"Water is essential. For our bodies, for our food, for our businesses to be successful. It sustains the existence of every living thing," #VALeg #virginia #CleanWater #PFAS #SaveTheBay #Flooding https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/07/gov-spanberger-signs-bills-aimed-at-protecting-wetlands-detecting-pfas-and-preparing-for-natural-disasters/
Gov. Spanberger signs wetlands, PFAS and flooding bills • Virginia Mercury

On the banks of Aquia Creek in Stafford, Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday signed a slew of bills designed to protect Virginia’s clean water from harmful forever chemicals and aid communities as sea levels rise due to climate change.  She was joined by the lawmakers who proposed the measures and Secretary of Natural and Historical […]

Virginia Mercury
https://www.arlnow.com/2026/04/30/faith-in-housing-bill-line-crosses-finish-line-clears-path-for-church-based-affordable-housing/ “this is a huge step forward in addressing a housing shortage where Virginia is missing over 300,000 homes” #zoning #housing #VALeg #Virginia #YIGBY
Faith in Housing bill crosses finish line, clears path for church-based affordable housing | ARLnow.com

The “Yes in God’s Backyard” movement is celebrating after the Faith in Housing bill, supporting expedited church-based affordable housing development, has been signed into law. Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed state Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-29)’s SB 388 and Del. Joshua Cole (D-65)'s HB 1279, which will eliminate the rezoning step for faith-based organizations and other tax-exempt

ARLnow | Arlington, Va. local news
Super early, but starting to think of legislative relief ideas for Virginia in 2027. This section of zoning law is especially on my mind: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title15.2/chapter22/section15.2-2286/ #zoning #VALeg #housing
§ 15.2-2286. Permitted provisions in zoning ordinances; amendments; applicant to pay delinquent taxes; penalties

A new law will make it easier to build a tiny house in your back yard, starting next year • Virginia Mercury

Amid a shortage of housing supply and noted affordability issues, ADUs have emerged as a way to boost affordable housing options in some areas or a way to meet the specific needs of some families. But not all Virginia localities allow them.

Virginia Mercury
I believe HB282 permitting Charlottesville, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, and Newport News to tax land at a higher rate than buildings has been signed by the Governor and enters into effect on July 1st! https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB282 #VALeg #TaxReform #SplitRateTaxation #HB282
https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/april-releases/name-1116382-en.html “Governor Abigail Spanberger did not sign dozens of tax bills into law — because the General Assembly never passed them, and the bills never reached her desk.” #VALeg #Virginia #TaxReform
BREAKING: Governor Spanberger Does Not Sign Tax Bills the General Assembly Never Passed

RICHMOND, VA — Hours before the 11:59pm deadline for her action on the more than 1,000 bills passed by the General Assembly, Governor Abigail Spanberger did not sign dozens of tax bills into law — because the General Assembly never passed them, and the bills never reached her desk.

Drive for more housing sparks rare bipartisanship in statehouses, including in Virginia • Virginia Mercury

In contrast to highly partisan debates over many other issues, state lawmakers of all political stripes are joining forces to pass legislation to increase the supply of housing.

Virginia Mercury
https://www.wvtf.org/news/2026-04-03/virginia-will-soon-have-an-eviction-prevention-program “Evictions are not just the result of poverty. Evictions can also be the cause of poverty” #VALeg #housing #virginia #Homelessness #poverty #eviction
Virginia will soon have an Eviction Prevention Program

Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed legislation that aims to help those facing eviction.

WVTF
A helpful rollup of some of the housing bills I have been tracking and some I didn't know about. Giving localities the ability to enforce safe living conditions for renters is extremely interesting. #VALeg #housing #Virginia https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/17/housing-bills-to-boost-supply-protect-tenants-on-way-to-spanbergers-desk/
Housing bills to boost supply, protect tenants on way to Spanberger’s desk • Virginia Mercury

Addressing housing affordability and stock issues was a Spanberger campaign promise as Democrats made gains in state government last year.

Virginia Mercury
Helpful rundown on this legislative session in Virginia focusing on the Bay #SaveTheBay #VALeg #conservation #Flood #RGGI #CleanWater #TreeCanopy https://www.cbf.org/virginia-legislative-session/
2026 Virginia Legislative Session • Chesapeake Bay Foundation

CBF works tirelessly with the Virginia General Assembly each year given the important impacts it can have on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The 2026 Virginia General Assembly session was no different. Throughout session, we urged legislators to accelerate efforts to reduce pollution and prioritize the restoration of Virginia’s rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay so that future generations can enjoy their beauty and bounty.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation