• Opening Plenary Session
• Morning Break-Out Sessions
• Lunch Plenary Session
• Afternoon Break-Out Sessions
• Summary from the Closing Session

Afternoon Break-Out Sessions

Creative Options track

New Partners: This session highlighted new partners for creative options to meet housing needs: Community Land Trust, Employer-Assisted Housing, and Workforce Housing Financing. The community land trust model promotes more permanent housing affordability, addressing the concern that individual affordable units may be lost as “affordable” over time due to market conditions and capital gains opportunities. Employer-assisted and workforce housing initiatives involve provision of housing, or assistance and support with financing or matching savings for housing.

Policy track

Carrots & Sticks: Unlike localities in many other states, Virginia’s cities and counties have a limitation on available tools to promote affordable housing. Since affordable housing cannot be mandated under current legislation, Virginia jurisdictions mostly rely on “proffers” or voluntary contributions from developers, for affordable housing. This session explored both tangible and intangible incentives that have or may be attractive to developers and also meet the goals set by local governments for the inclusion of affordable housing in new developments.

Resources for Affordability track

Rent or Buy: Home ownership is part of the American Dream, and can significantly contribute to neighborhood stability. Ownership is not always an option, depending on life circumstances, income, or credit history. As the cost of housing and commuting climbs, many are being priced out of the Central Virginia housing market. As the disconnect between incomes and monthly housing cost widens, renters and home buyers must be fully advised as to the resources and strategies which can help them live close to their employment. This session addressed making prudent choices leading to affordable residency in our communities.

Presenters: Shelley Murphy (slides, handout), Cynthia Hash (slides, handout), Carl Garrett (slides, handout)
Moderator: Peter Cefaratti, Loan Officer, Mahone Mortgage, LLC

Housing in Community

Mixed Use/Mixed Income: This session provided participants with innovative examples of mixed income, mixed use design. Panelists highlighted ways that creative design can foster healthy communities, economic development, and efficient land use.

Presenters: Costa Canavos (slides, handout), Harrison Rue (slides, handout)
Moderator: Billie Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, TJPDC