The City of Newport News supports this bill. Yards full of old furniture and equipment create public safety issues for residents and neighbors. Allowing the City an additional tool to handle this clutter is much appreciated.

Virginia First Cities Coalition is very supportive of this bill and all legislation that provides our older, core cities the tools needed to deal with issues of blight.

Good morning Madam Chair and members of the committee, my name is Thomas Cannella and I am a member of Poquoson City Council. In the summer of 2020 we (Poquoson City Council) increased two fees on our citizens, an application for the Board of Zoning Appeals increase from $250 to $500, an application for the Wetlands Board increased from $500 to $750. The cause for this is becasue per state code we must advertise these applications, along with nearly 300 other items becasue state code requires us to. The reason for the increase is becasue the cost to advertise in the newspaper is over $400.00. In Poquoson, we only have on newspaper to advertsie in, so there is no other outlet to do so, but if this bill was passed and we could advertise online, for the sake of not only saving cost but increased transparency considering more citizens certainly have internet capabilities than do receive the newspaper. I came to Delegate Mugler last year with the concept for this bill and I am extremely grateful for the time that her and her staff have put into this bill. This is not a time to allow special interests to interfere in or hinder the legislative process, this is a time for decisive action to be taken by elected officials to keep as much hard earned money in the pockets of our consituents as we possibly can. I would urge you to consider a committe amendment to the bill if it is not passable in its current state. Make this bill exclusive to the City of Poquoson, or allow it for cities with populations less than 15,000. Thank you for your time, and I hope it will be the pleasure of the committee to pass the bill and allow it to get to the floor of the House.

The City of Newport News supports the publication of public notices on the City's website. More and more, publication in a newspaper translates to a posting on the website of a publication. In some instances, viewing online versions of a newspaper requires a fee. However, publication on a City website not only saves the cost to the City (taxpayer dollars), once posted on the City's site. notices are free and readily available to the public to view.

Jay Deck with the Virginia Education Association. We support both bills HB 1917 and HB 1949.

I ask you to support this legislation. The more we work to make clean energy financially viable, the more we will be able to realize a clean energy future. And it all starts at the local level, with individuals in our local communities having access to financing. This legislation enables a locality to establish a local green bank (nonprofit, public) to promote the investment of, provide financing for, clean energy technologies. The Biden administration is supportive of green banks, so with federal government, and the state, behind this, this could really get off the ground, soon. If you are looking to support an environmental bill that would also benefit the economy of small businesses at the local level, then I think you would potentially be interested in this legislation.

Dear Committee Members: I am a resident of Fairfax County and I urge you to recommend reporting HB 1919, to allow localities such as mine to establish green banks. Green banks can be one of the many important steps in achieving clean energy investment by helping insure loans made by credit unions or banks for projects such as improving energy efficiency, installing clean energy facilities, and building resilient infrastructure. Moreover, they can help low- to moderate-income communities would be less able to arrange financing. With a new administration that intends to support federal funding of green bank seed money grants, . localities such as Fairfax County could take advantage of such funding. But with the so-called “Dillon Rule” state, that may not be possible without specific authorization from the General Assembly. And this is where HB 1919 comes in, by empowering localities to establish green banks using their own funds or funds from federal, charitable foundation, or other sources, and would not impact the Commonwealth’s budget. There is no downside to passing this legislation. Therefore I ask that you forward this bill to the full House of Delegates. Thank you

VACo supports HB 1919 as it allows counties to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency goals through a creative financing mechanism that enables the development of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency programs and measures. VACo supports HB 2042 as it provides both a creative and cost-effective stormwater management practice while at the same time authorizing greater flexibility in the establishment of local tree conservation statutes.

I am writing in support of HB 1919 which would authorize localities across Virginia in establishing Green Banks to finance clean energy technologies. As one of Virginia's oldest solar installers with a significant and growing footprint in the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia and with an office in Winchester, VA, Mountain View Solar is fully in support of the establishment of the state of Virginia authorizing localities to establish Green Banks. We participate in the Montgomery County Green Bank in Maryland and our team would be excited to advocate for and participate in Green Banks in Virginia. We believe that Green Banks can be and should be a primary financing tool to open solar access to business owners and homeowners alongside other private financing options. We also believe that Green Banks are a primary option to open on-site solar access to low-income homeowners as well as a primary option for creative ownership and financing models to open solar access.

The regional solar trade association fully supports HB 1919, and we thank the patron for carrying this piece of legislation. Establishing local green banks will accelerate the deployment of solar, energy efficiency and other clean energy technologies, helping the Commonwealth reach our clean energy goals while creating jobs, attracting investment and making our communities more resilient. According to the American Green Bank Consortium, $3 dollars is deployed for each green bank dollar. This is incredibly important as we seek an equitable and just clean energy transition. Green banks represent an important financing tool we can leverage to increase access to solar to low-income and other underrepresented communities. We hope it is the will of this body to support HB 1919. Thank you, Rachel Smucker, Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association

This is a request for an unregulated body with no oversight and nearly universal powers to CONVERT WITHOUT CONSENT the use of private land and private property to COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES. This is an improper request from those who hold offices in the PUBLIC TRUST.

