Virginia Bill Accelerates Church-Led Affordable Housing

In the heart of Arlington, Virginia, a push for innovative solutions to the nation's affordable housing crisis is gaining momentum. Arlington County Board member Julius “JD” Spain, Sr., has joined forces with local faith leaders to advocate for the Faith in Housing Act, a state bill designed to streamline the development of affordable housing on church properties. This legislation, introduced by State Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-29), represents a potential model for addressing the escalating housing shortages across the United States.

The Push for Faith-Based Housing Solutions

The Faith in Housing Act aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that often delay affordable housing projects. Currently, religious organizations must navigate complex processes, including special exceptions, conditional use permits, and rezoning approvals that involve lengthy public hearings and board votes. The bill proposes allowing churches to develop housing "by right," bypassing these steps, provided that at least 60% of the units are committed as affordable for a minimum of 30 years.

On February 4, 2026, the bill advanced from the Virginia Senate Committee on Local Government with a 9-4 vote, one abstention, setting the stage for full Senate consideration. A companion bill in the House, sponsored by Del. Joshua Cole (D-65), has progressed but includes an amendment delaying its effective date until the 2027 General Assembly session. If enacted, the Senate version would take effect on September 1, 2026.

JD Spain's testimony highlighted the urgency of the issue. "Having housing is a civil right," he emphasized in an interview with local media. Spain's support comes independently of the Arlington County Board, which has historically prioritized local zoning control. In recent years, the board's legislative packages for 2024 and 2025 indirectly opposed similar streamlining measures to preserve municipal authority. However, the 2026 package shifts focus toward empowering localities to tackle affordable housing needs more effectively.

Spotlight on Clarendon Presbyterian Church

At the forefront of this advocacy is Rev. Alice Tewell of Clarendon Presbyterian Church. The church, located in the vibrant Lyon Village neighborhood, paused its affordable housing initiative last year due to soaring costs and protracted approvals. Partnering with True Ground Housing Partners, the congregation envisioned building 90 affordable units for seniors just five minutes from a Metro station—ideal for accessible, dignified living.

Tewell's testimony painted a stark picture of the challenges. "We spent five years and over half a million dollars navigating the process—not building, just waiting," she told the Senate committee. Without reforms, she warned, the church risks closure, potentially leading to its property being converted into single-family homes. Passage of the bill, she added, would preserve the congregation's century-old roots while enabling continued community service, including worship, outreach, and an on-site preschool.

Supporters from Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE) also rallied at the hearing, underscoring the interfaith commitment to housing justice. Other Arlington churches, such as Arlington Presbyterian and Central United Methodist, have successfully navigated the system to develop housing, offering proof of concept amid broader struggles.

A Microcosm of the National Affordable Housing Crisis

Virginia's efforts mirror a nationwide epidemic. The U.S. faces a severe shortage of affordable housing, with over 7 million more low-income households than available units, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Rent burdens have skyrocketed, particularly in urban areas like Arlington, where proximity to transit and jobs amplifies demand. Seniors, early-career professionals, and families are increasingly at risk of homelessness or unstable living situations.

Federally, initiatives like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) have funded millions of units since 1986, but production lags behind need. The Biden administration's 2024 budget proposed $25 billion for affordable housing, emphasizing preservation and new construction. Yet, local zoning laws—often exclusionary—remain a primary barrier. Reforms like Virginia's bill align with national trends, such as California's SB 9, which eases single-family zoning for multifamily projects, and Oregon's 2019 law allowing duplexes in formerly restricted neighborhoods.

Church properties offer untapped potential. With vast land holdings—estimated at billions of square feet nationwide—faith institutions could add tens of thousands of units. Organizations like Interfaith Alliance have long advocated for leveraging sacred spaces for social good, arguing that housing aligns with moral imperatives of compassion and equity.

Benefits and Potential Challenges

Proponents highlight multiple advantages. Streamlined processes could reduce development timelines from years to months, slashing costs passed onto renters. Affordable commitments ensure long-term impact, targeting vulnerable populations like seniors facing "gray nomad" homelessness—living in cars or motels. In Arlington, where median home prices exceed $800,000, such projects promote inclusive growth without straining public budgets.

Critics, however, worry about local control erosion. Neighborhood opposition to density changes is common, fearing traffic or character loss. The bill's 60% affordability threshold addresses this by prioritizing mission-driven development over profit. Enforcement mechanisms, including deed restrictions, would safeguard commitments.

Economically, faith-based housing could stimulate job creation in construction and property management while fostering community stability. Studies from the Urban Institute show that affordable housing investments yield $1.50 in economic returns per dollar spent, through reduced evictions and improved health outcomes.

Looking Ahead: Implications for US Policy

As Virginia deliberates, the Faith in Housing Act could inspire federal incentives, perhaps via expansions to the Community Development Block Grant program. Bipartisan support exists; even in red states like Texas, church-led initiatives have thrived with local partnerships.

For families squeezed by 30%+ rent hikes, this bill symbolizes hope. It reframes churches not just as places of worship, but as anchors of community resilience. As Spain noted, ignoring the housing challenge undermines leadership at every level. With the Senate vote looming, Virginia may lead the way in turning faith into homes for all.

In a nation where 1 in 6 households spends over half their income on housing, innovations like this are essential. The path forward demands collaboration—between faith groups, lawmakers, and communities—to build a more equitable America.