1st Cover Letter

April 1, 2007

Mr. Bob Brown

Planning Director

Town of Blacksburg

P.O. Box 200

Blacksburg, Virginia 24060

Dear Mr. Brown:

Virginia Tech in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is conducting a national study of practices in metropolitan communities regarding local regulations and their impact on the placement of manufactured homes (formerly known as mobile homes). Manufactured homes (built in a factory under HUD-Code regulations) are primarily located in rural areas. We believe the results of this study will help policy makers better understand how local officials in metropolitan communities interpret and administer codes related to placement of manufactured homes.

You were selected as a local official who could answer questions about your jurisdiction’s pratices regarding manufactured homes (referred to as HUD-Code homes in the enclosed questionnaire). Your jurisdiction is part of a sample of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-eligible communities from across the nation. We would appreciate your taking 20 minutes of your time to complete this questionnaire. Your responses will be protected and will not be released or published in any form that could identify you or your jurisdiction. If you believe another person is better suited to answer questions on regulations related to manufactured housing, please ask that person to complete the questionnaire. We have provided a business reply envelope (no stamp necessary) for you to return your completed questionnaire.

If you would like me to send you the results of our study, you have the option of providing your contact information at the end of the questionnaire or you can call, email, or write me with your request independently of the questionnaire. Thank you in advance for your participation and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions ([email protected] or 540 231-3993).

Sincerely yours,

Casey Dawkins

Director, Center for Housing Research

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY

An equal opportunity, affirmative action institution