Rockbridge EDA reports progress on strategic plan; staff seeks GO VA funding for 'Go Tech'

The Rockbridge County Economic Development Authority on April 13 reviewed progress on its Strategic Economic Development Plan, covering business retention and attraction, marketing, workforce development, infrastructure, housing and childcare.

Why it matters: The plan directs county economic efforts that affect local business outreach, workforce training, broadband access and housing initiatives; several items have regional implications and potential outside funding sources.

Secretary Brandy Flint told the EDA that staff logged business visits and engagement activity and directed members to a detailed appendix for counts and outreach lists. "We are pursuing GO VA grant funding to implement Go Tech in middle school," Flint said, describing workforce outreach being coordinated with County schools. She also summarized marketing efforts, including a business appreciation month outreach.

On infrastructure, Flint updated the board on ongoing broadband work and VATI grant activity; Vice‑Chair James “Jay” Williams requested a broadband progress briefing from County Administrator Spencer Suter, which Flint said she would coordinate. On housing, Flint described ongoing regional coordination with Lexington and Buena Vista on establishing a potential regional land bank or trust.

Stacy Stevens, speaking for the EDA Housing Subcommittee, said the group is preparing an informational pamphlet explaining R‑2 zoning options that allow higher density, and is developing details for a housing redevelopment program intended to return underutilized or derelict housing to the market at prices aimed at the local workforce.

Anne Herring summarized funding options she and staff encountered at the Virginia Association of Planning Districts’ 'Finding Funding for the Future' workshop and highlighted that the Virginia Resources Authority now offers funding for housing projects, which she said indicates state‑level support for housing initiatives.

Flint also reviewed Community Development highlights — including residential permits and renovation activity — and said staff will provide monthly updates on the county’s 'Fix' housing project. For childcare, Flint said the Childcare Resource Hub remains under routine maintenance as staff continue outreach and resource coordination.

The report included an appendix with staff outreach activity: appendix counts show 258 group/email contacts for existing business outreach and 13 email contacts for prospective businesses, with multiple site visits and in‑person engagements recorded.

What’s next: Staff will pursue GO VA grant opportunities, provide a broadband update coordinated with the county administrator, continue regional housing coordination, and give monthly Fix project updates to the EDA.