Hampton Council Approves Formation of New Housing Nonprofit
New entity needed to conform to Federal rules; City expects to maintain control over affordability, public housing, and investment
The Hampton City Council voted Wednesday, August 13, to approve the creation of NexGen HRHA, a new nonprofit entity designed to preserve and modernize affordable housing across the city. The resolution passed unanimously, with all members voting in favor.
The Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) sought approval for NexGen HRHA as part of its long-term strategy to reposition public housing under federal programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These programs require that ownership of certain public housing and tax credit properties be transferred to a separate legal entity in order to qualify for federal financing and redevelopment options.
The Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA), established in 1958 as a political subdivision of Virginia, is responsible for redevelopment efforts and affordable housing programs in Hampton. The agency owns and operates three public housing communities, manages more than 2,000 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, and oversees over 400 additional housing units throughout the city. HRHA also serves as a subrecipient of federal funds from the HOME and Community Development Block Grant programs, administered in partnership with the City of Hampton. Its stated mission focuses on revitalizing communities, developing partnerships, and providing housing and support services to residents.
Under the plan, NexGen HRHA will be a nonstock, nonprofit corporation governed entirely by the HRHA Board of Commissioners, ensuring Hampton maintains local oversight while gaining access to broader funding opportunities.
According to HRHA, the new entity will:
Preserve affordability by ensuring long-term housing assistance through project-based Section 8 subsidies.
Improve housing quality by unlocking access to private capital for rehabilitation and modernization of aging units.
Protect community stability by avoiding displacement and maintaining services for current residents.
Retain local control with HRHA governance over all properties.
Officials emphasized that the formation of NexGen HRHA will carry no direct financial cost to the City of Hampton. All legal and administrative expenses will be paid from HRHA’s existing resources, and no city funds are being requested.
City leaders noted that the creation of NexGen HRHA directly supports several elements of Hampton’s strategic priorities, including preserving affordable housing stock, fostering economic growth through reinvestment and private capital, and promoting strong, healthy families by ensuring access to safe, stable housing.
With approval in place, HRHA will move forward with federal applications to begin repositioning its remaining public housing units. NexGen HRHA is expected to become a key tool for reinvestment in Hampton’s housing portfolio, helping the city adapt to changing housing needs while keeping affordability at the forefront.
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