DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) – The City of Danville will host the third annual Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research on 150 Slayton Ave October 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The summits aims to introduce new residential housing in Danville, Martinsville, and the counties of Halifax, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania.

The City of Danville encourages developers, builders, contractors, home renovators, financial institution representatives, architects, and community advocates to attend.

The event will feature presentations on local, state, and federal funding options as well as a panel showcasing examples of current housing projects, and an exhibit hall.

Information regarding single-family and multi-family development opportunities will also be included in the event.

“The Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit has introduced new residential development in Danville, which is helping the City address its housing demand,” said Susan McCulloch, City of Danville, Division Director of Housing and Development. “We are excited to work with our regional partners to share our stories and opportunities for an exciting day of collaboration.

“Our area has been blessed with expanding job opportunities from both new and existing businesses. However, the increased level of jobs and workers has created a shortage of workforce housing. Developers have stepped up and are building new housing, but we need more,” stated Delegate Danny Marshall. “The Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit offers information and collaboration opportunities to help us move forward. I serve on the Tobacco Commission and we have a new housing incentive program to share this year.”

Click here to register and learn more about this event.

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Virginia Tech’s depth chart remains unchanged from last week’s depth chart, missing some rumored changes. Bhayshul Tuten remained the starting kick returner, even after Elijah Brooks and Brent Pry had mentioned that Tuten would be removed from that role to help conserve his ability at running back.

In his weekly press conference today though, Brent Pry did formally say that Tuten’s position as a kick returner will be evaluated “week-by-week”.

Nick Gallo and Jalen Stroman are among some of the players who remain to be inactive from the depth chart.

Here is the Hokies’ depth chart ahead of their in-state and out-of-conference opponent, Old Dominion.

Days after Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears announced her bid for governor of Virginia — a contest that will take place next year but is already ramping up — House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, is throwing his support behind the only other declared candidate in the governor’s race, congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, D-Prince William.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears announces run for Virginia governor

Scott’s endorsement joins a growing list of over 100 current or former state, local or federal officials to back Spanberger. 

Scott, a lawyer and former U.S Navy officer, made history as the first Black Speaker elected in the 400-year history of Virginia’s General Assembly. Spanberger is a former Central Intelligence Agency case officer who was first elected to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in 2018, the first woman to do so. Now, Scott hopes to see her become Virginia’s first woman governor. 

He recalled “getting to know [Spanberger] over the last few years” and their mutual support for each others’ efforts to connect with constituents and other elected officials across party lines around the state. 

“I think her number one quality is that she listens,” Scott said in a phone call Monday afternoon. “She has made an effort to serve every corner of our community and our Commonwealth.” 

Likewise, Spanberger noted Scott’s efforts to engage with people around the state too. 

“Speaker Scott is dedicated to uplifting his fellow Virginians — and his ability to work with both parties shows his commitment to getting things done for the Commonwealth,” she said in a statement.”I am truly grateful for his endorsement.” 

Both will be up for election next year, and should Democrats retain their control of the House of Delegates, Scott could continue in his role as Speaker.

Spanberger’s bipartisan efforts to bring infrastructure and broadband funding to the state and her support of congress’ Inflation Reduction Act earned Scott’s backing, he said. He noted their shared goals of increasing investments in public education and Spanberger’s support for three constitutional amendments that Virginia Democrats plan to kick start next year.

In 2025, Democrats plan to advance proposed amendments to Virginia’s constitution that will cement abortion protections, remove a same-sex marriage prohibition from the constitution, and enshrine the automatic restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated people who have served their prison time. The measures will need to pass two years in a row with a House of Delegates election in between before appearing on statewide ballots for voters to approve or reject, meaning they are not subject to gubernatorial approval.

But that doesn’t mean Spanberger’s support won’t be important for their potential success, should she ascend to the governor’s chair, Scott said. 

“We’re going to win together [next November],” he said.”That’s because we’re going to continue to move Virginia forward and not take us backwards.”