Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®
A. Broadband
RVAR advocates for access to and expansion of affordable broadband communications infrastructure.
- RVAR supports broadband access and initiatives to expand broadband infrastructure.
- RVAR supports efforts to expand the reliable connectivity opportunity to all. Broadband expansion is needed to ensure that businesses, large and small, are created here, move here, and stay in our community.
B. Economic Development
RVAR advocates for the expansion of economic opportunities throughout the region.
- RVAR supports job creation through continued economic development. Job creation is critical to the financial stability of our regional economy.
- RVAR supports strong economic development programs to include components for workforce training and workforce housing.
- RVAR supports a transportation system that can efficiently move people and products throughout the region while enhancing the economy and preserving a high quality of life.
- RVAR supports efforts to provide housing opportunities for a well-rounded workforce to live in the same community where it works. These opportunities help build stronger families, better communities, and reduce transportation demands.
C. Housing
RVAR advocates for fair, equitable housing policies that provide options for safe and secure shelter.
- RVAR supports the goal of a suitable living environment for everyone. We believe that this objective can be best served by a healthy housing market accomplished in an economic environment that fosters an ample supply of affordable housing.
- RVAR supports housing initiatives for all income levels.
- RVAR supports the availability of a wide-range of housing choices at all price levels for those who wish to purchase or rent property. We believe that private property ownership is one of the most important pillars of our society.
- RVAR supports preserving the goal of home ownership.
D. Regional Cooperation
RVAR advocates for regional cooperation to sustain and enhance economic development efforts.
- RVAR supports cooperation among local governments to explore ways to save costs, combine infrastructure services where warranted and eliminate the duplication of services when possible. Governments at all levels need to work together to address how to retain members of the workforce to ensure the strength and health of the region.
- RVAR supports the General Assembly’s efforts to continue to develop incentives for local governments to work together in regional, cooperative efforts to provide services to citizens and to enhance the region’s collective economic competitiveness.
E. Sign Ordinances
RVAR advocates for responsible regulations of the use of signs.
- RVAR supports the need for jurisdictions to regulate signs to keep communities and thoroughfares attractive and safe.
- RVAR believes real estate signs play an important role in the industry and therefore supports sign regulations that are not burdensome in the displaying of residential and commercial real estate signs.
F. Transportation
RVAR advocates for a safe, efficient, comprehensive, and adequately funded multimodal transportation network.
- RVAR supports a regional transportation network that serves the needs of current and future residents and businesses.
- RVAR supports dedicated, broad-based revenue sources for transportation. We believe that our transportation system, provided by the state and in conjunction with local governments, should be funded by reliable revenue sources.
- RVAR supports the continued efforts to improve the I-81 corridor.
- RVAR supports the continued efforts to improve and expand the Rt 220 / I-73 corridor to make this an Interstate quality corridor.
- RVAR supports the continued efforts to improve and expand air transportation through the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, including future expansion of runways.
- RVAR supports a regional strategy focused on connecting Virginia’s Blue Ridge, including the expansion and promotion of the Greenway system.
- RVAR supports the expansion of public transportation options, including Valley Metro and the SMART Bus. We believe this provides not only convenience for residents but also significant economic benefit and opportunity for the region.
- RVAR supports further evaluating local transit options that adequately serve the needs of the community allowing citizens efficient, reliable and affordable transportation options.
G. Zoning
RVAR advocates for appropriate zoning requirements that protect the rights of landowners while balancing environmental and community needs with housing and other market demands.
- RVAR supports the use of local zoning ordinances as a method of imposing reasonable guidelines for protecting the safety and well-being of the community.
- RVAR supports local governments in soliciting public input, and especially input from the real estate community on zoning and planning matters prior to taking action on such matters. We believe all regulations should be administered in an equitable manner.
- RVAR supports local governments in streamlining their development review process.
8/10/2023