The 2019 Governor’s Housing Conference brought over 900 housers from across the state to Hampton last month. The session featured 40 sessions with 100 speakers. The range of sessions was impressive from homelessness to evictions to the language of mindful development – the Conference had something for everyone.
Governor Northam closed the event on Friday with his second straight appearance at the GHC. He hinted at but did not reveal the big news about funding that was announced last week (see lead article). Delegate Lamont Bagby from Richmond and Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball followed the Governor in a Q&A moderated by DHCD’s Erik Johnston. That session focused on evictions and other housing policy issues likely to surface when the General Assembly opens its 2020 session in Richmond next month.
The conference keynoter was Dr. Simone Ahuja, a writer and “intrepreneur” who helps organizations drive sustainable innovation. This theme was carried though in the exhibit hall which housed a 3 unit shipping container home and a more traditional “double wide” manufactured home that featured a spacious, open layout and an attractive sales price.
Photos courtesy of Virginia DHCD. More here.
Erik Johnston of DHCD and Susan Dewey of VHDA. 
Two presenters lead a break-out session. 
Gov. Northam receives a tour of the IndieDwell shipping container homes.