Recent News

Virginia Main Street Logo, reads: Virginia Main Street Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development in purple, green, yellow and orange font

09.15.2023
Funding will support revitalization of derelict structures into mixed-use developments Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today $1 million in Mixed Use on Main Street (MUMS) funding for two projects located in the cities of Lynchburg and Martinsville. The projects will transform the former A&P grocery store in Lynchburg and the former Woolworth’s building in Martinsville into commercial and residential spaces.  “Downtowns are the heart and soul of so many communities across the Commonwealth, and through these investments, we will transform derelict structures into vibrant businesses and create new housing opportunities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Strong infrastructure is key to any successful economic strategy, and this program is designed to keep those downtown districts thriving and catalyze both economic development and community pride.”   MUMS is a new pilot program created as a joint effort with the Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) and Virginia Main Street (VMS) programs, both administered through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to support the revitalization of vacant or underutilized downtown spaces to create opportunities for commercial development and housing units in communities that are active participants in VMS. Awards are available up to $500,000 for the rehabilitation of mixed-use buildings that must include the creation or preservation of housing units and can be provided as either grants or loans.  “This unique program allows us to make targeted investments back into our communities, giving them the resources and flexibility needed to generate sustainable economic growth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “These two remarkable projects will create 15 new jobs and build 34 new housing units in downtown commercial districts, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive change that this revitalization will enable.”   MUMS funding leverages local and private resources to achieve market-driven redevelopment of structures, creating a catalyst for long-term employment opportunities, on-going physical and economic revitalization and housing units in communities.   “Through MUMS, we are able to make targeted and strategic investments in communities, creating the best possible catalyst for revitalization and growth,” said Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Bryan Horn. “These two projects will leverage $7.1 million in additional public and private investments in the communities.”  For more information on MUMS, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/irf.  2023 MUMS Awardees:  400 12th Street | $500,000   Lynchburg Economic Development Authority | City of Lynchburg   The Lynchburg EDA, through a private developer, will renovate the former A&P Grocery store from a single-story structure into a four-story building for mixed use. The project will create a commercial space on the ground floor with 10,000 square feet of retail space, as well as 28 apartment units. Funding will go towards renovating and remodeling the ground floor for a committed food and beverage operator. The residential space will include studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units.    16-18 East Church Street | $500,000   City of Martinsville   The city of Martinsville, through a private developer, will renovate the former Woolworth’s building, which was built in the 1920s and has been vacant since 1996. The building is now being renovated to provide additional housing units and retail spaces to the Uptown Martinsville district. The project will include six apartments, as well as 4,000 square feet of retail space and 600 square feet of office space. 

A father and his daughter sit together on the couch, visibly excited about something they see on the laptop they're sharing

09.06.2023
Affordable Connectivity Program provides broadband discount for eligible households As students head back to school across the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) would like students and parents to stay connected through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).     “Broadband is to today’s economy like electricity was generations ago—when you have it, you can get ahead,” said Director of DHCD, Bryan Horn. “The ACP allows us to support our underserved communities and ensure that no one gets left behind, especially our children.”     ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.    “Access to broadband impacts every facet of our daily lives, from education to business to health care,” said Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Director of DHCD’s Office of Broadband. “As we begin another academic year, we want to make sure that Virginia’s students have all the resources they need to thrive.”  To learn more about ACP, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/getacp  

A green sign hangs on a glass door reading "Come in, we're open"

09.05.2023
Funding will support expanding small businesses, revitalizing downtown districts and filling vacant storefronts Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today $2,910,500 in Virginia Main Street (VMS), Community Business Launch (CBL) and Virginia Business District Resurgence (VBDRG) grants for 45 projects across the Commonwealth. The funded projects will revitalize historic commercial districts, expand small businesses and bolster the local economies.  “Virginia is open for business, and my administration recognizes the importance of building strong entrepreneurial ecosystems and investing in our historic downtowns to make Virginia the best place to do business in the nation," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “These investments will ensure that, as we grow Virginia’s economy, we are supporting our local economies and creating strategic economic opportunities while preserving the unique character of these communities across the Commonwealth.”   The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers all four programs, and the funding is utilized to support small business creation and expansion, as well as the revitalization of historic downtown and Virginia Main Street districts. CBL projects train entrepreneurs and small-business owners on business planning practices, culminating in a group of finalists pitching their ideas to a panel of judges with winners receiving grant funding and support services from the community to kick-start their new venture. VMS Downtown Investment Grants support Advancing Virginia Main Street communities and can be used to fund complete projects, provide seed funding for new projects or provide gap financing that allows a project to become fully funded. VMS Community Vitality Grants assist organizations and communities in achieving their downtown revitalization goals and are available to all active Exploring Main Street and Mobilizing Main Street communities and organizations. VBDRG projects support Virginia-based community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to build their capacity and increase economic activity in distressed communities throughout the Commonwealth.     “These grant programs allow us to provide targeted assistance to address the unique challenges facing Virginia’s small businesses, downtowns and historic districts,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “We look forward to seeing the economic opportunities and growth that these projects will inspire while preserving the unique culture and history that make these Virginia downtown areas consumer destinations and the best place to live, work and do business.”  In total, the 45 projects will support 647 businesses, create or expand 53 businesses, train 140 entrepreneurs, provide 112 façade and downtown improvement projects and leverage more than $980,000 in private investment.  To learn more about Community Business Launch, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/cbl. To learn more about Virginia Main Street, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/vms.  A FULL LIST OF THE 2023 VMS, CBL AND VBDRG AWARDS CAN BE FOUND HERE.   

Upcoming Events

Tenant and Landlord Resources

Current state law requires landlords and tenants to cooperate with each other in matters regarding nonpayment of rent and applying for rental assistance based on income eligibility and availability of rental assistance funds. If you feel like this is not happening, you should contact an attorney to learn more about your legal rights.

Homeless Assistance and Prevention

Those experiencing homelessness or other housing crisis should contact their local crisis assistance hotline by clicking here to find your local hotline.

Career Opportunities

Want to join the DHCD team? In order to apply for a DHCD position, applicants must apply online. DHCD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 

Virginia Governor's Housing Conference

Mark your calendar for the 2022 Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference Nov. 16-18 in Arlington, Virginia. Join us for this three-day event packed full of educational sessions led by experts in housing, finance, and community development.

Partners for Better Communities Podcast

Each episode features the voices of leaders and change makers across the commonwealth. We'll look at the innovation and inspiration at play as local, regional, and state leaders work together to create safe, affordable, and prosperous communities.

Virginia Main Street Blog

Check out the latest happenings in the Main Street and downtown revitalization world through the Virginia Main Street Blog.

2018 Code Development Process

The Virginia Building Codes are updated through the code development process. Virginia is a leader in building and fire code development, and stakeholder input is vital to Virginia’s code development process. Participation is encouraged and remote participation is made possible through cdpVA.

Landlord Tenant Handbook

The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) handbook has been prepared to provide information on the rights, remedies and responsibilities of landlords and renters concerning the rental process. Before signing a lease, prospective tenants should read and understand the terms of the contract. Consulting a lawyer or the landlord for clarification of the rental agreement is advisable.