Introducing the City of Richmond Faith & Housing Initiative

Like most cities in the United States, Richmond faces an affordable housing crisis. More than 20,000 affordable units are needed to accommodate expected growth scenarios in the River City, making the development of additional housing a top priority for current and future residents.  

Mayor Danny Avula has charged City leaders to think creatively about housing development, a key pillar in his Housing Plan. One solution is to build housing on faith-owned properties — underutilized land and/or buildings that can be adapted or redesigned for housing.  

A new state law which takes effect on January 1, 2027 will pave the way for institutions of faith to develop affordable housing on their properties, and the City of Richmond will be ready.

The initial two-year program, facilitated by national civic placemaking nonprofit Sympara, will support faith communities with education and technical assistance, leading a pilot cohort of 12 area congregations through a 12-month process, from plan development and funding to navigating the City’s regulatory process.  

At the conclusion of the two-year pilot, the City will have developed and documented a roadmap which other interested institutions may follow to develop housing on their property.