Jan 10, 2025, 08:59
by
Hannah Jane Costilow
Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of public policy issues and headlines from around the Northern Virginia Region, the Commonwealth, and Capitol Hill.
by Danielle Finley, Associate Director of Political Engagement
Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of Public Policy Issues and Headlines. In this Issue: 1. First-time homebuyers could get a tax credit under this Virginia proposal 2. Could cutting out big investors help Virginia’s homebuyers? One legislator thinks so. 3. Judge rules against Prince William Digital Gateway landowners suing the county over their tax bills 4. Past inspections cited Richmond water plant for deteriorating equipment, outdated emergency planning 5. Potential developer makes case for Tysons casino as state Sen. Scott Surovell introduces bill
By NICK IANNELLI, WTOP
A Virginia lawmaker has introduced legislation aimed at easing the path to homeownership by offering a one-time, nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $10,000 for first-time homebuyers. The proposed credit would be available from 2025 through 2029 and aims to cover home-buying expenses, such as down payments and closing costs. Democratic Del. Joshua Cole, the lawmaker behind the measure, said he hoped it would be a game-changer for Virginians trying to break into the housing market amid rising prices and limited inventory.
Could cutting out big investors help Virginia’s homebuyers? One legislator thinks so.
By RYAN MURPHY, WHRO
Investor purchasing of single-family homes skyrocketed during the pandemic. That has translated to more expensive homes and a harder time for families looking to buy for themselves over the last few years. But one state legislator wants to head off the biggest investors. Sen. Glen Sturtevant (R-Chesterfield) introduced legislation last year to prohibit large investors with $50 million or more in assets from buying homes in the state.
Judge rules against Prince William Digital Gateway landowners suing the county over their tax bills
By CHER MUZYK, Prince William Times
In a huge blow to landowners in the Prince William Digital Gateway corridor who are suing the county over their soaring property tax bills, a judge ruled that more than 1,700 acres along Pageland Lane has indeed been rezoned for data centers — boosting its value considerably — even though the developers behind the project won’t yet buy their land.
By TYLER LAYNE, WTVR-TV
Inspection reports obtained by CBS 6 revealed that Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities has been previously cited for failures related to its emergency planning and deteriorating equipment. DPU Director April Bingham said Wednesday she can’t say whether those past findings relate to the city’s current water crisis, but state regulators said they’ll be looking for any possible connections as part of their investigation into what went wrong.
Potential developer makes case for Tysons casino as state Sen. Scott Surovell introduces bill
By SCOTT MCCAFFREY, FFXnow
Almost two years after talks of a casino in Fairfax County’s Silver Line corridor emerged, prospective developer Comstock Companies has publicly commented for the first time on its plan for a gaming and entertainment hub in Tysons. The proposal represents “an opportunity to bring an entertainment anchor” to Tysons, Comstock Executive Vice President for Development John Harrison told community members Tuesday (Jan. 7) at an online forum hosted by the Fairfax County NAACP.