By Julia Hillegass, Public Information & Community Affairs Administrator

and
Joe Turner, Communications Manager

If we want working people to succeed, more affordable housing opportunities are needed, especially in the right locations– near jobs, transit, good schools, and good amenities. Following a request from the Housing Roundtable, the HRPDC passed a resolution proclaiming the last week of April as “Affordable Housing Awareness Week.” at its Quarterly Meeting in April 2011.

Creating more affordable housing opportunities is no easy task. However, the effort will pay off in numerous ways. Building and rehabbing affordable housing will stimulate one of the economy's best engines - the housing sector; it will create a wide array of blue-collar, white-collar, and green-collar jobs; and it will generate tax revenues for funding essential government services. 

The Housing Roundtable is a partnership of public, private, and non-profit organizations, which promotes workforce housing opportunities in Virginia Beach and the surrounding region.  The Affordable Housing Awareness Week effort has also been adopted in other areas of Virginia such as Richmond and Fredericksburg, where several community activities and events are planned to recognize the importance of affordable housing.

Building and rehabbing more affordable housing in the right locations will improve the economic competitiveness and overall livability of our region. More affordable housing near existing jobs and mass transit means shorter traffic commutes, fewer cars on the road, and a cleaner environment. More employees living closer to their places of employment means higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and lower turnover rates for area employers, thereby making it easier to retain and attract employment to the region. All good things for Hampton Roads!

This year’s Affordable Housing Awareness Week takes place during the week of April 24-30, 2011.

Click HERE to review the signed resolution.