The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge for a packed agenda that includes significant decisions on land development and state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.

Woodbridge Land Development

Supervisors are expected to approve $250,000 to hire consultants to determine the best use for 21.85 acres of land in Woodbridge, previously considered for an indoor sports and recreation center. The funding from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund will support planning for a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The land is part of a larger 70-acre property targeted for an indoor sports venue, focusing on creating live-work-play environments and generating tax revenue.

Legislative Review

In a first-of-its-kind move, the Board will spend considerable time mulling over nearly 40 bills currently before the Virginia General Assembly. These bills address a wide range of topics, including:

• Clean Energy: HB 36 proposes studying barriers to clean energy purchases by local governments.
• Transportation and Safety: HB 462 calls for expanded tractor-trailer parking along major corridors, and HB 2041 focuses on speed safety camera placements.
• Data Centers: Multiple bills, including HB 1601, SB 899, and HB 2026, address issues like energy use, noise abatement, and proximity to parks and schools.
• Affordable Housing: HB 1701 and SB 2603 propose incentives and zoning changes to expand housing opportunities.
• Environmental Initiatives: HB 2050 introduces a program to reduce PFAS in the Occoquan Reservoir, while SB 839 focuses on by-right multifamily development in commercial zones.

The Board’s deliberations aim to ensure that local perspectives are represented in state policymaking, reflecting priorities such as economic growth, environmental preservation, and community safety.

Stay tuned to Potomac Local News for updates on the outcomes of this meeting.

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We’re back with another episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, where we connect our communities one story at a time. In this episode, Uriah Kiser, founder of Potomac Local News, sits down with Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, to discuss critical issues facing Prince William County.

Chair Jefferson made history on January 1, 2024, as the first Black person elected to this role. Her journey—from a single mother saving for homeownership to a community leader—informs her commitment to tackling the affordable housing crisis, workforce housing solutions, and planning for future infrastructure needs.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The proposed Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit Ordinance and its impact on residents and local workers like teachers, police, and firefighters.
• Balancing affordable housing with school capacity concerns and infrastructure development in growing areas like Brentsville.
• The ongoing debate over the Bi-County Parkway extension to ease congestion on Route 28.
• Chair Jefferson’s favorite local restaurants—from the western side of the county to the east.

Jefferson also shares her vision for ensuring Prince William County residents can live where they work. This focus prioritizes local families and community safety: “We have cost-burdened households spending more than 30% of their income on housing. We need solutions now, said Chair Deshundra Jefferson

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On December 2, 2024, local and state officials gathered at the Kelly Leadership Building for the annual Joint Legislative Meeting. The discussion focused on the county’s legislative priorities, spotlighting affordable housing and immediate housing assistance for residents in crisis.

Affordable housing has taken center stage in Prince William County in recent weeks. During their November 19, 2024, meeting, the Board of County Supervisors discussed a proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance to increase the availability of affordable housing units and establish a Housing Trust Fund to support development efforts.

The ADU Ordinance would allow developers to include affordable units within new residential developments voluntarily. While some jurisdictions enforce mandatory ADU policies, Virginia’s Dillon Rule prevents Prince William County from implementing similar measures. Instead, the county incentivizes participation through expedited permitting processes, reduced fees, and greater development flexibility.

Local affordable housing advocates, including representatives from the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance and Wellington Development Partners, highlighted the urgent need for such initiatives. They noted that residents earning below 60% of the area median income are disproportionately affected, with many spending over 70% of their income on rent.

Delegate Josh Thomas (D-21, Gainesville) proposed creative solutions such as modular ADUs, which could provide cost-effective workforce housing options. These small, prefabricated homes can be mass-produced and installed at prices between $200,000 and $300,000—aligning with the affordability goals for workforce housing.

Immediate Housing Assistance Programs

While addressing long-term housing needs, Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin stressed the importance of continuing immediate housing assistance programs. During the pandemic, the county provided support for rental, mortgage, and utility payments to families facing financial hardship. Franklin advocated for making this program permanent to aid residents at risk of eviction or foreclosure.

“The one thing that I will mention with regards to affordable housing that we haven’t talked about is immediate housing assistance. We have the ordinance that’s going to help us create more affordable housing stock long term which I think is incredibly important but we also need resources to provide immediate housing assistance,” said Franklin. “When the pandemic started, we put forth a program, the housing assistance program that provided mortgage rental and utility assistance for those negatively impacted by COVID. That is something that I’m pushing for as a separate program for us to continue for those that are going to be evicted next week or for those that are facing some type of rental or mortgage or utility shortage in the immediate term and so I just want to encourage our General Assembly to also maybe think about ways that we can partner on legislation that brings us resources for that.”

