Governor Spanberger Hosts Roundtable Outlining New Laws to Lower Housing Costs, Strengthen Renter Protections

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday hosted families and advocates in Richmond for a roundtable focused on the challenges facing Virginia renters, the high cost of housing, and the recent package of legislation she signed into law to make housing more affordable for homebuyers and renters.

At Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People - a Richmond nonprofit focused on crisis support and housing access, Governor Spanberger joined legislators to hear directly from community leaders and caseworkers about the impacts of rising housing costs and the historically high eviction rates that have plagued Virginia for years. To meet these challenges, the Governor partnered with the General Assembly this session to secure $60 million in new funding to increase housing development, take steps to protect affordable housing, and improve protections for renters - including by expanding the Virginia Eviction Reduction Program to help keep families in their homes during financial emergencies.

"Virginia has historically had some of the highest eviction rates in the country," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "This session, the General Assembly passed, and I signed, dozens of new laws focused on meeting this challenge and making housing more affordable. I'm also proud of the significant new investments to encourage greater housing development included in our bipartisan budget. This work is the result of years of advocacy, relationship-building, and people in rooms just like this making their voices heard."

Governor Spanberger continued, "We are taking real action to keep more families in their homes by expanding the Virginia Eviction Reduction Program - putting more resources into the communities and caseworkers doing this work every day. And with the President delaying critical housing legislation at the federal level, we are taking action to help provide families with relief they need. Thank you to my partners in the General Assembly for your tireless work to push these laws across the finish line. "

Governor Spanberger was joined at the event by state and local leaders - including Senator Lamont Bagby, Delegate Cia Price, Delegate Adele McClure, and Delegate Briana Sewell - who highlighted the difference the new laws will make for families across the Commonwealth.

"These landmark new laws will keep more families in their homes, help ensure renters are treated fairly, and give Virginians some breathing room as housing costs continue to rise," said Delegate Cia Price. "Year after year, the General Assembly passed these critical protections, only to see them vetoed when they reached the previous Governor's desk. Now, with Governor Spanberger in office and the continued advocacy of so many Virginians who have championed these protections, we are finally making them law and rightly protecting housing rights across the Commonwealth."

"Housing stability is essential to economic security and access to education, employment, and healthcare," said Delegate Adele McClure. "I've spent nearly a decade working to prevent evictions in Virginia and I'm incredibly proud of what we accomplished this session alongside the Governor and tireless advocates to protect renters and keep families safely housed. I'm grateful to the Governor for convening this important conversation, and I look forward to continuing our work to prevent evictions in Virginia."

"When Virginians have access to stable housing that they can afford, they are empowered to put down roots, support their families, and thrive," said Delegate Briana Sewell. "These laws reflect the concerns I've heard from my constituents for years, and my focus on making sure Virginians can find housing that meets their needs and fits their budget. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Spanberger and my colleagues in the General Assembly to lower housing costs, protect affordable housing, and meet the challenges facing both renters and buyers."

The new laws build on Governor Spanberger's work with the General Assembly to increase the supply of housing that Virginians can actually afford to rent or buy. Earlier this year, Governor Spanberger signed a package of legislation aimed at cutting red tape preventing housing development, protecting Virginians from hidden fees in rental agreements, and easing the burdens facing first-time homebuyers. Additionally, Virginia's bipartisan state budget includes nearly $100 million in funding to expand housing development, support homelessness services, and help families stay in their homes when financial hardship strikes.

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