In response to Tennessee s critical housing shortage, a new law allows local governments to incentivize developers to build more affordable housing. The Volunteer State has experienced increased job growth recently, but only six homes have been constructed for every 10 new jobs created over the past decade. Report author Adriane Bond Harris, ThinkTennessee s senior adviser for housing policy, said incentives may include increased density, reduced parking minimums and setbacks, and expedited permitting processes in exchange for more affordable rentals and housing prices within developments. .
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has vetoed several bills intended to do more to address the rights of renters in the Commonwealth. Along with protecting tenants from negligent landlords, the legislation would have given local governments more power to hold slumlords accountable for the living conditions of their properties. .
The reasons given for vetoing the bills range from not including amendments to would bolster the legislation and creating an unbalanced legal environment
The 2023 General Assembly makeover in Virginia could bring major changes to state courts, including opening state courts to class-action suits and giving tenants a break in district court.