At the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR), our commitment to fair housing is more than a principle — it’s a responsibility. Fair housing is enshrined in the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and a foundational pillar of what it means to be a Realtor®. That’s why we’re proud to have developed and supported three meaningful initiatives this spring that spotlight the power of equitable housing access across our region. Utilizing funding from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) community outreach grants, these partnerships with our communities seek to improve programs and policies that advance fair housing and homeownership opportunities across Northern Virginia.
Strength in Unity: Northern Virginia Housing Summit
In May, NVAR sponsored the 2025 NOVA Housing Summit, “NOVA Resilience: Together There Is Strength in Unity.” Hosted by Fairfax County, the event brought together leaders from across jurisdictions, including local elected officials, nonprofit housing partners, and advocates to discuss solutions to one of the region’s most urgent issues: housing affordability.
NVAR’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Josh Veverka, participated in the event, representing the Realtor® voice in a collaborative conversation about policy, opportunity, and access. As our region evolves, so must our commitment to building inclusive communities where every individual can thrive.
To watch the full video of the 2025 NOVA Housing summit, click here.
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Fair Housing in Focus: Arlington Conference on Local Enforcement
NVAR also proudly sponsored the Arlington County Fair Housing Conference, “The Buck Stops Here: Fair Housing and the Importance of Local Enforcement.” This powerful event centered on the role of municipalities in upholding fair housing protections and explored how proactive local efforts can ensure accountability and equity.
With sessions led by experts in housing law and civil rights, the conference highlighted that the responsibility of enforcement doesn’t fall solely on federal authorities — it begins in our neighborhoods, brokerages, and community relationships. For Realtors®, this is a reminder that upholding the Fair Housing Act isn’t optional — it’s our duty.
Opening Doors: Student Voices Lead the Way
NVAR was also honored to continue our support for the 15th Annual Fair Housing Art Contest hosted by the Fairfax County Student Human Rights Commission. This year’s theme, “Opening Doors to Diverse Community Identity,” invited students to visually express what an inclusive housing future looks like. Their answers were bold, moving, and deeply thoughtful.
The first-place winner, Jessica Metzger, an 11th grader at Chantilly High School, illustrated a vibrant and inclusive community representing people of all backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs. “This illustration shows the potential when people come together as a community,” she shared, “and represents the opportunity available for everyone to achieve the American dream.”
Alexia Vasiliev, an 11th grader at Lake Braddock Secondary School, earned second place for her magazine-style piece titled “Welcome Diversity.” Her artwork explores how media and public awareness can help open previously closed doors, especially for individuals in need of accessible housing. “Awareness can help communities recognize and open doors to people who are often discriminated against,” she wrote.
By spotlighting young voices and supporting public education, this contest helps build a culture of inclusion from the ground up.
First Place Winner, by Jessica Metzger |
Second Place Winner, by Alexia Vasiliev |
Through these partnerships and programs, NVAR is proud to play a part in expanding the conversation about fair housing across Northern Virginia. We know that equal access to housing isn’t just a policy goal — it’s a professional standard and a shared community value.
As part of the National Association of REALTORS® Fair Housing Action Plan — ACT (Accountability, Culture Change, and Training) — NVAR continues to invest in education, outreach, and advocacy to ensure that fair housing is not only upheld, but advanced.
Together, we’re opening doors — and keeping them open — for everyone.
