Henrico is rolling out a new five-year plan to funnel millions of dollars into affordable housing and preventing homelessness.
Why it matters: “The most substantial housing problem affecting Henrico residents is cost burden,” according to the proposal, which the county’s Board of Supervisors approved late last month.
The big picture: Henrico is already taking an unconventional approach to affordable housing that’s been touted as a potential model in the state — a trust fund, fueled by real estate taxes from the county’s data centers.
- This new plan — a requirement for localities that receive federal funding for housing — outlines how Henrico will spend federal dollars on one of the county’s biggest issues.
State of play: The county says resident surveys and feedback from public hearings and dozens of local organizations informed the 2025-2030 plan.
- Affordable housing for sale, home repair programs for homeowners, domestic violence shelters and homeless facilities were among residents’ greatest priorities.
- Housing providers said that the fastest-growing demographic of people experiencing homelessness they’re seeing is working-class people struggling with rising rents.
- Those providers also noted a need for affordable housing that specifically supports older residents and people with disabilities.
Some of the goals for the five years include:…