Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Regional Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Regional commission urges more funding, collaboration for housing and rural transportation
Summary
Jeremy Holmes of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission told the Covington City Council the commission is supporting Rivermont redevelopment, advocating changes to state transportation funding to help rural localities, and advancing environmental and opioid response programs that will require more funding and interlocal collaboration.
Jeremy Holmes, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, delivered the commission's annual update to the Covington City Council at a March 3 work session, urging increased funding and policy adjustments to support affordable housing and rural transportation.
Holmes outlined the commission's current initiatives, saying the commission assists localities with grant writing, planning and project development. He highlighted hazard mitigation planning and environmental programs, including septic pump-out efforts, and described a regional opioid response plan intended to address substance-use impacts on the workforce.
On housing, Holmes said the commission continues to support regional projects such as the Rivermont redevelopment and emphasized that additional funding and policy changes are needed to advance affordable housing in rural communities. He also described ongoing transportation advocacy aimed at influencing state funding policies and noted increased engagement with state officials and the Commonwealth Transportation Board to improve rural funding outcomes.
City Manager Allen Dressler thanked Holmes, noting the city's continued coordination with the commission and recent establishment of quarterly interlocal meetings intended to improve collaboration on shared challenges and funding opportunities. Council members discussed workforce and housing needs raised in the presentation and acknowledged the value of regional cooperation.
The presentation concluded without a formal action; Holmes was thanked by council members for the update.
