Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Driving Economic Transformation
The November 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The City of Danville hosted the third annual Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit, on October 24, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville.
Over 275 architects, developers, home renovators, financial institution representatives, community advocates, and local leaders gathered to discuss and spark new residential housing in the Southern Virginia region, including Halifax, Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania County and Danville and Martinsville city. State and local elected officials were also present, including members of Danville City Council and Danville Public Schools, Delegate Danny Marshall with aide Mary Franklin, Delegate Eric Phillips, and Senator Tammy Mulchi.
This full-day event featured presentations on the housing market in Southern Virginia, mortgage rate trends, state financial resources, and regional opportunities for development and an exhibit hall.
“This event is a testament to the strong partnerships in our region that strive to not only address challenges but to also collaborate and develop unique solutions so that each community member has access to quality housing for every stage of life,” says Susan McCulloch, City of Danville, Division Director of Housing and Development. “By showcasing the abundance of development opportunities in our region, we aim to initiate meaningful discussion on the future of housing in Southern Virginia.”
In addition, presentations from partnering localities were shared, highlighting success stories of housing growth across the region, including The View at Franklin in the City of Danville and Fieldale School Apartments in Henry County. Chris Thompson of Virginia Housing, the event’s premier sponsor, presented opening remarks. Sherrie Armstrong, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, discussed economic mobility in the housing landscape.
Greta Harris, Better Housing Coalition President and CEO, was the 2024 keynote speaker, highlighting the connection between quality, affordable housing to regional economic growth.
Telly Tucker, President of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, presented closing remarks. “We are committed to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, families can settle, and communities can grow. Housing is a crucial piece of this puzzle.”
Sponsors included: Virginia Housing, Dewberry, the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, the Lester Group, PLDR Law, Dan River Region Realtors Association, Danville & Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity, Riverside Roof Truss, Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, the Martinsville, Henry, Patrick County Association of Realtors, the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Harvest Foundation, Caesars Virginia, Danville Community College, Danville Neighborhood Development Corporation, LE&D Professionals, Vandola Crescent Townes, Chandler Concrete, Southside Investing, First National Bank, the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, Hometown Holdings, Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Wilkins & Company, Armstrong Civil, Legacy Title Services LLC, Arc Design Build LLC, and the View at Franklin.
The October 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit serves as a dynamic platform for six thriving localities to showcase the latest breakthroughs in residential housing development. Whether you’re seeking urban sophistication, suburban charm, or a blend of both, our summit will unveil a diverse range of housing options designed to cater to every type and price point. Additionally, this event offers a unique chance for participating communities to communicate their housing preferences, ensuring that the developments align seamlessly with local desires.
If you’re a developer, builder, contractor, home renovator, financial institution representative, architect, or a local community advocate within the residential developer/building/construction sector, this summit is tailor-made for you.
The City of Danville will host the third annual Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit, on October 24, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Conference Center, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, from 8:30am – 3:30pm.
The summit will aim to spark new residential housing in the region, including Halifax, Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania County and Danville and Martinsville city. Developers, builders, contractors, home renovators, financial institution representatives, architects, and community advocates are encouraged to attend.
This full-day event will feature presentations on local, state, and federal funding options, a panel showcasing examples of housing projects currently underway, and an exhibit hall. In addition, participating localities will provide information about single- and multi-family development opportunities throughout the Southern Virginia region.
“The Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit has introduced new residential development in Danville, which is helping the City address its housing demand,” said Susan McCulloch, City of Danville, Division Director of Housing and Development. “We are excited to work with our regional partners to share our stories and opportunities for an exciting day of collaboration.”
“Our area has been blessed with expanding job opportunities from both new and existing businesses. However, the increased level of jobs and workers has created a shortage of workforce housing. Developers have stepped up and are building new housing, but we need more,” stated Delegate Danny Marshall. “The Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit offers information and collaboration opportunities to help us move forward. I serve on the Tobacco Commission and we have a new housing incentive program to share this year: Economic Development Workforce Housing Incentive Pilot Program – Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (revitalizeva.org).”
Greta Harris, Better Housing Coalition President and CEO, will be this year’s keynote speaker. Harris leads Richmond, VA’s largest nonprofit development corporation, and is a thought-leader in the corporate fields of real estate development, finance, and management. Harris’s dedication to transforming communities through affordable, high-quality housing has been a driving force throughout decades of service.
“As communities compete for business and talent investments, those who integrate housing into their broader development strategies are finding greater success in yielding inclusive economic growth and overall quality of life improvements,” said Harris.
Anna Mitchell, Senior Program Manager of the International City/County Management Association, and Ryan Price, Chief Economist for Virginia Association of Realtors, will also deliver presentations.
“The City of Danville’s Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit has been a pivotal event for three consecutive years, addressing the region’s housing needs and driving significant growth and development,” said Southern Virginia Regional Alliance Executive Director, Linda Green. “In response to rising housing costs and a shortage of affordable housing across income levels, the summit has fostered a collaborative approach that encompasses infrastructure development, and key partnerships with developers, contractors and financial institutions. This regional effort has created a foundation for longterm economic growth, ensuring the area can meet both current and future housing demands. The initiative highlights the power of regional collaboration in tackling widespread challenges, offering a sustainable model for economic development and community resilience through housing modernization.”
Last year’s event was supported by 31 sponsors, with over 200 community partners in attendance. The event highlighted housing needs, current projects, and successful developments, including:
Sponsors to date include Virginia Housing, Dewberry, the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, the Lester Group, PLDR Law, Dan River Region Realtors Association, Danville & Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity, Riverside Roof Truss, Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, the Martinsville, Henry, Patrick County Association of Realtors, the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Harvest Foundation, Caesars Virginia, Danville Community College, Danville Neighborhood Development Corporation, LE&D Professionals, Longevity Home Solutions, Southside Investing, and the View at Franklin.
Registration is closed.
The Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit serves as a dynamic platform for six thriving localities to showcase the latest breakthroughs in residential housing development. Whether you’re seeking urban sophistication, suburban charm, or a blend of both, our summit will unveil a diverse range of housing options designed to cater to every type and price point. Additionally, this event offers a unique chance for participating communities to communicate their housing preferences, ensuring that the developments align seamlessly with local desires.
If you’re a developer, builder, contractor, home renovator, financial institution representative, architect, or a local community advocate within the residential developer/building/construction sector, this summit is tailor-made for you.
The Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit will provide an opportunity for the six participating localities to highlight new residential housing development opportunities of all types and price points, as well as, the types of housing desired within their communities. The target audience for this exciting event will be developers, builders, contractors, home renovators, financial institutions, architects, local community representatives, etc., and many others within the residential developer/building/construction industry. The goal of the summit to spur new residential housing construction.
Questions? Contact Barbara Fiedor, Assistant Director at barbara.fiedor@discoverdanville.com or call 434-793-1753