There has been no referendum on this proposed authority for the people to cast their sovereign vote on this matter. It seems that this is a request for an unregulated body with no oversight and nearly universal powers to CONVERT WITHOUT CONSENT the use of private land and private property to COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES. The city acted without authority to forward this bill and it should be withdrawn for consideration and examination by the people. Comments are by commercial real estate organizations, illustrating what this bill is really about: a “land grab” attempt to acquire an inventory of homes for rental purposes with callousness towards the private land and private property owners, whose neighborhoods they want to commercialize. By what authority do those with Oaths of Office to serve the PUBLIC TRUST demand a PRIVATE AUTONOMOUS AUTHORITY UNDER NO OVERSIGHT AND NO REGULATION AND GRANTED UNLIMITED POWERS with the sole purpose of CONVERTING private land and private property to COMMERCIAL USE without the will of the people and without the consent of the people? Those who made this request for the Tourism Authority,expect the private land and private property owners in these historic 100-year-old communities to fund a non-profit tax-exempt organization. They will shoulder increasing taxes, be subject to the encumbrance of their neighborhoods with continual transient travelers, increased crime and disruption and the demoralization and destruction of the quiet and peaceful lives. This action was taken without authority and without required notice during a pandemic, making communication inadequate for proper dialogue on the issue. The Request should be withdrawn or failed by this committee. Re-zoning ordinances for an Overlay with Short Term Rentals, a condition highly opposed in the North End, with confusion in the terms of rental duration per year, the City Council sent this Request for authority to the Virginia Assembly, at the 11th hour, without notification of or submission to the people. Virginia Beach Councilman John Moss on January 5, 2021, cited the following: • “The rushed passage of the Tourism Authority Request to the General Assembly has been with an “unprecedented lack of public engagement given the magnitude of proposal” • The question is “Should $30 million dollars for marketing be transferred to an autonomous nonelected independent political subdivision of Commonwealth with no direct accountability to the voters. That is the question embedded in this legislative proposal.” • ”We cannot ask (of the General Assembly) to transfer that which, as City Council, we do not own without the direct consent from voters by referendum” HR 2043 shows no evidence of marketing tools, but cites unlawful unauthorized corporate powers over private property of the sovereign people. (See Powers HB 2043 6.7.8.13.) The Request excludes the people, especially the private land and private property owners of the North End, and makes the Request for a Tourism Authority prima facia evidence that the City Council and the Planning Commission have acted WITHOUT AUTHORITY in the conversion of private land and private property to COMMERCIAL USE AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES from the establishment of their PUBLIC TRUST OFFICES January 5, 2021 and to present.

Please support HB2043.

I am the Executive Director for the Virginia Beach Hotel Association. We support HB2043 which creates the Virginia Beach Tourism Authority. It is a necessity to remain competitive in challenging industry, especially during COVID. Virginia Beach is the largest city and the largest tourism destination in the state. The city is in competition for tourism with many other East Coast destinations. The Tourism Authority will help not only Virginia Beach be more competitive and nimble in its marketing, but jump start tourism and the recovery for the hospitality industry coming out of the pandemic. I support the proposed technical change in HB1825. In continuing to grow the state’s largest city and tourism destination, entertainment and sporting venues create more opportunities to attract consumers to Virginia. This legislation has long been on the books, but due to some slowdowns and changes, the Code needs to be changed to allow the timing of the bonds to shift with the timing of the project. Thank you for your support of these bills and the Virginia Beach tourism industry, stakeholders and residents who count on the industry which provides great economic impact to the city.

My name is Emily Reynolds and I am the Executive Director of Government Affairs for the Hampton Roads Chamber. We are a pro-business organization serving over 1,200 members. On behalf of our members, specifically in Virginia Beach, we ask that you support HB2043. The Virginia Beach Tourism Authority will not only help enhance Virginia Beach's competitiveness and strategic marketing but more importantly, jump start tourism and the recovery for the hospitality industry coming out of this pandemic. We need this authority now more than ever. For these reasons, we ask that you support this bill. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I am in support of the VB Tourism Authority House bill. I hope you will support as well.

On behalf of the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors and its 120-member business and civic leaders, we solicit the General Assembly’s support of House Bill 2043 authorizing the creation of a Virginia Beach Tourism Authority. We believe having this enabling authority from the 2021 legislature is essential to provide options for restructuring the city’s existing Convention and Visitors Bureau. As detailed in the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau Management Analysis and Recommendations, Virginia Beach is “falling behind its competitors, relative to product development, community collaboration and marketing/sales innovation.” We know the visitor industry is vital to our city’s economy, attracting millions of annual visitors, $132 million in local and state tax revenue and 14,000 jobs. As Virginia Beach’s greatest economic engine, we can ill afford the degradation of the industry to continue. Virginia Beach Vision has previously endorsed the findings and recommendations of the Virginia Beach Resort Area Strategic Action Plan. These and other investments in our resort area will reposition the city as a top tourist destination and economic engine but not without concurrent effective and robust marketing within and outside the region. The VBCVB Conclusions and Recommendations management analysis clearly demonstrate the need for a high performing CVB in Virginia Beach. The best practices recommended in the report are utilized by some of the nation’s highest performing destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Today, Virginia Beach stands alone among the industry’s top competitors as the only government run CVB. As such, we are deterred by government procurement regulations, compensation levels well below market, and a structure that does not encourage industry support and collaboration. Following the departure of the CVB’s director and other key employees, the organization is at a pivotal point. We must embrace the opportunity to redefine how the CVB is managed. Our ability to do so is dependent upon the General Assembly enabling the city’s option of establishing a tourism authority. We can ill afford delay of another year in furthering these critical changes.

