Rockbridge EDA spotlights housing, childcare and workforce steps in strategic plan update

Vice-Chair James “Jay” Williams presided over the Rockbridge County Economic Development Authority meeting on July 20, where staff presented a progress update on the county’s Strategic Economic Development Plan and flagged housing and childcare as near-term priorities.

The update, delivered by Secretary Brandy Flint, covered six lines of effort: Business Retention, Expansion & Attraction; Marketing; Workforce Development; Infrastructure; Housing; and Childcare. Flint said the housing subcommittee will meet Wednesday, July 22, “to continue its work on housing solutions,” and that staff are exploring regional land bank concepts while prioritizing housing projects within Rockbridge County.

The plan’s marketing work continues under the county’s “Naturally Connected” brand, Flint said, with expanded social media engagement and coordination with tourism, Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP) and Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) partners. On workforce development, Flint noted ongoing partnerships with local schools, colleges and workforce partners and said staff are pursuing GO VA grant funding to implement a Go Tech program in middle schools.

Flint also highlighted childcare efforts, saying the county’s Childcare Resource hub was recognized by the Virginia Rural Center as part of a Community Impact Project through the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute.

Board members raised several follow-up items. Ms. Rosalea Potter asked staff to explore whether the local high school’s career and technical education (CTE) program could offer evening classes for adults. Potter also expressed concern about the YMCA’s two-year transition to run the county preschool program and asked staff to clarify whether the YMCA would begin charging parents after the transition period.

Mr. Thomas Vandiver asked staff to investigate whether donating property to the EDA or to Rockbridge County carries tax benefits for donors. Board members reinforced support for regional collaboration on projects that benefit the broader Rockbridge community but said the county’s immediate priority should be advancing housing opportunities within Rockbridge County.

Flint reviewed priority projects including an airport feasibility study slated for completion by the end of the summer. The EDA confirmed that Mr. Williams and Ms. Herring would represent the authority at the Board Economic Development Committee meeting on July 24.

The board requested staff return with the June Building and Community Development reports next month; those were not available at the July meeting.

What’s next: the housing subcommittee meets July 22; staff will follow up on the CTE night-class feasibility, YMCA preschool transition details and tax implications of property donations.