REGIONAL HOUSING STUDY

Planning for the Housing Needs of our Community

ABOUT THE STUDY

The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) is leading a Regional Housing Study to better understand current and future housing needs across our region, which includes the City of Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.

In partnership with the Virginia Center for Housing Research (VCHR) and HousingForward Virginia (HFV), we will be able to produce the data, insights, and strategies to effectively guide regional and local housing policy and investment in the coming years. The study will help local governments, businesses, and housing partners make informed decisions about where and how to support housing that meets the needs of residents at all income levels.

PURPOSE

Housing affects every part of our region — our workforce, schools, transportation, health, and quality of life. This study will:

  • Measure current housing conditions and the types of homes available today.
  • Identify regional trends – pressures, patterns, local priorities.
  • Identify gaps between what exists and what residents need.
  • Recommend strategies and actions that localities and partners can take to support housing opportunities for all.
  • Equip localities with better data to support funding and planning efforts.

Study Process and Timeline

  • The study kicked off in April of 2025, and consists of three phases as outlined below. 

Phase 1: Needs Assessment and Market Analysis

  • Compile existing resources, documents, and analysis
  • Kick-off Event
  • Listening Sessions – researchers meet with each locality to hear priorities, requests, and regional focus
  • VCHR will deliver 7 data trainings to regional and local staff to build capacity for future updates
  • Through focus groups with targeted experts such as housing providers, homeless service staff, employers, lenders, developers, and school professionals, VCHR will gather insights that help build a comprehensive picture of the region’s housing landscape
  • VCHR will analyze quantitative data for the needs assessment
  • VCHR will develop a literature review to summarize current research that will impact our region
  • HFV will compile inventory of existing resources in the region

Available by March 2026:

  • Preliminary Data Analysis
  • Unrefined Focus Group Outcomes
  • Initial Strategy Menu

Phase 2: Localized Strategy Development

  • HFV will work with stakeholders to narrow strategies for each locality and the region through an iterative, highly connected approach

Phase 3: Final Report and Toolkit

  • Develop final changes to the Needs Assessment and Market Analysis full report
  • Include final Strategy Implementation Plans in Comprehensive Report
  • Develop a Consumer Version that will be accessible to the general reader
  • Present to Boards and Councils and Commissions
  • Provide support for strategy implementation

Available by March 2027:

  • Final Comprehensive Report and Consumer Report
  • Clear implementation plans for adopted strategies
  • On-going support for implementation of strategies

The Team

  • Mel Jones, Associate Director, Virginia Center for Housing Research
  • Jonathan Knopf, Executive Director for Programs, HousingForward Virginia
  • Ruth Emerick, Chief Operating Officer and Program Director, TJPDC
  • Laurie Jean Talun, Regional Program Manager, TJPDC

 

Why It Matters

Housing stock changes dramatically over time – older homes deteriorate, new homes are established in locations where they will be for the next 50-150 years. The Regional Housing Study will help ensure that growth supports thriving communities — where people who work here can afford to live here, and where housing options match the diverse needs of our residents.