Housing

Representatives from local government joined the Partnership for Housing Affordability on Wednesday to unveil the region’s first framework to address the lack of affordable housing options. The lengthy report sets goals for each locality, and proposes solutions to meet them.

Richmond City Council unanimously passed a new zoning ordinance on Monday night that sets a limit on converting some existing properties into multi-family complexes.

Millions of Americans are forced from their homes every year. Evictions are usually considered in economic terms -- an outcome of housing supply and income levels -- but what about their physical and emotional impact?

The City of Richmond’s Eviction Diversion Program kicked-off its work last fall in an effort to tackle the high number of evictions in the city. Some of the people it’s been assisting include residents in subsidized housing.

Governor Ralph Northam announced plans on Friday to put $92 million in the upcoming state budget for affordable housing programs. Northam says this funding will help the state deal with its evictions problem.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, rejected the Richmond housing authority’s annual and five-year plans. Federally-funded housing authorities are required to submit these plans annually. VPM obtained the September 30 rejection letter through a public records request.

Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority said the agency will “do our part” to help tenants catch up on their back-rent. This comes after RRHA announced last week it’s pausing all evictions through the end of the year.

Richmond City Council Vice President Chris Hilbert says he has lined up the necessary votes to kill the Salvation Army’s planned move from Downtown to Northside.