In Fairfax, Governor Spanberger Celebrates Record State Investments to Increase Housing Supply, Discusses Support for Small Businesses

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday joined local leaders in Fairfax to tour a new housing development and highlight her continued focus on lowering housing costs for families. The Governor also met with small business owners to discuss how the Commonwealth can best support them, particularly in the face of chaos coming out of Washington.

The Governor visited Telestar Court - a brand new 80-unit affordable housing development repurposed from office space. Under Governor Spanberger's leadership, Virginia continues to address rising housing costs as a top priority. Earlier this year, the Governor signed Virginia's biennial budget which allocates upwards of $100 million for expanding housing development and helping more Virginians find housing they can afford. The budget additionally includes record funding for the Virginia Housing Trust Fund which aims to create and support affordable housing developments across the Commonwealth.

"Building more housing that families can actually afford to rent or buy is critical to the long-term success of our Commonwealth," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "Stable, secure, and affordable housing is a basic foundation for every Virginian to thrive. By increasing our housing supply, we can help more families spend less time worrying about whether they can afford their rent or mortgage and more time caring for their loved ones, advancing their careers, and pursuing their dreams."

Governor Spanberger continued, "I am proud of the record investments Virginia is making to lower housing costs at a time when so many families are feeling strain on their wallets because of the uncertainty out of Washington. My Administration will continue building on the progress we have made to address the cost of housing, cut red tape, and enable more housing development across our Commonwealth."

"Growing our economy means growing our housing supply and our small businesses," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. "Whether we're supporting innovative housing developments or advocating for our small business owners, we're focused on an economy that works for all Virginians. We are bringing public and private partners together to unlock housing supply, using new approaches like converting underutilized office buildings. We are ensuring small business owners have the support they need to succeed and are helping them navigate unstable trade policies. Together, we are committed to delivering meaningful economic progress on critical issues that drive economic growth in every region of the Commonwealth."

In addition to supporting record investments in new housing, the Governor recently signed into law a series of bills that aim to cut red tape that prevents housing development, protect Virginians from hidden fees in rental agreements, and ease burdens faced by first-time homebuyers. In addition, the Governor signed her entire Affordable Virginia Agenda into law which aims to lower housing, healthcare, and energy costs for Virginians.

The Governor was also joined by state, local, and business leaders, including Senator Saddam Salim, Delegates Marcus Simon and Holly Seibold, members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Conifer Senior Development Manager Matt Ojala, and Virginia Housing CEO Tammy Neale.

"Families in Northern Virginia shouldn't have to choose between a home they can afford and a home they're proud of. Telestar Court is proof they don't have to," said Conifer Senior Development Manager Matt Ojala. "Turning an empty office building into 80 quality apartments took creative thinking and real partnership - Virginia Housing, Fairfax County, FCRHA, and Joseph Browne Development Associates all leaned in to make it work. That's how you find overlooked buildings and underused land and make them count. We need a lot more of it, and a lot faster."

"Virginia Housing is proud to support developments that expand access to quality, affordable homes," said Virginia Housing CEO Tammy Neale. "Stable housing is the foundation of thriving families and vibrant communities, and we're grateful to our partners across the Commonwealth who help advance this work."

In Fairfax, the Governor also met with local small business owners to hear directly about the challenges they face and discuss Virginia's focus on supporting small businesses that keep local economies running. Earlier this year, Governor Spanberger signed into law landmark legislation creating a paid family and medical leave program to support more than three million workers across the Commonwealth and empower small businesses to better recruit and retain talented employees.

"With chaos out of Washington continuing to drive up costs and create barriers for small businesses to thrive, Virginia is taking a different approach," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "We're providing the stability, predictability, and support small business owners need to grow, create good-paying jobs, and compete. By investing in apprenticeships, expanding access to workforce training, and making sure workers have peace of mind through paid family, medical, and sick leave, we're strengthening businesses and building a stronger economy for everyone."

"Small businesses are at the heart of our community, creating good jobs, investing in our neighborhoods, and helping make Fairfax City a great place to live, work, and raise a family," said Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read. "By partnering at every level of government to attract innovative businesses and support entrepreneurs, we can create more opportunities for businesses to succeed and make sure that every family can thrive. We're grateful to Governor Spanberger for joining us today and for taking the time to listen to our small-business community and discuss how Fairfax City and the Commonwealth can continue working together to build a strong economy that works for our residents."

"Today, small businesses are navigating a challenging environment, and their needs vary widely across industries and communities," said Director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity Eric Lin. "Virginia has an important role in helping businesses access capital, find new opportunities, navigate resources, and overcome barriers so they can start, grow, and succeed here in the Commonwealth."

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