City of Falls Church Council SUPPORTS both SB1011 Affordable Dwelling Unit legislation as outlined in the attachment. In addition, the City Council fully SUPPORTS the current version of SB932, with incorporation of SB1256, regarding the localities Comprehensive Plan may include accessory dwelling units as well as tiny homes. The need for housing type choices, supply and affordable as well as accessible if a vital need in the Commonwealth as well as our locality. The needs are outlined in the attachment. The current version of SB932 is a balanced approach of specifying in the Comprehensive Plan the long term development for such items as housing and affordability while allowing the locality to develop its own program design and ordinance, with full community engagement, as one size does not fit all. We are grateful for the Senators openness to collaborate with localities and amend the legislation to facilitate the desired outcome for all.

On behalf of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, I am expressing our support for SB932 (Salim) and we urge you all to please support the bill during tomorrow’s Committee meeting. SB932 would encourage the creation of accessory dwelling units throughout the Commonwealth, providing flexibility to homeowners and expanding this tool to address our housing needs to the entire state. At a time when Virginia faces a shortage of attainable housing units, our Commonwealth needs a menu of smart policy options to tackle this problem, including this legislation.