In The News
DAAR’s In The News page has you covered.
From community engagement, to federal, state & local policy changes, this is your hub for all things advocacy. Brush up on the latest housing news, DAAR’s advocacy efforts, and everything in between. Click each story below to read more.
For inquiries, comments, or concerns please contact:
Eric Fryer
Government Affairs Director
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2021
Update coming soon. |
DAAR Spotlight: 2021 RPAC Major InvestorsSeptember 20, 2021 DAAR wholeheartedly thanks and appreciates every single one of our RPAC donors, but there’s one group of investors we’d like to specifically highlight: DAAR’s Major Investors have contributed a minimum of $1,000 each (the Sterling “R” level) in 2021, and we are honored to recognize them for their extraordinary commitment to REALTOR® advocacy issues… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
NAR Expresses Concern Over Proposed Limitations on Real Estate InvestmentSeptember 17, 2021 The limitations could negatively impact the health and growth of the commercial real estate market. On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) raised concerns in a letter issued to Congressional leadership of the tax writing committees regarding the proposed limits to tax benefits for real estate investment. At a time when the US is in serious need of an elevated housing supply, NAR addressed several of the proposed policy changes that, if left unchecked, could have… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
2021 Gubernatorial Policy Tracker: McAuliffe vs YoungkinSeptember 1, 2021 The Commonwealth’s democratic and republican nominees for Governor offer voters a glimpse into their policy platforms. This page will be updated throughout the 2021 election cycle. Virginia’s race for governor is in full gear. The candidates, former Governor Terry McAuliffe, and business leader, Glenn Youngkin, are both vying to occupy the Commonwealth’s top post. Both have laid out policy proposals related to housing issues, cost of living, jobs, and/or business, which are reflected below… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
U.S. Supreme Court Ends Latest CDC Eviction MoratoriumAugust 27, 2021 The following update comes directly from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) regarding the SCOTUS decision to end the most recent eviction moratorium: The U.S. Supreme Court ended the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC’s) eviction moratorium Thursday night [August 26, 2021], giving much-needed relief to America’s small housing providers facing financial hardship for more than a year… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Board of Supervisors to Hold Public Hearing on AT&T Cell Tower ProposalAugust 26, 2021 The public hearing will occur on September 14th and will help the Board determine whether the permit proposal for the Short Hills area is consistent with the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, the Board of Supervisors voted 8-1 to overturn the Planning Commission’s rejection of AT&T’s permit request to construct a 125-foot-tall cell tower (monopole) on top of the ridgeline of Short Hill Mountain (within the AR-1 zoning district). The board moved to hold a public hearing on the matter later in September… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Loudoun County Announces Financing Opportunities for First-Time HomebuyersAugust 21, 2021 The following is directly from the Loudoun County Government’s website: Loudoun County announces the availability of $10 million provided by Virginia Housing (VH) to help first-time homebuyers. The allocation of funding through VH’s Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) program will provide lower interest rates on home loans in Loudoun County for qualifying buyers… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Analysis: Loudoun County’s 2020 Census ResultsAugust 20, 2021 Of Virginia’s 133 counties, Loudoun boasts the largest increase in population size, but struggles with the third lowest housing vacancy rate. The 2020 U.S. Census results are out, which means the once-a-decade redistricting process will begin to unfold as state and local governments begin to review population changes. In Virginia, one of the most significant population changes occurred in Loudoun County, where the total population increased to 420,959 (or by 34.8% since 2010)… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
CDC Issues Eviction Ban Extension; Cites Rising Rates of COVID-19 TransmissionAugust 4, 2021 With the Delta variant ramping up in communities all over the country, the CDC’s new ban will cover about 90% of America’s population and will last through October 3, 2021. On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the eviction moratorium for 80% of counties within the United States. These counties, which make up an estimated 90% of the U.S. population, have substantial or high COVID-19 community transmission rates… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
With CDC Ban Set to Expire, FHFA Extends Eviction Moratorium on Single-Family REOsJuly 30, 2021 CDC’s eviction moratorium set to expire; President Biden calls on Congress to act; and FHFA extends its own moratorium. Here’s what you should know: On Thursday, July 29, 2021, the Biden Administration said it would not attempt to unilaterally extend the CDC’s national eviction moratorium and will leave it to expire on July 31, 2021. The administration is now asking Congress to extend the ban. NAR’s Chief Advocacy Officer, Shannon McGahn, has stated the following… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
FHFA Eliminates New Fee on Mortgage RefinancesJuly 29, 2021 The removal of the fee will help distressed owners refinance to more economically stable positions. On Friday, July 16, 2021, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced it would remove the Adverse Market Refinance Fee (AMRF) from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac home loans. Beginning on August 1, 2021, the fee elimination would make it less costly for homeowners to refinance their mortgage. The AMRF is a 0.5% fee that was added under the Trump administration in 2020 to ease the pandemic-related impacts… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Board Dedicates $12.4M to Expand Broadband Access in LoudounJuly 28, 2021 During public comment, some residents who called in to speak remotely were inaudible due to their connectivity issues. On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to allocate over $12.4 million to bring broadband to underserved communities Loudoun. This unanimous decision will boost expansion efforts to western parts of the county and, assuming the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant is awarded to the board, this