The meeting also addressed other legislative priorities, including education funding reform, transportation improvements, and public safety initiatives. Supervisor Victor Angry called for increased flexibility in deploying speed monitoring devices in areas with traffic safety concerns. Officials also highlighted the intersection of housing and education, emphasizing the need for school infrastructure investments to manage population growth effectively.

Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye added that the county must balance housing development with community infrastructure needs, including transportation and schools. “Affordable housing initiatives must be paired with investments in public infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth,” he said.

The county’s legislative agenda will be presented during the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session, scheduled to convene on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, and adjourn on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Housing is a human right, and we must ensure that every resident has access to safe and affordable homes,” said Franklin.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors discussed a proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance during their meeting on November 19, 2024. The ordinance aims to address housing affordability challenges by increasing the availability of affordable housing units within the county and implementing a Housing Trust Fund to bolster development efforts.

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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will address three significant topics during their meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, reflecting a focus on housing, infrastructure, and community development.

1. Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance Presentation
The Board will discuss a proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit (AfDU) Ordinance designed to expand the county’s supply of affordable housing for residents earning 50% to 80% of the area median income. Highlights include:

• Bonus density incentives for developers to include affordable units.
• Establishing a Housing Trust Fund to finance affordable housing projects.
• Scenarios showing potential density increases from the ordinance.

This initiative aligns with the county’s efforts to address housing affordability while considering infrastructure capacity.

2. Judicial Center Expansion
Supervisors are expected to award a $13.6 million contract to Dewberry Architects, Inc., for the design and construction administration of the Judicial Center Expansion in Manassas. The project will include:

• A new five-story parking structure with 900 spaces, starting with 450 spaces in Phase 1.
• A modernized courthouse facility to meet future judicial needs.

Funded under the FY2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program, this expansion addresses growing demands on judicial services and infrastructure.

3. Smith Crossing Rezoning for 375 New Homes
The Board is set to approve a rezoning request for a 234.78-acre property at Artemus and Catharpin Roads in Gainesville to develop a 375-unit residential community. Key details include:

• A mix of single-family detached homes and villas.
• 50% of the site designated as open space, preserving natural and cultural resources.
• Amenities such as trails, a community center, and conservation areas.

This development reflects the county’s goal to balance growth with conservation, meeting housing needs while maintaining green spaces.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting or follow updates to learn more about these impactful projects.

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair, at-large Deshundra Jefferson, is on the mend after having had surgery for Crohn’s disease. This chronic inflammatory bowel condition has affected her health over the past two years.

Now two weeks post-surgery, Jefferson reports feeling “pretty good” and looks forward to resuming her duties full-time, including attending Zoom meetings and tackling a backlog of emails next week. Despite her temporary absence, Jefferson is grateful for her colleagues, especially Supervisor Boddye, who stepped up in her absence, as well as her staff, friends, and supportive 16-year-old son. “These things are kind of frightening until you actually go through them,” she shared, noting the relief of finally addressing symptoms that had worsened over the past few months.

Jefferson’s journey with Crohn’s disease began with a diagnosis in the summer of 2022, followed by a period of remission in 2023, during which she felt “great” and could nearly forget she had the disease. However, her condition resurfaced with abdominal cramping and digestive issues, leading doctors to recommend surgery. “The only way to fix that was to have a colon resection,” Jefferson explained, adding, “When I was feeling good, I wasn’t going to the doctors as often as I should, and that’s a lesson.”

Crohn’s disease, often hereditary, is marked by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms like severe abdominal pain, cramping, and fatigue. The condition has no cure, but treatments like medication and surgery can help manage symptoms.

Jefferson now hopes her experience will encourage others to “listen to your body” and seek medical advice as needed. “I didn’t know how many people were impacted by Crohn’s,” she said, surprised by the community’s response and support.

With her health gradually improving, Jefferson is eager to return to significant county matters, focusing on housing affordability and responsible data center growth. She has advocated shifting the county’s focus from traditional affordable housing to “attainable housing” to support police, fire, rescue, and other essential service workers find homes near their workplaces. “It was affordable to live here; it’s not anymore, and it’s hurting our growth,” she said. She emphasized the need for workforce housing options that promote homeownership, a goal that initially drew her to Prince William County.

Jefferson also aims to address the future of data centers in Prince William, which has generated extensive community debate. Her priority is to hold a work session to evaluate the Data Center Overlay Zone, which encompasses areas with sufficient water and power resources required for server farms. “We need a more holistic view of data center growth within our county,” Jefferson noted, suggesting the possibility of removing specific parcels from the overlay to relieve districts disproportionately affected by the industry’s expansion.