The bill in its current form will severely constrain land bank entities from receiving properties and further we have very legitimate concerns that the bill abrogates a property owner’s right of redemption. The potential unintended consequences of the bill outweigh its usefulness.

Chair Heretick and Members of the Committee, It appears there are significant concerns from prior supporters of HB2052 due to the amended language. AARP Virginia requests that our previous statement of support for the bill be suspended as we look into these concerns. We continue to support HB2053. Respectfully submitted, Natalie Snider AARP Virginia State Advocacy Director 804-344-3063 nsnider@aarp.org

The Virginia Conservation Network is in full support of both bills being brought forward today by Delegate Samirah. One of the biggest culprits of climate change is buildings. They create about 40% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Today, the global building floor area is about 2.4 trillion square feet; and this number is expected to double by 2060. This means that for the next 40 years, we’ll be adding the equivalent of another New York City to the planet every 34 days. To stop climate change, the way of building and city planning have to change. Both HB 2052 & HB 2053 can help Virginia begin to change the way it builds to be both more sustainable and affordable. By considering the impacts of climate change in their normal land conservation activities, land trusts can provide strategic investments and effective land management to help reduce the vulnerability of natural areas, working lands, and the human communities that depend on them. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) provide Virginians with more housing options that are typically smaller, more affordable, and closer to family. Launching a statewide stakeholder study is the first step to figuring out how we can better incorporate ADUs into our statewide housing stock to fill in the housing gaps for young couples, seniors who would like to age in place, and many more Virginians in need of safe, accessible shelter.

HB2052 -- Please withdraw our testimony in support. Late breaking information from a local Richmond land trust indicates that not all legal issues have been worked out. HB2053 -- We maintain our support via the comments we submitted a few minutes ago.

HB2052 – Samirah – Land Banks – Support. (CSG + PSG) We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2052 as a critical tool in the effort to revitalize towns, cities, and older suburbs, while increasing the supply of critically needed affordable housing. We support the amendment ensuring that the bill is only applied to tax-delinquent properties if the tax lien on the property exceeds the assessed value of the property. This bill will enable non-profit organizations to acquire for land needed to rehabilitate homes or build new affordable homes for our essential workforce. By removing the cost of land it will help ensure homes are affordable at lower income levels. This bill will also ensure that land and buildings are returned to the tax rolls. This bill is pro-economic development, pro-housing, pro-equity, and pro-smart growth. Thank you. HB2053 – Samirah – ADU study – Support (CSG+PSG+SELC) We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. At CSG we have produced a how-to guide for ADUs in DC and are supporting them in Northern Virginia. Alexandria City Council recently voted 6 to 1 to permit ADUs. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They are pro-property rights and they provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. One mid-size U.S. city is producing 500 ADUs per year. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs. Thank you.

Chair Heretick and Members of the Committee, AARP Virginia supports both HB2052 and HB2053 introduced by Del. Samirah. Land Banks are growing in popularity around the country and here in Virginia. House Bill 2052 provides localities with the option to set up or interact with an established community land bank under the Land Bank Entities Act (§ 8 15.2-7500 et seq.). This measure gives these land trusts the first right of refusal on all tax delinquent properties going to auction and is amended to ensure that the bill is only applied to tax-delinquent properties if the tax lien exceeds the property's assessed value. AARP Virginia urges you to pass HB2052 as it is a good step towards addressing housing needs. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a common-sense solution that allows homeowners more freedom concerning their property and diversifies neighborhoods in terms of housing stock and households. ADUs help address issues relating to helping older homeowners, single parents, young home buyers, and renters seeking a wider range of home, prices, rents, and locations. Furthermore, they provide a convenient living arrangement for family members or other persons to provide care and support for someone in a semi-independent living arrangement while remaining in their community, which is particularly important during health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to assess the construction of internal, attached, and detached accessory dwelling units as a strategy to address the Commonwealth’s growing demand for affordable and market-rate housing. House Bill 2053 brings expert stakeholders, community leaders, and pertinent governmental organizations together to report to the State a clear understanding of the ADU stock in Virginia and how localities could implement ADU ordinances. AARP Virginia urges you to pass HB2053 and looks forward to being named as a member of the advisory group. Respectfully submitted, Natalie Snider AARP Virginia State Advocacy Director 804-344-3063 nsnider@aarp.org

