Building a Foundation for Housing Affordability: Key Takeaways from PlanRVA Day 2024 

Building a Foundation for Housing Affordability: Key Takeaways from PlanRVA Day 2024

Panelists and stakeholders shared insights and expertise during the “Housing for All” session at PlanRVA Day, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in addressing this critical issue.  

The discussion centered around the need for a comprehensive approach to affordable housing that involves zoning reforms, increased funding, and regional collaboration. 

Diverse Housing Types and Zoning Reforms 

The conversation kicked off with a welcome from Chris Thompson, Director of Strategic Housing at Virginia Housing, who emphasized the importance of diverse housing types in addressing the affordability crisis. Thompson referenced duplexes, townhouses and condominiums to cater to different income levels and household sizes as options. 

He also showcased innovative housing models, such as the "next generation" of manufactured housing, which features pitched roofs, drywall, and energy-efficient designs. 

"We want housing options for everyone, whether it's someone working in a hospital, a teacher, law enforcement, public service, or retail," said Thompson. "We need to do more to get housing out there to be economically competitive." 

Increased Funding and Regional Collaboration 

Jovan Burton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Housing Affordability, offered valuable insights on the scope and urgency of the affordability crisis with an emphasis on the region’s population growth and the resulting increase in competitiveness and demand for limited housing supply.  

He offered data on home price increases in localities across the region, illustrating how quickly housing is becoming unattainable for the majority of the workforce. For example, housing costs in the region have skyrocketed since 2016, with home prices rising over 50% in every locality and average rents increasing nearly as much. 

"So that's the urgency of the need. That's how fast it's becoming more and more unattainable, particularly for first-time homebuyers,” said Burton.  

Burton showcased successful examples of regional collaboration, such as the Richmond Regional Housing Framework, which brings together local governments, nonprofits, and private developers to address housing affordability.  

These initiatives continue to lead the charge in fostering opportunities and making connections throughout the region.  

Christina Stacy, from the Urban Institute, echoed Burton's sentiments. She cited examples from Northern Virginia where land use reforms have led to increased development and affordability, such as Alexandria's accessory dwelling unit regulation and Arlington County's missing middle zoning reform. 

Housing Ladder of Opportunity 

Dan Rosensweig, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Charlottesville, provided a unique perspective for a comprehensive approach to addressing the affordable housing crisis.  

Rosensweig emphasized the importance of addressing zoning and land use policies that have historical roots perpetuated by segregation and exclusionary practices. Obstacles like outdated zoning and deed restrictions shed light on the barriers that held back equitable and affordable housing for all in the Charlottesville area.  

Habitat for Humanity partnered with Charlottesville to update the zoning code, while the city’s comprehensive plan helped combat unjust practices and prioritized affordable housing and equity. The work included a historic update to the future land use map based on an affordable housing plan, a move that Rosensweig hailed as a significant step forward. 

Rosensweig underscored the need for a housing ladder of opportunity, where government policies help people at each step of their journey and facilitate their ability to advance, regardless of income or background.  

"We will not rest until everyone in our community has access to a housing solution that works for them,” said Rosensweig. "We need to work together to create a housing system that provides a foundation for affordability and opportunity for everyone.”