Information Charlottesville

What direction should economic development go in the city of Charlottesville? The city is seeking a firm to help create a new strategic plan to guide the next five years. A request for proposals was issued in late July that seeks the following:

• A full review and analysis of key demographic information and relevant economic indicators for the City, presented in context with at least 10 peer cities.
• An analysis of existing target industry clusters and their associated workforce. 
• A review and deep understanding of the City’s current situation with regard to opportunities and constraints with attention to:
  • a) current/planned land use and zoning rules
  • b) national/regional trends in real estate development 
  • c) trends in entrepreneurship and business development 

The work will also require a stakeholder engagement strategy as well as a five-year plan with goals that reflect stakeholder input. The request for proposals closes on August 29. 

According to the city’s website, “the Office of Economic Development is the catalyst for public and private initiatives that create employment opportunities and a vibrant and sustainable economy.” 

Today the Office of Economic Development has announced another round of grants under the Building Resiliency Among Charlottesville Entrepreneurs (BRACE) program. 

New recipients can receive up to $2,500 for business promotion, modifications to business models, property improvements, and to cover costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous recipients can obtain up to $1,250. Businesses have to make a 30 percent match. 

Applications will be taken through September 15 and expenses have to have been incurred between May 1 and September 2. (apply for the grant)

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Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment comes from the August 15, 2022 edition of the program. To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon.