As I reflect on 2025, I’m reminded that opportunities and obstacles often arrive side by side. As a region, we experienced disruptions to our local economies that directly affected True Ground: shifts in the federal workforce, threatened cuts to SNAP and Medicaid benefits, and enforcement of policies that destabilized families and created uncertainty in affordable housing and the commercial real estate industry at large. Progress in building or preserving affordability remains a key challenge for the region, as the Housing HITT Tool describes the housing gap at more than 260,000 homes.
For the 6,000 residents who call a True Ground property home, these challenges exemplify the strength of every household that find a way maintain a decent quality of life in one of the highest cost markets in America. But residents at True Ground were not alone then, and are not alone now. Our dedicated 21-person resident services staff remained centered on residents’ needs, with tailored, research-backed programing and a stronger Resident Council. Together, we elevated and embedded resident voice into our work in new ways, and showed up every day with a steady commitment to our mission.
As Buzz mentioned, we stayed committed to our strategic plan and delivered on our promise to create more affordable homes, expanding into Washington, D.C., and deepening our presence in, Arlington, Loudoun, Fairfax Counties, and Montgomery County, Maryland this year alone. The permanent expansion of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program is powerful tool that will drive our future momentum locally and nationally, as the tool aims to boost the affordable housing supply by 1.22 million units over the next decade. This alignment of public will, policy opportunity, and community need, creates an unprecedented chance to act boldly.
In the pages ahead, you’ll see how we’re stewarding resources responsibly, strengthening our operations, and growing with intention, supported by our new CFO, Kenneth Burton, and powered by our dedicated 60+ person staff, who support one another as they serve residents with care and consistency.
Finally, I am so pleased that we honored our dear friend and former board chair Matt Birenbaum at Celebrate Home, someone who has been so consequential to True Ground’s mission and our growth. And to all of our generous donors, institutional partners and friends who helped True Ground reach new heights in our philanthropy this year—thank you for your incredible support.
As we look toward 2026, I’m confident we will continue to fight for more quality affordable homes, stronger resident‑centered programs, and more neighbors with a stable foundation to live their dreams.
