Our Role in Federal Policy

Bringing clear data and reliable information to federal housing policy in Virginia

In today’s rapidly evolving federal housing policy environment, we recognize the need for clear information and analysis to help Virginia communities understand and respond to these changes. To meet that need, we’re beginning to seek the most effective use of our capacity to deepen your knowledge of the federal government’s role in housing and community development at the local level.

OUR INTENTION

HousingForward Virginia plans to develop resources that will help Virginians fully appreciate how federal funding, policy, and programs touch their communities — and help navigate potentially significant changes in the coming future. Rather than designing these tools in isolation, we want to build them collaboratively with our partners across the Commonwealth.

We envision resources that might:

  • Translate complex federal policy changes into plain language
  • Track federal housing investments in Virginia
  • Connect federal policies to local housing outcomes
  • Provide timely analysis of emerging housing issues

BUILDING THIS TOGETHER

Before we launch any new initiatives, we want to hear from you — our partners, stakeholders, and community leaders. Your input is essential to ensure we develop resources that truly serve Virginia’s diverse communities.

We’d like to understand:

  • What federal housing policy information would be most valuable to your organization?
  • What formats would make this information most accessible and useful?
  • What gaps exist in your current access to federal housing policy information?

HOW THIS ADVANCES OUR STRATEGIC GOALS

This expanded federal policy focus directly advances multiple strategic goals from our new strategic plan.

Strategic Goal 1: Generate original research that simplifies complex issues and promotes evidence-based policymaking.

New tools will help simplify and centralize housing information, data, and resources. With more data, there will be more opportunities for original research about federal impacts on the housing ecosystem in Virginia.

Strategic Goal 2: Strengthen our ability to drive widespread adoption of proven solutions and innovative approaches.

By tracking federal housing investments in Virginia, we’ll help communities identify and implement evidence-based approaches that leverage federal resources efficiently, while also exploring new mechanisms for supporting housing in Virginia.

Strategic Goal 3: Expand and solidify our values-based partnerships and outreach activities.

Working with partners like Virginia Housing Alliance, Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, and HOME of Virginia will allow us to deepen our statewide impact through strategic outreach and intentional partnerships.

WHY THIS MATTERS

HFV is uniquely positioned to provide clear, non-partisan analysis of how federal policies affect our state. This work naturally extends our mission to help community leaders take action to solve their housing challenges and supports our commitment to data-driven innovation.

In times of policy change and uncertainty, having reliable information becomes even more critical. By working together, we can help ensure Virginia communities are well-prepared to respond to federal policy shifts and leverage new opportunities effectively.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS WORK

This expanded focus requires additional resources. We’re seeking support from:

Foundations and Institutional Funders

Your grant support can help us build robust tracking tools and produce high-quality analysis that serves communities statewide.

Individual Donors

Your contributions help us maintain independence and responsiveness as we navigate rapidly changing policy environments.

Housing Organizations

Your participation in our convenings and feedback on our tools will ensure they serve real community needs.

If you believe in the importance of accessible, reliable information about housing policy, please consider supporting this work. Contact our Executive Director for Strategy & Sustainability to discuss partnership opportunities, or visit our website to make a contribution.

By working together, we can ensure Virginia communities not only understand federal housing policy changes but are positioned to leverage them effectively, advancing our vision of becoming “a national leader for advancing successful, data-driven housing solutions in Virginia and beyond.”

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