Southwest Virginia needs at least 8,600 new housing units in the short term to support regional economic development, Gov. Abigail Spanberger told several hundred regional developers, executives and local leaders Thursday morning in Wise.
Spanberger, who took office in January, was the keynote speaker for the annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum, held at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
Solving the housing shortage is critical for job creation in the region, the governor said.
Speaking to journalists later, Spanberger said she recently took part in the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. She encountered companies that would like to make major investments in Southwest Virginia, but they worry about whether there would be housing available for executives and employees, she said.
Spanberger added that she’s working with legislators to address the need for housing by providing more flexibility in state law for innovations, including public-private partnerships.
In other ways, Southwest Virginia already has the sort of economic development ecosystem that is necessary for success, she told the forum audience.
Spanberger noted that 18 projects creating roughly 1,500 jobs have been secured for the region within the last five years with the state’s assistance. Some have been expansions, such as the growth in Duffield of VFP, an award-winning manufacturer of power utility equipment shelters, Spanberger said.
Others have included new projects such as the Norton siting of a manufacturing plant for WRAP Technologies, which makes non-lethal public safety devices and anti-drone devices.
The governor said tourism and cultural heritage are regional economic growth success stories, sustaining nearly 12,000 tourism jobs.
Spanberger name-checked several regional music heritage attractions. She praised the Carter Fold performance venue in Scott County and noted the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and next year’s 100th anniversary of the legendary 1927 recording sessions in Bristol that helped introduce mountain musicians such as the Carter Family to national audiences.
Economic growth in Virginia can’t depend on large companies, Spanberger said — it must include small businesses on Main Street. Entrepreneurs don’t just need access to capital, they need counseling, technical assistance and other state-level support, she said.
As the economy changes rapidly, Spanberger said, she seeks a state economic development plan “that works for every corner of the commonwealth.”
The governor told the forum audience that during a Wednesday discussion in Abingdon, community leaders told her they want a reliable, consistent partner at the state level who listens to them.
Virginia cannot succeed without a thriving Southwest Virginia, Spanberger said. It comes down to giving people the opportunity to make a good life while staying in, or moving back to, their hometowns in this region, Spanberger said. Virginia can and must offer an environment of stability, predictability and a reliable path forward, which matters more than financial incentives the state can put on the table to attract investment, she said.
Later in the day, Spanberger attended two events in Abingdon. She took part in a ceremonial bill signing to mark the opening of a new facility at the Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center and she participated in a roundtable on health care at Virginia Highlands Community College with various health care leaders from around the region.
She also toured the nursing lab at VHCC.
