VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Gov. Glenn Youngkin is ramping up his efforts to try and solve Virginia's housing crisis by tying future economic development grants to housing plans. In an executive order issued Thursday, Youngkin, (R-Va.) directed that the Virginia Economic Development Partnership require housing plans be submitted when a community looks to be awarded funds from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program. No longer can the state afford to bring in companies ready to hire people for jobs, but have nowhere for those people to live, according to Youngkin. It's estimated Virginia currently has 3.6 million housing units across the state, but there is demand for 4.1 million. "We are growing like crazy with jobs announcements, it seems almost every day," Youngkin said. "We also need to pair with it housing initiatives." Report: Strong economy in Hampton Roads, but region needs affordable housing Youngkin made the announcement at the 2024 Governor’s Housing Conference at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.