I know and love Arlington County, my home for 25 years. I am running for Arlington County Board in the June 20, 2023, primary to bring common sense leadership to build Arlington’s future.
A small-business owner, management executive, parent, and community volunteer, I am an experienced problem solver ready to serve our community.
From stabilizing affordable housing and building public schools to delivering emergency assistance in Arlington and driving innovation at the U.S. Treasury, my track record and experience have prepared me well to serve Arlington on January 1, 2024.
I look forward to what we can achieve together and ask for your #1 (or 2!) vote in the June 20 primary. Thank you.
Latest News:
Moving Forward: Making Sense of the Missing Middle Mess
As expected, the Arlington County Board tonight voted 5-0 to move forward with the Missing Middle Housing Plan. From the beginning, the Board’s goals have been unclear and shifting; the process has been lacking in transparency and common sense. Tonight the board passed a blanket upzoning, with the most benefit going to developers and high income residents. Unfortunately, this plan and this process has left our community confused, frustrated, and exhausted. Trust and transparency have suffered. And, we are no closer to a thoughtful, well-planned, and common sense housing plan.
As a candidate for the Arlington County Board, I support a different approach. The plan itself needs thorough analysis and careful monitoring. Instead of leveraging additional density to create more affordable housing, this plan gives away added density “by right” in one fell swoop. What we needed was a comprehensive approach that included long-overdue updates to lot coverage and tree ordinances; property tax relief for aging in place and pilots around home ownership and preservation–especially in our historically Black neighborhoods; and truly affordable homes for singles, couples AND families. All of this should have been completed before these sweeping changes to zoning.
We also needed a collaborative, transparent, and open planning process. We needed to work together as one Arlington and create a common sense housing plan built on what we’ve already done and already proven: a solid track record of successful, smart growth.
Saturday I attended an eviction prevention fair, where our faith community, nonprofit landlord, safety net, and county partnered with nearly 100 low income households to tackle financial emergencies around eviction, child care, and food security. That is the kind of collaboration and problem-solving Arlington can do as a community. In that same spirit, we must work together across Arlington on a comprehensive housing plan – for all Arlington County residents.
Planning for expanded housing in Arlington is too important to our future to be done haphazardly. As a County Board member, I will make sure we slow down and get both the details and the process right.
Download a copy of Susan Cunningham’s official statement about the “Missing Middle” process.
More News & Updates:
Election Day: Ranked Choice Voting Debuts!
Mark your calendar for the Democratic Primary! Vote for Susan Cunningham as your 1st choice in the Democratic Primary on Election Day, as Arlington County rolls out ranked choice voting. Read more about why the county switched to ranked choice voting for this...
Susan Cunningham Announces Bid for Arlington County Board
Susan Cunningham launched her bid for the Democratic nomination, saying she would provide common-sense leadership. She also attacked the county government's Missing Middle housing proposal as ill-conceived and not fleshed out.
Featured Video:
Watch Susan Talk about “Missing Middle”
“Missing Middle” Statement: Slow Down, Get Housing Right
On March 18th, I joined with other community members in giving testimony about the "Missing Middle" ordinance changes. I wanted to share my public testimony with you on how I would approach housing issues. Arlington needs to slow down and get housing right.
Stay tuned for news & updates here.
We're getting the ball rolling on my campaign for Arlington County Board. I'll be posting announcements and press releases here, as well as news stories.
What Do You Think?
Do you have questions about my platform and priorities? Ideas to share?
Do you want to get involved and volunteer? I would love to connect with you.
Please contact Team Susan and get involved with the campaign!