Town of Blacksburg Adopted Operating Budget FY 2027

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS OFFICE

NARRATIVE

The Housing Division of the Office of Housing and Community Connections supports the Town’s quality-of-life and community development goals by serving as a liaison among residents, nonprofit and development partners, regional organizations, and Town government. The Division works closely with local and regional partners to expand affordable housing opportunities and to administer federal and local housing programs, including the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Consortium, and Affordable Housing Development Fund. These efforts support initiatives that strengthen housing stability, promote equity, and expand access to safe and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. FY 2026 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Community Connections  Supported implementation of ARPA subrecipient community projects, including planning for two new community gardens, providing meals and groceries to low- and moderate-income households, supporting early childcare provider retention and staff recruitment efforts, planning a retail business incubator, and advancing a downtown retail strategic plan. Affordable Housing  Supported the New River Home Trust (Community Land Trust) in developing policies and procedures, establishing a program brand, and initiating construction of 20 new housing units.  Advanced construction of 56 income-restricted rental apartments (Legacy on Main) and 31 income-restricted homeownership units (Airport Road and Stroubles Ridge projects).  Supported affordable housing components of three student housing development proposals.  Revised the Affordable Housing Availability Fee policy to expand support for developers providing affordable housing in Blacksburg.  Supported implementation of the New River Valley Housing Trust Fund, led by the New River Valley Regional Commission. CDBG  Supported the resale of multiple income-restricted homes.  Funded public service agencies that provided affordable childcare scholarships and homeless intervention services to more than 50 households.  Supported critical home repairs, energy efficiency improvements, and accessibility upgrades for three LMI households.  Revised CDBG policies and procedures, implemented the HUD action planning process, and worked to ensure program compliance. HOME  Successfully led the HOME Consortium through its eighteenth year, securing HUD funding for LMI housing initiatives throughout the New River Valley.  Closed out the Radford Leggett Building project, resulting in seven new affordable rental units in downtown Radford. 121