WVTF: Virginia Legislators Offer Housing Ideas Ahead of 2026 Session

Governor-elect Spanberger ran on housing affordability as a top priority. While the details of her plans remain minimal, Democratic lawmakers in the General Assembly are already brainstorming solutions ahead of the 2026 Regular Session. Senator VanValkenburg of Henrico County plans to introduce legislation that would change incentives localities consider when developing new housing projects, while Delegate Thomas of Prince William County wants to address how litigation slows down the creation of new housing.

Delegate Cole of Fredericksburg will reintroduce legislation that would allow faith and other tax-exempt groups to build housing on their properties, while Senator Aird of Petersburg and Delegate Price of Newport News will focus on sponsoring bills that would place more requirements on landlords before they evict tenants (currently, Virginia’s eviction rate is the highest in the nation). Republican Delegate Austin of Botetourt County warns against placing burdensome restrictions on localities’ ability to address the housing crisis but says he will keep an open ear to the proposals his Democratic counterparts bring forth. Read more here.