VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The topic of owning a home is a heavy one for most Virginians. While the idea of owning a home may seem out of reach to most, Governor Glenn Youngkin addressed the 2024 Virginia Governor's Housing Conference to say it shouldn't be.
"With every new job announced there needs to be a new housing opportunity available," said Youngkin. "I look forward to that housewarming party that will go along with it."
On Thursday, Governor Youngkin signed and executed Executive Order 42, and the launch of the Workforce Housing Investment Program.
The idea is that localities who are adding more jobs to their area could receive up to $3 million dollars in loans, subsidies, and grants to help pay for that housing.
To be eligible for that investment a locality must be within a 30-minute drive of a business adding new jobs: 100 for a non-distressed locality, 50 for a distressed locality, and 25 for a double distressed locality.
However, the governor said it's ultimately up to local governments to relax planning and zoning laws for development to come to their cities.
"They've got to get with the program," said Youngkin. "That's also why we include the requirement for a housing plan to get money for site development cause we need the localities to recognize that so many of the roadblocks happen at the local level."
Such discussion can be seen at the local level in Hampton Roads.
Virginia Beach Mayor, Bobby Dyer, previously signaled his support to further develop Virginia Beach and entice more companies to invest in the Resort City.
However, for cities such as Suffolk, the issue of land use is more controversial. Suffolk's mayoral race faces a re-count as the city seems split on how to handle its growing population.
Incumbent Mayor, Mike Duman, who supports growth and a larger tax base, narrowly defeated his opponent, Clinton Jenkins, by less than 200 votes.
Governor Youngkin said the issue of land use in rural communities should be handled delicately.
"It needs to be thoughtful but if we are going to grow and have more jobs and want companies to come - we have to recognize that what comes with that is a need to provide housing opportunities across Virginia," said Youngkin.
According to updated building codes, the cost of building a new workforce housing unit is roughly $24,000. This means cities could build more than a hundred units using this program.