Using ARP Funds to Reinvigorate Public Housing

Problem

Before COVID-19, America’s housing system was far from perfect. The pandemic put a magnifying glass on issues that have been present for years, if not decades: high rents, unattainable housing prices, and insufficient affordable housing stock. As the NewDEAL Forum noted in January 2021, “these problems were especially acute for people of color. Black households are twice as likely to rent as white households, and housing costs account for a heavier cost burden:  Among Black Americans, 55% pay more than 30% of their income toward housing compared to 40% of white Americans.”

Solutions

As part of Richmond’s Equity Agenda, Mayor Stoney will invest over $12 million in ARP funds to renovate and improve two of the city’s public housing complexes. One project will replace 504 existing old units, with up to 700 new apartments and homes for over 500 families. The funds for the other project will allow for the first phase of redevelopment and will ultimately result in 122 new for-sale homes.