by Danielle Finley, Associate Director of Political Engagement
Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of Public Policy Issues and Headlines. In this Issue: In this Issue: 1. NAR Comments on FHFA’s Proposed Housing Goals 2. Arlington County Board seeks ability to limit rent increases in contentious vote 3. Falls Church leaders wary of possible rules limiting local parking requirements 4. Trump officials prepare for potential cabinet shakeup after one-year mark. Is Youngkin in the mix? 5. Are Trump’s tariffs increasing inflation? The data might surprise you.
NAR Comments on FHFA’s Proposed Housing Goals
By KEN FEARS, MATT EMRY, Washington Report
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) publishes housing goals roughly every three years that cover the ensuing three years. These goals are targets for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) to provide support to low-income and very-low-income mortgage borrowers.
Arlington County Board seeks ability to limit rent increases in contentious vote
By SCOTT MCCAFFREY, ArlNow
The Arlington County Board is seeking legislation that would give localities the power to limit annual increases in apartment rents. Board members added language to their 2026 General Assembly priorities package on Saturday, seeking the ability to add “anti-rent-gouging protections.” The decision generated applause from supporters who argued that the decision could promote affordability, and criticism from opponents concerned about hindering free market solutions.
Falls Church leaders wary of possible rules limiting local parking requirements
By SCOTT MCCAFFREY, ArlNow
Some Falls Church leaders are expressing concern over a possible General Assembly measure that would take away local power to regulate parking in development projects. Such a measure could be introduced by Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37), who represents the city in the upper house of the legislature. The topic was among the key points discussed at the Nov. 7 meeting of the City Council’s legislative committee. “I want to understand, what’s his goal?” said Cindy Mester, the city’s director of community relations and legislative affairs.
Trump officials prepare for potential cabinet shakeup after one-year mark. Is Youngkin in the mix?
By PRISCILLA ALVAREZ, KRISTEN HOLMES, AND JEFF ZELENY, CNN
The White House is preparing for possible turnover in the Cabinet after President Donald Trump reaches the one-year mark of his term, potentially shaking up his otherwise stable team of secretaries, according to multiple people familiar with the discussions. Trump’s cadre of secretaries, administrators and directors that form the official Cabinet has so far been relatively steady — by design, as officials close to the president aimed to avoid the imagery of Trump’s turnover-filled first term in office. But that could change as he completes his first year back in office in January. … Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited out of office in January, is among the Republican leaders expected to be under consideration for any potential openings in the Cabinet or administration. While the president has praised Youngkin, several Republicans close to Trump say, the two men have not had a direct conversation about any prospective role.
Are Trump’s tariffs increasing inflation? The data might surprise you.
By JUSTIN HASKINS, The Hill
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court heard arguments over the legality of President Trump’s tariff policies. Based on the justices’ questioning, it appears the court is skeptical that a president has the authority to impose sweeping tariffs without new legislation from Congress. Even some conservative justices expressed doubts about the scope of that power.