Staunton launching a workgroup to identify housing strategies, action plan for city

The City of Staunton is launching its own workgroup to identify housing solutions in the Queen City.

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge began work on a similar initiative one year ago with a goal to end housing insecurity in Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro. The goal of the CFCBR is to look at solutions that could benefit all three localities.

Over the next eight months, Staunton will work to develop its own strategy and develop a plan with three phases of action: immediate, short term and long term.

Staunton residents will have the opportunity to provide input through virtual and in-person sessions in February. A survey will also be available.

The city also plans to hold “Housing 101”presentations as part of its effort.

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission has a Regional Housing Study in the works. The study was originally expected to be released earlier this month. However, the CSPDC told AFP last week that they are still in the process of finalizing the report.

Staunton housing strategy goals

• Analyze data on current and future housing conditions
• Conduct a capability and capacity assessment to determine human capital and financial resources that exist now and what is needed in the future
• Provide community engagement opportunities with public input sessions and a brief community survey
• Utilize a workgroup appointed by the city manager that will assist in the planning process
• The workgroup will provide housing expertise and knowledge of the community, provide input and review sections of the strategy as it is developed
• Define the policies the city hopes to achieve through the strategy
• Identify funding sources and current and potential partners
• Develop an action plan for implementing policies that will include steps, a timeline, responsible parties, partnering organizations, funding requirements and measurable milestones

Staunton housing plan meetings

Meetings for the workgroup will be open to the public but do not include an opportunity for public comment.

Meetings will be in the Caucus Room located on the first floor of City Hall at 116 W. Beverley St.

• Sept. 30, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Nov. 7, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Jan. 29, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• March 31, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

More information on the Staunton housing plan initiative is available online.

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