Policy/Research Information

On April 30, 2010 Governor McDonnell issued Executive Order Number 10 outlining the need for a clear and consistent housing policy framework. This is the first Executive Branch effort to craft a comprehensive, state-level housing policy framework in Virginia.

Bob Sledd, the Governor's Senior Economic Advisor, is charged with leading the housing policy process. Mr. Sledd has convened a Housing Policy Work Group to help identify key issues and recommend strategies. The Work Group will build on the Virginia Housing Commission's 2006 policy framework. In addition, Mr. Sledd established a larger Housing Policy Advisory Committee to provide guidance and direction to the Work Group. Mr. Sledd has also initiated subgroups on homelessness and foreclosure. Mr. Sledd is chairing the homelessness subgroup and Terrie Suit, the Governor's Assistant for Commonwealth Preparedness, is chairing the Foreclosure Task Force.

Across the Commonwealth, people are looking for ways to keep their homes and Governor McDonnell clearly understands the relationship between unemployment and the foreclosure problem in Virginia. Creating jobs is one of the best ways to prevent foreclosures from negatively impacting Virginia's citizens and the Commonwealth's economy. This is a key reason why his Administration is focusing on creating jobs and why he issued Executive Order Number 1 establishing the Chief Job Creation Officer and the Governor's Economic Development and Job Creation Commission.

Housing is not only a crosscutting issue, but also an essential component of effective economic development, provision of human services and efficient transportation services. Housing helps define communities and is a major component in determining the quality of life for individuals and, families, as well as the Commonwealth's general prosperity.

You will find important information here on Virginia's foreclosure problem and the many ways the McDonnell administration is working to address this serious issue.