Nearly a year into her four-year term, Jefferson, a full-time supervisor, remains committed to creating a balanced and sustainable future for Prince William County. Driven by her commitment to community issues, she ousted former Chair At-large Ann Wheeler in the June 2023 Democratic Primary.

The Fredericksburg City Council recently heard an update on the ongoing Community Health Assessment from Rappahannock Area Health District Director Dr. Oleg Benga Obasanyo.

Obasanyo’s presentation focused on the progress made since the last health assessment and the priorities identified for improving the well-being of the Fredericksburg community and surrounding areas. The three main priorities—mental health, affordable housing, and access to healthcare—remain focal points for improvement.

Mental Health

Mental health remains a critical issue for the Fredericksburg community. Obasanyo emphasized the growing need for mental health services and the community’s commitment to addressing this issue through ongoing programs and partnerships. Mental Health America has taken the lead in spearheading mental health initiatives, providing valuable resources, and conducting training sessions. The Council has consistently supported these efforts, understanding the importance of mental health for overall community well-being.

Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is another priority identified through the health assessment process. A major development in this area is the annual Housing Summit, which occurred today. The summit serves as a platform for local leaders, community organizations, and stakeholders to address housing challenges and develop actionable plans to improve access to affordable housing in Fredericksburg and the broader Planning District 16.

Obasanyo mentioned that this summit is an outcome of the discussions initiated by the health assessment process and is vital for creating sustainable housing solutions for the community.

Access to Healthcare

Access to healthcare continues to be a concern, particularly for underserved populations. One key initiative from the health assessment is establishing a Doula training program at Germanna Community College. The program was created in response to maternal health disparities in the area to increase the number of trained doulas available to support expecting mothers.

Obasanyo noted that the first class of doulas graduated recently, with some trainees already working within the community, helping to improve maternal health outcomes. The program also aims to set up a doula collective further to integrate these professionals into the local healthcare system.

Future Steps and Community Involvement

Obasanyo outlined the next phases of the health assessment process, including conducting focus groups and gathering more data through community surveys. The Health Department seeks input from various demographic groups to ensure that the collected data reflects the community’s diverse needs. The results of these assessments will help guide future health improvement efforts.

The Council expressed gratitude for Dr. Obasanyo’s work. It encouraged the public to participate in the ongoing health surveys, which are crucial for shaping the next phase of the Community Health Improvement Plan. Public involvement will ensure that Fredericksburg’s health initiatives continue to address the community’s most pressing issues, including mental health, housing, and healthcare access.

At the October 15, 2024, Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting, pressing housing issues took center stage as the county faces an unprecedented demand for emergency housing assistance and a growing crisis of affordability for senior citizens.

The county’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program received an overwhelming number of applications in just one week, with over 500 households seeking support. Joan Duckett, Director of the Office of Housing, reported that this surge in applications reflects the mounting challenges faced by low-income and at-risk populations, including those threatened with homelessness. This rapid influx underscores the urgency of the housing crisis in Prince William, where increasing rent prices have made stable housing out of reach for many residents.

Duckett mentioned that while federal funding has helped provide rental assistance, the demand far exceeds available resources. The board discussed the potential for increased local funding to help bridge the gap for families struggling with eviction or foreclosure. Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin highlighted the need for collaboration with state programs to expand access to emergency rental assistance.

“We’re facing a tough situation,” Duckett explained. “Stable housing is essential for the health and well-being of families, but the rising cost of living, particularly for seniors, is forcing many into precarious positions.”

Rising Rents and Affordable Housing for Senior Citizens

The meeting also discussed the rising rent burden on Prince William County’s senior citizens. With a growing elderly population on fixed incomes, many older adults are finding themselves priced out of their homes, unable to meet the rising costs imposed by new management companies and increased rental rates.

The board discussed potential solutions, including developing an Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance and establishing a housing trust fund. These measures could incentivize developers to include affordable housing in new projects and provide additional funding for low-income and senior residents.

Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy raised concerns about the lack of affordable rental units for seniors, emphasizing that many have lived in the same homes for years and find moving difficult, especially with limited housing options that cater to their needs.

Duckett also highlighted the challenges faced by the elderly population in the county’s housing market, noting that “many seniors are living on Social Security, and they simply can’t keep up with the rising rent prices.”

The Board of Supervisors is expected to review the proposed ADU ordinance and housing trust fund in future meetings, focusing on how these measures could alleviate pressure on vulnerable populations, particularly seniors.

Prince William County residents are invited to attend a Multi-District Town Hall on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 7 p.m. Supervisors Yesli Vega, Tom Gordy, and Bob Weir of the Coles, Brentsville, and Gainesville districts will lead a discussion on community safety and the proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance.

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