Governor Abigail Spanberger convened the first meeting of a commission tasked with increasing Virginia's housing supply, according to the state. The Commission on Unlocking Housing Production will advise the state on how to revise laws, regulations, and practices to accelerate housing development.
Virginia faces a shortfall of nearly 300,000 affordable rental homes, and the median home price has reached $400,000, according to the state. Spanberger created the commission by executive order on her first day in office.
The administration said it is allocating nearly $100 million through the state budget for housing development and expanding the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, which supports affordable housing projects statewide.
The commission, chaired by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery, includes representatives from Virginia Housing, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Education, and other state agencies, along with members from local governments and industry.
"Starting day one, my priority has been delivering meaningful results for all Virginians — and housing that families can actually afford is one of the top concerns I hear across every region of the Commonwealth. This commission is an important step in aligning state resources and strengthening partnerships to expand housing opportunities and increase the housing supply across Virginia," said Governor Abigail Spanberger.
Spanberger also signed a series of bills aimed at reducing regulatory barriers to housing development, protecting renters from undisclosed fees, and easing burdens for first-time homebuyers, according to the state.