Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger outlined plans to promote walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods as a strategy to address the high cost of transportation and housing for many residents. Speaking at the Governor’s Transportation Conference earlier this month, Spanberger emphasized the potential of denser, mixed-use developments near bus and rail lines to reduce household expenses and improve access to jobs and services.

Spanberger highlighted that transportation ranks as the second-largest expenditure for Virginia families, after housing. She proposed easing regulatory barriers to encourage communities to adopt layouts that support walking, biking, and public transit use. “Putting new housing near transit reduces transportation costs and parking needs, addressing affordability, community health, and job access simultaneously,” she said.

Transit-oriented development, defined by the Federal Transit Administration as dense, walkable neighborhoods close to transit services, has attracted federal support through a $28.5 million pilot program. Spanberger is exploring state legislation to facilitate such projects within Virginia.

The governor also addressed rising transportation costs, noting a sharp increase in fuel prices—attributed in part to the ongoing conflict involving Iran—and higher prices for vehicles and auto insurance. “These impacts are very real for Virginians,” she said, underscoring the need to make transportation more affordable.

In pursuit of this goal, Spanberger pointed to efforts to expand Virginia’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, including plans to install chargers at state-owned parking facilities. Enhancing car efficiency and increasing EV availability are central to this initiative.

However, the most significant way to cut transportation expenses, the governor argued, is reducing the need to drive. Achieving this involves investing in public transit, expanding microtransit options in suburban and rural areas, and improving bus operations through measures like smart signal timing.

Despite a legal mandate prioritizing road maintenance, Spanberger acknowledged ongoing major projects, such as $4 billion in improvements along Interstate 81, and potential expansions of express lanes on Interstates 95 and 495. The recently introduced Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program also aims to enhance roadway safety.

Spanberger noted challenges ahead, including a $200 million reduction in the highway maintenance budget under the previous administration, which requires careful allocation of limited funds. The Commonwealth Transportation Board is reviewing proposals that may slow some projects while prioritizing others.

“Transportation is critical because it affects every one of our 8.8 million residents every day,” Spanberger said, framing these initiatives as key to building a commonwealth that offers greater opportunity for all Virginians.