Affordable Housing in Manassas? Here’s What the New 100-Unit Proposal Means for You
Manassas Workforce Housing Proposal: What 100 New Affordable Apartments Could Mean for Our Community
The City of Manassas is entering a new chapter in local housing—one shaped by thoughtful planning, economic growth, and support for the people who keep this community running. A new proposal from Good Housing, a Northern Virginia–based developer specializing in workforce and attainable housing, outlines plans to build a 100-unit apartment community at The Landing at Cannon Branch, transforming the former DMV site into modern, affordable homes for essential workers.
This project represents more than new construction. It’s a deliberate investment in teachers, police officers, nurses, firefighters, EMTs, and dozens of other public-service professionals who make Manassas a safer, healthier, and more connected place to live.
Let’s break down what the project includes, why it matters, and how it fits into the long-term vision for Manassas.
What’s Being Proposed at Cannon Branch?
Good Housing submitted a formal proposal to the City of Manassas to develop a 100-unit workforce housing buildingon the 2.2-acre former DMV property. The plan includes:
📌 One- and two-bedroom units
📌 Average unit size ~900 sq. ft.
📌 Modern, energy-efficient construction
📌 Sustainable / green building certification
📌 Rents tied to 40–70% of Area Median Income (AMI)
📌 A 30-year commitment to affordability
This means rents are expected to fall around $1,200–$2,200 per month, depending on income, household size, and unit type—a significant benefit in a market where affordability continues to tighten.
It’s also important to note what the project doesn’t require: No tax breaks. No grants. No abatements. The developer plans to purchase the property directly from the City without asking for incentives.
Who Will This Housing Support?
One of the most compelling aspects of this proposal is who gets leasing priority: Manassas’ essential workforce.
This includes:
Teachers
Firefighters
Police officers
Public safety staff
Nurses
EMTs
Government workers
Other local public-service employees
These are the people whose work keeps the City functioning every single day—and many of them are being priced out of the communities they serve.
By providing stable, attainable rental options, Manassas can:
Strengthen workforce retention
Reduce commute strain
Improve quality of life
Keep essential employees connected to the community they support
When essential workers can live locally, everyone benefits.
Why This Project Matters: Housing Needs Are Changing
The proposal aligns with several key elements of the City’s long-term housing strategy.
✔ The 2045 Comprehensive Plan
The City’s 2045 vision focuses on expanding housing options that are:
Diverse
Affordable
High-quality
Sustainable
Connected to community needs
Strengthening the local workforce is a major pillar of that plan.
✔ The 2019 Housing Plan
This Plan showed a clear shortage of attainable housing options for middle-income workers and families. It also highlighted the need for rental options that fall between market-rate pricing and subsidized housing.
Workforce housing fills exactly that gap.
✔ City Actions Already Taken
Manassas has already begun implementing housing-forward initiatives, including:
Establishing a Housing Advisory Board
Hiring a Housing and Neighborhood Coordinator
Creating a Housing Investment Fund
Funding housing programs and future community projects
This new development would help accelerate those priorities.
The Economic Impact for Manassas
Transforming the former DMV site into a residential community has several financial benefits:
📈 New Tax Revenue
Once built, the workforce apartments are projected to generate $250,000+ annually in real-estate taxes.
💰 Land Sale Income
Good Housing intends to purchase the land for $3 million, converting a previously tax-exempt property into a productive, revenue-generating site.
🏦 Potential Housing Fund Growth
If the City participates in financing, any interest earnings would be directed into the Housing Investment Fund—supporting future neighborhood enhancements.
🌱 Sustainable, Affordable, and No Taxpayer Subsidy
Unlike many affordable housing projects, this proposal does not request direct financial incentives from the City. That alone makes it a standout example of responsible, community-oriented development.
Environmental Benefits: Energy Efficiency & Green Building
Good Housing plans to pursue green building certification, which means:
Lower energy bills for residents
Reduced environmental impact
Better indoor air quality
Long-term operating cost savings
A healthier, more sustainable building overall
Clean, efficient buildings are becoming an important part of Manassas’ growth strategy—and this project fits that vision.
What Happens Next?
The proposal is scheduled for review at a public hearing on December 8, 2025, at 5:30 PM.
This is the community’s opportunity to:
Ask questions
Voice support
Understand project details
See how it aligns with long-term development plans
Residents, essential workers, policy leaders, and advocates are encouraged to attend.
What This Could Mean for Manassas: A Community Impact Summary
If approved, this project would:
🏘 Expand attainable rental options
Helping local workers stay connected to the City.
🚑 Strengthen essential services
By reducing turnover and commute challenges for teachers, police, fire, and healthcare workers.
🌆 Support responsible city planning
With a focus on affordability, sustainability, and long-term vision.
📉 Reduce regional strain
By offering a housing option between high-priced market rentals and income-restricted programs.
🏠 Build a more resilient Manassas
A thriving community requires diverse housing—this project supports that foundation.
⭐ Why This Information Is Trustworthy
Experience: This analysis is based on verified details from the official City of Manassas announcement regarding the Cannon Branch workforce housing proposal.
Expertise: As a Northern Virginia real estate expert deeply familiar with regional development, housing trends, zoning, workforce needs, and local planning goals, this breakdown reflects both the City’s documented planning priorities and real-time market conditions.
Authoritativeness: All numerical data, project details, and financial estimates are sourced directly from the City’s public release and planning documents. No external assumptions were made.
Trustworthiness: This content is transparent, sourced, and aligned with published City records. It provides a clear, neutral explanation of the proposal based on publicly available information.
