
Charting the Course
February 3, 2025Cutting-edge collaborations that blend disciplines and networks of leading thinkers helps us aspire for more and find new solutions. The EDA is consistently active in building local to global relationships that support partnerships and create meaningful conversations for our City.
In the spirit of accelerated growth and innovation, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced $126 million in Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) grants to enhance economic development across the Commonwealth, including $327,600 awarded to Newport News for the development of AirCommerce Park East
and West. Administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), this program funds infrastructure improvements and streamlines permits
and approvals to create operations-ready sites for employers and manufacturers.
For the EDA’s Carleton Advanced Manufacturing Site, TRC Companies is advancing site preparation efforts, focusing on due diligence items to rezone the property from R-9 Mixed-Use to M-1 Light Industrial use. This rezoning will significantly enhance the site’s marketability, elevating its status from Tier 2 to Tier 3 and making it eligible for future Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) grant opportunities. The change of zoning submission is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2025.
In addition, CSX Transportation recognized the Carleton Advanced Manufacturing Site through its Select Sites program in April 2024. As one of only two such sites in Virginia, the Carleton Site is recognized as a premier Mid-Atlantic rail-served industrial development property. The program’s searchable database provides critical site information, making it easier for industries to identify and pursue suitable locations.
The Virginia Enterprise Zone (VEZ) Program continues to be a cornerstone of Newport News’ economic development strategy. In 2023, 30 local property owners and businesses utilized the program’s Real Property Investment and Job Creation Grants, resulting in $2.7 million in state funding—17.8% of all grants awarded statewide. These investments totaled over $54 million and supported the hiring of 293 employees.
Newport News remains proactive in managing its zones to maximize business benefits. Recent successes include the approval of boundary amendments for Zones #3 and #31, retroactive to January 1, 2024, and approval of a five-year renewal application for Zone #31, Newport News North. These efforts underscore the City’s commitment to leveraging economic development tools and fostering strong partnerships with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the benefit of the Newport News business community.