The Town of Herndon is seeking public feedback for a new plan to guide future housing development.
TPMA, a consultant hired by the town this spring, launched a community survey last Wednesday (Oct. 15) to get a better understanding of the current state of housing in Herndon and what residents of both Herndon and the wider D.C. region would like to see prioritized in the years to come.
Questions in the brief survey ask for basic information about respondents’ housing situation, such as whether they own or rent their home, how far they have to commute for work, and if they struggle to afford the costs of their housing.
Participants can also weigh in on the types of housing that the town should focus on developing in the future and which policies town leaders should consider adopting, from incentives for affordable housing development to stricter code enforcement for vacant or dilapidated properties.
“This project is about more than housing, it is about opportunity,” Herndon Zoning Administrator David Stromberg said in a press release. “By understanding our current housing landscape and planning for future needs, we’re laying the groundwork for Herndon’s sustainability and growth for years to come. The insights we gain will help us make informed decisions that benefit all residents.”
Herndon officials have been discussing the need for more affordable housing in the town for years in preparation for the arrival of Metro’s Silver Line and the increased development the rail line was expected to attract.
According to the town, Herndon currently has 8,020 housing units for a population of 24,339 people based on a July 2021 U.S. Census estimate. The housing is a relatively balanced mix of single-family detached homes (3,035 units), townhouses (2,440) and multifamily apartments or condominiums (2,545).
Unlike Fairfax County, Herndon lacks the authority from the state to require affordable or workforce units in new developments, but town council members urged staff last year to identify legally available options for boosting the local housing supply.
As part of an ongoing review of its housing policies, the town contracted TPMA in April to conduct a study that will “collect and assess current housing characteristics in the Town and available regulatory options,” according to the project page.
The consultant hosted an interactive workshop with local stakeholders at the Herndon Fortnightly Library in July, but the newly launched survey aims to attract feedback from a wider audience, including people who live outside the town.
The survey is expected to remain open until Nov. 21, but the deadline could be extended “if needed to ensure an adequate sample,” Herndon Chief Communications Officer Brent Heavner says.
The town anticipates completing and presenting a Housing Plan to the public and Herndon Town Council by the end of 2025, setting the stage for council members to consider any recommended land use policy updates starting in 2026.
