CITYBUILDER Brief: Virginia's Multifamily Momentum

Virginia makes statewide strides. Durham approves Leigh Village and cancels LDC hearing. See you at Book Club Feb 25.

On the National Radar:

Commercial Housing Bill Headed to Virginia Governor’s Desk

A low-density commercial corridor in Richmond, VA. (Source: Bookman Associates)

North Carolina’s neighbor turned up the heat last week, sending a major housing bill to Gov. Spanberger’s desk.

Policy progress: The “Housing for Jobs” bills that cleared Virginia’s legislature would allow by-right multifamily development along commercial corridors throughout the state. Any commercial zoning that allows single-family homes would now have to permit multifamily housing, with few exceptions.

Heated rivalry: The North Carolina General Assembly considered similar legislation last year, but it stalled in committee. Will our state leaders let Virginia beat us at our own pro-housing game? Your move, NCGA.

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Closer to Home:

Leigh Village Approved Despite Traffic Pushback

Durham City Council voted 5–2 to approve the Leigh Village Center rezoning along Route 54 near I-40. The 81-acre site sits inside the Urban Growth Boundary, is designated a Transit Opportunity Area in the Comprehensive Plan, and was once part of Durham’s Light Rail plans. The rezoning allows phased mixed-use development over the next decade or two, with expanded affordability provisions and land dedicated for a future public park.