Cristeal Named Arlington County Housing Director

David Cristeal, who has helped Arlington build or preserve more than 2,300 affordable housing units since 2004, has been named the county's housing director.

“I am looking forward to working with the community on ambitious efforts along Columbia Pike and across the County to ensure Arlington retains housing stock affordable to people of all income levels,” Cristeal said in a statement Friday following the announcement. “We need to explore additional financing opportunities to ensure the units are preserved and new ones are built.”  

The county conducted a nationwide search for the position and ended up choosing Cristeal, who had been serving as acting director and spent nine years as the county's housing development supervisor, according to a news release.

His past efforts include leading a team that provided recommendations on 20 developments for the county's Affordable Housing Investment Fund totaling $120 million. AHIF is a low-interest revolving loan fund the county uses to entice developers to build or set aside units as affordable for families making 60 percent of less of the area median income.

Cristeal also had a lead role in the development of Buckingham Villages.

He has more than 27 years of experience with nonprofits and governments. He came to Arlington from Wake County, N.C.

An Arlington resident, he enjoys biking to work, hiking, backpacking, camping and traveling, the news release states.

What do you think are the most pressing affordable housing issues in Arlington County? Post your questions below; they may be considered for an upcoming interview with Cristeal.