Members of the Virginia House of Delegates,
I write in support of HB352, which authorizes localities to establish affordable housing performance grant programs by ordinance.
Access to affordable housing remains one of the most significant equity challenges facing the Commonwealth. Long-standing disparities in housing availability and affordability continue to disproportionately affect low-income households and communities of color, reinforcing broader inequities in economic opportunity, health outcomes, and community stability. Addressing these challenges requires policy tools that are both equitable and administratively sound.
HB352 offers a strong example of such a tool. Its performance-based structure ensures that public funds are awarded only after affordable housing has been constructed or improved, tying public investment to demonstrated results. The requirement for recorded restrictive covenants further protects the public interest by preserving affordability over time and preventing short-term displacement pressures.
The bill also reflects sound principles of local governance. Housing markets vary widely across Virginia, and HB352 allows local governments to define affordability, establish transparent criteria, and design grant programs that respond to local conditions. At the same time, limits on grant amounts tied to increases in assessed value help ensure fiscal responsibility and protect local tax bases. From a civil rights and fair housing perspective, expanding the supply of affordable housing is essential to supporting economic mobility and ensuring that families can remain in the communities where they live and work. HB352 strengthens local capacity to advance these goals while maintaining accountability and local control.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to advance HB352 and support policies that promote equitable access to safe, stable, and affordable housing across the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Nichelle Clark
NAACP Virginia State Conference
Members of the Virginia House of Delegates, I write in support of HB352, which authorizes localities to establish affordable housing performance grant programs by ordinance. Access to affordable housing remains one of the most significant equity challenges facing the Commonwealth. Long-standing disparities in housing availability and affordability continue to disproportionately affect low-income households and communities of color, reinforcing broader inequities in economic opportunity, health outcomes, and community stability. Addressing these challenges requires policy tools that are both equitable and administratively sound. HB352 offers a strong example of such a tool. Its performance-based structure ensures that public funds are awarded only after affordable housing has been constructed or improved, tying public investment to demonstrated results. The requirement for recorded restrictive covenants further protects the public interest by preserving affordability over time and preventing short-term displacement pressures. The bill also reflects sound principles of local governance. Housing markets vary widely across Virginia, and HB352 allows local governments to define affordability, establish transparent criteria, and design grant programs that respond to local conditions. At the same time, limits on grant amounts tied to increases in assessed value help ensure fiscal responsibility and protect local tax bases. From a civil rights and fair housing perspective, expanding the supply of affordable housing is essential to supporting economic mobility and ensuring that families can remain in the communities where they live and work. HB352 strengthens local capacity to advance these goals while maintaining accountability and local control. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to advance HB352 and support policies that promote equitable access to safe, stable, and affordable housing across the Commonwealth. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Nichelle Clark NAACP Virginia State Conference