2025 – 2027 Strategic Plan
Our response to Virginia’s evolving housing needs
Strategic plans often sit on shelves collecting dust. But as housing costs continue to rise, communities across the state are eager for solutions. A clear roadmap for action matters now more than ever.
That’s why HousingForward Virginia spent the last six months developing our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. Through conversations with over 40 partners and stakeholders, we identified the critical challenges facing Virginia’s housing ecosystem—and how we can help solve them.
What’s different about this plan?
For the first time in our 20-year history, we’re setting measurable targets for our impact. We’re committing to expand our research capacity, strengthen our policy work, and build deeper partnerships across Virginia. Most importantly, we’re focusing on practical solutions that communities can actually implement.
What does this mean for Virginia’s housing leaders?
- Local officials, planners, and developers will see new tools from us, including an enhanced Sourcebook platform with ready-to-use fact sheets, and a comprehensive policy roadmap tailored to different market types. Whether you’re working in rural Southwest Virginia or suburban Northern Virginia, you’ll have access to data and information that make sense for your community.
- Housing nonprofits can expect stronger research support for their advocacy work. We’re building out our technical assistance capabilities and creating new forums for knowledge sharing—including a revamped HousingX event.
- Elected officials will find clearer connections between housing and other priority issues like economic development and public education. We’re developing new resources that demonstrate these links with hard data and practical examples.
We’re also tackling some big challenges:
- Rural communities often lack capacity for housing work. We expect to grow our partnerships with Planning District Commissions to provide targeted support where it’s needed most.
- Housing policy can be complicated. Our new Playbook series will break down complex issues, starting with accessory dwelling unit (ADU) policies.
- The next generation of housing leaders deserves training. We look to work with universities to develop new pipelines for talented housing policy experts.
Why does this matter now?
Virginia’s housing challenges aren’t getting any easier. Local governments are grappling with affordability issues. Developers face rising costs and community opposition. Residents struggle to find homes they can afford.
But we’re seeing opportunities too. More localities are updating their zoning codes. Regional cooperation is growing. New funding sources are emerging. Our strategic plan positions us to capitalize on these opportunities while addressing persistent challenges.
What’s next?
Over the coming months and years, we’ll roll out new research tools, expand our technical assistance programs, and strengthen our partnerships across Virginia. We’ll measure our progress and adjust course as needed.
Most importantly, we’ll continue serving as Virginia’s honest broker in housing policy—providing the objective analysis and practical support that communities need to create more housing opportunities for all.
The future of housing in Virginia is being shaped today. Let’s work together to make it work for everyone.
Want to learn more? Read the full plan or reach out to discuss how we can support your housing initiatives.
Want to learn more?
Read the full plan or reach out to discuss how we can support your housing initiatives.