New laws cap late fees and protect renters during emergencies, $12 million to help non-profit housing organizations

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today shared new resources to protect Virginians from eviction and support individuals who have lost their job or income due to COVID-19.

~ Funding to support regional economic development initiatives ~

Initial $2.5 million in funding will house unsheltered individuals, support case management

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today announced an initial $2.5 million in emergency funding to shelter Virginia's statewide homeless population during the COVID-19 pandemic. This emergency support will provide temporary housing for the approximately 1,500 Virginians who are currently unsheltered or rely on shelters that require them to leave every day.

Declaration provides additional support, federal funding to aid statewide response

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Virginia has received a Major Disaster Declaration to aid in the Commonwealth's response to the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Governor Northam requested this federal disaster assistance on Monday, March 30.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is making available current CDBG funding to small cities, towns and rural counties to respond to local needs related to COVID-19 response. DHCD is also closely monitoring availability of funding for all localities through the recently passed CARES Act (federal stimulus) and will post additional details when this funding becomes available. 

DHCD is closely monitoring the COVID-19 progress and continuing to review the need to cancel or reschedule in-person meetings, events, trainings, etc., as necessary. Click here for the full list of rescheduled or canceled events, updates on grants and other important changes.  

Virginia to invest $120.5 million federal grant to help combat climate change and sea level rise

NORFOLK--Governor Ralph Northam joined City of Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander and federal, state, and local partners to break ground on the Ohio Creek Watershed Project. The project is a collaborative effort to address the impacts of sea level rise in Hampton Roads.

Activities promote participation in the upcoming census, encourage Virginians to take action in their communities

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today invited Virginians across the Commonwealth to participate in a 2020 Census week of action tomorrow through next Friday. Events throughout the week encourage Virginia residents to learn more about what's at stake in the 2020 Census and to take action in their communities to help ensure Virginia has a complete and accurate count.

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today launched the Virginia Local Government Exchange Program, designed to bridge cultural and geographic divides across Virginia. The pilot program will begin with two partnerships: Wise County and the City of Norton will team up with the City of Alexandria, and the City of Danville will connect with Loudoun County.

New fund dedicates $1 million to support port host community improvements

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today announced that new state "port host community" grants will help Virginia's oyster industry upgrade the Menchville Marina in Newport News, complete a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development around Lambert's Point in Norfolk, and redevelop the derelict site of the decommissioned former Cogentrix coal-fired power plant in Portsmouth.