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HB 1758

Surplus real property; prioritization of disposition for affordable housing.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 12 co-sponsors

Virginia bill prioritizes selling state surplus property to affordable housing developers before other uses, aiming to expand housing supply without additional public land costs.

Passed by indefinitely in Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 1-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 1758

Legislative bill overview

HB 1758 would require Virginia state agencies to prioritize the disposition of surplus real property for affordable housing development before selling or repurposing the land for other uses. The bill establishes a process where agencies must first offer surplus property to affordable housing developers and local governments at fair market value or below before utilizing it for alternative purposes.

Why is this important

Virginia faces a significant affordable housing shortage, and state-owned surplus property represents an untapped resource that could facilitate housing development without requiring new public expenditures for land acquisition. Redirecting surplus land toward affordable housing could accelerate development timelines and reduce costs for nonprofits and developers working in this space.

Potential points of contention

  • Agency operational impact: State agencies may argue that flexibility in disposing surplus property is necessary for their mission-specific needs, and mandatory affordable housing prioritization could delay critical projects or limit their options
  • Valuation disputes: Determining "fair market value" or discounted pricing for surplus property could create conflicts between housing advocates seeking lower prices and agencies concerned about maximizing state revenue
  • Implementation feasibility: The bill's effectiveness depends on whether affordable housing developers have adequate capital and capacity to acquire properties within specified timeframes, and whether local governments have resources to participate

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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