The GO Virginia Board Meeting on December 10, 2024, highlighted critical discussions surrounding housing and economic development in Virginia. A key focus was the integration of housing strategies with industrial site investments, emphasizing the need for collaboration between public funding and private sector contributions.

Leah raised an important point regarding the potential for community benefit agreements, suggesting that employers attracted to industrial sites should also invest in local housing initiatives. This idea aligns with the ongoing efforts to address Virginia's significant housing gap, which currently stands at nearly one million units. The board acknowledged the necessity of matching local investments with state funding to effectively tackle this issue.

Delga Molinaro further emphasized the importance of understanding regional housing needs and the status of development projects. While the state lacks a comprehensive statewide overview, some regions have made strides in tracking housing developments, which could inform future investments and priorities.

In response to inquiries about tracking housing efforts, it was noted that the state publishes a five-year housing report, which is currently in its final editing stages and expected to provide valuable insights in the coming months.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore how housing strategies can be incorporated into GO Virginia's site investment approach. The board plans to collaborate with stakeholders and present recommendations at the next meeting in March. Additionally, Virginia Housing is set to launch a roadshow to educate localities on new programs aimed at increasing housing supply, reinforcing the state's commitment to addressing housing challenges alongside economic development.