A regional housing study has been released that provides steps to assist municipalities and community groups address supply and affordability issues to combat homelessness.
The study, published by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, with funding from Virginia Housing, was expected to be released mid-summer.
The 80-page study is broken down my region with specific strategies to address housing challenges, offer solutions and present actionable steps toward implementation.
“Ensuring a steady supply of housing, including workforce, affordable and market rate housing inventory remains a top priority for localities across our region,” said Frank Friedman, CSPDC chairman and Lexington mayor.
“This study will undoubtedly become a vital resource in our region’s ongoing efforts to ensure housing stability and continued growth,” said Friedman.
The study was developed by experts at Virginia Tech’s Center for Housing Research and HousingForward Virginia.
“The release of CSPDC’s housing study marks an important milestone for the Commonwealth’s largest planning district, providing localities with a strong foundation to address the region’s diverse housing needs,” said Chris Thompson, Virginia Housing director of strategic housing.
Virginia Housing awarded CSPDC a $200,000 community impact grant in 2022 to complete the study.
Focus on Staunton, Augusta County, Waynesboro
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge’s SAW Housing leadership committee has plans to meet with Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro municipalities on Feb. 27 to discuss housing hopes, challenges and how SAW Housing groups can work together with them to implement study recommendations.
Through its SAW Housing initiative, CFCBR is working to end homelessness in the region in the next 10 years.
As part of its effort, a working group has compiled a list of community resources to help individuals who may need support.
Research is under way on several land banks serving communities with similar demographics. The group is also researching more than 100 regional housing trust funds across the country to understand how each utilizes its funds.
Housing study: Key findings
While CFCBR is focusing its efforts on the SAW region, the study also covers Bath, Highland, Rockbridge and Rockingham counties and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg and Lexington, as well as 11 associated towns.
- Throughout the region, housing that is for sale or for rent is scarce
- The Harrisonburg-Rockingham and Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro markets have too little for sale inventory making home ownership out of reach for first-time home buyers and low- to moderate-income buyers
- Rental vacancy is the lowest in Harrisonburg and Staunton
- Airbnb and Vrbo rentals account for less than 2 percent of the region’s total housing stock
- Staunton and Waynesboro have a higher concentration of cost-burdened households, particularly among renters
- SAW region has experienced a tight home ownership and rental market with residential vacancy rates between 2 percent and 3.5 percent and an average of six days on the market
Housing study: Regional strategies
- Establish a hub for home improvement grants and resources
- Support permanent housing options
- Introduce the community land trust home ownership model
- Expand housing counseling services
The community land trust model separates the land and home ownership allowing buyers to only purchase the home while the land trust retains ownership of the land.
The creation of a regional land bank entity is recommended to help identify surplus and blighted properties for possible affordable housing development.
Housing study: Solutions for Waynesboro
- Offer residential development incentives for projects that include affordable units
- Offer partial real estate tax exemptions for rehabilitated residential structures
- Use grants, tax abatements, revenue bonds and land support mechanisms through the Economic Development Authority
- Explore waiving or reimbursing development fees
- Implement a fast-track approval process
- Leverage density bonuses, reduce parking requirements and expand by-right multi-family development
Webinar: Breaking down the housing study
A webinar is being offered by CSPDC on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. to discuss findings and housing solutions in the localities. Registration is available online.
CFCBR Lunch & Learn
SAW Housing will host a Lunch & Learn event on Feb. 28 at noon.
The brown bag lunch event (bring your own) will discuss the housing challenges and solutions for the community.
The topic will be “Justice and the Poor: America’s Broken Legal System.” The presentation is by John Whitfield with Blue Ridge Legal Services.
No registration is required. More information is available online.
Related stories
- Community health assessment survey under way, aims to ID biggest issues facing region
- Waynesboro City Council approves cottage courts to address housing affordability
- ‘A new beginning’: Emergency shelter in Harrisonburg prepares for opening
- Regional Housing Study delayed; local leaders push forward with work to end homelessness
- Staunton launching a workgroup to identify housing strategies, action plan for city
- On the verge of homelessness: Waynesboro faces high housing demand, low inventory
- Mission impossible? Groups organize with goal to get everyone housed in SAW region
Share
Crystal Graham
