HousingForward Virginia’s Research Library is sorted by topic and geographic focus. All our resources can be sorted by geographic category: National, Virginia, and Other States. Our resources span some of the best and most widely cited housing and related research that is publicly available online. Our database is always growing as recent studies and reports are added, so please check back often.
Report Update: State Strategies to Increase Energy and Water Efficiency in LIHTC Properties (NHT/EEFA, 2021)
In 2017, Energy Efficiency for All released “State Strategies to Increase Energy and Water Efficiency in Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties” which identified the most common strategies HFAs were using to advance water and energy efficiency in housing credit properties. This updated report examines the same ten strategies to identify trends in how HFAs are using 9 percent LIHTCs to develop and preserve affordable rental housing that is energy and water efficient, and identify states encouraging higher levels of performance and promising practices.
Read MoreRichmond Regional Housing Framework Data Update (PHARVA, 2023)
This report is a data update for the Richmond Regional Housing Framework, which was released by the Partnership for Housing Affordability (PHA) in January 2020. It will support PHA’s ongoing efforts to educate both decision-makers and the public at large about the region’s housing needs and opportunities. Data in the report will also help PHA continue to monitor, change, and implement the policy solutions outlined in the Framework.
Read MoreState, Local, and Federal Laws Barring Source-of-Income Discrimination (PRRAC, Ongoing)
An inventory and review of Source of Income legislation around the United States. Source of Income legislation restricts a landlords ability to deny housing based on the source of a potential tenant's income (ie., Section 8 vouchers).
Read MoreImproving America’s Housing 2023 (JCHS)
This report examines economic trends in housing maintenance and remodeling, both in owner-occupied and rental homes.
Read MoreThe State of The Nation’s Housing 2023 (JCHS)
This report provides a broad overview of housing in the U.S. in 2023, from housing markets and demographic trends, to homeownership, renting, and the challenges housing faces.
Read MoreHousing America’s Older Adults 2023 (JCHS)
This report examines the realities of older adults' housing in the U.S. It begins with demographics and data about seniors' living situations, and then dives into challenges around affordability, accessibility, and housing quality. It closes out by focusing on the special challenge that is the "dual burden" of housing and elder care on low-income households.
Read MoreInclusionary Zoning Primer (NAHB, 2019)
This resource collects and summarizes research on inclusionary zoning, arguing that it may not be as effective as advocates hope at closing the affordability gap, and may also have deleterious effects on market-based housing development.
Read MoreAmerica’s Rental Housing 2024 (JCHS)
A report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Research on the state of rental housing in the U.S., including data about households, housing stock, markets, affordability, and the many challenges facing rental housing in 2024.
Read MorePaycheck to Paycheck Database (NHC, Ongoing)
A database which allows users to compare median incomes for specific occupations with housing costs in metro areas.
Read MoreHousing and Education Collaborations to Serve Homeless Children, Youth, and Families (National Center for Homeless Education, 2023)
This brief from the National Center for Homeless Education provides basic information to help homeless service providers and homeless education staff understand each other’s role in supporting children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness, while offering tools to enhance collaboration among agencies.
Read MoreParking Requirement Impacts on Housing Affordability (Victoria Transport Policy Institute, 2024)
Since parking costs increase as a percentage of rent for lower priced housing, and low income households tend to own fewer vehicles, minimum parking requirements are regressive and unfair. Various parking management strategies can increase affordability, economic efficiency and equity.
Read MoreAddressing housing challenges on a regional basis (Local Housing Solutions)
Cities, towns, and counties in many regions could benefit from tackling local housing challenges on a regional basis. While regional collaboration can often be challenging, a regional perspective can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the economic conditions that contribute to local housing needs.
Read MoreAfter a decade of slow growth, many of Virginia’s exurbs are booming again (UVA Weldon-Cooper, 2023)
Before the Great Recession in the late 2000s, Louisa County was among the fastest growing counties in the nation. Lake Anna’s 200 miles of shoreline helped attract thousands of retirees to the county, while Louisa’s low cost of living and proximity to Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, and Richmond attracted many younger residents willing to make a long commute to the metro areas. After a decade of slow growth in population following the 2000s housing crash, the 2022 Virginia Population Estimates that our center released show Louisa and many other counties located on the borders of Virginia’s metro areas are booming again.
Read MoreIn the era of remote work, housing costs may slow Virginia population growth further (UVA Weldon-Cooper, 2022)
On July 13, 2022, the Demographics Research Group of the UVA Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service presented an analysis of the interrelationship between Virginia’s housing market and population trends to the General Assembly’s Housing Commission. After receiving a number of inquiries regarding the presentation, they shared a summary of the presentation with expanded commentary on some noteworthy trends.
Read MoreVirginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act Handbook (2023)
This handbook (updated in 2023) contains information on the rights, remedies, and responsibilities of landlords and renters concerning the rental process in Virginia and includes legal aid resources for renters.
Read MoreLoudoun County Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan (2021)
The Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan (PDF), approved in September 2021, defines how the county will address the unmet housing needs of households in a systematic and comprehensive way with integrated programs. The plan recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the housing issue; it will take multiple approaches applied in combination to address the issue of housing affordability; and there is no one type of housing need. The plan was developed through a strategic planning process as a key implementation step of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan.
Read MoreHousing GVA: Goochland County Housing Study & Strategy (HDAdvisors, 2021)
The picturesque rural setting and strong community of Goochland County has been why many residents continue to call Goochland home, but those same characteristics have drawn residents from near and far. The attractiveness of Goochland County has only increased as COVID-19’s impacts on the housing market are being felt as new buyers look for more open space and privacy. But Goochland County faces a difficult balancing act: preserving its rural character while also ensuring that a diverse set of people can afford to live there. This report was prepared by HDAdvisors, who also staffs HousingForward Virginia.
Read MoreCity of Harrisonburg Comprehensive Housing Study & Market Analysis (2021)
The more than 200-page report, the first ever conducted by the City, views housing needs through the lens of social determinants of health, introduced by the World Health Organization, to quantify existing housing supply, assess demand for different housing types, identify barriers to meeting demands, and list potential policy tools to address housing gaps. The study produced 21 recommendations structured to establish a foundation to address affordable housing now and in the future.
Read MoreBath County Housing Needs Assessment & Market Analysis (2020)
The purpose of the study is to understand and quantify the county's housing affordability and availability challenge, envision how the county’s quality of life could change in light of a shrinking year-round population and limited workforce housing options, and offer tools and strategies for addressing the issue.
Read MoreFarmville/Prince Edward County Housing Study (HDAdvisors, 2019)
While the amount of new housing estimated to be produced in the Study Area given current trends is sufficient to meet future needs, the price point and housing size are not targeted to the population’s needs. This report was prepared by HDAdvisors, who also staffs HousingForward Virginia.
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