broadband effort should… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Association Health Plans Bill Introduced in U.S. HouseJuly 27, 2021 “Your AHP legislation will once again allow AHPs to offer comprehensive coverage at lower costs than traditional individual market plans” – NAR President Charlie Oppler. On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, H.R. 4547, the Association Health Plans Act of 2021, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and was referred to the Committee on Labor and Education. As it currently stands, the bill would amend the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to establish… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Private Property Rights in Landmark RulingJune 30, 2021 NAR deems the outcome a victory for the future defense of property rights. It may also have broader implications for similar government measures. On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, SCOTUS ruled that a California regulation allowing union organizers to enter farmland for the purpose of uniting workers was unconstitutional by a 6-3 vote. The case, brought by two private farm businesses, challenged the regulation on the claim that it was a violation of the Fifth Amendment, which prohibits the taking of private property by… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Supreme Court Rules CDC Exceeded its Authority in Nationwide Eviction BanJune 30, 2021 “With the pandemic waning and the economy improving, it is time to restore the housing sector to its healthy, former function.” — Charlie Oppler, NAR President. In a 5-4 ruling on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lacked the authority to issue a nationwide eviction moratorium. However, the ban will not be immediately lifted as the Court rejected that request… CLICK TO READ MORE.
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Loudoun Board Votes on Airport Noise Disclosure RequirementsJune 28, 2021 Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisors voted to make notifications of the Dulles International Airport’s fifth runway plan mandatory for people looking to buy homes in that area. At the June 15, 2021 vote, members of Loudoun’s Board of Supervisors addressed the findings of the 2019 noise study. Amid discussions of a possible fifth runway coming to the Dulles International Airport (IAD), an area south of Arcola Mills Drive and east of the Loudoun County Parkway is expected to… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Turning the Corner: 2021 Annual State of the Airports LuncheonJune 25, 2021 Getting people back into the office and relaxing international travel restrictions are among the critical milestones needed to return ‘Back to Normal,’ according to MWAA CEO John Potter. On Thursday, June 24, 2021, Committee for Dulles hosted the 2021 State of the Airports Luncheon with John Potter, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (WMAA). During the event, Potter provided key updates on matters ranging from… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
SCOTUS Decision on FHFA Leadership StructureJune 24, 2021 In a 7-2 majority, the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled on Wednesday that the structure of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) was unconstitutional. The FHFA is the regulatory body that oversees Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, two of the nation’s largest federally backed home mortgage companies. The agency was created in 2008 under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act in response to the housing/mortgage crisis…. CLICK TO READ MORE.
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Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan Update: June 2021June 22, 2021 Chair Randall calls on DAAR’s market report once again, highlighting the County’s housing shortage and the need to implement attainable housing strategies. On Tuesday, June 22, 2021, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce (LCCC) hosted the 2021 PolicyMaker Series: Finding a Solution to Loudoun’s Housing Crisis, their first in-person Policy-Maker event in more than 15 months due to COVID-19 restrictions… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Effective July 1st: New Virginia LawsJune 21, 2021 The Virginia General Assembly wrapped up their legislative sessions in the early months of 2021. The Governor has taken action on 500+ bills/resolutions, with many affecting the housing industry. Of approximately 3,000 bills/resolutions that were introduced during these sessions, Governor Northam took action on 552 and vetoed none of them during the 2021 special session. Below is a summary of the bills that will take effect on July 1, 2021… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
An Update on Everything BroadbandJune 16, 2021 What you need to know: DAAR’s new partnership with the Loudoun Broadband Alliance, the BRIDGE Act, broadband efforts in Western Loudoun, & more. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, people are more dependent on the internet than ever before, rendering it less of a luxury and more of a daily necessity. As calls for high-speed internet expansion continue to grow, here is a breakdown of where broadband access currently stands… CLICK TO READ MORE.
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Board Adopts Recommendations on American Rescue Plan FundingJune 16, 2021 Loudoun County received $40.2M, the first half, in early June. $20M will be used to offset revenue losses from COVID-19. On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, Loudoun County received the first $40.2 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will receive the second half within a year. With an estimated $80.3 million in total expected funding, the county must commit to using the funds by… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Act Now: Defend 1031 Like-Kind ExchangesJune 15, 2021 Help defend 1031 through NAR’s new 1031 Like-Kind Exchange Member Stories Portal, where members can share how they’ve used 1031 to bring economic investment to their community. The Biden administration has proposed eliminating Section 1031 like-kind exchanges (1031s) under the American Families Plan, arguing that the tax policy only benefits the wealthiest of Americans. However, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Homeownership Month: Upcoming Events in Loudoun CountyJune 7, 2021 DAAR would like to highlight upcoming events hosted by the County’s Office of Housing and various partner organizations in the community. June is here, which means that it is officially Homeownership Month in Loudoun County and across the county. This special occasion recognizes the value that owning a home brings to families and neighborhoods across the nation. It also… CLICK TO READ MORE.
