Small Scale Development Workshop

Empowering Neighborhood Revitalization Through Incremental Development

The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism, in partnership with Virginia Housing, hosted the Small Scale Development Workshop on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville.

This hands-on workshop, led by the Incremental Development Alliance, a national nonprofit, sought to equip participants with practical skills and strategies for neighborhood-based development. Participants learned how to analyze projects, understand building economics, and navigate the ecosystem of professionals in the built environment. Over 120 participants were in attendance.

Speakers included Tiffany Elder and Aaron Lubeck of Incremental Development Alliance and Renee Burton, City of Danville Division Director of Planning.

Who Attended?

• Aspiring real estate developers
• Community advocates and organizers
• Local government officials and economic development professionals
• Architects, designers, and builders
• Property owners considering development projects
• Community members passionate about revitalization

Topic Included:

• The incremental development approach and its role in building neighborhood wealth
• Business models and skill set assessment for aspiring developers
• Right-sizing projects through zoning, financing, and building code analysis
• Zoning regulations and permitting processes
• Financial pro forma development and analysis
• Project financing from banks and private investors

Event Partners: Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, and surrounding localities: Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Pittsylvania, Henry County, and Patrick & Henry County

Sponsors: City of Danville’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Virginia Housing, Patrick County, Pittsylvania County, LOCUS Impact, Elizabeth Ware Realtors, Bearing Insurance, Blair Construction, and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance.