The Virginia City Council took significant steps during its Committee of the Whole meeting on April 15, 2025, by moving forward with an ordinance aimed at enhancing local governance and community support. The ordinance, which received unanimous support from council members, is designed to empower the Virginia Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) while ensuring that the city retains oversight on future development projects.

Councilor Johnson led the charge, expressing strong support for the ordinance, which aims to address the needs of vulnerable populations, including older residents and those with disabilities. “We are already down a couple staff in our administration for multiple reasons,” Johnson noted, emphasizing the importance of this ordinance in providing necessary support to marginalized communities.

A key point of discussion centered around the implications of tax increment financing (TIF) and the authority granted to the HRA. Councilor Biondich raised concerns about taxpayer burdens associated with TIF, but was reassured that any financial concessions requested by developers would still require city council review. This clarification helped alleviate concerns about potential overreach by the HRA.

Councilor Motley highlighted the need for ongoing communication between the HRA and the city council, suggesting that future administrations might not maintain the same level of collaboration. In response, City Attorney Brian Lindsey confirmed that while the ordinance would allow the HRA to engage in certain financial arrangements independently, the city would not lose its authority to oversee significant projects.

To further enhance transparency, Councilor Bach Schneider proposed that the HRA provide quarterly updates to the council on all projects. This motion was also approved, ensuring that council members remain informed about ongoing developments and can address any issues proactively.

The meeting concluded with the ordinance set to move to the regular council meeting for a first reading, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s efforts to balance development with community needs. As Virginia continues to grow, these discussions reflect a commitment to responsible governance and the well-being of all residents.