Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville community leader Price Thomas joined Morning News to unpack the complexities of affordable housing and upward mobility in the city. As executive director of City of Promise, Thomas sees firsthand the interconnected challenges facing families and youth in the area. “Housing influences food, influences transportation, influences education, influences workforce development,” he said. “We often get deep into viewing these large-scale issues as single sort of identity-defining entities… I think the recognition that it’s a yes and is really important.”

The conversation touched on the broader implications of housing policy, including displacement and instability among Charlottesville’s youth. Thomas emphasized the emotional and educational toll of frequent moves caused by unaffordable housing. “You’ve got young people that get into a school… and then all of a sudden, you’re out, right?… The lack of consistency and the lack of stability in the system… negatively affects our youth and our families.”

Thomas also addressed the systemic inequities faced by African Americans in Charlottesville. While acknowledging the privilege of his own upbringing, he emphasized the importance of investing in young people. “How do we create those environments for our kids?… That takes investment… The biggest win for us comes from our young folks,” he said. His call to action highlighted the need for holistic solutions that integrate housing, education, and community support.

Listen to the full conversation here: