A draft report before the Housing Advisory Board would extend the temporary board beyond its one-year trial and give it a broader role in housing funding, policy and long-range planning.
2-MINUTE BRIEF
WHAT’S HAPPENING: The Manassas Housing Advisory Board is scheduled to review its draft annual report Sept. 1. The report recommends that City Council consider making the currently temporary board permanent.
WHY IT MATTERS: A permanent board could take on a larger role in shaping how the City approaches housing, including the Housing Investment Fund, affordable-housing programs, future housing ordinances and the City’s next Comprehensive Plan.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Housing Advisory Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at City Hall. The board can make recommendations, but City Council would have to decide whether to continue or permanently establish it. Current member terms run through Oct. 31, 2026. The City currently lists another regular Housing Advisory Board meeting for Oct. 6.
The proposal marks the next step in a housing effort the City began more than a year ago.
City Council created the Housing Advisory Board as a temporary committee in 2025 after setting aside $2 million for initiatives intended to create new housing opportunities and preserve existing attainable housing.
The resolution establishing the board said its purpose was to advise Council and staff on housing policies, programs and how that funding should be used. It also made clear that the board was being created for a one-year trial. At the end of that period, Council could extend it temporarily or consider converting it into a permanent body.
The City’s FY2025 Community Development annual report later described the board as part of a broader housing effort that also included hiring a Housing and Neighborhood Coordinator. The report said the board would help guide City housing policy and recommendations for housing funding.
A Broader Role Is Now Being Considered
The Sept. 1 agenda includes the Housing Advisory Board report and presentation. The City’s meeting portal confirms the report is scheduled for consideration at the board’s Sept. 1 meeting.
Among the responsibilities under discussion are a larger role in:
- Setting priorities for the City’s housing investment funding.
- Reviewing potential housing programs and funding applications.
- Helping develop future affordable-housing and related housing policies.
- Continuing work with the Planning Commission on accessory dwelling units, affordable dwelling units and faith-based or nonprofit housing.
- Participating in future Comprehensive Plan housing discussions.
- Improving public information and outreach about City housing programs.
None of those items represents a final City Council decision.
The Board Began With a One-Year Assignment
When Council established the Housing Advisory Board, the City laid out a one-year work program.
The initial schedule called for the board to first review existing City housing goals and establish its procedures. The middle portion of the year focused on developing policies for the Housing Investment Fund, reviewing possible programs and projects, and improving public communication.
The final stage called for a report to City Council, consideration of the board’s future and updates to the City’s housing plan.
That is the point the board is reaching now.
The City’s meeting archive shows the Housing Advisory Board held its first regular meeting Nov. 3, 2025. The City’s current boards database lists it as a seven-member body with six appointed members and one vacancy. All six current members have terms running from Nov. 1, 2025, through Oct. 31, 2026.
The City identifies Resolution R-2025-900 as the resolution establishing the board.
Housing Policy Has Expanded During the Board’s First Year
The board’s first year has coincided with several significant housing-policy changes.
In August, the Housing Advisory Board and Planning Commission held a joint work session on new Virginia housing laws and possible local policies involving affordable dwelling units and faith-based housing.
The Housing Advisory Board could become one of the bodies advising Council on future housing-policy work if it is continued.
What the Board Does Not Do
The Housing Advisory Board does not approve rezonings, issue building permits or independently change City housing laws.
It is an advisory body.
Planning and zoning decisions remain with the Planning Commission and City Council under the City’s established public process. Funding decisions and creation of new programs also ultimately require Council action.
That distinction is important as the board considers a broader role.
What Happens Sept. 1
The Housing Advisory Board is scheduled to meet:
- Tuesday, Sept. 1
- 5:30 p.m.
- Manassas City Hall, Community Conference Room
- 9027 Center Street
The City’s official board page confirms the time and location, and the City meeting portal lists a Sept. 1 agenda and agenda packet for the Housing Advisory Board.
The report is a recommendation, not a final change to City government.
If the board recommends becoming permanent, City Council would still have to decide whether to continue the board, how its responsibilities should be defined and whether any additional staffing or funding should be authorized.
Sources
- City of Manassas, Housing Advisory Board Sept. 1, 2026 agenda and agenda packet
- City of Manassas, Housing Advisory Board official board page and member roster
- City of Manassas, Resolution R-2025-900 establishing the Housing Advisory Board
- City of Manassas, FY2025 Community Development Annual Report
- City of Manassas, Housing Advisory Board meeting archive and master work schedule
- City of Manassas Planning Commission and Housing Advisory Board, Aug. 5, 2026 joint work-session materials
