What's Happening?
The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) has partnered with the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority to provide a grant of up to $29,500 for a Small Developer Workshop.
This initiative aims to build workforce housing capacity in the VCEDA service region, which includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Tazewell, Lee, Scott, Wise, and the City of Norton. The workshop, scheduled for late April or early May 2026, will be held at Mountain Empire Community College and Southwest Virginia Community College. It targets public officials and employees, including county administrators, attorneys, economic development staff, and local planners. The workshop will focus on equipping these stakeholders with the skills to address housing policies, streamline permitting, and promote new housing development. The Dickenson County IDA also secured an additional $20,000 grant from Virginia Housing to support this effort.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for addressing the shortage of affordable workforce housing in Southwest Virginia, a significant barrier to regional economic growth. By training local leaders to implement effective housing policies and support small-scale development, the workshop aims to enhance the region's housing ecosystem. This could lead to increased availability of affordable housing, which is essential for attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. The project is part of VCEDA's broader strategy to diversify the regional economy and support sustainable industry growth, which could have long-term benefits for the local communities and economy.
What's Next?
Following the workshop, a regional housing summit is planned for 2026 to further discuss and implement strategies for improving workforce housing. The success of this initiative could lead to similar programs in other regions facing housing shortages. Stakeholders will likely monitor the outcomes of the workshop to assess its impact on housing development and regional economic growth. Continued collaboration between local governments, economic development authorities, and housing organizations will be essential to sustain momentum and achieve long-term goals.
