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To request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Planning and Development Review, in coordination with other relevant City departments, to implement and utilize the affordable housing-related legislation enacted by the Virginia General Assembly during its 2026 Regular Session, including House Bills 4, 15, 594, 806, and 1279.
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WHEREAS, during its 2026 Regular Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation to preserve existing affordable housing, strengthen tenant protections, expedite the development of affordable housing, expand affordable housing financing tools, and facilitate the development of affordable housing on certain properties; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 legislation creates new opportunities and requirements for local governments to advance housing affordability and, in certain instances, requires additional local administrative or legislative action before such authorities may be fully utilized; and
WHEREAS, the Council believes that the City should proactively implement the new legislation and exercise the new authorities provided by the General Assembly to advance the City’s housing and affordable housing goals;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:
That the Council hereby requests that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Planning and Development Review, in coordination with other relevant City departments, to implement and utilize the affordable housing-related legislation enacted during the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly, including, but not limited to, the following:
House Bill 4 – Preservation of Affordable Housing. Develop an implementation strategy for utilizing the affordable housing preservation authorities established by House Bill 4, including the required notice process and potential exercise of rights of first ...
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