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VFN on the Go: Highlights from the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference

A blog post by Patte Koval, VFN’s Director of Member Engagement & Learning and Robin Mockenhaupt, VFN’s Director of Policy & Advocacy 

Housing Reimagined was the theme of this year’s Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference (VAGHC), held in Roanoke on November 19-21. It was organized by Virginia Housing, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Housing Forward. The conference, attended by over 1000 participants, is the largest conference on housing in the Commonwealth each year. VFN staff Patte Koval and Robin Mockenhaupt attended this year, along with several VFN Members.

Day One Recap

The first day’s theme was zoning, with two keynote speakers addressing the need for zoning reform. The first speaker was Eric Kronberg, of Kronberg Urbanists and Architects, who gave a comprehensive presentation on the need for more density in land use (e.g., more housing units on smaller lots), because one single family home on a standard lot won’t meet the housing needs in Virginia. He discussed state level reform of the International Building Codes (IBC) and International Residential Codes (IRC). The second keynote speaker was Sara Bronin with the Virginia Zoning Atlas, that provides users with a comprehensive picture of zoning uses and patterns in every jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 
Day Two Recap

Day two featured the Housing Awards Luncheon that recognized innovative, effective efforts to address housing needs. Congratulations to VFN Members Wells Fargo and the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) who received a joint award for their heirs’ property initiative, that helps low-to moderate-income (LMI) households resolve and prevent tangled home titles. This helps preserve generational wealth and prevents displacement.

VFN Staff Members, Patte Koval & Robin Mockenhaupt attend the 2026 Virginia Governor's Housing Conference
VFN Sponsored Breakout Session

Breakout sessions were held throughout the conference, including one sponsored by VFN highlighting some of the housing work of Members in the Central Western, Southern, and Southwest Regions. During our 90-minute session “Breaking the Barriers: Working with Nonprofit Funders in Affordable Housing,” the panel shared their unique stories of how they’re working with other funders and partners (no less than 5 in every project!) and investing in affordable housing in their communities. Panelists included:

 

Robin Mockenhaupt served as moderator and also spoke on VFN’s interest in affordable housing and our 2025 publication, Finding Your Lane: Housing Affordability Action Guide for Virginia Funders. We were pleased with the strong attendance and interest from conference participants.

Day Three Recap

The final keynote address on day three consisted of two panels discussing Housing Reimagined: Good Ideas Worth Sharing. The first panel showcased the Regional Housing Fund in the New River Valley, of which the Community Foundation of the New River Valley is a part. Speakers included the NRV Housing Fund and Carillion Clinic. The second panel highlighted perspectives on manufactured housing, with speakers from Mt. Rogers Planning District and the Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation in Emporia.

VFN Members serve as panelists at a breakout session featured at this year's Virginia Governor's Housing Conference

VAGHC is always a great place to meet people interested in housing from many professional sectors, including nonprofit organizations, foundations and other philanthropic donors, affordable housing developers, economic developers, local elected officials, design professionals and real estate professionals, financial and educational institutions, government agencies, private developers, trade organizations, community-based and faith-based organizations, and public housing providers. If your organization is looking for “your lane,” or are already in it, we recommend three next steps:

  • Read VFN’s publication, especially the case studies of what other Members are doing,
  • Attend our quarterly virtual Housing Coffee & Conversations, starting with our first one on Thursday, December 4. Click here to register.
  • Attend next year’s VAGHC on November 18-20, 2026, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA.

 

We are excited to be working together with you to move affordable housing efforts forward!