AARP Virginia supports HB2052, HB2053, and HB2054, presented by Del. Samirah. Land Banks are growing in popularity around the country and here in Virginia. HB2052 provides localities with the option to set up or interact with an established community land bank under the Land Bank Entities Act (§ 8 15.2-7500 et seq.). This measure gives these land trusts the first right of refusal on all tax delinquent properties going to auction. It is a good step towards addressing housing needs. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a common-sense solution that allows homeowners more freedom concerning their property and diversifies neighborhoods in terms of housing stock and households. ADUs help address issues relating to helping older homeowners, single parents, young home buyers, and renters seeking a wider range of home, prices, rents, and locations. Furthermore, they provide a convenient living arrangement for family members or other persons to provide care and support for someone in a semi-independent living arrangement while remaining in their community, which is particularly important during health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to assess the construction of internal, attached, and detached accessory dwelling units as a strategy to address the Commonwealth’s growing demand for affordable and market-rate housing. HB2053 brings expert stakeholders, community leaders, and pertinent governmental organizations together to report to the State a clear understanding of the ADU stock in Virginia and how localities could implement ADU ordinances. AARP Virginia looks forward to being named as a member of this work group. HB2054 addresses increased city and county planning for transit-oriented development to include limiting parking requirements to encourage public transit use and increased density around our metropolitan areas. It is important to revise parking policies to create walkable, mixed-use communities that support public transportation use, generate revenue, and reduce the cost of housing. These are common-sense options to explore as a state, and we believe that support of these bills would be in the best interest of our Commonwealth's working families. We have shared these comments previously with Del. Kory, Del. Heretick, and Speaker Filler-Corn. Thank you for your consideration of our recommendations. I can be reached at 804-344-3063 or nsnider@aarp.org should you have questions or concerns. Respectfully submitted, Natalie Snider State Advocacy Director AARP Virginia

HB2052 – Samirah – Land Banks -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2052 as a critical tool in the effort to revitalize towns, cities, and older suburbs, while increasing the supply of critically needed affordable housing. This bill will enable non-profit organizations to acquire for $1 land needed to rehabilitate homes or build new affordable homes for our essential workforce. By removing the cost of land it will help ensure homes are affordable at lower income levels. This bill will also ensure that land and buildings are returned to the tax rolls. This bill is pro-economic development, pro-housing, pro-equity, and pro-smart growth. Thank you. HB2053 – Samirah – ADU study -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. At CSG we have produced a how-to guide for ADUs in DC and are supporting them in Northern Virginia. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. One mid-size U.S. city is producing 500 ADUs per year. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs. HB2054 – Samirah – TOD -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2054 – Transit-oriented development (TOD) – amendments. TOD is one of the most effective local economic development strategies we have. Think Amazon. Amazon selected the most transit rich location it could find – with 3 Metro stations, Amtrak, commuter rail, and bus. But it’s also the case that TOD locations are much in demand in Norfolk, Richmond, Fairfax, and North Carolina and other parts of the U.S. by the next generation workforce and companies. Marriott moved from an office park to a Metro station. VW is moving from an office park to Reston Metro Station. TOD communities are also great locations for new housing – where transportation costs are minimized. Because of the ease of using transit, walking and biking, and the access to jobs and services, parking can and should be reduced in TODs. Doing so also increases the affordability of housing because a structured parking space can cost $30,000 to $50,000. Not surprisingly builders are looking for flexibility to reduce parking and building costs. Therefore, we support the amendment to the TOD statute passed last year: reducing, modifying, or waiving local parking requirements or ratios. We also support removing the requirement that density be reduced elsewhere. The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the D.C. region advocating for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way to grow and provide opportunities for all. We are 23-years-old and also work in many other areas of Virginia assisting local groups and officials with sustainable land use, transportation and housing policies.

HB 2052 will increase the affordable housing stock and strengthen the handful of community land trusts already active across the Commonwealth. This change will encourage the conversion of currently abandoned properties into new, affordable homes for Virginians.

The Virginia Housing Alliance supports the concept of this legislation and we think that it could become a critical tool to increase affordable housing opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. However, we have some concerns with the bill as drafted. There are currently only four operating land banks in the Commonwealth. The majority of which have just been established. We are aware of several more in various stages of development. Given the relatively young land bank infrastructure across the state, we are concerned that legislating a pipeline for the acquisition of properties at this stage may cause more harm than good as land banks need time to scale up. Further, as land banks scale up and increase in number throughout the state, their needs and impediments will become better known.

