This post was written by Hanna Metuda, Director of Policy and Programs.   A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of honoring Michelle Krocker, the Founding Executive Director of NVAHA, and commemorated her contributions to the affordable housing industry. Again, we express our sincere gratitude to all those who supported us and joined us in acknowledging not only Michelle’s accomplishments but also the collective efforts of the leaders who have been instrumental in advancing affordable housing in NoVa. We are also deeply thankful to our generous sponsors, including an anonymous donor ..read more

This post was written by Jill Norcross, Executive Director. Last month, several Northern Virginia affordable housing experts had the opportunity to teach segments of the Affordable Housing Fundamentals course offered by the George Mason University’s Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship. As a part of the curriculum, the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA) was invited to speak about regional policies and funding sources, and I was able to share insights on the driving forces behind development in local jurisdictions. During our discussion, we emphasized the importance of two ..read more

This post was written by Hanna Metuda, Director of Policy and Programs. Northern Virginia has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming a hub of economic activity that attracts businesses and job seekers from across the globe. While this growth has been advantageous, it has also presented significant challenges, particularly in terms of ensuring that everyone has access to jobs, transportation, and affordable housing in a region that has become increasingly segregated. As a prerequisite for receiving funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an important  ..read more

This post was written by Anna Janetos, Director of Policy and Programs. According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, “households consume 29% of global energy and consequently contribute to 21% of resultant CO2 emissions.” The built environment is a crucial sector for reducing carbon emissions that must be addressed. Smart housing policy is more than just an increase in supply and denser development around urban and transportation corridors. Good housing policy is also about building in a way that is congruent with this clean energy transition. The nexus between housing a ..read more

The Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA) is pleased to announce the selection of Jill Norcross as our next Executive Director. Ms. Norcross is a strategic leader with an abiding commitment to strengthening communities and improving outcomes for residents through the development of affordable housing. Jill has over 20 years of experience in fostering successful partnerships with diverse stakeholders around affordable housing planning and development. She is a dynamic individual who is an experienced leader and communicator; someone with a vision for wh ..read more

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed business operations in fundamental ways. In many industries, virtual interaction is now far more common than in-person interaction. Virtual workplaces do offer a variety of benefits, such as greater flexibility and time management, leading to better work-life balance. However, the lack of in-person interactions comes with the loss of certain experiences that many workers once enjoyed.  Younger professionals have been thrust into this virtual workplace world before they were able to properly experience the benefits of in-person workplaces. NVAHA recognizes ..read more

This post was written by Michelle Krocker, Executive Director in partnership with Brian Koziol, Executive Director of the Virginia Housing Alliance. Does the market build housing for low- and moderate-income households, seniors on fixed income and persons with disabilities? Is the market serving small, rural communities that are desperate to replace their poorly maintained, older housing stock with affordable, energy-efficient new construction? These are the questions we would pose to Governor Glenn Youngkin after his recent presentation to members of his Cabinet during a joint session o ..read more

After 17 years as the founder and Executive Director of NVAHA, I plan to step down from the organization in December. It has been my great joy to work with such a dynamic and committed group of professionals who are so passionate about the work that we do. I will continue to be engaged in housing work in the region, but as Executive Director, I could not have asked for a more wonderful community of colleagues and friends. NVAHA began as a ‘start-up’ organization in 2004 – a loose collection of nonprofit developers and human service providers in Fairfax County – advocating for financial resour ..read more

In 2020, legal protections were put in place for tenants to help them remain housed during the pandemic. Now, over 2 years later, with a potential COVID surge, many of these protections are expiring. In 2021, the Virginia General Assembly modified the ‘pay or quit’ notices extending the mandatory waiting period from 5 days to 14 days after a landlord serves written notice to a tenant for nonpayment of rent and of the landlord’s intention to terminate the rental agreement if rent is not paid. HB 803 The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act which was introduced in the 2022 GA ..read more

  In 2015, the Virginia General Assembly passed an amendment to legislation governing landlord/tenant relationships, stating that a tenancy that was “month-to-month may be terminated by either party giving 30 days’ notice in writing, prior to the next rent due date.” This is a drastically shorter timeline than the typical 120 days’ notice given to tenants with a one-year lease. The harmful application of this law is being felt at the Columbia Gardens Apartments in Arlington. On February 12, residents were given a notice to vacate within 30 days from March 1because the owner is ..read more