Locality Summaries for the Richmond Region
The Richmond Regional Housing Framework supports housing efforts in Chesterfield County, Hanover County, Henrico County, the City of Richmond, and the Town of Ashland. PHA works closely with local governments to better understand their housing challenges and implement solutions that will increase access and opportunity.
Below you will find summaries that outline the specific housing barriers and solutions in each locality in our region.
City of Richmond
Richmond is undergoing major transformation. Most consider it for the better, but not everyone benefits. Despite some progress, Richmond is still very unequal—especially in communities of color currently seeing investments that threaten long-term residents. By limiting affordable housing opportunities for all Richmonders, our collective ability to thrive suffers.
Henrico County
Henrico County is home to progress—in the form of job growth, public service enhancements, and neighborhood revitalization. But to move forward, Henrico must ensure housing opportunities for all residents. Many workers can’t afford to buy a home of their own. And homes that are affordable come at the cost of long commutes to job centers.
Hanover County
Hanover is a county in transition. Today, it looks to balance demand for growth with its rural character. As residents seek more affordable and denser housing choices, the county must consider supporting new types of homes—including duplexes, townhomes, and condominiums.
Chesterfield County
Chesterfield is a prosperous, growing county. It consistently adds 5,000 new residents annually, and this growth is expected to continue for the next two decades. But it’s not without challenges. By 2030, Chesterfield will add 27,000 new seniors—about the current population of Powhatan County. Chesterfield is also more economically and socially diverse—but many working residents can’t find homes within their budget. To continue its prosperity, the county must ensure good housing opportunities for all its residents.
Town of Ashland
Although Ashland is surrounded by the residential and commercial growth of Hanover, the town has retained its idyllic charm and historic neighborhoods. Given that fifty-percent of the town’s homes are not single-family, detached units, Ashland is looking for creative ways to diversify its housing stock and work with regional partners to solve broader housing challenges. The “Center of the Universe”, as the town is known, acknowledges that it can keep its quaint, Main Street-style feel while still working towards a future of stable growth.