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 & 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.