The biggest takeaway? Cities across America are rewriting the playbook on affordable housing — and we have the tools to do the same. Here's what stood out, what inspired me, and how we’re applying it back home in Dumfries.

Last week, I had the honor of joining fellow local leaders from across the country at the National League of Cities (NLC) Summer Board and Leadership Meeting in Columbus, Ohio. While the conference tackled a range of urgent issues — from public safety to infrastructure — the sessions on affordable housing left the deepest mark on me.

Two moments in particular stood out:

1. A mobile tour of Connect Housing Blocks, where modular homes are being constructed indoors, transported onsite, and stacked like Legos — delivering housing at 60% less labor cost.
2. A powerful presentation from Mayor Bivens of Whitehall, OH, who broke down how their city is expanding housing access through zoning reform, funding tools, and community engagement.

In a time when many say the housing crisis is too big to fix, these leaders showed us that it’s not only possible — it’s already happening.

🧱 Innovation That Builds Faster (and Smarter)

Our mobile workshop at Connect Housing Blocks proved one thing: innovation is alive and well in the affordable housing space. We toured a cutting-edge facility where entire apartment units are built indoors, then shipped out and assembled onsite.

These modular homes are:

• Durable and efficient
• Designed for urban infill
• Delivered at a fraction of traditional labor costs

They’re not just cost-effective — they’re a game-changer for cities like Dumfries where space is limited but demand for housing is rising.

🏘️ Zoning, Financing, and the Power of Will

In his session, “Unlock Affordable Housing Opportunities: Building a More Inclusive Whitehall,” Mayor Bivens laid out a playbook that any city could adapt. Here's what stuck with me:

🔑 Keys to Success

• Collaborate with residents early to reduce opposition
• Create and follow a project schedule
• Hold zoning and pre-construction meetings
• Approve permits in two weeks or less

💰 Smart Financing

• Build in phases
• Use Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
• Leverage Community Reinvestment Areas (CRA)
• Offer job creation tax reimbursements and seek out grant funding

🗺️ Simplified Zoning

Whitehall reduced its zoning categories from 16 to 10 — a bold move that allowed more flexibility and expanded opportunities for multi-unit housing.

As we work to reimagine zoning and development in Dumfries, this kind of clarity and intentionality is exactly what we need.

📊 Listening to Our Residents

The conference also unveiled a new NLC research snapshot:
“Insights on Resident Opinions of Local Government and Quality of Life.”

Key takeaway: People care deeply about housing, infrastructure, civility, and safety — and they want to see progress led by trustworthy, transparent local leaders.

At our lunch roundtable, I joined elected officials from across the country in a candid conversation about how we’re listening to — and learning from — our residents. We swapped ideas, shared surveys, and walked away with new tools to stay connected to the people we serve.

🧠 What Else We Covered

While housing was front and center for me, the week included meaningful sessions on:

• Community cohesion in times of crisis
• Equity-centered infrastructure investments
• Leveraging public-private partnerships
• Transportation, tech, and workforce alignment
• Council-style collaboration across city departments

Each conversation reinforced this truth: no one leads alone. Collaboration across levels of government and across cities is how we build the future together.

🔚 Final Reflection: From Columbus to Dumfries

Every conference like this gives me two things: confirmation and conviction.

Confirmation that Dumfries is not alone in its challenges — or its vision.
Conviction that we have what it takes to lead boldly, creatively, and collaboratively.

The insights from Mayor Bivens and the Connect Housing Blocks tour are now part of my toolkit — and I look forward to applying these ideas as we continue to shape Dumfries into a place where everyone can thrive.

🔗 Stay Connected. Stay Engaged.

Want to follow along as we turn ideas into action?

✅ Follow us on social media
✅ Join our upcoming town halls
✅ Share your voice on what you want to see next
✅ Stay tuned for updates on Dumfries' housing and development efforts

Let’s build the future — together.

Mayor Derrick R. Wood