The Virginia Housing Study Commission was created during the 1970 Session of the General Assembly. Its charge was to study the ways and means best designed to provide the Commonwealth's growing population with adequate housing. The Commission was directed to examine the laws of Virginia to determine whether or not these laws were adequate to meet the present and future housing needs of all income groups in this State. Lastly, it was directed to recommend such changes in such laws as it deemed appropriate.

In the past nine years, the Housing Study Commission has introduced legislation aimed at advancing its goal of a decent home and a suitable living environment for all Virginians. Virginia Housing Study Commission proposals that have been enacted include: the formation of an Office of Housing which is presently the Office of Housing Services within the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Uniform Statewide Building Code, the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the Virginia Housing Development Authority Act and amendments to the Redevelopment and Housing Authorities Act.

Additionally, the Commission has engaged in planning programs centered around the selection of temporary housing sites for disaster victims in Southwest Virginia. The Housing Study Commission, along with the Department of Housing and Community Development, conducted an extensive study in these disaster prone areas that will assure site availability should a disaster occur.

This document contains brief reports presented to the Commission at its work session. These reports were presented by state and federal housing agencies who gathered with the Commission to seek comprehensive solutions to housing concerns. This year the following agencies and boards attended:  the Virginia Housing Development Authority and its Board of Commissioners, the Department of Housing and Community Development and its Board, the area manager of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a representative from the Washington area office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the State Director of the Farmers Home Administration. The Commission was encouraged by the cooperation and diligence of these groups during this work session and throughout this year and expresses its sincere appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

In spite of the accomplishments noted and the dedication and hard work of those concerned with housing the people of Virginia, there still remains much to be done. The basic housing problem, as noted in our report the "Housing Crisis", still remains:

" ...there is not a sufficient supply of sound housing in suitable locations with adequate facilities for all the population at prices or rents they can afford. The housing supply does not meet the overall housing demand and household formations. Sound housing units available to low and moderate income groups are in critically short supply."

The aggravated effects of double digit inflation, tight money and high energy costs have placed housing opportunities out of the reach of many Virginians.

Consequently, the report and recommendations contained herein are not a panacea for our housing problems. Instead, we offer findings and recommendations that will hopefully provide some relief to our citizens in their search for decent and affordable housing.

The Commission will continue its role as an essential and responsive legislative study group contributing to the production and maintenance of affordable housing in the Commonwealth.