I write on behalf of the 17 member cities of the Virginia First Cities Coalition to urge the strongest possible support for SB 597 to give Virginia's local governments the option to adopt an affordable housing dwelling unit program by amending their zoning ordinance.
We've always found it disturbing that some localities are able to avail themselves of the specific tools found in § 15.2-2304 while others are not. We've heard from all 17 of our members that they would at least like the option to use § 15.2-2304 if it is the right fit for them. Our members have looked at other housing affordability options for ALL levels of affordability using § 15.2-2305 or § 15.2-2305.1 and they tell us that these statutes do not provide the "secret sauce" to get these units built.
Let's face it, we all want more housing access, choices and all levels of affordability and we have to all work together with builders, developers etc to get there so that they can make a profit. However, if local governments are NOT using statutes provided to them because these statutes do not provide the tools that they feel they need, then why not let them try what 6 other Virginia local governments have used and appear to be working?
With SB 597, Senator McPike has drafted a bill that provides options within options without a mandate. We urge you to support and pass SB 597.
I write on behalf of the 17 member cities of the Virginia First Cities Coalition to urge the strongest possible support for SB 597 to give Virginia's local governments the option to adopt an affordable housing dwelling unit program by amending their zoning ordinance. We've always found it disturbing that some localities are able to avail themselves of the specific tools found in § 15.2-2304 while others are not. We've heard from all 17 of our members that they would at least like the option to use § 15.2-2304 if it is the right fit for them. Our members have looked at other housing affordability options for ALL levels of affordability using § 15.2-2305 or § 15.2-2305.1 and they tell us that these statutes do not provide the "secret sauce" to get these units built. Let's face it, we all want more housing access, choices and all levels of affordability and we have to all work together with builders, developers etc to get there so that they can make a profit. However, if local governments are NOT using statutes provided to them because these statutes do not provide the tools that they feel they need, then why not let them try what 6 other Virginia local governments have used and appear to be working? With SB 597, Senator McPike has drafted a bill that provides options within options without a mandate. We urge you to support and pass SB 597.