ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA –  As the cost of living continues to rise in Alexandria, there is a growing consensus about a long-term need for more affordable housing options, especially housing that can be purchased to foster wealth creation.

This event promises to be a pivotal conversation addressing the urgent need for more affordable housing in Alexandria and proposed sweeping changes to the city’s zoning code. As the cost of living continues to rise in Alexandria, there is a growing consensus about a long-term need for more affordable housing options, especially housing that can be purchased to foster wealth creation.

However, critical questions still need to be answered, such as the size and location of these units, the potential necessity for additional infrastructure, and the potential impact on historic districts.

Agenda Alexandria has put together a panel of community members, experts, and advocates who will come together to discuss the most significant changes to Alexandria’s zoning code in more than 30 years.

Join us on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 7 PM. Attendees can expect a lively and informative discussion that will provide a clearer understanding of the proposed zoning changes and their potential impact on all neighborhoods in Alexandria. This event is open to residents who may attend either in person or online.

Agenda’s Alexandria’s podcast, “On the Agenda”, which precedes the monthly program, will air the week of October 16 and feature an interview with Helen McIlvaine, the city’s Housing Director.

Click here to register

Panelists

• Roy Byrd (Coalition for a Livable Alexandria)
• Susan Cunningham (Candidate for Arlington County Board)
• Stephen Koenig (Commissioner, Alexandria Planning Commission)
• Karl Moritz, Planning Director for the City of Alexandria

Roy Byrd is Chair of The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, Inc.   He completed undergraduate studies at Purdue University and obtained a master’s degree from the Naval War College.  As a Marine, he spent extensive time in the Far East, Middle East, Europe, Hawaii, and the West Coast of the United States.  In 2006, after 30 years of active service, Roy retired from the Marine Corps, became a Defense Aerospace Executive, and later formed a business consulting LLC.

Byrd is the past President of the Clover College Park Civic Association, past Co-Chair of the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations, He also served as a member of the Alexandria Police Department Community Advisory Team, the Resolution 830 Low Income Housing Working Group, the Alexandria COVID-19 Response Group, the Stream Restoration Stakeholder Advisory Group and Taylor Run Consensus Building Group.

Susan Cunningham has been an Arlington resident for over 25 years. An engineer and seasoned senior executive, Cunningham won a June Democratic primary to run for the Arlington County Board this November.

She ran with a focus on getting planning and housing right and as an opponent of the “Missing Middle” plan approved by the County Board.

She is currently the executive director of emergency financial assistance provider Arlington Thrive and was previously CEO of regional affordable housing nonprofit AHC, Inc.

Stephen Koenig is on the Alexandra Planning Commission and is a dedicated architect for over 35 years.  He was appointed to the Commission in 2015.  Koenig has served on the ARHA Redevelopment Work Group, the Potomac Yard Metro Implementation Group, the Green Building Policy Task Force as well as the Patrick Henry Elementary School Community Advisory Group.  He was also involved with North Potomac Yard Small Area Plan and the Advisory Group.  He served as Chair of the Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee.

From 2005 to 2010, Koenig served on the Infill Task Force and in 20072009 was a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals. He is a dedicated architect for over 35 years. He has been a member of the American Institute of Architects since 1981.  He is a Registered Architect in VA, MD and DC and a LEED Accredited Professional 2008.

Karl Moritz is Alexandria’s planning director, leading a team of professionals who (1) prepare long range plans to future development and the provision of public facilities and (2) review development proposals to maximize consistency with City policies (including historic preservation goals) and to maximize public benefit. Major planning issues include: ensuring equity in the planning process, in planning policies, and in land use outcomes; addressing the climate crisis; integrating land use and transportation (particularly transit, pedestrian and bike); zoning reform; maximizing new development’s preservation/creation of affordable housing; planning for successful retail; parking, and continually broadening civic engagement.