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Key Findings from NAGLREP 2020-2021 LGBT Real Estate ReportJune 2, 2021 From urging elected officials to pass the Equality Act, to advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives at the local level, there are numerous ways real estate professionals can support LGBT homebuyers and renters. The National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals’ (NAGLREP) fourth LGBT Real Estate Report explores the latest buying, selling and renting trends among the LGBTQ+ community… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Biden Announces New Housing & Small Business Programs to Close Racial Wealth GapJune 1, 2021 Announced on the centennial of the Tulsa massacre, the programs are part of a first-ever interagency effort that also takes aim at inequities in home appraisals. On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new housing and small business programs that are designed to close the racial wealth gap. The White House released a fact sheet on the announcement with policy information and… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
DAAR’s Market Report Highlighted at 2021 State of the County AddressMay 27, 2021 Chair Randall used this information to highlight the need for the county to continue its work in securing attainable housing. On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall spoke to residents at the 2021 State of the County Address. Updates were provided on Loudoun’s COVID-19 related efforts, the new budget, unemployment rate, housing numbers, and many other matters that the county has faced in the last year… CLICK TO READ MORE.
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CDC’s Eviction Moratorium Ruled UnlawfulMay 6, 2021 U.S. District Court Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled that the nationwide eviction moratorium exceeds the authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, Judge Dabney Friedrich of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the CDC’s eviction ban is unlawful. The 20-page decision declares that… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Election 2021: Early Voting Begins in VirginiaApril 26, 2021 As early voting kicks off in the commonwealth, DAAR encourages all eligible residents to register and cast their ballots in this cycle’s primary election. As of Friday, April 23, 2021, residents of the commonwealth may cast their ballots early for the statewide and local elections. Early voting will remain open until the 5th of June, and residents who wish to vote from home may do so by… CLICK TO READ MORE. |
Loudoun County Board Adopts 2021 Fair Housing Month ProclamationApril 21, 2021 This renewed commitment highlights the efforts of DAAR and other local organizations to make affordable housing a reality in the Loudoun area. On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors presented DAAR with the 2021 Fair Housing Month Proclamation. The document, signed by all nine members of the Board, will now be displayed proudly in DAAR’s office… CLICK TO READ MORE.
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Virginia Real Estate Board Issues Guidance on Source of FundsApril 19, 2021 Effective as of April 16th, VREB’s Guidance Document addresses how to navigate housing discrimination issues now that “source of funds” is a protected class in the Commonwealth. As of July 1, 2020, the Virginia Fair Housing Law was amended to include anti-discrimination measures for source of funds. This means that “source of funds” has been codified into state law as a protected class, along with race, religion, sex, disability, color, familial status, national origin, elderliness, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Under the law, “source of funds” is… CLICK TO READ MORE |
NAR: As Lease Addendums Rise, Marijuana Businesses Adapt by Purchasing Commercial PropertyApril 16, 2021 As marijuana becomes legalized in more parts of the country and as an increasing number of states grow, harvest, store, sell and allow consumption, the nation’s real estate industry has felt the effects. According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®, there has been a noticeable rise in demand for warehouses, land and store fronts used for marijuana. The 2021 survey, Marijuana and Real Estate: A Budding Issue, examines the legality of marijuana in terms of medical only, legalized medical and recreational prior to or after 2016… CLICK TO READ MORE |
Board of Supervisors Adopt $3.3 Billion Budget; Tax Rate Lowered by 5.5 CentsApril 8, 2021 For the first time since 2008, Loudoun County’s real estate tax rate will fall below $1. On Tuesday, April 6, 2020, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved a 2022 fiscal budget in the amount of $3.3 billion. The budget will decrease the real property tax rate by 5.5 cents per $100 of assessed property value, bringing the new rate to $0.98 per $100 in assessed value (down from last year’s $1.035)… CLICK TO READ MORE.
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PRO Act passes in U.S. House: What the Bill Means for REALTORS®April 6, 2021 On March 9th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 842 – the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (the PRO Act) by a vote of 225-206. The real estate community has been buzzing with uncertainty since the PRO Act suddenly passed the House on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. If passed by the Senate and given presidential approval, the bill would establish new federal rules to… CLICK TO READ MORE |
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President Biden Signs American Rescue Plan into LawMarch 12, 2021 White House says stimulus payments could be direct-deposited into some bank accounts by this weekend. On Thursday, March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill into Law. The bill, dubbed the American Rescue Plan (ARP), will provide $1,400 stimulus checks to most Americans (now including adult dependents), $300 per-week in unemployment aid for those without work, expand the Child Tax Credit, and provide other forms of immediate relief to American families… CLICK TO READ MORE |
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Association Health Plan Update:
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For questions, please reach out to Eric Fryer, DAAR’s Government Affairs Director.