HB2052 We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2052 as a critical tool in the effort to revitalize towns, cities, and older suburbs, while increasing the supply of critically needed affordable housing. This bill will enable non-profit organizations to acquire for $1 land needed to rehabilitate homes or build new affordable homes for our essential workforce. By removing the cost of land it will help ensure homes are affordable at lower income levels. This bill will also ensure that land and buildings are returned to the tax rolls. This bill is pro-economic development, pro-housing, pro-equity, and pro-smart growth. HB2053 We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. ADUs are an affordable housing solution that strengthens the private market for housing and allows people who may not otherwise be able to afford homes the opportunity to build equity. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs. HB2054 We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2054 – Transit-oriented development (TOD) – amendments. TOD is one of the most effective local economic development strategies we have. Amazon, for example, selected the most transit rich location it could find – with 3 Metro stations, Amtrak, commuter rail, and bus. But it’s also the case that TOD locations are much in demand in Norfolk, Richmond, Fairfax, and North Carolina and other parts of the U.S. by the next generation workforce and companies. TOD communities are also great locations for new housing – where transportation costs are minimized. Because of the ease of using transit, walking and biking, and the access to jobs and services, parking can and should be reduced in TODs. Doing so also increases the affordability of housing because a structured parking space can cost $30,000 to $50,000. Not surprisingly builders are looking for flexibility to reduce parking and building costs. Therefore, we support the amendment to the TOD statute passed last year: reducing, modifying, or waiving local parking requirements or ratios. We also support removing the requirement that density be reduced elsewhere.

HB2052 – Samirah – Land Banks -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2052 as a critical tool in the effort to revitalize towns, cities, and older suburbs, while increasing the supply of critically needed affordable housing. This bill will enable non-profit organizations to acquire for $1 land needed to rehabilitate homes or build new affordable homes for our essential workforce. By removing the cost of land it will help ensure homes are affordable at lower income levels. This bill will also ensure that land and buildings are returned to the tax rolls. This bill is pro-economic development, pro-housing, pro-equity, and pro-smart growth. Thank you. HB2053 – Samirah – ADU study -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. At CSG we have produced a how-to guide for ADUs in DC and are supporting them in Northern Virginia. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. One mid-size U.S. city is producing 500 ADUs per year. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs. HB2054 – Samirah – TOD -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2054 – Transit-oriented development (TOD) – amendments. TOD is one of the most effective local economic development strategies we have. Think Amazon. Amazon selected the most transit rich location it could find – with 3 Metro stations, Amtrak, commuter rail, and bus. But it’s also the case that TOD locations are much in demand in Norfolk, Richmond, Fairfax, and North Carolina and other parts of the U.S. by the next generation workforce and companies. Marriott moved from an office park to a Metro station. VW is moving from an office park to Reston Metro Station. TOD communities are also great locations for new housing – where transportation costs are minimized. Because of the ease of using transit, walking and biking, and the access to jobs and services, parking can and should be reduced in TODs. Doing so also increases the affordability of housing because a structured parking space can cost $30,000 to $50,000. Not surprisingly builders are looking for flexibility to reduce parking and building costs. Therefore, we support the amendment to the TOD statute passed last year: reducing, modifying, or waiving local parking requirements or ratios. We also support removing the requirement that density be reduced elsewhere. About CSG: The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the D.C. region advocating for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way to grow and provide opportunities for all. We are 23-years-old and also work in many other areas of Virginia assisting local groups and officials with sustainable land use, transportation and housing policies.

Chairman Torian and Members of the Committee, AARP Virginia supports HB2053 introduced by Del. Samirah. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a common-sense solution that allows homeowners more freedom concerning their property and diversifies neighborhoods in terms of housing stock and households. ADUs help address issues relating to helping older homeowners, single parents, young home buyers, and renters seeking a wider range of home, prices, rents, and locations. Furthermore, they provide a convenient living arrangement for family members or other persons to provide care and support for someone in a semi-independent living arrangement while remaining in their community, which is particularly important during health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to assess the construction of internal, attached, and detached accessory dwelling units as a strategy to address the Commonwealth’s growing demand for affordable and market-rate housing. House Bill 2053 brings expert stakeholders, community leaders, and pertinent governmental organizations together to report to the State a clear understanding of the ADU stock in Virginia and how localities could implement ADU ordinances. AARP Virginia urges you to pass HB2053 and looks forward to being named as a member of the advisory group. Respectfully submitted, Natalie Snider AARP Virginia State Advocacy Director

HB2053 – Samirah – ADU study – Support (CSG+PSG+SELC) We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. Recently, the City Council of Alexandria Virginia voted 6 to 1 to adopt an ADU ordinance making it easier for homeowners to build backyard cottages and in-home apartments. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. One mid-size U.S. city is producing 500 ADUs per year. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs.

VCN is fully in support of HB 2053.

We at VCN are in full support of HB 2053.

We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. At CSG we have produced a how-to guide for ADUs in DC and are supporting them in Northern Virginia. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. One mid-size U.S. city is producing 500 ADUs per year. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs.

Mr Chair and members of the Subcommittee, GNDVA hopes you will support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. Flexibility in housing makes sense for environmental, lifestyle, and financial reasons. Though many people buy houses and live in them for decades, their actual needs change over time.  But the way that houses are currently built doesn’t reflect those changes, especially the way households may spend decades with just 1 or 2 members.  Many houses are too big for 1- or 2-person households, and size is probably the biggest single factor in the environmental impact of a house. If you have a reasonably sized house, and an even more reasonably sized ADU, you’ve likely got a pretty green combination with some social benefits as well.  You could have your best friend, your mother, or your grown child live with you. This kind of flexibility and informal support could really help as Virginia’s population ages.  Most people want to stay in their homes as they age, but finances and design can be problematic. ADU’s could help aging people meet their needs without moving. Thank you for your consideration.

