Virginia

Bus Station

Charlottesville Adopts New Zoning Code

The revised ordinance calls for higher density and more affordable housing.

February 26, 2024 - The Cavalier Daily

Aerial view of church and houses in Richmond, Virginia.

Church Housing Movement Takes Hold in Virginia

A Richmond-based congregation plans to build over 200 units on its property, and a proposed state law could lead to more projects like it.

January 31, 2024 - Next City

Line of blue, white, and red brick row homes with colorful doors and iron railings.

Lawsuit Contests End of of Single-Family Zoning in Alexandria

The legal challenge is the latest filed against similar zoning reform efforts around the country.

January 24, 2024 - The Washington Post

View of dense multicolored historic brick homes in Richmond, Virginia.

Analysis: Zoning as a Hurdle to Affordability in Virginia

Overly restrictive zoning regulations have stifled the housing supply and driven up rents across the Commonwealth.

January 23, 2024 - Pew Trusts

Historic homes with intricate white trim on tree-lined street in Richmond, Virginia.

Richmond Program Promotes Black Homeownership

Economic Mobility and Black Homeownership Pilot identified barriers to homeownership and provides homebuyers with down payment assistance and counseling.

January 18, 2024 - Next City

Aerial view of Richmond, Virginia skyline with river in foreground against sunset sky.

Opinion: Affordable Housing Key Component of Economic Strategy

As the Richmond area grows, having a greater availability of affordable housing could be crucial to maintaining a strong local workforce.

January 9, 2024 - Richmond Times-Dispatch

Tan modular building with white swinging barn/garage door being transported on freeway with yellow "Oversize Load" banner across back.

Virginia Adopts Modular Building Standards

The regulations could help lower the cost of off-site housing production.

January 4, 2024 - Informed Infrastructure

Amtrak train passing on bridge with historic tower in background in Alexandria, Virginia.

Northern Virginia Projects Counting on Transit

A proposed stadium and other major development projects near transit stations could be hampered by the regional transit agency’s financial woes.

December 18, 2023 - The Washington Post

Exterior view of a Microsoft data center. Black multistory industrial building with Microsoft logo.

Virginia Coalition Calls for Increased Data Center Industry Oversight

Environmental groups voice concern that the states large, and growing, number of data centers is putting unsustainable pressure on natural resources and utility infrastructure.

December 13, 2023 - Inside Climate News

WMATA train on elevated track passing by brick multistory buildings in Alexandria, Virginia.

Alexandria Passes Zoning Reform

The city is one of a growing list to eliminate single-family zoning.

December 3, 2023 - DCist

View of Alexandria, Virginia with brick three-story townhomes on Potomac River bank.

Alexandria Residents Weigh in on Zoning Reform

The city’s proposed ‘Zoning for Housing’ is drawing criticism from multiple sides.

October 15, 2023 - DCist

Empty asphalt parking lot with white lines.

Fairfax County Approves Parking Reform

The new parking policy creates a new, tiered framework for parking requirements and reduces the required number of parking spots near transit.

October 3, 2023 - DCist

View of street in front of Arlington National Cemetery with ornate neoclassical building on hilltop in background.

Arlington Updates Crosswalk Laws to Align With State Law, Vision Zero

The county will now require drivers to come to a full stop when encountering pedestrians in a crosswalk.

September 25, 2023 - Arl Now

Potomac River

Alexandria Draft ‘Zoning for Housing’ Plan Would End Single-Family Zoning

Alexandria planners have revealed a draft plan that would eliminate single-family zoning citywide.

September 7, 2023 - The Washington Post

Dusk view of downtown Arlington, Virginia skyline

Arlington to Open Housing Voucher Waiting List

Despite a high need in the area, it’s been more than a decade since the Virginia city last opened applications for housing vouchers.

September 6, 2023 - DCist

A collection of screengrabs showing the uses of the Met-Go on-demand transit app.

On-Demand Microtransit Proves Itself in Rural Virginia

Two Virginia transit companies launched pilot projects for on-demand microtransit services in 2021, spurring record growth in ridership as a result.

September 5, 2023 - The Virginia Mercury

Arlington to D.C.

Virginia Passenger Rail Sets Ridership Records, Seeks More Wins

Virginia’s commitment to intercity rail is paying off in record ridership numbers, but more work will be necessary to achieve the state’s ambitions for passenger rail.

September 1, 2023 - The Washington Post

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville Comprehensive Plan Update Attracts Opponents

An updated version of the Charlottesville comprehensive plan update is now available for public comment, and a recent article in the local paper lets plan opponents air their grievances.

August 30, 2023 - The Daily Progress

Historic brick rowhouses in Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria Set to Reveal Zoning Reform Details

The city will hold a series of public meetings this fall to explain its efforts to boost housing production and affordability.

August 27, 2023 - ALX Now

Purple GRTC bus stopped at a bus station with bench and shelter in Richmond, Virginia.

Only One Quarter of Richmond Bus Stops Have Benches, Shade

A recent report highlights the lack of safe infrastructure at the Virginia capital’s bus stops.

August 7, 2023 - Virginia Public Media

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.