March 11th, 2025 –
VAHCDO received the NAHRO Advocate of the Year Award for its work advancing and building upon the Virginia Communities of Opportunity Tax Credit (COpTC) in the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Session. VAHCDO successfully advocated for the expansion of the tax credit from the three major metropolitan regions of Washington, D.C., Richmond, and Hampton Roads to be available statewide. We were also able to extend the sunset date and increase the budget for the COpTC. The award also recognized our innovative new program, the Landlord Participation Toolkit media campaign. The Landlord Participation Toolkit provides traditional, video, and social media campaign materials, fully customizable to fit each of Virginia’s Public Housing Authority’s regional participation needs. The toolkit educates landlords on the benefits of participating in affordable housing programs and helps to dispel the negative myths often associated with providing affordable housing options. VAHCDO is thrilled to receive this award and will continue its legislative and media efforts to address the needs of our residents and create new solutions to solve the issues created by the current housing crisis.
Quotes:
Troy Garrett, VAHCDO Executive Director – “The housing crisis requires multiple innovative solutions. There is no silver bullet to end the shortage of affordable housing options for those most vulnerable among us and for the workforce that serves our communities. Instead, we must address housing issues with new ideas and tools that can challenge long-held perceptions of what it means to participate in affordable housing programs. VAHCDO members and leadership rose to the challenge and collaborated with various housing stakeholders and legislators to incentivize participation and educate landlords on the benefits of affordable housing programs. The Communities of Opportunity Tax Credit and the Landlord Participation Toolkit work to address multiple facets of the housing crisis by correcting misconceptions and motivating landlords in urban, suburban, and rural areas to accept vouchers. This is only the beginning for VAHCDO as we continue to collaborate with our partners and turn innovative ideas into real solutions.”
Nancy Tarkenton, VAHCDO President – “Affordable Housing has emerged as a key issue nationally as well as locally but through the cooperation and collaboration of member organizations, VAHCDO has achieved notable small successes to preserve and expand quality housing choices for families across the Commonwealth, promoting family stability and individual success. VAHCDO’s advocacy and legislative efforts saw some success with the funding expansion of the Virginia Communities of Opportunities Tax Credit program (COpTC) simultaneously carving out funds specifically earmarked for rural and suburban areas, and the VAHCDO Landlord Outreach Toolkit, a social media and marketing package developed by Loud and Clear Marketing under a Virginia Housing grant has been instrumental in increasing landlord participation in housing programs, and dispelling negative myths about affordable housing. The VAHCDO Board, on behalf of its member organizations, is honored to be recognized as the NAHRO Advocate of the Year!”