Chair Bulova and Members of the Committee, AARP Virginia supports House Bill 2053 introduced by Del. Samirah. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a common-sense solution that allows homeowners more freedom concerning their property and diversifies neighborhoods in terms of housing stock and households. ADUs help address issues relating to helping older homeowners, single parents, young home buyers, and renters seeking a wider range of home, prices, rents, and locations. Furthermore, they provide a convenient living arrangement for family members or other persons to provide care and support for someone in a semi-independent living arrangement while remaining in their community, which is particularly important during health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to assess the construction of internal, attached, and detached accessory dwelling units as a strategy to address the Commonwealth’s growing demand for affordable and market-rate housing. House Bill 2053 brings expert stakeholders, community leaders, and pertinent governmental organizations together to report to the State a clear understanding of the ADU stock in Virginia and how localities could implement ADU ordinances. AARP Virginia urges you to pass HB2053 and looks forward to being named as a member of the advisory group. Respectfully submitted, Natalie Snider AARP Virginia State Advocacy Director

Home Builders Association of Virginia Supports HB 2053

We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. The City of Alexandria Council recently voted 6 to 1 to approve ADUs throughout the city, and some other jurisdictions are studying ADUs. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. One mid-size U.S. city is producing 500 ADUs per year, contributing to meeting urgent housing needs, The information gathered from this state ADU study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs. Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director, Coalition for Smarter Growth; Sonya Breehey, CSG Northern Virginia Advocacy Manager (resident of Fairfax County).

VCN would like to offer its full support of HB 2053 from Delegate Samirah. Accessory dwelling units are a critical housing option for many Virginians, especially seniors who would like to age in place. A study to investigate how to expand their usage in Virginia in an environmentally conscious way would be a good addition to our state's housing strategy.

The Virginia Conservation Network is in full support of both bills being brought forward today by Delegate Samirah. One of the biggest culprits of climate change is buildings. They create about 40% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Today, the global building floor area is about 2.4 trillion square feet; and this number is expected to double by 2060. This means that for the next 40 years, we’ll be adding the equivalent of another New York City to the planet every 34 days. To stop climate change, the way of building and city planning have to change. Both HB 2052 & HB 2053 can help Virginia begin to change the way it builds to be both more sustainable and affordable. By considering the impacts of climate change in their normal land conservation activities, land trusts can provide strategic investments and effective land management to help reduce the vulnerability of natural areas, working lands, and the human communities that depend on them. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) provide Virginians with more housing options that are typically smaller, more affordable, and closer to family. Launching a statewide stakeholder study is the first step to figuring out how we can better incorporate ADUs into our statewide housing stock to fill in the housing gaps for young couples, seniors who would like to age in place, and many more Virginians in need of safe, accessible shelter.

HB2052 -- Please withdraw our testimony in support. Late breaking information from a local Richmond land trust indicates that not all legal issues have been worked out. HB2053 -- We maintain our support via the comments we submitted a few minutes ago.

HB2052 – Samirah – Land Banks – Support. (CSG + PSG) We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2052 as a critical tool in the effort to revitalize towns, cities, and older suburbs, while increasing the supply of critically needed affordable housing. We support the amendment ensuring that the bill is only applied to tax-delinquent properties if the tax lien on the property exceeds the assessed value of the property. This bill will enable non-profit organizations to acquire for land needed to rehabilitate homes or build new affordable homes for our essential workforce. By removing the cost of land it will help ensure homes are affordable at lower income levels. This bill will also ensure that land and buildings are returned to the tax rolls. This bill is pro-economic development, pro-housing, pro-equity, and pro-smart growth. Thank you. HB2053 – Samirah – ADU study – Support (CSG+PSG+SELC) We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. At CSG we have produced a how-to guide for ADUs in DC and are supporting them in Northern Virginia. Alexandria City Council recently voted 6 to 1 to permit ADUs. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They are pro-property rights and they provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. One mid-size U.S. city is producing 500 ADUs per year. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs. Thank you.

Chair Heretick and Members of the Committee, AARP Virginia supports both HB2052 and HB2053 introduced by Del. Samirah. Land Banks are growing in popularity around the country and here in Virginia. House Bill 2052 provides localities with the option to set up or interact with an established community land bank under the Land Bank Entities Act (§ 8 15.2-7500 et seq.). This measure gives these land trusts the first right of refusal on all tax delinquent properties going to auction and is amended to ensure that the bill is only applied to tax-delinquent properties if the tax lien exceeds the property's assessed value. AARP Virginia urges you to pass HB2052 as it is a good step towards addressing housing needs. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a common-sense solution that allows homeowners more freedom concerning their property and diversifies neighborhoods in terms of housing stock and households. ADUs help address issues relating to helping older homeowners, single parents, young home buyers, and renters seeking a wider range of home, prices, rents, and locations. Furthermore, they provide a convenient living arrangement for family members or other persons to provide care and support for someone in a semi-independent living arrangement while remaining in their community, which is particularly important during health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to assess the construction of internal, attached, and detached accessory dwelling units as a strategy to address the Commonwealth’s growing demand for affordable and market-rate housing. House Bill 2053 brings expert stakeholders, community leaders, and pertinent governmental organizations together to report to the State a clear understanding of the ADU stock in Virginia and how localities could implement ADU ordinances. AARP Virginia urges you to pass HB2053 and looks forward to being named as a member of the advisory group. Respectfully submitted, Natalie Snider AARP Virginia State Advocacy Director 804-344-3063 nsnider@aarp.org

