Case Study: Uniting the Alleghany Highlands: A Regional Plan for Better Housing
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The Client:
The Alleghany Highlands
Economic Development Corporation (AHEDC) works to support economic growth and investment throughout the Alleghany Highlands region. After facing growing housing challenges that threatened workforce development and economic competitiveness, AHEDC partnered with JLV Communications to help plan, promote, and execute the region’s first Housing Summit.
The Challenge:
The Summit brought together local governments, developers, lenders, housing professionals, employers, and residents around a goal: addressing housing availability, affordability, workforce needs, and development barriers. This effort united Alleghany County, the City of Covington, and the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate in one coordinated conversation to address housing issues in its immediate geography and not as part of the larger Roanoke region.
Our Approach:
JLV Communications oversaw all marketing and public relations for the event, from designing the Summit logo to handling day-of production. The team also handled media outreach, including a news release and media advisory, as well as messaging on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Results:
Being the first event of its kind, the Alleghany Highlands Housing Summit convened 100 participants with 14 speakers, including developers, lenders, state partners, and local leaders. The housing study identified a current need for about 200 additional regional housing units in the next five years, providing a benchmark for future planning and development efforts.
Post-event survey results confirmed the Summit’s effectiveness in advancing understanding and motivating action:
Overall Satisfaction: 4.85/5
Event Content: 4.95/5
Speakers/Panelists: 4.65/5
Event Organization: 4.7/5
Survey responses further indicated strong interest in continued collaboration and follow-up housing initiatives.
Following the Summit, AHEDC has remained in ongoing communication with developers actively exploring opportunities in the region, leveraging the housing study and Summit outcomes to support future housing development.
Comments