House Bill 854 directs Virginia Housing and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to conduct a study of state policies and programs, which influence the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

HousingForward Virginia is assisting Virginia Housing and DHCD with this effort, which requires significant engagement with practitioners and advocates across the commonwealth.

Per the bill’s requirements, a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) of housing experts from across the state was assembled to guide this effort. The SAG is the primary body that will produce the study and make final recommendations to the General Assembly.

The survey is an opportunity to provide detailed and meaningful feedback on any and all state-administered housing funds, policies and programs your organization uses. Virginia Housing is also interested in learning how race and COVID-19 have affected the affordable housing arena. Your responses will be used to educate policymakers and influence policy changes. This survey will remain online until December 31, 2020.

Virginia Housing is looking for practitioners to participate in focus groups throughout January and February of next year. These focus groups will take deeper dives into housing issues based on the results of this survey. If you are interested in helping, there is a question at the beginning of the survey where you can agree to participate and get notified in January when meetings are planned.