Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) has received a $200,000 philanthropic gift from the congregation of Arlington Presbyterian Church (APC). The funding supports the ongoing rent relief needs of up to 30 households at Gilliam Place Apartments experiencing continued housing instability for a period of two years. This is APC’s second leadership gift of this size in 2023 for rent relief supporting APAH residents.
“Stewardship at Arlington Presbyterian Church isn’t about simply paying the congregation’s bills; it’s about human flourishing. Our faith mandates us to put the well-being of our neighbors at the center of all we do as a community,” said Rev. Ashley Goff, pastor at Arlington Presbyterian. APC’s gift will enable APAH to establish EASE (Encouraging Affordability and Stability for Everyone), which will stabilize housing and create paths for stronger financial futures.
According to the September 2023 Virginia Home Sales Report released by Virginia REALTORS®, there were 8,023 homes sold across the commonwealth last month. This is 2,149 fewer sales than last year, a drop of just over 21%.
This is the slowest September market Virginia has had in more than a decade. Interest rates continued to climb in September and the inventory became tighter, both of which subdued sales activity.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka is once again the top spirit of choice among customers at Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) stores, garnering $72 million in sales in fiscal year 2023. Tito’s was followed by Hennessy VS cognac ($44M), Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey ($30.1M), Patron Silver tequila ($28.6M) and Jim Beam straight bourbon whiskey ($24M). Tito’s sales grew by $5.1M compared to the prior year as it continues its six-year run as the top selling product in the commonwealth.
The biggest movers among the top-50 products were all tequila brands: Lunazul Reposado (up 127%), Lunazul Blanco (up 71%), Casamigos Blanco (up 67%), Teremana Reposado (up 57%) and Teremana Blanco (up 45%).
Yesterday the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, with premier partner Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and co-hosts Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, and Northern Virginia Regional Commission, hosted the 8th Annual Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit, sponsored by Dominion Energy.
More than 200 business, government, and community leaders from across the region gathered for the sold-out Summit at Marymount University – Ballston Center. The program began with a moderated discussion with Arlington County Board Vice-Chair Libby Garvey, Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair at-Large Ann B. Wheeler, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall, and City of Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. NBC Washington’s News4 Today Anchor Jummy Olabanji moderated the program.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner joined Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), and others to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enforce its existing regulations regarding consent for receiving telemarketing calls, also known as robocalls. The letter also asks the FCC to issue guidance along the lines of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent Business Guidance restating the FCC’s long-held requirements for these unwanted telemarketing calls. By issuing guidance similar to the FTC’s, the FCC will assist telemarketers and sellers in complying with these requirements.
“While the consideration of new regulations may be appropriate in some instances, we believe that the FCC’s current regulations already prohibit many of the activities that lead to the proliferation of unwanted telemarketing calls,” wrote the Senators. “Both the regulations issued in 2003 delineating the rules for telemarketers to obtain consent for calls to lines subscribed to the Do Not Call Registry, and those issued in 2012 governing consent to receive telemarketing calls made with an artificial or prerecorded voice or an automated telephone dialing system, clearly set out the types of protections intended by Congress to eliminate unwanted telemarketing calls.”
Street sweeping removes accumulated debris and pollutants such as sand, salt, metals, petroleum products and bacteria before they wash into streams, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Neighborhoods in Arlington are swept four times a year in August, October, April and June.
Street sweeping hours are from approximately 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Be sure to move your car to a driveway, garage or non-sweeping street on your civic association’s scheduled street sweeping day. Arlington County will not issue parking fees for street sweeping purposes.
The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), a leading nonprofit organization committed to alleviating long term food insecurity in Arlington County and Northern Virginia, is proud to announce its adoption of WhatsApp, a popular and free messaging app, to strengthen communication with clients. This strategic move aims to provide clients with easier access to vital information and a direct line to AFAC staff, empowering them to overcome communication barriers that may lie in the way of receiving food assistance.
In an increasingly interconnected world, digital communication platforms have become indispensable tools for organizations seeking to enhance outreach and support to their communities. By leveraging the power of WhatsApp, AFAC seeks to streamline its services and foster seamless interactions with clients. The implementation of this user friendly platform will enable clients to access AFAC information and connect with staff members effortlessly, simplifying the process of seeking assistance and support.
Governor Glenn Youngkin and Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) announced today that Virginia’s tourism industry generated $30.3 billion in visitor spending in 2022, an increase of 20.3% from 2021, exceeding 2019 levels by 4.4%.
The tourism industry in Virginia directly supported 210,721 jobs in 2022, an increase of more than 25,000 jobs relative to 2021, but still down about 30,000 jobs relative to 2019.
Today, Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17) and Don Beyer (VA-08) reintroduced The Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act following the Supreme Court’s decision to block the Biden Administration’s Student Debt Relief Plan.
Since 1980, the cost of college has tripled while federal aid and wages have not kept up. Student debt borrowers today collectively owe more than $1.6 trillion while a majority of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs-State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Virginians ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend that the possession of and selling illegal fireworks is a criminal offense – leave fireworks to the professionals.
In general, any firework that explodes, moves on the ground or in the air, or shoots a projectile is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
On June 27, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce held the State of the County & Public Safety Awards, which highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing Arlington, while recognizing those who make Arlington a great place to live, work and do business. Arlington County Board Chair Christian Dorsey gave an address highlighting Arlington’s economic status. The Chamber then honored public safety personnel and first responders from Arlington County’s Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management, and Sheriff’s Office who have exemplified heroic actions and exceptional performance of their duties.
The annual event was back in person for the first time since 2019 and was held at Army Navy Country Club. It was made possible by sponsors including Grand Sponsor VHC Health.
The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating long term food insecurity in Arlington County, proudly announces its 35th Anniversary of serving the community on June 30, 2023. Since its inception in 1988, AFAC has been at the forefront of providing vital food resources to individuals and families in need in Arlington and Northern Virginia, and this milestone is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the community.
AFAC has come a long way since its first recorded weekly client visits in 1993, where 94 families were served at just two distribution sites. Today, the local food bank serves over 3,200 families each week across 20 distribution sites in Arlington County, Alexandria and Falls Church. This substantial increase in service reflects the growing demand for food assistance and the dedicated efforts of AFAC’s staff, volunteers, and generous supporters.
