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ARLINGTON, VA-Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine has signed into law new legislation that will implement a bill adopted by the Virginia General Assembly last year--SB 273 Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance--that outlines new perimeters in which developers are to work with Arlington County to create affordable housing.

Under the new law, a developer can chose from four options: provide on-site Affordable Dwelling Units; provide off-site Affordable Dwelling Units nearby; provide off-site Affordable Dwelling Units in Arlington County; or make a cash contribution to Arlington's Affordable Housing Investment Fund. Contributions from developers are projected to double (compared to the pre-ordinance period), according to the Arlington Economic Development Agency as a result of the plan.

The legislation is based on negotiations completed last October by members of the Arlington Affordable Housing Roundtable, which includes county leaders, housing advocates, and members of the business community. Elements of this plan have been incorporated into Arlington County's Zoning Ordinance and General Land Use Plan amendments in December 2005. The new legislation codifies these rules and gives the county authority to implement new provisions as well. The county's FY 2007 budget includes $17.5 million for housing programs for low- and moderate-income residents. It also includes $5.7 million for the Affordable Housing Investment Fund.