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Recent News

A closeup of a key in a door lock with a keychain of a metal house. Blue text reads: "Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Over $139 Million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing Loans

02.26.2025
Governor Youngkin Announces Over $139 Million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing Loans
Funding will support new construction and rehabilitation of over 2,969 affordable and special needs housing units   Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today more than $139 million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing loans for 41 projects across the Commonwealth. The recommended projects will create and persevere 2.969 total units for low-income and extremely low-income households.   “Providing accessible and affordable housing for all Virginians is more than a fundamental need—it’s a cornerstone of our state’s prosperity,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “When we prioritize housing affordability and availability, we drive economic progress, fortify our communities, and build a stronger, more vibrant Virginia for generations to come.”  The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) loans, which combines state and federal resources to provide a simplified and comprehensive application process. Funding comes from four main sources: the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the federal National Housing Trust Fund (NHFT), Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE) and the Virginia Housing Trust Fund (VHTF).  VHTF is provided by the General Assembly and supports financing for housing construction projects that create or preserve affordable housing units, reduce the cost of affordable housing and increase homeownership. This funding is a key source of financing for these affordable housing initiatives to support moderate- and low-income families, as well as supporting homeless reduction grants to provide rapid rehousing and longer-term housing solutions for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.  “Affordable and accessible housing is essential for a thriving economy, and our dedication to addressing this critical need remains steadfast,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “These efforts will not only enhance and grow our affordable housing stock but also pave the way for a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Virginia for everyone.”  “Boosting Virginia's supply of attainable, affordable and accessible housing is vital to driving economic growth and aligning with this administration's Make Virginia Home Plan," said Bryan Horn, Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. "These investments will unlock $2.1 billion in combined federal, state, local and private resources to develop and preserve housing options for communities across the Commonwealth."  Affordable and Special Needs Housing loans are awarded through a competitive process. Seventy-two applications were received for this round of funding, requesting more than $221 million. To learn more about the ASNH program, visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov/asnh.   Fall 2024 ASNH Awardees:

A street lined with brick shops and cars, with text reading "Governor Glenn Youngkin announces over $23.6 million in Community Development Block Grants

02.07.2025
Governor Youngkin Announces Over $23.6 Million in Community Development Block Grants
Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced more than $23.6 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for 33 projects across the Commonwealth. The funding will support projects that rehabilitate housing, revitalize downtown districts, and improve water and sewer infrastructure benefiting more than 10,000 low- and moderate-income Virginians.   “The foundation of every thriving community includes affordable homes, robust infrastructure, and an economy that works for everyone,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “CDBG continues to be an invaluable resource for addressing community-identified needs by filling in crucial funding gaps to build stronger communities across the Commonwealth.”  The federally funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development since 1982 and annually receives approximately $19 million to distribute to small cities, counties and towns. With these funds, localities can provide new or improved water and sewer systems in rural areas, rehabilitate housing in declining neighborhoods, revitalize commercial districts and provide facilities for a variety of needed services, such as health care clinics in underserved areas.  “While each of the 33 awarded projects support vastly different community goals, they all foster strong local partnerships, diverse regional economies and a higher quality of life for Virginians,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “CDBG funding offers the flexibility needed to address the unique concerns of diverse communities, while building a stronger, more cohesive Commonwealth.”  “Community Development Block Grants have facilitated targeted support to Virginia’s communities for over 40 years, and their effects have been profound,” said Director of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Bryan Horn. “By investing in our communities, we are able to support them in the unique ways that they need, with solutions that include their residents’ unique voices, all while protecting vulnerable populations and building stronger local economies.”   A full list of the 2024 CDBG awarded projects can be found below: 

A blue sky over a downtown street. Text reads "Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Nine New Designated Virginia Main Street Communities "

12.23.2024
Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Nine New Designated Virginia Main Street Communities
Designated Main Streets can access resources to advance downtown revitalization and business development Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced nine new organizations for the Advancing Virginia Main Street Designation. The newly designated communities will receive intensive services to help strengthen their downtowns, including market analysis, marketplace development, capacity building, design assistance, organization development, economic strategies, and façade renderings for redevelopment projects.  "The Virginia Main Street program has been instrumental in nurturing small businesses, growing local economies, and preserving historic downtowns for nearly 40 years,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I applaud these newly designated Virginia Main Street communities for their commitment to revitalization, and I look forward to your community’s continued success.”   Since 1985, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has been providing assistance to localities engaged in downtown commercial district revitalization through the Virginia Main Street program. Virginia uses the National Main Street Center’s® comprehensive, incremental Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization, which is built around a community’s unique heritage, culture, and historic building attributes.   “Downtowns are the heart and soul of many communities across the Commonwealth, and these newly designated communities are no exception,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “The Virginia Main Street program offers crucial investments to support their economic development while preserving the unique cultures and histories that make Virginia’s downtown areas such tourism destinations. Main Street investments are a key driver to making Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family.” “The Main Street Approach® is a time-tested, flexible framework to foster community-driven, comprehensive community revitalization,” said Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Bryan Horn. “We are extremely proud of our Virginia Main Street communities and are excited to be continuing a strong tradition of supporting local economies across the Commonwealth.”   Since 1985, Virginia Main Street communities have generated more than $2.6 billion in public and private investment. New businesses locating, expanding, or relocating to Virginia Main Street communities have created more than 27,000 jobs.  For more information, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/vms.  

Upcoming Events

HUD's PRICE Grant

DHCD is developing an application for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) Grant, intended to preserve long-term housing affordability for manufactured housing communities. Read the draft application here, and the Spanish/Español version here

Tenant and Landlord Resources

Current state law requires landlords and tenants to cooperate with each other in matters regarding nonpayment of rent and applying for rental assistance based on income eligibility and availability of rental assistance funds. If you feel like this is not happening, you should contact an attorney to learn more about your legal rights.

Homeless Assistance and Prevention

Are you experiencing homelessness? Need assistance? Access to your community’s homeless services providers via the primary contact number. Click here for your community’s local hotline.

Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

DHCD is submitting a Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Lead Hazard Reduction program. Public comments will be accepted through March 31, 2025.
Career Opportunities

Want to join the DHCD team? In order to apply for a DHCD position, applicants must apply online. DHCD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 

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Virginia Governor's Housing Conference

Mark your calendar for the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference Nov. 13-15 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Join us for this three-day event packed full of educational sessions led by experts in housing, finance, and community development.

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Partners for Better Communities Podcast

Each episode features the voices of leaders and change makers across the commonwealth. We'll look at the innovation and inspiration at play as local, regional, and state leaders work together to create safe, affordable, and prosperous communities.

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Virginia Main Street Blog

Check out the latest happenings in the Main Street and downtown revitalization world through the Virginia Main Street Blog.

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Code Development Process

The Virginia Building Codes are updated through the code development process. Virginia is a leader in building and fire code development, and stakeholder input is vital to Virginia’s code development process. Participation is encouraged and remote participation is made possible through cdpVA.

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Landlord Tenant Handbook

The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) handbook has been prepared to provide information on the rights, remedies and responsibilities of landlords and renters concerning the rental process. Before signing a lease, prospective tenants should read and understand the terms of the contract. Consulting a lawyer or the landlord for clarification of the rental agreement is advisable.

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