Housing Justice 2.0 - Technology, Reform, and Civil Rights

Delegate Bonita Anthony and journalist Amanda Abrams discuss the new uses and risks of AI in tenant screening — and policy solutions to protect renters’ rights — with HOME of VA executive director Thomas Okuda Fitzpatrick.

During her time in the House of Delegates, Bonita Anthony of Norfolk has made tenant protections a priority. She has championed bills to promote transparency in an industry that operates largely in the dark, while also working to regulate high-risk AI. And she is building a robust housing agenda for 2027.

Journalist Amanda Abrams has written about AI and tenant screening for the housing publication Shelterforce. Her reporting reveals a quiet but profound shift: today, it often isn’t a landlord who decides if you can rent an apartment — it’s an outside firm using AI.

For more than 50 years, HOME of VA has been on the front lines of fighting for your fair housing rights. As more violations move online, we’re building new strategies to protect vulnerable Virginians — and we’ll explore with these two experts how to level up that work.

The evening will also include a short presentation from our partners at New Virginia Majority and Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia on renters’ rights wins at the General Assembly this year, and what’s ahead for 2027.

➡️ Don’t miss it — register now!

HOME of VA strives to host inclusive events. This program is wheelchair accessible. If you need additional or other accommodations to ensure your full participation, we will do our best to provide them. You may note accommodation needs in the registration form or email us here. At least two weeks’ notice is preferred.

This event is sponsored in part by Virginia Housing and the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.