The 2023 Fairfax County Housing Symposium, held on March 15th at the George Mason University Fairfax Campus, brought together leaders to discuss the importance of affordable housing. The theme of this year’s event, Innovate to Accelerate, echoed throughout the day as elected leaders, industry professionals, policy experts, and housing advocates engaged in conversations about advancing the role of affordable housing in the fabric of our community. The Symposium was the fourth annual event sponsored by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the George Mason University School of Business.

Among the many distinguished speakers, Congressman Gerald Connolly, U.S. House of Representatives welcomed attendees to the event along with Jeffrey Little, General Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Following their opening comments, Fairfax County Chairman Jeffrey McKay led a discussion on the importance of regionalism and partnerships as Fairfax County continues to move the needle on affordable housing. Joining Chairman McKay in the conversation were David Swift, Senior Product Manager, Amazon Housing Equity Fund, and Jenny Schuetz, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Brookings Institute Metro.

“As Chairman of the FCRHA, I know we will continue to evaluate every single opportunity to develop and preserve homes in all areas of the county by leveraging public land and finances, developing new partnerships, seeking more rental assistance, and much more. I am honored that many of the accomplishments and innovations coming down the pipeline were highlighted at today’s event.”

– Melissa McKenna, Chairman, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority

The 2023 Fairfax County Housing Symposium, sponsored by Virginia Housing and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, highlighted public-private partnerships that have successfully transformed Fairfax County neighborhoods; discussed the importance of increasing homeownership to create equity and opportunity for all residents; and showcased innovative and creating financing strategies to support the development of affordable housing.

“The 2023 Fairfax County Housing Symposium brings together so many of our partners – members of Congress and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, local elected officials, representatives from Virginia Housing, corporate partners such as Amazon, nonprofit developers, and many more. The innovations in the development and preservation of affordable housing in Fairfax County that were highlighted throughout this event are a direct result of these partnerships. Without them we would not be where we are today as a community.”

– Eric Maribojoc, Executive Director, Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship, George Mason University School of Business.

A very special thanks to Board of Supervisors Housing Committee Chair, Supervisor John Foust, as well as Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw and Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik for moderating the informative panel discussions throughout the day. For additional details about the 2023 Housing Symposium, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/2023HousingSymposium.