As Arlington County looks toward the future, the goal of becoming a truly inclusive community by 2050 should be at the forefront of every discussion. This vision is not simply a lofty ideal – it’s an achievable reality that requires deliberate actions to unite residents across political lines and foster equity in education, housing and social support. By embracing inclusivity in all aspects of community life, we can ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Equitable Education: A Shared Priority
Education is the foundation upon which every community is built, and Arlington County can lead the way by ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to a high-quality education. This means increasing funding for schools in underserved areas, creating programs that support students with different learning needs, and fostering partnerships between schools and local businesses to provide mentorship and vocational training.
To unite the community, regardless of political affiliation, we must agree that the success of our schools benefits everyone. Arlington can create opportunities for bipartisan collaboration by forming task forces with parents, educators and policymakers from all sides to address disparities in educational resources. By prioritizing the development of every child, we will ensure that our future leaders emerge from a system that treats them equally.
Affordable Housing: Ensuring Everyone Has a Place to Call Home
The rising cost of housing in Arlington County threatens to displace many families, pushing low-income residents and essential workers out of the community. To become more inclusive by 2050, Arlington must make affordable housing a priority by offering incentives to developers who build mixed-income housing and allocating public funds to create subsidized housing for those in need.
Bridging political divides on this issue requires recognizing that housing affordability benefits all residents, not just the economically disadvantaged. Stable, affordable housing promotes social stability, reduces crime and creates a sense of belonging for everyone. A bipartisan approach can bring together stakeholders from all economic backgrounds to develop practical, long-term solutions that work for Arlington’s unique demographic.
Caring for the Disadvantaged: Compassion in Action
Inclusivity means that no one in our community should be left behind. Arlington County can become a model for compassionate care by creating comprehensive services for those who are disadvantaged, including the homeless, elderly and disabled populations. Expanding mental-health services, job-training programs and food-assistance initiatives will help lift up those in need.
Community members can unite by creating a shared sense of responsibility for those who are struggling. Faith communities, nonprofit organizations and local-government agencies should work together to pool resources and develop programs that provide dignity, opportunity and hope to Arlington’s most vulnerable.
Fostering Inclusivity for All
An inclusive Arlington County must be a place where everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religion, feels welcomed and valued. This requires creating public spaces and community events that reflect the diversity of our county and promoting dialogue between groups that might not otherwise engage with one another.
One way to foster inclusivity is by establishing a county-wide “Day of Unity,” where residents from all walks of life can come together to celebrate the rich diversity of Arlington. Cultural festivals, town halls and volunteer-service projects on this day can encourage residents to see beyond political and social divisions, working toward a common goal of a united and inclusive community.
A Shared Future for Generations to Come
By 2050, Arlington County can become a beacon of inclusion, equity and compassion, where residents work together to ensure that every person has the opportunity to thrive. This vision requires commitment from all corners of the community, but it is a future that we can create together.
Let’s seize this opportunity to unite, building bridges across political, social and economic lines, so that Arlington’s future is one where every resident – today and tomorrow – feels that they belong. The steps we take now will leave a legacy of inclusion and opportunity for generations to come.
Rev. DeLishia A. Davis is the Pastor of Calloway United Methodist Church in Arlington, president of the Arlington Coalition of Black Clergy, the Religious Affairs Chairperson for the Arlington Branch of the NAACP and chaplain for the National Council of Negro Women Northern Virginia Section.
