2025 Regional Housing Summit - Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission

Join us in March of 2025 in Charlottesville for a pivotal event focused on addressing the critical issues of housing affordability. Hosted by the Central Virginia Regional Housing Partnership , this summit will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including elected officials, local government staff, for-profit developers, realtors, rental management companies, non-profit housing developers, and homelessness service providers.

About the Summit

The 2025 Regional Housing Summit will explore innovative and practical solutions to the housing affordability crisis. Through a series of engaging presentations and discussions, and ample time to network across the region, we aim to foster collaboration and inspire action among all attendees. Previous attendees have included elected officials, planning staff, contractors, housing developers, rental company staff, researchers, non-profit and for-profit staff of housing-focused organizations, service providers, and more! Scholarships will be determined on a case-by-case basis. To apply for a scholarship, please contact Laurie Jean at ljtalun@tjpdc.org.

Regional Housing Summit at the Omni, Charlottesville

Thursday, March 13, 2025
Tickets $55

Networking Cocktail Hour with Speakers and Sponsors, Hosted by Specialized Insurance at Common House, Charlottesville

Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Tickets $70

Sponsorship

Support the 2025 Regional Housing Summit and connect with key stakeholders in the housing sector. Sponsorship opportunities offer excellent visibility and networking prospects. Contact Laurie Jean at Scholarships will be determined on a case-by-case basis. To apply for a scholarship, please contact Laurie Jean at ljtalun@tjpdc.org for more information.

Keynote

Erica Sims

Erica Sims has worked in housing development for over 18 years. Ms. Sims has held private sector, nonprofit, and government roles and has overseen the development of over 2,500 units of affordable housing and 50,000 square feet of commercial development space in new construction and renovation projects. Her focus has been social and economic justice through housing and economic development. She speaks directly to the realities that face leaders who want to address housing needs, and elevates promising strategies to advance access to affordable housing.

Prior to joining HDAdvisors, she was the Deputy Executive Director of Mutual Housing Association of New York, an non-profit affordable housing developer, owner, and manager with a portfolio over 1,500 units of affordable housing. She received a Bachelor’s in Economics and a Bachelor’s in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Agenda

March 13, 2025

8:00 – 9:00………..Registration and Breakfast
9:00 – 9:15………..Welcome/Overview/Sponsor Welcome
Ned Gallaway, Chair & Keith Smith, Vice-Chair – CVRHP / Virginia Housing
9:15 – 9:30………..Keynote Welcome: Erica Sims
9:30 – 10:00……..Networking Break
10:00 – 11:00……Breakout Sessions #1
11:00 – 11:50……Break and Select Lunch
11:50 – 12:00……Guest Speaker: TBD
12:00 – 12:30……Lunch and Keynote: Erica Sims
12:30 – 1:00………Networking Break
1:00 – 2:00………..Breakout Sessions #2
2:00 – 2:15………..Break
2:15 – 3:15………..Breakout Sessions #3

Breakout Sessions

Economic Development and Housing

Learn how Henrico County, the EDA, and Spy Rock successfully collaborated to improve affordable housing, offering insights into the process and lessons for replicating similar initiatives.

For-Profit Affordable Housing Developers

SCG is a for-profit company that develops affordable housing in multiple markets. Leaders will share their experience effectively managing the financial and human resources needed to make such projects feasible and successful.

Comprehensive Planning for Affordable Housing Success

Co-author of The Comprehensive Plan: Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Communities for the 21st Century, will share key strategies for integrating affordable housing into long-term community planning. This session will provide practical approaches to building sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities, emphasizing the critical role of comprehensive planning in addressing housing challenges for the future.

Virginia’s Housing Hacks: What Can be Done in a Dillon Rule State?

Virginia is a “Dillon Rule” state, where local governments have limited authority. In this session, learn the many tools localities can still use to enhance access to housing in their communities.

Where will teachers, mechanics, and CNAs live?

How Prince George’s developed new tools to protect older units in high-growth areas, transforming them into long-term affordable housing.

Housing First as a Solution to Homelessness: Harrisonburg Homeless Services Center

Harrisonburg’s compassionate community and public-private partnership are launching the Navigation Center to provide emergency shelter and services for unhoused adults, highlighting the Housing First model and its potential as a model for other communities.

Land Trusts, Land Banks, Strike Funds, and Housing Trust Funds: When to use which?

Experts from HDAdvisors and other counties, land trusts and banks will discuss a range of tools for preserving and creating affordable housing. This session will explore when and how to use these tools effectively, offering practical guidance on leveraging them to address housing challenges in various markets.

Preserving Communities

Explore strategies for preserving communities and preventing displacement, including heirs’ property, tenant purchase opportunities, and protecting LIHTC properties to ensure long-term housing affordability.