VATI Public Comment Period and How-To-Apply Webinar

Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI):

Updated Guidelines Open for Public Comment

and Upcoming How-to-Apply Webinar

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has released its draft VATI guidelines for a public comment window.

DHCD has updated the draft VATI guidelines for this funding round with a new program design that includes a streamlined process for deployment projects and, per budget language adopted in the 2026 General Assembly Session, additional eligible use (AEU) projects related to make-ready and undergrounding work, mandated relocation for infrastructure in public rights-or-way, and restoring telecommunications infrastructure damaged in a major disaster.

Representatives from units of local government, internet service providers (ISPs), and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed guidelines and criteria and provide public comment.

The updated draft VATI guidelines and criteria document has been released and posted on the VATI webpage. Please submit all comments by email to vati@dhcd.virginia.gov.

The public comment period closes on September 18th, 2026.

Read the VATI Guidelines

Following the adoption of final guidelines and criteria for the program, the Office of Broadband will host a How-To-Apply webinar for this program on October 7, 2026 from 1 PM - 2:30 PM. The How-To-Apply webinar will be held virtually using Microsoft Teams, with a call-in option also available.

Registration is required to participate in this How to Apply Webinar. Please register using the button below.

If you have any questions about this event, email vati@dhcd.virginia.gov.