affordable housing

Published July 9, 2026 at 2:45PM

Fairfax County approved plans in 2025 for townhouse development on part of St. Paul's Lutheran Church's property in Idylwood received Fairfax County's approval (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County staff are beginning preparations for adhering to a new state law loosening zoning regulations on development of affordable housing.

Legislation known by proponents as the “Faith in Housing” bills was enacted by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) earlier this year. Set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, it requires localities to establish a streamlined process for construction of affordable units on land owned by religious organizations or nonprofit groups.

News

County exploring idea of combining Chantilly library with affordable housing

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published July 9, 2026 at 11:45AM

The Chantilly Regional Library and Technical Operations Center (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Fairfax County is inviting local residents to learn about a possible plan to combine a renovation of the Chantilly Regional Library and technical operations facility with affordable housing and community space.

The community meeting will be held July 16, from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Chantilly Regional Library (4000 Stringfellow Road).

News

Planning commission praises ‘creative solution’ to expanding Seven Corners apartment complex

By Scott McCaffrey

Published June 30, 2026 at 10:00AM | Updated June 30, 2026 at 10:17AM

Conceptual rendering of the proposed new Cavalier Club apartment building (via Hord Coplan Macht/Fairfax County)

Plans for an apartment building with approximately 240 homes and ground-floor retail in the Seven Corners area have received support from the Fairfax County Planning Commission.

Commission members unanimously recommended on June 24 that the Board of Supervisors approve the proposal submitted by EYA and Southern Management.

News

Waitlist opens for affordable units in forthcoming Spring Hill Metro apartment high-rises

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 1, 2026 at 8:30AM | Updated June 2, 2026 at 9:52AM

The Exchange at Spring Hill Station under construction in February 2026 behind the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Prospective residents can now apply to be considered for one of the affordable apartments currently under construction near the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons.

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) began accepting waitlist applications at 8 a.m. today (Monday) for a limited number of units in The Exchange at Spring Hill Station reserved for its Project-Based Voucher program, which subsidizes rental costs for low-income households.

News

Centreville could get new library combined with affordable housing

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published May 19, 2026 at 11:45AM

Flowers at Centreville Regional Library (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Fairfax County is exploring the possibility of building a new Centreville Regional Library, combined in one building with affordable housing.

“The project could be built through a partnership with a private developer, and it may include new homes and an updated library in one building, featuring amenities for residents and the greater Centreville community,” Allyson Pearce, marketing and outreach manager for the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development, told FFXnow.

Countywide

Goal of 10K affordable units in reach, but success not guaranteed, Fairfax housing chief says

By Scott McCaffrey

Published May 18, 2026 at 9:15AM

Fairfax County officials in 2025 broke ground on an affordable housing project at 2990 Telestar Court in Merrifield (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Will the Fairfax County government be able to meet its goal of 10,000 new affordable housing units by 2034? The county’s top housing official is optimistic but hedging his bets.

“We do feel like we’re very much headed in the right direction,” said Thomas Fleetwood, director of the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

Countywide

Advocates: Housing funding is investment in Fairfax County’s long-term vision

By Scott McCaffrey

Published April 22, 2026 at 9:15AM

Fairfax County officials in 2025 broke ground on an affordable housing project at 2990 Telestar Court in Merrifield (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Housing advocates used last week’s Fairfax County budget hearings to press for local leaders to turn their affordable housing aspirations into reality through increased funding.

“The market on its own … is not building near enough affordable homes,” said Reston resident John Dister, one of several housing advocates to address the Board of Supervisors on April 15, one of three days of public hearings on the fiscal year 2027 budget.

News

Herndon Town Council signals support for prioritizing affordable housing

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 1, 2026 at 9:15AM

The Herndon Town Council chambers at 765 Lynn Street (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Herndon leaders took a long-awaited step last week to ensure affordable housing will be a priority in future development.

The Herndon Town Council directed town staff and a hired consultant on March 24 to develop guidance for promoting affordable housing until a more detailed, long-term policy can established as part of a comprehensive plan update for 2050.

News

Retiring Cornerstones CEO sees rewards, challenges ahead for Reston nonprofit

By Angela Woolsey

Published March 19, 2026 at 10:00AM

Kerrie Wilson is retiring from Cornerstones after 25 years as its CEO (courtesy Cornerstones)

When she officially retires next month after 25 years, Cornerstones CEO Kerrie Wilson is confident that she will be leaving the Reston-based social services nonprofit in more-than-capable hands.

With both major projects and a turbulent economic and political climate to manage, the Cornerstones Board of Directors couldn’t have chosen a better successor for her than Shannon Steene, Wilson told FFXnow in an interview earlier this month.

News

Developer seeks to expand Idylwood apartment complex with almost 600 new homes

By Jared Serre

Published March 18, 2026 at 2:45PM

A rendering of the proposed new housing on the Eaves Fairfax Tower property in Idylwood (via Vika Virginia/Fairfax County)

The owner of an Idylwood apartment complex is seeking approval from Fairfax County officials for a proposed expansion that would more than double its housing supply.

AvalonBay Communities submitted an application to the county earlier this month for a rezoning of the 17.2-acre Eaves Fairfax Towers property at 2251 Pimmit Drive so it can move forward with plans to add nearly 600 units.