Housing Affordability
2020 Regional Housing Affordability Study and Action Plan
In 2019, GWRC successfully applied for a grant through Virginia Housing (formerly Virginia Housing Development Authority) to develop a housing affordability study and action plan. GWRC contracted with HousingForward Virginia, a Richmond-based nonprofit, to complete the study and develop the plan. HousingForward Virginia analyzed data, convened focus groups, and convened a working group representing over 15 local jurisdiction representatives and organizations. This group worked diligently with HousingForward Virginia to develop a menu of 42 detailed housing policy solutions aimed at bringing a range of new housing opportunities to the region. The final plan was adopted by the GWRC Board on November 16, 2020 through Resolution 21-09.
The plan’s vision statement, “All residents in our region will have a path to a high-quality, affordable place to call home,” will be a guiding principle through the upcoming implementation phase.
Previous Efforts
In December 2007, the GWRC Board created an Affordable Housing Task Force (AHTF) comprised of representatives from various community non-profit organizations involved with the housing issue, as well as business sector representatives from real estate, mortgage lending and housing construction. The AHTF produced the Affordable Housing Task Force Mid-Year Report in September 2008.