Alexandria Residents Weigh in on Zoning Reform

The city’s proposed ‘Zoning for Housing’ is drawing criticism from multiple sides.

2 minute read

October 15, 2023, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View of Alexandria, Virginia with brick three-story townhomes on Potomac River bank.

Alexandria, Virginia and the Potomac River. | steheap / Adobe Stock

Residents of Alexandria, Virginia are divided in their opinions of a proposed rezoning plan released by the city in September. As Margaret Bartel and Morgan Baskin explain in DCist, the plan, Zoning for Housing, is designed to spur housing production and increase affordability through reforms that include permitting fourplexes in single-family zoned neighborhoods and promoting transit-oriented development (TOD). While some residents think the plan is moving too quickly and limits public input on projects too severely, others say the plan isn’t nearly ambitious enough to curb the region’s housing shortage.

According to the article, during a public meeting on Thursday night, “Many questions appeared to press the city to consider broader reforms.” However, other residents said the process was rushed and asked for more time to consider the various proposals. “This was the last in a series of community meetings designed to familiarize residents with the plan, answer questions, and receive feedback ahead of consideration of the policy by the Planning Commission and the City Council.”

The city claims the plan, if fully implemented, could create up to 2,838 new housing units over the next decade, still falling short of the city’s goal to add 3,000 units by 2030. “Opponents of the zoning plan have pointed out that the city has overseen the creation of 11,000 housing units in the last decade, with about 40,000 more considered in small area plans–the guiding long-term vision for specific neighborhoods–mostly near transit.”

Other critics say the plan does little to address affordable housing. “Just how many of the roughly 2,800 additional new units created under Zoning for Housing in the next decade will be committed affordable homes — or even attainable ones — is less clear.”

Friday, October 13, 2023 in DCist

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

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of green ULEZ sign in London, UK.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution

Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

March 10, 2025 - Smart Cities World

Close-up of electric bus being charged with portable charger.

Zero-Emission Bus Fleets Grow, But Federal Funding Is in Jeopardy

Transit agencies around the country have purchased over 7,000 zero-emission buses, but a federal program that funds the shift could be eliminated under the new administration.

March 17 - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17 - The Wall Street Journal

Blue Connect 1 bus at nighttime in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Governor Opens Window for Regional Transit Authority

The proposed state budget includes a provision that allows local governments to establish a dedicated transit tax.

March 17 - Urban Milwaukee

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.