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Staunton: Resident input requested for city’s housing strategy

Rebecca Barnabi
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The City of Staunton invites residents to participate in public input sessions to help shape the city’s housing future.

Community members will have a chance to share their perspectives on housing challenges and opportunities in the city. As the Housing Strategy Work Group continues developing a comprehensive housing strategy, community feedback will play a key role in guiding policies and initiatives.

The Housing Strategy Work Group, appointed by the City Manager, is working to create a framework that addresses current and future housing needs. Since its launch in September 2024, the group has:

Analyzed housing data and regional trends
Reviewed local housing policies
Identified potential funding sources and partnerships
Begun drafting policies and an action plan

Public input sessions will include a “Housing 101” presentation to provide background on local housing challenges, followed by an opportunity for community members to share feedback and fill out a short survey. Light refreshments will be provided.

A virtual meeting will be held Monday, April 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with ID: 812 7003 5729 and passcode: 464921.

On Tuesday, April 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., a meeting will be held in Staunton Library‘s third floor meeting room and again on Saturday, April 12 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Community feedback will help shape the strategy’s final recommendations, ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of Staunton residents. After the public input sessions, the Housing Strategy Work Group will have a final meeting April 28 to finalize the strategies.

The recommendations will be presented in the summer of 2025. The plan will outline specific, measurable action items to be implemented over the next 18 months to support housing development, affordability and accessibility in the city.

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Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca J. Barnabi is the national editor of Augusta Free Press. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, she began her journalism career at The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star. In 2013, she was awarded first place for feature writing in the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Awards Program, and was honored by the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2019 Media Honor Roll Program for her coverage of Waynesboro Schools. Her background in newspapers includes writing about features, local government, education and the arts.