VBDA approves multiple EDIP and Atlantic Avenue grant awards to support local investment and workforce development

At its June 9 meeting, the Virginia Beach Development Authority approved a set of economic development awards, including two EDIP Part A recommendations and one Atlantic Avenue Grant Program award.

Staff recommended and the board approved a $75,000 EDIP Part A grant for Oregon Construction (an affiliate of the Oregon group) for a Virginia Beach office expansion expected to create 10–12 new high-paying jobs and retain 60 positions. Separately, staff recommended a $155,000 EDIP Part A award to Virginia Westland (noting it will be Baton University as of July 1) to support the relocation and renovation of Centara College of Health Sciences, a move staff framed as addressing a regional nursing workforce gap; staff cited an estimated $25 million total investment and 38 relocated positions with average annual salary just under $94,000. The authority also approved a $25,000 Atlantic Avenue Grant (50% matching program) for Four Points by Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront to renovate a building facade.

Disclosures were filed by board members where personal connections to financing or previous client relationships existed; motions for each award were moved, seconded and carried.