Zoning for Housing

News

City Council candidates address sheriff’s ICE policy, taxes, more at civic association forum

By Emily Leayman
(Left to right): Sandy Marks, Frank Fannon and Alison O'Connell participate in an April 8 forum hosted by the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations (via Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations video)

With less than two weeks until the April 21 special election, candidates for an open seat on Alexandria City Council made their pitches to civic association members yesterday (Wednesday) at a forum.

Democratic candidate Sandy Marks and independent candidates Alison O’Connell and Frank Fannon joined the forum, held during Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations’ monthly meeting. Candidates answered questions on topics the civic association leaders selected, along with a lightning round of policies they would support or oppose.

Go to City Council candidates address sheriff’s ICE policy, taxes, more at civic association forum Read more
News

Plaintiffs against Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing initiative raise $28K needed for appeal

By James Cullum
The Alexandria courthouse in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

The plaintiffs in Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing/Housing for All lawsuit say they have raised the $28,000 required to pay for attorneys in their appeal against the Circuit Court’s November dismissal.

The plaintiff group, the Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, announced this morning (Friday) that it raised the funds for a fee agreement to move forward with attorneys at Dunn, Craig and Francuzenko. Last month, members of the group asked for donations in their continuing effort to reverse the city’s 2023 zoning overhaul, setting a Feb. 27 deadline.

Go to Plaintiffs against Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing initiative raise $28K needed for appeal Read more
News

Former Councilman Frank Fannon runs as independent in City Council special election

By Emily Leayman and James Cullum
Frank Fannon for Alexandria City Council (courtesy photo)

Frank Fannon, the last Republican to be elected to Alexandria City Council, will run for the office again in the April 21 special election.

Fannon announced his City Council campaign at the annual Friendship Firehouse Breakfast yesterday (Monday). The former councilmember told ALXnow he is running as an independent for the seat formerly held by Kirk McPike (D), who won the special election for Virginia’s 5th House District seat.

Go to Former Councilman Frank Fannon runs as independent in City Council special election Read more
News

Zoning for Housing plaintiffs attempting to raise $28K to appeal November dismissal

By James Cullum
The Franklin P. Backus Courthouse in Old Town, Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

After their case was dismissed in Circuit Court in November, the plaintiffs in Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing/Housing for All lawsuit are now seeking donations to fund an appeal.

Members of the Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, a group of Old Town residents, are asking supporters to help raise $28,000 for attorneys at Dunn, Craig and Francuzenko, according to an email announcement last night (Monday).

Go to Zoning for Housing plaintiffs attempting to raise $28K to appeal November dismissal Read more
News

Plaintiffs in Zoning for Housing lawsuit file notice of appeal

By Katie Taranto
The Alexandria courthouse in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

After a judge dismissed their case last month, plaintiffs in Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing/Housing for All lawsuit have announced a notice of appeal.

Under The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, several Old Town residents are seeking to overturn a Circuit Court decision upholding Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing/Housing for All initiative last month. The group announced its intent to appeal in an email on Wednesday.

Go to Plaintiffs in Zoning for Housing lawsuit file notice of appeal Read more
News

Mayor Gaskins and Atlantic editor to host talk on affordable housing next week

By Katie Taranto
Mayor Alyia Gaskins speaks at the groundbreaking of the 204-unit affordable housing apartment complex Samuel Madden Homes, Nov. 12, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Mayor Alyia Gaskins and an editor at The Atlantic are scheduled to participate in a public discussion on affordable housing expansion and policies next week.

The discussion with Gaskins and the magazine’s Deputy Executive Editor, Yoni Appelbaum, will offer “timely insight into the policy choices and historical decisions that have shaped today’s [housing] crisis — and what leaders can do differently moving forward,” according to a release.

Go to Mayor Gaskins and Atlantic editor to host talk on affordable housing next week Read more
News

JUST IN: Judge dismisses case against Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing overhaul

By James Cullum
The Alexandria courthouse in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria won its nearly two-year battle in Circuit Court today (Wednesday) against residents fighting the city’s massive Zoning for Housing/Housing for All overhaul.

Judge H. Thomas Padrick, Jr. granted the city’s motion for summary judgement and dismissed the case against the plaintiffs, a group of Old Town residents who had been fighting to reverse the zoning changes since they were approved by City Council in Dec. 2023.

Go to JUST IN: Judge dismisses case against Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing overhaul Read more
News

After Arlington Missing Middle changes overturned, Alexandrians wonder if Zoning for Housing is next

By Vernon Miles
Protestors and supporters of Arlington's Missing Middle zoning change (staff photo)

Circuit Court Judge David S. Schell, who is also set to rule on Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing/Housing for All litigation, overturned neighboring Arlington’s Missing Middle zoning changes today.

The Missing Middle and Zoning for Housing reforms were both substantial zoning reforms that, among other changes, eliminated single-family-only zoning. As a group of Alexandrians have been filing suit against the City, locals have been watching the Arlington case as a weather vane.

Go to After Arlington Missing Middle changes overturned, Alexandrians wonder if Zoning for Housing is next Read more
News

JUST IN: Judge rules plaintiffs have standing for trial to reverse Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing overhaul

By James Cullum
The Franklin P. Backus Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria residents fighting the city’s massive Zoning for Housing/Housing for All overhaul won a battle in court today, as Judge David S. Schell ruled their case has standing and can go to trial.

The plaintiffs, all Old Town residents, have been fighting to reverse the zoning changes since they were approved by City Council in Dec. 2023. While initial efforts were dismissed in court, their amended filing specified how their individual properties would be harmed as a result.

Go to JUST IN: Judge rules plaintiffs have standing for trial to reverse Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing overhaul Read more
News

Anti-Zoning for Housing advocate Roy Byrd announces Independent campaign for Alexandria City Council

By James Cullum
Roy Byrd, chair of the Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, speaks at a rally at City Hall on Aug. 28, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A major critic of Alexandria’s residential zoning reforms has thrown his hat into the ring as an Independent candidate for City Council.

Roy Byrd, the co-founder of The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, made the announcement in a press release.

Go to Anti-Zoning for Housing advocate Roy Byrd announces Independent campaign for Alexandria City Council Read more