USVI Innovative Housing Construction Summit 2026
The Virgin Islands' Housing Crisis Has a Solution. And you're invited to help build it.
Everyone deserves a place to call home
In the Virgin Islands, the dream of homeownership is slipping out of reach for too many families. High construction costs, outdated building methods, and limited financing options have made affordable homes nearly impossible to build or find.
Meanwhile, the rise of short-term vacation rentals has pushed local families further from the market. Between 2022 and 2024, homelessness in the USVI rose by 18%. New building technologies have the potential to cut home construction costs by 40–50%. The tools exist. The will is here. What we need now is action together.
Three things have to change.
Build smarter, spend less
Modern, cost-effective construction techniques such as Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) can cut expenses while delivering homes that are safer and stronger against hurricanes.
Updated Building Codes
We need reforms that allow these new methods, which means working closely with lawmakers and regulators to make real change possible.
Better Financing Options
We need access to FHA-backed mortgages and construction loans so more families can finally achieve affordable homeownership.
The 2026 Innovative Housing Construction Summit
Building on the momentum of 600+ attendees at our 2025 summits, we're bringing the community together again — bigger, bolder, and more action-focused than ever.
August 13, 2026 — St. Thomas
August 15, 2026 — St. Croix
This is where real decisions get made. Don't just watch the conversation — be the conversation.
OUR MISSION
The Innovative Housing Construction Campaign is led by the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of REALTORS® (VITAR), supported by grants from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), and championed by Sen. Marvin Blyden — Chair of the VI Legislature Committee on Housing.
Together, we're bringing local leaders, industry professionals, and community members to the table — because the people who live and work here are exactly who should be shaping the future of housing in the Virgin Islands.
This summit is for all of us.
Whether you build homes, finance them, live in them, regulate them, or just care about your community, your seat is at this table.
Builders & Contractors
Mortgage & Insurance Professionals
Tradespeople & Workers
Material Suppliers & Manufacturers
Architects & Appraisers
Government Agencies & Code Inspectors
Residents & Families
Community Leaders & Policymakers
Builders & Contractors
Mortgage & Insurance Professionals
Tradespeople & Workers
Material Suppliers & Manufacturers
Architects & Appraisers
Government Agencies & Code Inspectors
Residents & Families
Community Leaders & Policymakers
600+ community members attended across St. Thomas and St. Croix in 2025. Join us in 2026 and help take what we started even further.
Innovative Housing Construction Summit 2025 highlights
The 2025 Innovative Housing Construction Summit proved that when the Virgin Islands community comes together, things happen. Here's a look at what we accomplished — and why 2026 is going to go even further.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Featured news
The USVI housing conversation is growing. Here's what local media is saying about the push for affordable, innovative construction across our islands.
Sen. Blyden Hosts Two-Day Affordable Housing Summit
Summit Draws 600 Residents to Housing Solutions
WTJX Interviews Blyden After Historic Housing Summit
A better future for housing in the Virgin Islands starts with you.
Two islands. Two dates. One goal — making affordable housing a reality for every family in the Virgin Islands. Register now and be part of the solution at the 2026 Innovative Housing Construction Summit
JOIN US AND BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
Reach out directly to our team for more information about upcoming events, partnership opportunities, or media inquiries. We’re here to connect, collaborate, and build solutions together.