AARP Virginia supports HB2052, HB2053, and HB2054, presented by Del. Samirah. Land Banks are growing in popularity around the country and here in Virginia. HB2052 provides localities with the option to set up or interact with an established community land bank under the Land Bank Entities Act (§ 8 15.2-7500 et seq.). This measure gives these land trusts the first right of refusal on all tax delinquent properties going to auction. It is a good step towards addressing housing needs. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a common-sense solution that allows homeowners more freedom concerning their property and diversifies neighborhoods in terms of housing stock and households. ADUs help address issues relating to helping older homeowners, single parents, young home buyers, and renters seeking a wider range of home, prices, rents, and locations. Furthermore, they provide a convenient living arrangement for family members or other persons to provide care and support for someone in a semi-independent living arrangement while remaining in their community, which is particularly important during health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to assess the construction of internal, attached, and detached accessory dwelling units as a strategy to address the Commonwealth’s growing demand for affordable and market-rate housing. HB2053 brings expert stakeholders, community leaders, and pertinent governmental organizations together to report to the State a clear understanding of the ADU stock in Virginia and how localities could implement ADU ordinances. AARP Virginia looks forward to being named as a member of this work group. HB2054 addresses increased city and county planning for transit-oriented development to include limiting parking requirements to encourage public transit use and increased density around our metropolitan areas. It is important to revise parking policies to create walkable, mixed-use communities that support public transportation use, generate revenue, and reduce the cost of housing. These are common-sense options to explore as a state, and we believe that support of these bills would be in the best interest of our Commonwealth's working families. We have shared these comments previously with Del. Kory, Del. Heretick, and Speaker Filler-Corn. Thank you for your consideration of our recommendations. I can be reached at 804-344-3063 or nsnider@aarp.org should you have questions or concerns. Respectfully submitted, Natalie Snider State Advocacy Director AARP Virginia

The Southern Environmental Law Center supports Delegate Samirah’s HB2053, which calls for a study of the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the Commonwealth. ADUs offer multiple benefits, including providing much-needed diversity of housing stock and households (such as helping to meet the pressing needs of housing for aging parents and providing more affordable places for adult children or other community members to live) and helping to slow the spread of sprawl and the destruction of farmland and natural resources by allowing more housing units within existing neighborhoods. HB2053 provides a path to assessing the value of greater adoption of provisions to allow ADUs, bringing key stakeholders together to develop information on the status and barriers to ADUs in Virginia, as well as potential steps to encourage or require creating more of this housing stock. This is a process well worth pursuing, and SELC urges you to support this bill. Thank you.

HB2052 – Samirah – Land Banks -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2052 as a critical tool in the effort to revitalize towns, cities, and older suburbs, while increasing the supply of critically needed affordable housing. This bill will enable non-profit organizations to acquire for $1 land needed to rehabilitate homes or build new affordable homes for our essential workforce. By removing the cost of land it will help ensure homes are affordable at lower income levels. This bill will also ensure that land and buildings are returned to the tax rolls. This bill is pro-economic development, pro-housing, pro-equity, and pro-smart growth. Thank you. HB2053 – Samirah – ADU study -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. At CSG we have produced a how-to guide for ADUs in DC and are supporting them in Northern Virginia. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. One mid-size U.S. city is producing 500 ADUs per year. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs. HB2054 – Samirah – TOD -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2054 – Transit-oriented development (TOD) – amendments. TOD is one of the most effective local economic development strategies we have. Think Amazon. Amazon selected the most transit rich location it could find – with 3 Metro stations, Amtrak, commuter rail, and bus. But it’s also the case that TOD locations are much in demand in Norfolk, Richmond, Fairfax, and North Carolina and other parts of the U.S. by the next generation workforce and companies. Marriott moved from an office park to a Metro station. VW is moving from an office park to Reston Metro Station. TOD communities are also great locations for new housing – where transportation costs are minimized. Because of the ease of using transit, walking and biking, and the access to jobs and services, parking can and should be reduced in TODs. Doing so also increases the affordability of housing because a structured parking space can cost $30,000 to $50,000. Not surprisingly builders are looking for flexibility to reduce parking and building costs. Therefore, we support the amendment to the TOD statute passed last year: reducing, modifying, or waiving local parking requirements or ratios. We also support removing the requirement that density be reduced elsewhere. The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the D.C. region advocating for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way to grow and provide opportunities for all. We are 23-years-old and also work in many other areas of Virginia assisting local groups and officials with sustainable land use, transportation and housing policies.

