Virginia Village: City Announces RFP for Key Affordable Housing Initiative
Following is based on a June 30 Falls Church City press:
The RFP process kicks-off this week and invites proposals until Thursday, August 6, 2026
June 30, 2026 – The City of Falls Church has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Virginia Village Affordable Housing Opportunity. The RFP’s purpose is to solicit a future owner/ ground lessee/ developer for the Virginia Village properties currently owned by the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA). The goal is to preserve and expand access to affordable housing in alignment with the vision for this neighborhood set forth in the Comprehensive Plan.
The City expects a broad spectrum of firms to respond to the RFP by offering creative solutions to help achieve the City’s affordable housing objectives.
Firms interested in learning more and submitting a response to the RFP are invited to participate in the following:
- Deadline for Questions: Monday, July 13, 2026
- Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
- Guided Site Tour (weather dependent): Wednesday, July 22, 2026
- RFP Proposals Due: Thursday, August 6, 2026
- Evaluation of Proposals: August / September 2026
- Selection of the top ranked Firm: Fall 2026
The bid process, PDF submissions, and all communications or inquiries must be emailed to Purchasing@fallschurchva.gov and to view the Request for Proposal, visit: fallschurchva.gov/Bids.
An Evaluation Committee, supported by the City’s real estate consultant Jones Lang LaSalle, will make its recommendations to the City Council in early September 2026. It’s anticipated that the Council will make a final decision on the preferred team in the fall.
The City Council voted to authorize the issuance of the RFP at its Monday, June 22, 2026, meeting. The RFP process follows months of public input and consideration on the desired future of the Virginia Village neighborhood and how best to preserve and potentially expand access for affordable housing on the City's EDA-owned owned properties.
To learn more about Virginia Village visit: fallschurchva.gov/VirginiaVillage.
'A Nod to the Future': City's Ideals Cited in RFP
In the RFP, the City cites a portion of its Vision Statement to convey to potential developers how the Virginia Village re-development project is ideally to be envisioned as part of the Little City.
"The City Vision Statement includes a nod to the future," a paragraph in the RFP boldly begins. "In the year 2040, the City of Falls Church is a welcoming and inclusive community – a special place in the heart of Northern Virginia. Involved citizens are key to the City's long-term success as a leader in education, environmental sustainability, multi-modal transportation, and vibrant economic development. By investing in neighborhoods, community services, facilities, schools, and parks, the City preserves small-town character and history while honoring a deep commitment to progress and a growing community. The continual rejuvenation of robust commercial areas supports the City's high quality of life for all citizens."
'Design Approach' Should Include 'Neighborhood Context,' 'Sustainability,' and 'Accessibility' Features
In addition to requesting that potential developers include their "design's ability to achieve the project vision and goals," developers are also asked to include "green building/sustainability, neighborhood context, access to nearby public spaces, and urban design," the RFP states.
The RFP also includes requirements for environmental and climate impact statements. "To the degree possible, the plan should specify the planned green building certifications, targets for the number of universal design units and number of fully accessible units, and any other special design features that support sustainably, resilience, accessibility, and inclusive design."
Clearly, the City is exercising caution in how it's approaching the Virginia Village re-development project. To be selected, a developer must submit plans in line with the City's long-term vision and ideals.
For our recent article on public comments given at the City Council's June 22 Virginia Village session see below:
Christopher Jones
For a recent Virginia Village-related letter-to-the-editor we published see below:
Christopher Jones
By Christopher Jones
Member discussion