Virginia subcommittee asks JLARC to study managed retreat framework
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Summary
A House subcommittee heard testimony supporting House Joint Resolution 20, which asks JLARC to develop a data-driven, equitable framework for managed (planned) retreat and cost-sharing to help localities and vulnerable homeowners after repeated flooding and disasters. Lawmakers carried the measure over for further work.
Delegate Glass introduced House Joint Resolution 20, requesting the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study managed or planned retreat as a risk‑reduction tool and to define a framework for cost‑sharing, regional coordination and a potential dedicated fund.
Supporters told the subcommittee that federal disaster grants from FEMA and HUD often arrive months after losses and leave localities and homeowners facing the choice of rebuilding in the same high‑risk places. Kim Suttard, policy director at Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, said HJ 20 “calls for the thoughtful study of how we can help families relocate with fair support without repeating historic harms.” Fatima Kamara of the Virginia Conservation Network and Jay Ford of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation also urged the study, citing environmental justice concerns and the long‑term costs of inaction.
Delegate Glass said the resolution would not spend money but would direct JLARC to create a data‑driven, equitable, and fiscally responsible framework that clarifies nonfederal cost shares — a detail advocates said is especially important for small localities and low‑income legacy homeowners. Supporters argued the study could reduce future displacement and long‑term costs to the Commonwealth.
The subcommittee did not adopt the resolution for immediate passage; a member moved to carry HJ 20 over to the 2027 session so JLARC and stakeholders could develop the work further. The motion was seconded and the measure was carried over.
What’s next: The resolution is being held for further work in the 2027 session. If advanced, JLARC would be expected to define nonfederal share approaches, regional coordination mechanisms and options for a dedicated fund before the General Assembly takes any funding or statutory steps.