House Bill 2137, a local-authority measure to allow the City of Falls Church to adopt an affordable-dwelling-unit ordinance, passed the County, Cities and Towns Subcommittee No. 2 by a 6–1 vote.

Sponsor Chairman Simon (Delegate Simon) said the measure would give Falls Church the same authority some other localities have to require set-aside affordable units in developments in exchange for density or other concessions. Cindy Mester and Jody Acosta, representing Falls Church, told the panel that housing prices in the city are among the highest in the Commonwealth and that the city’s small size has limited its ability to use existing code sections; Acosta said the average home price in Falls Church is "just under a million dollars" and added that many young people who grew up there cannot afford to live there now.

Supporters argued the authority would provide a tool to increase housing supply and allow developers and the city to negotiate density in exchange for affordable units. No opposition was recorded in the room; two witnesses appeared online in support. After the roll was called, the clerk recorded that House Bill 2137 reported 6–1 and will move to the full committee.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 2137 — Motion to report passed 6–1 (roll call recorded by clerk).