The Southern Environmental Law Center supports Delegate Samirah’s HB2053, which calls for a study of the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the Commonwealth. ADUs offer multiple benefits, including providing much-needed diversity of housing stock and households (such as helping to meet the pressing needs of housing for aging parents and providing more affordable places for adult children or other community members to live) and helping to slow the spread of sprawl and the destruction of farmland and natural resources by allowing more housing units within existing neighborhoods. HB2053 provides a path to assessing the value of greater adoption of provisions to allow ADUs, bringing key stakeholders together to develop information on the status and barriers to ADUs in Virginia, as well as potential steps to encourage or require creating more of this housing stock. This is a process well worth pursuing, and SELC urges you to support this bill. Thank you.

HB2052 We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2052 as a critical tool in the effort to revitalize towns, cities, and older suburbs, while increasing the supply of critically needed affordable housing. This bill will enable non-profit organizations to acquire for $1 land needed to rehabilitate homes or build new affordable homes for our essential workforce. By removing the cost of land it will help ensure homes are affordable at lower income levels. This bill will also ensure that land and buildings are returned to the tax rolls. This bill is pro-economic development, pro-housing, pro-equity, and pro-smart growth. HB2053 We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. ADUs are an affordable housing solution that strengthens the private market for housing and allows people who may not otherwise be able to afford homes the opportunity to build equity. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs. HB2054 We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2054 – Transit-oriented development (TOD) – amendments. TOD is one of the most effective local economic development strategies we have. Amazon, for example, selected the most transit rich location it could find – with 3 Metro stations, Amtrak, commuter rail, and bus. But it’s also the case that TOD locations are much in demand in Norfolk, Richmond, Fairfax, and North Carolina and other parts of the U.S. by the next generation workforce and companies. TOD communities are also great locations for new housing – where transportation costs are minimized. Because of the ease of using transit, walking and biking, and the access to jobs and services, parking can and should be reduced in TODs. Doing so also increases the affordability of housing because a structured parking space can cost $30,000 to $50,000. Not surprisingly builders are looking for flexibility to reduce parking and building costs. Therefore, we support the amendment to the TOD statute passed last year: reducing, modifying, or waiving local parking requirements or ratios. We also support removing the requirement that density be reduced elsewhere.

HB2052 – Samirah – Land Banks -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2052 as a critical tool in the effort to revitalize towns, cities, and older suburbs, while increasing the supply of critically needed affordable housing. This bill will enable non-profit organizations to acquire for $1 land needed to rehabilitate homes or build new affordable homes for our essential workforce. By removing the cost of land it will help ensure homes are affordable at lower income levels. This bill will also ensure that land and buildings are returned to the tax rolls. This bill is pro-economic development, pro-housing, pro-equity, and pro-smart growth. Thank you. HB2053 – Samirah – ADU study -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2053 to study the status and potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Virginia. At CSG we have produced a how-to guide for ADUs in DC and are supporting them in Northern Virginia. ADUs have many benefits including providing homes for an aging parent (which is of increased interest given the health challenges in nursing homes), a returning college graduate starting out, or a member of the community looking for a more affordable place to live. ADUs can provide a stream of income to allow a family to afford their home or a retiree to supplement their income. They provide greater diversity and affordability to our housing supply. One mid-size U.S. city is producing 500 ADUs per year. The information gathered in this study will help local governments to develop and improve their ADU ordinances and address growing housing needs. HB2054 – Samirah – TOD -- Support We strongly support Delegate Samirah’s bill HB2054 – Transit-oriented development (TOD) – amendments. TOD is one of the most effective local economic development strategies we have. Think Amazon. Amazon selected the most transit rich location it could find – with 3 Metro stations, Amtrak, commuter rail, and bus. But it’s also the case that TOD locations are much in demand in Norfolk, Richmond, Fairfax, and North Carolina and other parts of the U.S. by the next generation workforce and companies. Marriott moved from an office park to a Metro station. VW is moving from an office park to Reston Metro Station. TOD communities are also great locations for new housing – where transportation costs are minimized. Because of the ease of using transit, walking and biking, and the access to jobs and services, parking can and should be reduced in TODs. Doing so also increases the affordability of housing because a structured parking space can cost $30,000 to $50,000. Not surprisingly builders are looking for flexibility to reduce parking and building costs. Therefore, we support the amendment to the TOD statute passed last year: reducing, modifying, or waiving local parking requirements or ratios. We also support removing the requirement that density be reduced elsewhere. About CSG: The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the D.C. region advocating for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way to grow and provide opportunities for all. We are 23-years-old and also work in many other areas of Virginia assisting local groups and officials with sustainable land use, transportation and housing policies.

I am for this bill. Thank you.

We support HB 2114 and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with VACO on a commonsense solution.

The Virginia Association of Counties supports HB 2042 and HB 2114.

I signed up early but forgot to include my first name, Jay, and that I am the director of the Halifax County-South Boston Public Library System. Thank you.

Our library supports this bill. We lost some of our state aid when South Boston reverted to a town in 1995 and this bill would allow us to recoup some of that state aid.