City of Norfolk
Norfolk’s newly formed Department of Housing and Community Development is positioning the city to deliver fair housing outcomes through comprehensive planning and innovative programs. HR&A is conducting a citywide housing study, developing NDHCD’s strategic plan, and providing technical assistance on initiatives including inclusionary zoning policy and an affordable housing trust fund that will sustainably deploy flexible funding for local programs.
Norfolk recognized the need for coordinated, strategic approaches to housing challenges spanning affordability, neighborhood investment, and access to opportunity. The newly established NDHCD required comprehensive analysis to understand local market dynamics and define priorities that would drive meaningful impact. HR&A analyzed housing market trends and needs based on demographic and economic patterns in Norfolk and the broader region, identifying key issues the City should address to advance equitable housing outcomes. This analysis informed development of strategic goals including building regional capacity, dedicating local funding to housing initiatives, investing in neighborhood-strengthening programs, and concentrating resources to help residents in high-poverty areas access opportunity-rich neighborhoods.
HR&A is translating these strategic goals into actionable programs and policies. We are studying the feasibility of an inclusionary zoning policy to help create affordable housing in high-opportunity areas, examining how this tool could expand housing choice while aligning with market conditions. Simultaneously, HR&A is designing a local affordable housing trust fund that will provide NDHCD with sustainable, flexible funding mechanisms to support diverse housing programs. This comprehensive support positions Norfolk’s new housing department with both strategic direction and practical implementation tools to address the city’s most pressing housing challenges while advancing equity goals.
