Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger issued a series of Executive Orders during her first week in office, including Executive Order #3, which focuses on lowering housing costs by directing state agencies to identify and reduce regulatory and administrative barriers that slow housing development.

        Virginia’s housing shortage continues to put pressure on buyers, sellers, and communities across the Commonwealth, and developing solutions remains a key initiative of our association. Even middle‑income households are being priced out of markets due to limited inventory. New construction faces lengthy permitting timelines and complex regulatory processes, contributing to delayed projects and higher housing costs. The Governor’s Executive Order acknowledges the role state‑level processes play in housing supply and signals a commitment to improving efficiency and coordination.

        Executive Order #3 directs state agencies to review regulations, policies, and administrative processes that affect housing development. Agencies are tasked with identifying outdated or duplicative requirements, unnecessary delays, and opportunities to reduce development timelines and costs. Each agency must submit written recommendations within 90 days outlining proposed improvements and anticipated impacts.

        The order also establishes a Commission on Unlocking Housing Production, which will review agency recommendations and advise the Governor on regulatory, administrative, and legislative strategies to support housing development. The Commission is intended to maintain long‑term focus on increasing housing supply through practical, workable solutions.

        This work comes at a critical time. Last June, Virginia REALTORS^® reported that the Commonwealth needs an estimated 188,000 additional market‑rate homes to meet current demand from households earning above 80% of area median income. By 2030, that shortfall could grow to 214,000 homes. Market‑rate housing is essential to supporting middle‑class workers, sustaining local economies, and attracting new businesses—many of which cite housing constraints as a barrier to relocating or expanding in Virginia.

        Governor Spanberger’s Executive Order reflects a clear early priority of the new administration: addressing Virginia’s housing shortage. Virginia REALTORS^® looks forward to contributing to this momentum, working collaboratively to enact positive change that results in more housing development for Virginians. By focusing on regulatory barriers and improving state‑level coordination, Virginia is taking an important step toward expanding housing opportunities and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth.