Housing has been identified as a need in Northumberland County by elected and appointed officials as well as the public. At the recent joint supes, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Commission meeting (video of January 18, 2024 joint meeting), housing ― affordable and workforce ― was mentioned as a priority for economic development.
But what is it that is needed? Affordable housing? Workforce housing? What are these types of housing? The Brookings Institution has considered this question in Workforce housing and middle-income housing subsidies: A primer:
The term “workforce housing” is most often used to indicate a program targeted at households that earn too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing subsidies. The largest rental subsidy program, housing vouchers funded by the U.S. Department of Urban Development (HUD), targets families making up to 50% of the median income for their metropolitan area (AMI). Households earning up to 80% of AMI are eligible to live in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties. Relative to these programs, workforce housing is most commonly intended for households with incomes between 80 and 120% of AMI.
The term “workforce” housing is not only imprecise, it is controversial: many poor households who receive federal housing subsidies are employed, so why are those subsidies not considered “workforce” housing? As we discuss below, while “middle-income housing” would be more precise language, it raises some politically awkward questions.
Some “workforce” housing programs – such as those aimed at teachers and police officers — are tied both to household income and to occupations or industries. There is a specific history of housing assistance for certain public-sector employees, stemming in part from local government requirements that those workers live within their employing political jurisdiction.
As a follow-up to the joint meeting, I will be recommending the county define the terms for our use; I’ll share the follow-up when it’s done.
In the meantime, the Commonwealth Housing Coalition is encouraging action on needed housing stock in the state. Virginia Pro-Housing Bills! on the Virginia sub-reddit has the deets (also below). Should you have questions or comments, join Reddit and the sub and off you go.
The Commonwealth Housing Coalition, a bipartisan coalition of housing and interfaith groups across Virginia, have worked with Virginia state legislators to introduce a suite of 4 pro-housing bills:
* Housing near Jobs (SB 430): allowing residential developments by-right in commercial areas
* ADU by-right (HB 900, SB 304): allowing ADUs by-right in residential areas
* Single Staircase Reform (HB 368, SB 195): why this niche building code policy matters for housing
* Faith in Housing (HB 1124, SB 233): allowing faith organizations to build affordable housing on their land by-right
This set of bills will make it easier to build more market rate and affordable housing across Virginia!
If you want to show your support, you can:
* Sign the petition [scroll down]
* Or even better, email/call your state representative in the house of delegates and the state senate to tell them you support these bills!