We are thrilled to introduce another member of our second HLI cohort: Tarvaris McCoy. Tarvaris serves as Principal of The Real McCoy Companies, LLC, where he partners with developers, housing agencies, and local governments to plan and implement real estate and community development projects focused on social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Colleagues describe Tarvaris as a dependable, calm, and confident leader—someone who brings steadiness to complex projects and inspires trust among partners and communities alike. A graduate of Richmond Community High School, Tarvaris holds multiple bachelor’s degrees from Virginia Tech and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Community Revitalization from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was awarded the John Marlles Scholarship.
This Richmond native’s journey into affordable housing began with a simple act of showing up—literally. He started his first housing job volunteering for months with no expectation of pay, simply eager to learn and contribute. That early dedication has carried through every step of his career. Read more about Tarvaris’s work and passion for affordable housing:
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in affordable housing?
While earning my Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, I took a few courses that made me take a hard look at affordable housing and adaptive reuse in disinvested communities. I then interned with a housing nonprofit’s development department—and it just clicked for me there.
Q: Can you share a memorable success story from your work?
I supported a local housing authority on its first real estate development project—a substantial rehabilitation of a former public housing community. There were a lot of obstacles along the way, but I helped identify additional funding sources and guide the team through challenges to reach completion and permanent loan conversion. The project turned out so well that many people in the city thought it had been demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.
Q: What is your current role, and what are your main responsibilities?
As Principal of The Real McCoy Companies, I support nonprofit and for-profit developers, housing authorities, local governments, and community agencies in understanding, planning for, and implementing real estate and community development projects.
My focus is on creating housing that is both affordable and sustainable—projects that strengthen communities for the long term.
Q: How has the affordable housing landscape changed over the past few years?
The field has become more complex than it’s been in a long time. But I’ve also seen professionals become more creative and collaborative in addressing those challenges. I’m hopeful about the new ideas and practices emerging from this moment—they’re pushing the field forward in meaningful ways.
Q: How do you see the field evolving in the next few years?
I think we’ll see more innovation in affordable housing—new products, new financing tools, and new ways of thinking about community development. I also expect to see stronger collaboration among people and organizations working in this space.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about affordable housing?
When speaking at the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference, Ibram X. Kendi said, “The only thing wrong with the people is that we think there is something wrong with the people.” That resonates deeply with me.
People who need affordable housing are just like everyone else—they deserve quality homes in strong, connected communities.
Q: How do you stay motivated and passionate in the face of challenges?
As a man of faith, I am motivated by and passionate about my faith and the commitment to see others achieve mental, emotional and spiritual stability and economic milestones that they thought they couldn’t.”
Q: Do you have hobbies or interests that help you unwind?
I’m very competitive—I love playing basketball, cornhole, checkers, and video games. I also enjoy building and restoring things.
Q: How would you sum up your experience with the Housing Leadership Institute in one sentence?
The program does a phenomenal job of making participants question everything—and wait patiently for meaningful, effective answers.
Q: How do you plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the program?
I plan to put what I’ve learned to work right away in my business and community projects. I think the true impact of those skills will become clear over the next few years.
Tarvaris brings both strategic insight and deep community commitment to his work—qualities that make him a powerful leader in the affordable housing field. We’re proud to have him as part of the Housing Leadership Institute’s second cohort and look forward to seeing the continued impact of his leadership across Virginia.
About the Housing Leadership Institute
The Housing Leadership Institute (HLI) is a 10-month intensive and targeted program created and implemented by the Virginia Housing Alliance. The Alliance and its partners designed the program to leverage training, coaching, and peer support. Each year, we help 15 mid-career housing professionals foster and grow leadership skills. Through the program, participants create a career development plan to catalyze their leadership trajectory.
The program consists of 7 virtual sessions, 3 in-person retreats across the Commonwealth, 5 one-on-one coaching sessions, readings and reflections to supplement each session, and additional networking and professional development opportunities.
Learn more about HLI or contact Arley Bell at abell@vahousingalliance.org.