Governor Abigail Spanberger recently hosted a roundtable in Richmond, Virginia, to discuss new laws aimed at lowering housing costs and strengthening renter protections across the Commonwealth. The event, held at Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People, brought together families, advocates, and legislators to address the challenges of rising housing costs and historically high eviction rates.
During the session, Governor Spanberger highlighted the recent legislative package she signed into law, which includes $60 million in new funding to boost housing development and protect affordable housing. A key initiative is the expansion of the Virginia Eviction Reduction Program, designed to assist families facing financial emergencies and prevent homelessness.
"Virginia has historically had some of the highest eviction rates in the country," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "This session, the General Assembly passed, and I signed, dozens of new laws focused on meeting this challenge and making housing more affordable." She added, "We are taking real action to keep more families in their homes by expanding the Virginia Eviction Reduction Program."
State and local leaders, including Senator Lamont Bagby and Delegates Cia Price, Adele McClure, and Briana Sewell, joined the Governor. Delegate Cia Price emphasized the significance of these "landmark new laws" in ensuring fair treatment for renters and providing relief from rising costs. Delegate Adele McClure underscored housing stability's link to economic security, while Delegate Briana Sewell noted the laws reflect constituents' concerns about affordable housing.
These new measures build on previous efforts by Governor Spanberger and the General Assembly to increase housing supply and affordability, including legislation to streamline housing development and protect consumers from hidden rental fees. The bipartisan state budget further allocates nearly $100 million to expand housing development, support homelessness services, and aid families in financial hardship.