Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association Hosts Smart Growth Town Hall for Franklin, Isle of Wight, and Southampton Counties
Franklin, VA | May 22, 2025 — The Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association (HRRA) recently convened a Smart Growth Town Hall in Franklin, bringing together local officials from Franklin, Isle of Wight, and Southampton Counties, along with members of the public, to explore strategies for building inclusive, sustainable communities where the American dream of homeownership is within reach for all—regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic background.
“Franklin and Southampton County are poised for growth, and we want to make sure everyone who is a stakeholder has an opportunity to voice their interest and their concerns,” said Jay Mitchell, HRRA Board President. “Today’s environment requires us to be good shepherds of the land, space, and people who make up our communities. Conversation must turn into action, and it can’t wait. Being proactive about growth and change is the only way to make a difference to all.”
The event featured keynote speaker Hugh Morris, Smart Growth Manager at the National Association of REALTORS® in Washington, D.C., who emphasized the importance of diverse housing and transportation options, revitalizing existing neighborhoods, and fostering community engagement. His presentation highlighted how REALTORS® are leveraging the Smart Growth Grant program to help secure, stabilize, and strengthen the future of Franklin and its neighboring counties.
Attendees were introduced to ten Smart Growth principles designed to give Franklin and surrounding communities a stronger sense of place. These principles support balanced growth and development while preserving the rural and agricultural heritage that residents deeply value.
The Town Hall also showcased the vital role HRRA members play in shaping their communities—not just as real estate professionals, but as advocates and collaborators. Their involvement spans a wide range of initiatives, including growth and development symposia, community visioning sessions, transportation and walkability planning, and zoning policy advocacy. One such initiative is the “Planning and Zoning: Advocating for a Community’s Future” course, which equips REALTORS® to be effective voices in local planning efforts.
For more information on Smart Growth, land use initiatives, and local advocacy, visit www.hrra.com.
With over 4,000 members across the seven Southside cities of Hampton Roads, the Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association is a leading voice in both residential and commercial real estate.
