PRESS RELEASE: Democratic City Council Candidates Release Results from Listening Session with Lynchburg Renters
Listening session highlights rising housing costs, limited rental options, maintenance and accessibility concerns, and the need for a broader housing strategy.
LYNCHBURG, Va. — Lynchburg Better Together City Council candidates Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall have released a new summary of feedback gathered during an August 12 listening session with renters and community members.
The document, “What We Heard: Renters in Lynchburg,” reflects the challenges residents face finding housing that is not only affordable, but also safe, accessible, well-maintained, and suited to their families and circumstances.
“Housing affects nearly every part of a person’s life — their health, finances, family stability, access to schools, and ability to plan for the future,” said Christina Delzingaro. “We need to listen closely to renters and make sure city policy reflects the realities people are facing.”
The listening session highlighted three major priorities.
Housing affordability is about more than the monthly rent. Participants described rapidly rising rents, high move-in costs, and difficulty saving while paying for housing and other necessities. Renters also discussed credit requirements, background checks, deposits, and other screening practices that can limit housing options even when someone earns enough to make the monthly payment.
“People can be working hard, earning a steady income, and still find themselves unable to qualify for or afford a decent place to live,” said Nat Marshall. “We need a housing strategy that recognizes what Lynchburg residents actually earn and gives people more realistic options.”
Affordable housing must also be safe, maintained, and accessible. Renters described unreliable air conditioning, broken elevators, deteriorated pavement, delayed maintenance, and other conditions that can affect health and safety. These challenges can be especially serious for older adults and residents with disabilities or mobility limitations.
“We heard from residents who feel trapped in housing that may be affordable but does not adequately meet their physical or safety needs,” said Dave Henderson. “City Council should examine how inspections, code enforcement, accessibility, and housing development can work together to better protect residents.”
Lynchburg needs more housing choices and stronger accountability. Participants called for a wider range of housing types, including duplexes, small multifamily buildings, single-level homes, and other “missing middle” options. They also discussed renter rights, legal assistance, responsible property management, absentee ownership, and the effect short-term rentals and changing housing uses may have on long-term rental supply.
The candidates said the session reinforced the need for a broader housing strategy that recognizes different stages of life and different paths to stable housing. Some renters hope to become homeowners, while others may continue renting because of age, health, mobility, or personal circumstances.
“Renting should not mean accepting instability or poor conditions,” Delzingaro said. “Whether someone rents for a few years or for much of their life, they deserve a safe and dignified place to call home.”
The candidates said the release is part of their broader commitment to listening directly to residents, educators, workers, business owners, service providers, and community leaders as they develop a practical agenda for Lynchburg’s future.
The full “What We Heard: Renters in Lynchburg” summary is available at: https://www.lynchburgbettertogether.org/what-weve-heard/renters
About Lynchburg Better Together
Lynchburg Better Together is supporting Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall for Lynchburg City Council. The campaign is focused on practical, community-centered leadership that strengthens neighborhoods, supports families, invests in public services, and builds a better future for all of Lynchburg.