Charlottesville EDA to review “Intentional and Innovative Growth”

Charlottesville has recently adopted a new economic development strategic plan that puts a premium on finding ways to “upskill” people to bring opportunity to more people. 

“Through the pipeline of emerging technologies from educational institutions, strength in STEM occupations, and a strong focus on innovation and tech industries, the City of Charlottesville has the foundation necessary for long-term economic growth and success,” reads the executive summary of the document put together by the firm Resonance.

On Tuesday at their 4.p.m, meeting in CitySpace, the city’s Economic Development Authority will review Goal #2. (meeting info)

“We will build an innovative economy: one that embraces intentional growth, value added partnerships, and sustainability for tomorrow,” reads the broad overview. 

The city has several business “clusters” worth listing for the general public. They are: Bioscience and Life Sciences; Information Technology; Defense and Security; Business and Financial Services; Tourism; and Clean Technology. 

“Each sector provides jobs across the income and education spectrum, from large employers that anchor the economy to the many homegrown businesses that innovate and inject life into the community,” reads page 29 of the plan

The plan calls for cooperation amongst multiple partners to make it happen. The following strategies are suggested:

• Execute a business retention program to help existing businesses be successful (2.1)
• Activate — in partnership with Commonwealth and regional partners — a private investment strategy to reach decision-makers (2.2)
• Focus — in partnership with industry associations — on expansion efforts for scalable businesses in Charlottesville’s traded sectors (2.3)
• Align policy, planning, and future (re)development to support  innovative industries (2.4)
• Expand the CVille Match Program (2.5)
• Strengthen partnerships with Albemarle County, the University of Virginia, and others to advance the City’s development interests (2.6) 
• Utilize public-owned land and publicprivate partnerships to support quality jobs, investment, and housing options (2.7)

This is important because once there’s a strategy in place, that can be used as justification for public spending. There is a lot happening that goes under-reported. 

The EDA will also get an update on performance agreements it has for various endeavors but the agenda does not state which ones. There will also be an update on the leases the EDA holds. These are also not listed in the agenda. These meetings are not televised. 

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 is from the May 13, 2024 Week Ahead edition of the newsletter.