The HMP established a goal of creating "new affordability" in 2,000 units through 2025. New affordability is gained through the construction of new committed affordable housing and the preservation and improvement of existing housing resources to enhance affordability, accessibility, safety, health, and energy efficiency. The following activities are counted towards the HMP goal:

• construction of new committed affordable rental and homeownership units, including committed affordable units resulting from the conversion of obsolete commercial buildings into housing
• preservation of existing committed affordable units
• conversion of existing market-rate housing into committed affordable housing
• improvements to existing low- to moderate-income homeownership units through the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program and Rebuilding Together DC-Alexandria projects
• improvements to existing low-income rental units through the Rental Accessibility Modification Program 
• support to first-time homebuyers in the form of downpayment and closing-cost assistance

NEW! Progress towards the HMP goal is tracked through the:

• Housing Key Indicator Dashboard;
• Housing Opportunities Indicator Dashboard; and 
• HMP Quarterly Progress Report (updated June 2024).

To learn about City housing programs and recent projects, visit our Affordable Housing and Publications pages. 

A number of implementation tools are identified for further study and consideration in the HMP.  Since 2014, the City Council has approved the following tools:

• an amendment to grandfather parking requirements for affordable housing projects that undergo a substantial renovation;
• an increase in the level of predevelopment funding provided to facilitate affordable housing through secured, repayable loans;
• a reduction in parking requirements for new affordable housing projects; 
• an increase from 20% to 30% in bonus density for affordable housing;
• an amendment to create the Residential Multifamily Zone (RMF) to promote the creation and preservation of deeply affordable housing;
• an update to the Housing Contributions Policy to address cases pursuing additional density, senior housing projects, and commercial to residential building conversions;
• an amendment to permit Accessory Dwelling Units; and
• an amendment to permit Co-Living Units.

The HMP planning process was designed to ensure participation by stakeholders through: a series of 15 public meetings; a bus tour of the City's existing affordable housing stock; and an allocation exercise which gave stakeholders the opportunity to consider future housing needs and locations.

The HMP Advisory Group was composed of the City's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) plus an additional five appointees, including both public sector and private sector representatives. This group was charged with providing feedback on data presented and developed goals and objectives to guide the creation of the implementation plan.

On November 30, 2012, the City of Alexandria released its draft Housing Master Plan and the draft Housing Master Plan At a Glance for public review and comment. Two town hall meetings were held to receive questions and comments on the Plan. The first meeting was held on January 24, 2013 at Samuel Tucker Elementary School. A second Town Hall meeting was held on February 11, 2013 at Jefferson-Houston Elementary School. Following a 90-day comment period, the Planning commission and City Council held work sessions on the draft plan. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Revised Draft Housing Master Plan on December 3, 2013.