GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 32 (2014)

Advancing Virginia's Housing Policy

Importance of the Issue

The sustained economic and social vitality of communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia depends upon the quality, availability, and affordability of housing. Housing is, and will remain, a key policy priority with far-reaching economic and social consequences. Successfully addressing homelessness, particularly among veterans and youth, requires a continued commitment of energy and resources. Advancing progress in special needs housing is also an imperative to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to live in appropriate, fully integrated settings within communities rather than institutional facilities. Moreover, the housing industry is a major direct and indirect contributor to the growth of the state's economy.

The Commonwealth must build upon the foundation established by public and private constituencies to address homelessness, while identifying several new priority areas in which progress is needed and attainable. The availability of affordable housing is a critical component not only for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, but also for a growing workforce. It is essential to coordinate housing and economic development investments.

Accordingly, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby direct the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, with the assistance of the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Executive Director of the Virginia Housing Development Authority, and a representative of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to identify and implement actions to enable quality, affordable housing, which will strengthen families and communities and foster economic growth.

Policy Review Initiatives

In developing Virginia's current housing policy, prior housing policy initiatives will be reviewed in addition to the following measures:

1. Prioritize the most urgent areas of housing and homeless program needs.

2. Identify the links between housing and economic and community development.

3. Establish working groups as determined by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and invite stakeholder participation to provide input regarding housing and related issues.

4. Conduct a review of programs and policies in coordination with the activities of state-level housing and economic development policy-setting efforts.

5. Offer advice and recommendations for policies that address:

1. Homelessness, particularly among veterans, young adults, and children;

2. Rapid re-housing strategies;

3. Housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other categories of special needs;

4. Appropriate housing options for an aging demographic;

5. Economic and community development strategies integrated with housing initiatives for urban and rural revitalization, including adaptive reuse, mixed-use development and mixed-income housing, and the preservation of existing affordable housing;

6. Cross-Secretariat and agency collaboration and identification of resources to assist individuals receiving supportive services within a community, as appropriate, rather than in institutional settings; and

7. Affordable housing that meets the needs of working Virginians in areas where high housing costs impede economic development, productivity, and the quality of life.

Staffing and Funding

Staffing will be furnished by the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Housing Development Authority, and other agencies and offices as needed. Stakeholder participants in the review shall serve without compensation.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect untilrescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 30th day of October, 2014.

/s/ Terence R. McAuliffe
Governor