More homes for more people, and more ways to stay

Last updated 1/15/26 at 7 a.m.

Mayor Danny Avula's housing affordability plan focuses on two main strategies: increasing the supply of homes (more homes for more people) and anti-displacement initiatives (more ways to stay).

  More homes for more people

1. Establish predictable funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing.
2. Update the zoning code to increase the housing supply and to streamline permitting and approval processes.

  More ways to stay

1. Commit to collaborative public housing redevelopment by holding RRHA accountable and centering residents.
2. Deliver on anti-displacement by improving administration of our existing programs.

  Updates

• Jan. 13, 2026 - Mayor Danny Avula announces comprehensive housing affordability and supply plan

On Monday, January 12, Mayor Danny Avula introduced the first ordinance in his comprehensive affordable housing plan.

"Housing is the foundation of opportunity in Richmond," Mayor Avula shared following the introduction. "Richmond has affordable housing programs and tools on the books, but too often, residents haven't felt the benefit. That's an execution problem, and it's on us to finally fix that. By making our funding more predictable, streamlining our processes, and refining how our anti-displacement programs operate, we're building a Richmond where everyone has a place to call home. A Thriving City Hall that executes well is how we deliver Thriving Neighborhoods."

Explore the four parts of Mayor Danny Avula's Plan:

1. Establish predictable funding
2. Update the zoning code
3. Commit to collaborative public housing redevelopment
4. Deliver on anti-displacement

1. Establish predictable funding

In Fiscal Year 2027, Mayor Avula's administration expects to invest at least $13.4 million in City funds towards the creation and preservation of approximately 1,000 affordable homes. This does not include an estimated $12.6 million in federal funds, which the City will also use for the creation and preservation of housing and housing-related services.

Mayor Danny Avula will:

1. Direct $10 million annually to be overseen by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board, with substantial additional investments made in affordable housing through performance grants and other programs.
2. Enforce this commitment by repealing the existing ordinance and proposing a new, legally-binding AHTF ordinance to improve the consistency, predictability, and transparency of funding.

Why does this matter?

Right now, the current laws set complicated limits for how the City can create and use funding for affordable housing initiatives. Those include the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, our innovative performance grants, and other programs designed to get both renters and homeowners into affordable housing more easily. Revising funding formulas will make sure that the City is getting the best use out of taxpayer dollars and other revenue streams. It will also help us devote consistent and predictable funding amounts to our most critical affordable housing tools.

2. Update the zoning code

Updating the City's zoning code by passing Code Refresh will allow for the production of over 30,000 new homes, a scale that would address even the city's most significant growth scenarios.

Mayor Danny Avula will:

1. Introduce a final draft of the Code Refresh later this year.
2. Prioritize the construction of diverse types, shapes, and sizes of homes in order to meet the housing demands of Richmonders from all walks of life.
3. Prioritize transit-oriented development to better connect residents with the goods, services, and relationships they need, advancing the general well-being that comes from living in an affordable home in a connected neighborhood.

Why does this matter?

The housing affordability and supply crisis will continue into the future as Richmond's population continues to grow. Code Refresh will allow for the construction of new homes to meet that growth through thoughtful increases in density that respect existing neighborhoods.

  Resources

• Learn more about Code Refresh

3. Commit to collaborative public housing redevelopment

The City will strengthen its relationship with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and will formalize that relationship with a signed Memorandum of Agreement that outlines shared goals and common vision for housing redevelopment efforts.

Mayor Danny Avula will:

1. Continue to demand resident-centered redevelopment and 1:1 replacement of deeply-affordable subsidized housing units, ensuring the City has a seat at every table.

Why does this matter?

Redevelopment of public housing is one of the best ways City can address the housing affordability crisis for Richmonders with the lowest incomes. Effective, sustainable redevelopment is only possible through a people-centered plan that includes both residents and City of Richmond leadership.

  Resources

• Dec. 17, 2025, Mayor Avula Welcomes RRHA's Approval of Joint Governance Structure for Gilpin Court Redevelopment
• Nov. 20, 2025, Moving Forward Together: Mayor Avula Shares New Model for Resident-Centered Public Housing Redevelopment with RRHA Board of Commissioners
• Nov. 19, 2025, Mayor Danny Avula's presentation to the RRHA Board
• Sep. 11, 2025, Mayor Danny Avula's Public Statement on Gilpin Court Redevelopment Plans

4. Deliver on anti-displacement

From eviction diversion programs and right-to-counsel grants to real estate tax exemptions and home rehabilitation assistance, the City of Richmond runs more than 20 different programs dedicated to keeping residents in their homes. In Fiscal Year 2027, the administration will work to serve more than 9,000 households through one or more of these programs.

Mayor Danny Avula will:

1. Support Councilmember Robertson's resolution calling for a cross-departmental inventory of all anti-displacement programs and efforts, as well as an assessment of inputs, outputs, and outcomes from each program.
2. Strengthen meaningful anti-displacement tools, including owner-occupied home repair and rehabilitation programs; crisis response funds; and real estate tax exemptions and deferrals for older adults and persons with disabilities.

Why does this matter?

While the City currently has creative, proven anti-displacement programs, they must operate efficiently to move financial support into our communities as quickly as possible. Mayor Avula's administration will continue to "Look For It, Find It, and Fix It," refining the nuts and bolts of these programs to get support to the residents who need it.

One part of the housing whole

While this plan focuses on addressing the housing affordability and supply crisis, housing challenges extend across an entire spectrum. The administration recognizes that too many Richmonders are experiencing homelessness and remains committed to compassionate care through programs like the Inclement Weather Shelter, permanent supportive housing, and others. The City will also continue to advocate at the Virginia General Assembly for additional tools, including the ability to implement inclusionary zoning and anti-rent gouging measures at the local level.

This plan is one important piece of how we address safe and stable housing in our city-and the administration is committed to making progress on all fronts.