The New River Valley Regional Commission was recently awarded an $88,000 Community Impact Grant from the Virginia Development Housing Authority to study housing in the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski and the City of Radford.
The study will include both intensive data analysis, as well as stakeholder and public engagement at the regional and local level. The goal of the housing study is to understand the local and regional housing market and develop tailored strategies for each locality to address those needs.
The Commission will partner with the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech, Housing Virginia, and CZB, LLC to provide housing market data collection, analysis support and the creation of locality-specific best practices.
In addition, the Commission will be engaging citizens in a meaningful way to gather stories about their housing experiences in the region. Citizens can begin engaging with this effort by completing this short survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NRVHousingStudy.
Several stakeholder groups will assist in guiding the project and will be comprised of leaders in the region who have an interest and expertise in housing issues.
President of the New River Valley Homebuilders Association, Sean Beliveau with Slate Creek Builders, says, “As the growing needs of our community have changed over the years, The New River Valley Homebuilders Association and its membership have professionally served the housing needs of our community.
“Our Association is excited to be involved as a stakeholder in this process and to support the New River Valley Regional Commission in this important effort to provide guidance for future development.”
Says William Haithcock, CEO of the New River Valley Association of Realtors, “Due to the intrinsic value of housing—first and foremost as a means of shelter, but also as an essential investment in our communities—the New River Valley Association of REALTORS® is delighted to participate as a stakeholder in this regional study.
“I strongly believe this collaborative effort between public and private entities will serve our diverse area well in both helping to identify barriers to housing and in creating opportunities to make housing more accessible and affordable.”
The 18-month study will culminate in both a regional plan and individualized action plans for each locality.
The New River Valley Regional Commission is one of 21 regions in Virginia whose commissions are chartered under Virginia law. The organization encompasses the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski and the City of Radford. The purpose of the Regional Commission is to promote regional cooperation, to coordinate the activities and policies of member local governments, and provide assistance to local governments.