Agenda:Alexandria

Shaping Alexandria’s Housing Future, One Neighborhood at a Time

Alexandria, VA – Agenda: Alexandria, a community-based organization that fosters dialogue on pressing issues, is excited to announce its upcoming program, “Shaping Alexandria’s Future, One Home at a Time,” scheduled for October 23, 2023, at the Lyceum.

This event promises to be a pivotal conversation addressing the urgent need for more affordable housing in Alexandria and proposed sweeping changes to the city’s zoning code.

As the cost of living continues to rise in Alexandria, there is a growing consensus about a long-term need for more affordable housing options, especially housing that can be purchased to foster wealth creation.

However, critical questions remain unanswered, such as the size and location of these units, the potential necessity for additional infrastructure, and the potential impact on historic districts.

Agenda Alexandria has put together a panel of community members, experts, and advocates who will come together to discuss the most significant changes to Alexandria’s zoning code in more than 30 years.

Panelists include:

  • Roy Byrd (Coalition for a Livable Alexandria)
  • Susan Cunningham (Candidate for Arlington County Board)
  • Stephen Koenig (Commissioner, Alexandria Planning Commission)
  • And a staff member from the City of Alexandria to be determined
Roy Byrd (Photos courtesy of Agenda Alexandria)

Roy Byrd is Chair of The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, Inc. He completed undergraduate studies at Purdue University and obtained a master’s from the Naval War College. As a Marine, he spent extensive time in the Far East, Middle East, Europe, Hawaii, and the U.S. West Coast. In 2006, after 30 years of active service, Roy retired from the Marine Corps, became a Defense Aerospace Executive, and later formed a business consulting LLC.

Byrd is the past president of the Clover College Park Civic Association and past co-chair of the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations. He also served as a member of the Alexandria Police Department Community Advisory Team, the Resolution 830 Low Income Housing Working Group, the Alexandria COVID-19 Response Group, the Stream Restoration Stakeholder Advisory Group, and the Taylor Run Consensus Building Group.

Susan Cunningham

Susan Cunningham has been an Arlington resident for over 25 years. An engineer and seasoned senior executive, Cunningham won a June Democratic primary to run for the Arlington County Board this November.

She ran with a focus on getting planning and housing right and as an opponent of the “Missing Middle” plan approved by the County Board.

She is the executive director of emergency financial assistance provider Arlington Thrive and was previously CEO of regional affordable housing nonprofit AHC, Inc.

Stephen Koenig

Stephen Koenig is on the Alexandra Planning Commission. A dedicated architect for over 35 years, he was appointed to the commission in 2015. Koenig has served on the ARHA Redevelopment Work Group, the Potomac Yard Metro Implementation Group, the Green Building Policy Task Force, and the Patrick Henry Elementary School Community Advisory Group. He was also involved with the North Potomac Yard Small Area Plan and the Advisory Group. He served as Chair of the Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee.

From 2005 to 2010, Koenig served on the Infill Task Force and, from 2007 to 2009, was a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals. He has been a member of the American Institute of Architects since 1981. He is a registered architect in V.A., MD, and D.C. and a LEED Accredited Professional since 2008.

Attendees can expect a lively and informative discussion that will provide a clearer understanding of the proposed zoning changes and their potential impact on all neighborhoods in Alexandria. This event is open to residents who may attend either in person or online.

Agenda’s Alexandria’s podcast, “On the Agenda,” which precedes the monthly program, will air the week of October 16 and feature an interview with Helen McIlvaine, the city’s Housing Director.

For more information about the event, including registration details, please visit AgendaAlexandria.org.

Agenda:Alexandria is a registered 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that encourages informed debate and discussion on various local issues without taking a position. We host eight programs per year on topics of interest to the residents of the City of Alexandria. For over 25 years, Agenda: Alexandria “has looked at the issues without taking sides.”

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