Governor McDonnell’s Senior Economic Advisor Unveils Interim Report of the Virginia Housing Policy Framework Initiative
RICHMOND, VA – November 18, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Bob Sledd, Senior Economic Advisor to Governor Bob McDonnell, unveiled today the interim report of the Virginia Housing Policy Framework Initiative at the Governor’s Housing Conference in Richmond, taking place November 17th– 19th. This year’s conference provides informational and educational sessions led by experts on housing, finance and community development. The conference is Virginia’s largest and most comprehensive affordable housing event of the year.
In April, Governor McDonnell issued Executive Order #10, which established the housing policy framework. The policy will address homelessness and find ways to expand affordable housing, as well as workforce housing, economic development, healthy neighborhoods, effective coordination of transportation, environmental issues and other opportunities. Virginia’s Housing Policy effort will continue throughout the McDonnell Administration.
Speaking about the interim report, Governor McDonnell remarked, “This interim report points out that clear and consistent housing policy is an essential factor in economic development, the provision of human services and the development of transportation systems. Because of these efforts, housing policy within the executive branch will be coordinated with and function as an integral part of policy initiatives in these areas. It’s evident that the Housing Policy Advisory Committee, under the excellent leadership of Bob Sledd, has been working hard developing this interim report. I look forward to their continued efforts to provide greater housing opportunities for Virginians.”
Since June, the Virginia Housing Policy Initiative Work Group and Advisory Committee have been reviewing the significant housing issues impacting Virginians. The Homelessness Outcomes Advisory Committee and the Virginia Foreclosure Task Force have also been meeting and their work is reflected in this first report.
The work of the initiative has resulted in the following:
The creation of the Virginia Foreclosure Task Force to provide timely response to emerging issues related to foreclosure and housing market recovery
- An initial action plan to increase state capacity to address the needs of homeless Virginians
- Fourteen policy recommendations to address the need to streamline regulations, better link housing with jobs and transportation, promote sustainable communities, and ensure the provision of a range of housing options addressing the needs of all Virginians
Chairman of the Housing Policy Advisory Committee and Senior Economic Advisor to the Governor Bob Sledd added, “Housing helps define communities and is a major component in determining the quality of life for individuals and families and for the Commonwealth’s general prosperity. Along with a good job, affordable housing is one of the building blocks for the American Dream.”
For more information on the initiative, visit www.VirginiaHousingPolicy.com
For more information on the Governor’s Housing Conference, please visit: http://www.vagovernorshousingconference.com/
Contact:
Stacey Johnson
Press Secretary
(804) 786-2211
Brian Matt
Virginia Housing Development Authority
(804) 343-5520
