As economic growth accelerates across Southern Virginia, Del. Eric Phillips has been tapped to help shape the housing and infrastructure policies needed to sustain it.
Speaker of the House Don Scott appointed Phillips to the Virginia Housing Commission and the Virginia-North Carolina High Speed Rail Compact, placing him in a direct role on two issues central to the Commonwealth’s economic future.
The Virginia Housing Commission studies and recommends policies to address housing affordability and availability across the Commonwealth. For regions like the 48th District, which Phillips represents, that work is critical. As economic development continues across Southern and Southwest Virginia, demand for workforce housing, starter homes, and rentals is rising. Without enough supply, growth slows and projects become harder to land. The Commission helps drive practical solutions that allow communities to keep pace, attract investment, and support working families.
The Virginia–North Carolina High Speed Rail Compact focuses on advancing passenger rail and strengthening connectivity between the two states, supporting long-term economic competitiveness and mobility.
“Economic development and housing go hand in hand,” said Phillips. “In the 48th District and across Southern and Southwest Virginia, we’ve seen real momentum in job creation and private investment. But if we don’t have places for people to live, that growth slows down fast. We need practical, common-sense solutions that increase housing supply, keep costs in check, and give working families a fair shot. I look forward to working with the Virginia Housing Commission, the High Speed Rail Compact, and our state and local partners to keep that momentum going and deliver results for our communities.”
