The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – An impressive lineup of state, regional and local leaders in housing and economic development highlights the program agenda for the Alleghany Highlands 2025 Housing Summit on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Mountain Gateway Community College in Clifton Forge, Va.
The event is co-hosted by The Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation (AHEDC) and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC).
The event includes speakers and roundtable discussions aimed at creating a more impactful framework for housing investments in the region to support the regional workforce. Topics that will be explored during the 2025 Housing Summit include:
● Alleghany Highlands Housing Outlook: Recent Study Findings
● Broadband Assets
● Business Needs for Workforce Housing
● Housing Development Success Stories
● Collaborative Housing Resources
Among the distinguished speakers at the Summit are:
● Dr. John Rainone, Mountain Gateway Community College
● Matt Weaver, Department of Housing & Community Development
● Chris McNamara, Virginia Housing
● Ken McFadyen, Alleghany County
● Ariel Goldring, S. Patz & Associates
● Ray Lipes, Retired, Lumos
● Morgan Romeo, Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board
● Julia Boas, Roanoke Regional Partnership
● Jarrod Elwell, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
● Brian McCahill, R.P. Fralin, Inc.
● Beth Stull, Alleghany County
● Eric Tyree, City of Covington
● Maria Saxton, Town of Clifton Forge
Organizers also have scheduled time for the participants to network and collaborate on strategies that support housing initiatives. Attendees will enjoy a morning mingling reception by Kanawha Cafe, a lunch provided by 42 Deli and a late afternoon reception provided by The Friendly Fork.
An exhibit area for AHEDC partners and sponsors will be on-site for attendees to gather additional materials and information. Summit sponsors include Alleghany County, City of Covington, Garten Trucking, Highlands Community Bank, Jason Helmintoller Team of Alcova Mortgage, Mountain Gateway Community College, Peoples Bank, S.J. Neathawk Lumber, Town of Clifton Forge, Town of Iron Gate, Union Church Millworks and Virginia Housing.
“Alleghany County, the City of Covington, and the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate are aligned in their commitment to expanding housing options that attract young families and retirees alike, including workforce housing near employment centers, multi-unit and infill development, and more affordable entry-level homes, said Ken McFadyen, Alleghany County Administrator and Chair of the AHEDC.
“Together, we are also working to revitalize aging properties and strengthen the housing market across the region to support a thriving, resilient community.”
To learn more and register for the Alleghany Highlands Housing Summit, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-alleghany-highlands-housing-summit-tickets-1424426511039?aff=oddtdtcreator. Registration ends August 7, 2025.
