Jul 18, 2025, 14:25
by
Hannah Jane Costilow
Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of public policy issues and headlines from around the Northern Virginia Region, the Commonwealth, and Capitol Hill.
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. U.S. Senate Passes the VA Home Loan Reform Act 2. UPDATED: Fairfax school board revises policy for phasing in boundary changes 3. Affordable housing giant Enterprise selling 1,000 D.C. units amid market ‘crisis’ 4. State Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Dulles Greenway Rate Hikes 5. “Big Beautiful” Tax Bill Now Law: In-Depth Analysis.
By ELAYNE WEISS, Washington Report
On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed H.R. 1815—the VA Home Loan Reform Act, by voice vote. The National Association of REALTORS® strongly supported this bipartisan legislation, which aims to make permanent the VA's temporary policy allowing veterans to directly compensate their real estate agents, ensuring they can participate in the housing market on equal footing with other homebuyers. The bill also creates a partial claims program to assist veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1815 by unanimous voice vote in May, and the bill now heads to the president's desk for signature.
By ANGELA WOOLSEY, FfxNow
As Fairfax County Public Schools continues to work through a sweeping redistricting process, the school board decided to revisit its policy on how the upcoming changes will be implemented. Led by Mason District Representative Ricardy Anderson, the Fairfax County School Board voted unanimously this Thursday (July 17) to revise the phasing policy that guides which students are affected by boundary adjustments.
By BEN PETERS, Washington Business Journal
Nonprofit affordable housing giant Enterprise Community Partners Inc. is moving to offload a portion of its D.C. portfolio amid a crisis in the District’s housing market that left the landlord crippled. The Columbia, Maryland-based nonprofit, among the largest affordable housing providers in the region, has retained commercial real estate services firm Berkadia to market five of its D.C. properties with 1,075 units according to marketing materials.
By NORMAN K. STYER, LoudounNow
The Supreme Court of Virginia today upheld the State Corporation Commission’s denial of rate increases sought by the owners of the Dulles Greenway last year. The company applied to raise tolls on two-axle vehicles on the highway to $8.10 during rush hour and $6.40 in off-peak hours. Currently, the toll is $5.80 in peak hours and $5.25 in off-peak hours.
By EVAN LIDDIARD, Washington Report
Following a long and difficult congressional process that started early this year, President Trump on July 4th signed into law H.R. 1, “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (the Act). This enormous piece of legislation includes a number of important tax provisions that will have a large impact on real estate professionals and on real property investment.