Albemarle seeking input on new economic development strategy

Albemarle County has dramatically increased efforts to boost business in the area over the past 15 years with the creation of an economic development office and adoption of a strategic plan called Project Enable.

Now the county is seeking feedback from the public on an update on that plan. A questionnaire is open through February 11.

“The project team needs your input to better understand the perception of Albemarle County’s past economic development efforts and to identify future opportunities that should be considered in the strategic planning process,” reads the splash page on the county’s Engage Albemarle website.

The survey asks four questions before providing examples of economic development activity. These include the $58 million purchase of 462 acres around Rivanna Station for a future military intelligence campus, a public-private partnership with Home Depot, and the Albemarle Economic Development Authority’s assistance in the expansion of Afton Scientific.

Survey respondents are then asked to read a summary of Project ENABLE to date before asking additional questions. Project ENABLE had seven goals and there’s a summary of what’s been done for each since.

Then two more questions before a prioritization exercise and then an identification question.

There will be at least two stories from the most recent meeting of the Albemarle County Economic Development Authority coming up later this week in Charlottesville Community Engagement.

Before you go: This article was originally sent out as part of the Charlottesville Community Engagement newsletter in the January 29, 2025 edition. Both are functions of Town Crier Productions. You can support the work by purchasing a paid subscription or contributing monthly through Patreon. You can also send in a check or send an email, but drop me a line first.