Richmond Times-Dispatch Features McGuireWoods’ “Zoning and Segregation in Virginia” Report

February 17, 2021

The Richmond Times-Dispatch published two stories this month featuring McGuireWoods’ recent report on “Zoning and Segregation in Virginia.” Drafted by the McGuireWoods Zoning and Segregation Work Group, the report details the origins of zoning policies and master planning that perpetuate racial segregation throughout the commonwealth of Virginia.

A Feb. 14, 2021, article prominently featured Tysons-based work group co-leaders James W. Dyke Jr., a senior consultant with McGuireWoods Consulting and former Virginia secretary of education, and McGuireWoods real estate and land use partner Jonathan P. Rak.

The story highlighted the report as a call to action for state and local leaders to overhaul land use policies that sustain inequity among African Americans. As quoted in the article, Rak said, “In Virginia in particular, but also in other states, zoning started as a specifically race segregation measure.”

Although the Fair Housing Act of 1968 banned racial discrimination in housing, “cities and counties throughout Virginia ‘are more racially segregated today than they were 50 years ago’,” according to the article, referencing the report.

Dyke noted in the article that “we’re helping create opportunities for people to grow wealth and to have affordable housing available all over the commonwealth.”

The newspaper published a second article on Feb. 16, 2021, further discussing racially motivated housing policies and their impact on Virginia, and Richmond in particular.

Part two of the report, to be released later this year, will outline the work group’s recommendations for state and local lawmakers.