January 21, 2026
President Scott Sklar called the 40 assembled AHCA members to order precisely at 7:30 PM.
Agenda Item 1 Scott Sklar announced 2026 as a Policy Year for the association. He outlined four local issues that will come before the County Board
1. Rethinking EHO (Expanded Housing Option) implementation in light of the way it is occurring in our neighborhood and throughout the county.
2. Monitoring development details as the block(, Wilson Blvd, 10th Street, Irving Street, Washington Blvd) and the 10th Street Firehouse are permitted and built.
3. Developing a community Tree Initiative regarding county tree maintenance, based on the removal of the Lyon Park gateway tree on Fillmore Street and other tree maintenance decisions within our boundaries.
4. Establishing a more robust relationship with AHCA relevant county offices in order to make our voices heard at the staff level, where decisions seem to be happening currently.
The County Manager invited all Arlington Civic Associations to meet with him several times a year—March 4 is next…a good start.
AHCA is part of a 22 civic association working group (representing voluntarily both north and south Arlington neighborhoods), originally established to address land use/housing affordability/lot coverage/density issues. Working together, this larger group has identified some new approaches needed to build community
**a text message system for resident to communicate outside of ArlNow and individual staff message centers
**creation of issue based visual statements (lawn signs and stickers)
**events aimed at engaging younger residents in local issues.
Agenda Item 2 Our by-laws were last reviewed in 2017. The current version needs some clarifications for consistent functioning of the association.
Section 2 Nominations Chair Shall be selected and announced by the President at February or March Meeting. Other members may be appointed to a nominating committee in order to produce a list at the April meeting of at least one candidate for each position after outreach to the entire community. Nominations from the floor will also be accepted at the May meeting.
Section 3 Executive Committee shall meet at least twice per year in person or virtually at a place decided on by the EXCOM. Special meetings may be called at the request of four members of the committee with at least three days advance notice for all members.
Section 6 The Treasurer maintains a record of association income and expenses, ensures payment of AHCA bills, oversees collection of membership dues, completes all regulatory filings. The treasurer also provides members with an annual financial statement at the annual meeting
Section 6B The Treasurer shall pay all bills approved by the EXCOM. The EXCOM approval of the annual budget shall constitute approval of expenses that are within and consistent with that budget.
There was general approval that these clarifications should be printed in the February newsletter for a final vote at the February 18 meeting.
Julie Mangis suggested that we should review the nearly 10 year old version of by-laws in totality. After some discussion by the president and attendees, Jennifer Sosin moved that a committee of 3-5 people review 2017 by-laws and present a preliminary report at the annual meeting in May. Dave Schutz seconded the motion and there was a voice vote which upheld the motion.
There was discussion about a civic association standing rule that prohibits a County Board candidate from speaking at a civic association meeting lest the conversation become an opportunity to make a campaign speech. Often the County Board chair is going to be a candidate later in the year. Dave Schutz, program vice president, who plans to invite the Chair for such a report in early spring, promises to inform speaker about not campaigning, just reporting.
Program
Speakers for the January meeting were a dynamic group of local program directors of community service , 501(c)(3) organizations. Jennifer Sosin moderated the discussion
-Melanie Anderson, Executive Director of Thrive
A 50 year old organization, originally committed to emergency rental assistance, has changed over the years. Thrive strives to create long term stability which includes not only rent subsidy but also access to job training, childcare, medical support. Recently an influx of government workers who have lost their jobs created yet another level of local need.
– Monique Bryant, newly sworn-in member of the Arlington School Board and Executive Director of Challenging Racism
This organization, founded by AHCA resident, Marty Swaim, and School Board candidate Palma Strand, also an Arlington mother/lawyer, to help our county understand the presence of institutional and systemic inequities right here at home. Focused group discussions build awareness and cultivate community
– Lesley Daigle, CEO of Arlington Free Clinic-
Offers comprehensive medical and mental healthcare for the uninsured with no access to health care. They recognize the social outcomes of poor health care include loss of income/shelter for all the family. Good health is foundational.
-Paula Fynboh, CEO of Aspire Afterschool Learning provides learning opportunities and a safe, comfortable after school space for identified students between 3rd and 8th grades, bridging the gap between school and home. It includes a meal, tutoring in everything from reading to STEM projects, and socializing opportunities.
-Diana Ortiz, President and CEO of Doorways
At several locations throughout the county, this organization provides supportive housing, counseling and other services to break the cycle of violence for families escaping abusive relationships.
Jenn then facilitated a question and answer period.
?FREE CLINIC Covers a broad array of health needs, from immunizations, to STD prevention, TB screening, family planning, dental care, and even cancer treatments. It relies on the over 400 volunteer local medical professional, doctors, nurses, NP’s, dentist, plus non-medical volunteers for administrative and office needs.
THRIVE – Does not have county funding. Its mission is to solve problems quickly. It does not ask about immigration status.
DOORWAYS- Provides 24/7 care because abuse happens anytime. The goal of Doorways is to have a reputation for being helpful so that survivors reach out whenever they recognize their situation.
ANYONE -What can we do about ICE . Realize that our families are scared. Our children are scared, hopeless, and defeated. Somehow the children feel like they have caused the problem. Volunteer with programs for children within the school context or with ASPIRE. Donate food or money to various feeding operations. Support people and disrupt stereotypes.
Any other kinds of volunteers needed:
1) Thrive can use helpers with resume writing and interviewing skills and clothing for interviews.
2) Aspire tutoring can happen daily, weekly, monthly, occasionally, as during science fair season.
3) Doorways – 24/7 …there is a crew of 100 Arlingtonians right now, helping at various locations, doing everything from Hotline to childcare.
4) Free Clinic -Volunteers are very much included in the community of medical professionals, but need people to work in intake, record keeping who have no medical background.
5) Challenging Racism- The organization is non-biased, non-partisan, looking for people who care and working to build new communities of understanding.
The general consensus from the 5 speakers revealed a cooperative spirit between the various groups that are trying to supplement which the county government cannot /does not provide. They understand each other’s roles and reach out when they have a problem that their group cannot solve. Donations are important…understanding that financial support for one is support for all. Advocacy for services like theirs to be supported in the County Budget would be appreciated by all. Speak at a budget hearing and, for sure, fill out the Arlington online Budget Survey available now.
Scott Sklar again invited the various groups to use our list serve to spread word about their services and needs. He suggested that our sister community, Lyon Park, would probably appreciate the same communications. Use the entire Arlington civic association community, already in existence with communications systems set up, for outreach when there is a need.
Ann Felker
Temporary Secretary
January 21, 2026