The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) adopted Fairfax County’s One Fairfax Policy at its meeting on March 7.
The adoption of this policy ensures that the FCRHA considers equity when making decisions about the development and delivery of future housing policies, programs and services.
The One Fairfax Policy defines equity as “The commitment to promote fairness and justice in the formation of public policy that results in all residents – regardless of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, socio-economic status or neighborhood of residence or other characteristics – having opportunity to fully participate in the region’s economic vitality, contribute to its readiness for the future, and connect to its assets and resources.”
“The FCRHA has always endeavored to be equitable within its programs,” said FCRHA Chairman, Robert Schwaninger. “However, adopting the One Fairfax Policy ensures we are looking intentionally, comprehensively and systematically at barriers that may be creating gaps in opportunity for our residents.”
Following the adoption of the Policy, the FCRHA Board approved revisions to its Strategic Plan, which included identifying equity as a stated value (guiding principle) within the Plan. The adoption of the Policy and immediate action by the Board supports the “housing” area of focus, one of 17 identified in the One Fairfax Policy, by ensuring housing policies within the FCRHA promote equity.
“Helping residents and families have equitable access to a full range of affordable housing opportunities is vital to the health of our communities and the economic success of our county,” notes Karla Bruce, Chief Equity Officer for Fairfax County. “I applaud the FCRHA for adopting the Policy and making a strong commitment to be fair and equitable across its housing programs; because every resident deserves a chance to thrive.”
The FCRHA is in the process of developing a racial and social equity implementation strategy. This will help to advance opportunities and achieve equity through the engagement of community stakeholders and partners, the use of equity tools to inform planning and decision making, and building the infrastructure to support and sustain systemic changes and accountability.
To view the FCRHA’s Adoption of the One Fairfax Racial and Social Equity Resolution, click here. For more information, visit the county's One Fairfax webpage.
