability accommodations or language services regarding this initiative or other events related to Alexandria's 275th anniversary celebrations happening from April through September, contact Anelva Corcos-Beltran or use provided communication channels.
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