Zoning for Housing: What’s the Latest and What’s Next?
MONDAY, November 16, 2026
Per its website, the City of Alexandria has implemented a comprehensive zoning reform called “Zoning for Housing” (ZFH), aimed at increasing housing production and affordability while reducing historical barriers to equitable housing access. This initiative includes various Council-approved proposals to enhance residents’ housing options, including zoning reforms, equity goals, and an anticipated implementation timeline, guided by public input.
To learn more on this issue/what’s next for the second phase of implementation, you are invited to a panel discussion comprised of varying perspectives on City housing dynamics:
- Paul Stoddard, Alexandria Planning & Zoning Director. Paul Stoddard joined the City as Planning & Zoning Director in 2025, following a similar role in Falls Church, VA. He earned his master’s in urban planning at Virginia Tech, and his areas of focus include economic/community development, civic engagement, and organizational health.
- Jenn Ayres, Executive Director, ALIVE! ALIVE! provides comprehensive support to help our neighbors through difficult times with dignity and compassion as the largest organization preventing food and housing insecurity in the City, working in partnership with communities of different faiths, volunteers, community partners, and donors.
- Roy Byrd, Coalition for a Livable Alexandria (CLA). CLA’s mission focuses on quality of life, government transparency, and ensuring resident participation in major City policy and development decisions. Roy was a 2024 candidate for the City Council and has called Alexandria home for 25 years.
- Mark Jinks, Retired City of Alexandria City Manager/Chair, Board of Commissioners, Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority (ARHA). Mark served the City from 1999 to 2022, as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy City Manager and City Manager. Since retiring from the City after 45 years in state and local government, he has continued to contribute by serving four years on the AlexRenew Board, as a Board member of the ACT for Alexandria community foundation, and for the last year as Chair of the ARHA Board.
Please join us and bring your questions on housing/zoning and learn more about what’s next. In brief, what is the latest on the housing for all initiative, what can we next expect to see in our City, and what are the opportunities for public engagement/comment on any changes?
Admission to the event is free for current Agenda:Alexandria members, and $10 at the door for everyone else. Membership costs $50/year for individuals and $80/year for families see the orange “JOIN” button above — and it is tax-deductible.
The event begins at 6:30pm with a Social (food, refreshments, and conversation), and the panel discussion will take place from 7:00-8:15pm, in The Forum at the Minnie Howard Campus of Alexandria City High School (3775 W Braddock Rd.)
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