The Arlington County Board voted unanimously Nov. 15 to finalize its 2026 General Assembly legislative package after adding language that explicitly supports local measures to limit extreme rent increases and expand tenant protections.

The amendment, moved by Board Member J.D. Spain and seconded by Vice Chair Matt Ferrante, directs the board to back strengthened tenant rights that include local enforcement for inadequate health-and-safety conditions, access to legal resources during eviction proceedings, and “support measures to keep housing costs affordable, including anti rent gouging protections,” language the board approved by voice vote. The main motion to adopt the full legislative packet as amended also passed 4–0.

Board and staff presentations leading up to the vote said the change clarifies and strengthens earlier packet language on tenants. County staff told the board the amendment responds to public testimony and local advocacy urging tools to prevent sharp, compounding rent increases that can lead to displacement.

Several public speakers raised housing concerns during the meeting. Sandra Beltran said her lease at Barcroft Apartments exceeded the contractual 3% annual increase and reported a prior 6% jump between leases, asking the board and staff to require Barcroft to reset rents and investigate whether other tenants were affected. The board chair acknowledged receipt of that testimony and referred the matter to county staff for follow-up and to tenant-relations staff for investigation.

Board members said the legislative packet is intended to preserve flexibility while signaling Arlington’s priorities to the delegation in Richmond. Members discussed the balance between signaling support for state enabling legislation (that would allow local anti‑gouging tools) and crafting practical local policies that complement supply-side affordability strategies.

The board also thanked commissions and staff for input on the packet and signaled plans to continue refining local housing policy and enforcement work with the county’s Human Rights Office and legal staff.

The vote concludes the county’s local adoption process; staff will carry the packet to the General Assembly delegation and pursue enabling legislation at the state level before any local anti‑gouging authority would take effect.