AC44 Phase 2: Economic Development

A vibrant and sustainable economy is a critical aspect of a thriving community.

A strong economy provides job opportunities, competitive wages, and pathways for career advancement. Economic prosperity also enhances the visibility of the community, attracting visitors, and retaining current residents.

The Comp Plan update provides an opportunity to work toward a more equitable community and expand education, career, and business options for all community members. A thriving community includes not only economic development, but also a support system with affordable childcare, job training, housing affordable to the local workforce, and reliable public transit.

Building Upon the Work: Project EnABLE

We will build on Project EnABLE, the strategic plan of our Economic Development Office (EDO), adopted in 2018. EDO efforts provide support to primary businesses, which produce goods or services locally and primarily sell those goods or services to customers outside of the Charlottesville metropolitan statistical area, bringing financial resources into the community. The revenue generated by primary businesses helps strengthen local consumptive businesses (such as restaurants), retaining financial resources in the local economy. A key Project EnABLE implementation strategy involves supporting target industries such as bioscience/medical, financial services, IT services, defense, and agribusiness.