Amazon Donates $3 Million for Housing in Northern Virginia

The online retail giant also donated funding for educational programs at a nearby university and a nearby community college.

1 minute read

June 13, 2019, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Arlington County, Virginia

Frontpage / Shutterstock

Robert McCartney reports: "Amazon will donate $3 million to support affordable housing in Arlington County and, in a separate venture, will help George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College create a new, high-tech bachelor’s degree to help meet its future workforce needs, the company announced Tuesday."

"The initiatives are aimed at addressing concerns that the online retail giant’s new headquarters in Crystal City will drive up housing costs and that it and other companies are not able to find enough workers with the skills needed for the fast-changing technology industry," according to McCartney.

The article details the response to the philanthropic gestures from both skeptics and supporters of the company's plans to expand to Northern Virginia.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Colorado flags draped between buildings in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns

City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.

January 9, 2025 - Governing

24-hour parking sign above parking garage entrance through which you can see a white SUV driving

Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost, and Price Analysis

Every time somebody purchases a vehicle they expect governments and businesses to provide parking for their use. These facilities are costly. For every dollar motorists spend on their vehicles somebody spends about a dollar on parking.

8 seconds ago - Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost and Price Analysis

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Learning From Wildfire Evacuations

Researchers are working to understand how people behave during wildfire events and how to most effectively get people to safety during deadly fires.

1 hour ago - Wired

Empty large outdoor parking lot with green trees in background.

Parking Reform Yields New Housing

As more cities eliminate or reduce their minimum parking requirements, the impact on housing supply is coming into focus.

2 hours ago - The New York Times

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.