Joint Meeting of Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and Economic Development Authority

Date: August 14, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (approx.)
Location: Room 241, Albemarle County Office Building

This joint meeting between the Board of Supervisors (BOS) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) focused on three major items: an update on the Rivanna Futures project, a discussion to inform the upcoming Economic Development Strategic Plan update, and a review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the county and the EDA. The meeting was chaired by Vice-Chair Diantha McKeel (BOS) and EDA Chair Don Long.

Consent Calendar

• 24-349 Resolution Confirming the Declaration of a Local Emergency: Approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors (motion by Ann Mallek, second by Bea LaPisto-Kirtley; all supervisors present voted yes). No discussion.

Discussion Items

1. Rivanna Futures Project Update (Agenda Item 24-369)

• Presenters: Emily Kilroy (Interim Director, Economic Development), J.T. Newberry (Deputy Director), Trevor Henry (Deputy County Executive), and Daniel Heyer (Linegrade, consultant).
• Key Points:
  • The county acquired 462 acres adjacent to Rivanna Station (existing DOD intelligence agencies). The goal is to develop a national security innovation campus, modeled after NGA West in St. Louis.
  • Site readiness is a priority: the county is working toward Tier 4 status (shovel-ready within 12–18 months). A stream delineation study is underway to complete Tier 3 requirements.
  • A rezoning and special use permit for 172 acres (light industrial with office) was approved by the BOS on June 12, 2024. One proffer requires a traffic study for developments generating >5,000 vehicle trips.
  • Conceptual engineering analysis identified three buildable land masses (~100 acres total) and proposed phasing: Phase 1 over the next 5–8 years, focusing on blocks A and B, which can be accessed via existing Boulders Road. Estimated infrastructure costs are being developed.
  • The county is pursuing state and federal grants (e.g., Virginia Business Ready Sites Program) to fund site preparation.
• Speaker Positions:
  • Supervisor Ann Mallek emphasized the importance of sustainability and protecting stream buffers, and asked about the stream delineation study’s granularity. The consultant confirmed the study will provide precise mapping of natural features.
  • Supervisor Mike Pruitt asked about federal stakeholder engagement regarding security concerns (e.g., road extensions). Staff noted regular communication with DOD agencies, including a recent tour of the property with the commanding officer. The former installation commander had expressed strong support for extending Boulders Road to improve resiliency.
  • Supervisor Ned Galloway stressed that the Rivanna Futures project should not consume all economic development resources; the county must also pursue other opportunities.
  • County Executive Jeff Richardson praised staff’s collaboration with DOD agencies, noting that despite lack of security clearances, the team has built trust and is making progress at state and federal levels.

2. Economic Development Strategic Plan Update (Agenda Item 24-370)

• Facilitator: Emily Kilroy.
• Key Points:
  • The current plan (Project Enable, adopted 2018) has seven goals. Staff has already issued an RFQ for a vendor to support the update; proposals were received August 13. A final draft is expected summer 2025.
  • The discussion focused on three questions: (1) strengths of current economic development efforts, (2) opportunities for the next five years, and (3) target industries.
• Speaker Positions (Strengths):
  • Supervisor Ann Mallek: The plan was developed with community input and supports business retention, spin-offs, and rural as well as development-area growth.
  • EDA member Andy Johnson: Impressed by the thoroughness and justification of decisions, especially the defense study showing economic benefits.
  • Supervisor Ned Galloway: Business retention and expansion efforts are strong, as is the ability to pivot during COVID (e.g., grants, outdoor dining support).
  • Supervisor Mike Pruitt: Noted unusual local capital investment (CEOs with a stake in the community) as a secret sauce to avoid boom-bust cycles.
• Speaker Positions (Opportunities):
  • Supervisor Ned Galloway: Need greater investment in entrepreneurial ecosystem, accelerators, and long-term funding for organizations like SEBO Biohub and CBIC.
  • Supervisor Diantha McKeel: The Rivanna Futures project should inform the strategic plan; workforce development must be linked to education (K-16, PVCC, UVA).
  • Supervisor Mike Pruitt: Emphasized forming deliberate ecosystems with educational institutions as anchors, using career pathways as incentives in site agreements.
  • Supervisor Ann Mallek: Urged collaboration with the state workforce center and PVCC to avoid duplication, and noted that the county’s high school center model (career tech) needs alignment with employment guarantees.
  • Supervisor Bea LaPisto-Kirtley: Mixed-use developments (e.g., Southwood, 5th Street) that integrate jobs and housing are a good model.
  • Supervisor Mike Pruitt: Zoning alone is insufficient; additional tools are needed to activate vacant commercially zoned properties in mixed-use areas.
• Target Industries: The current targets (professional services, life sciences, etc.) have been validated by regional growth and diversification plans. Staff noted that the city of Charlottesville identified clean tech. The board discussed whether to narrow focus or keep all options open.

3. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between County and EDA (Agenda Item 24-371)

• Facilitator: Emily Kilroy and Don Long.
• Key Points:
  • The current MOU was last updated in 2017. The EDA proposed six areas for revision; staff added a seventh (administrative fee).
  • Proposed changes include: allowing the EDA to use a pre-allocated fund for smaller grants without board approval, clarifying the EDA’s role in public-private partnerships, supporting local entrepreneurial ecosystems, business attraction (currently absent from Project Enable), workforce development, and use of special powers under state code.
• Speaker Positions:
  • Supervisor Ned Galloway: Strongly supported streamlining, arguing that the board lacks capacity to review every small decision. Trust the EDA’s expertise, with board liaison oversight.
  • Supervisor Bea LaPisto-Kirtley: Agreed, noting that the board’s approvals cause delays and that the EDA has a proven track record.
  • Supervisor Ann Mallek: Cautioned against moving too fast, citing past mistakes (e.g., businesses that left after receiving investment). She supported more process for large awards (Governor’s Opportunity Fund) and special powers (land ownership) where other communities have gotten into trouble.
  • Supervisor Mike Pruitt: Acknowledged tension between elected body (equity) and appointed body (growth). Asked EDA directors how they interpret board direction. EDA chair Don Long explained that staff ensures proposals align with board’s strategic plan before bringing them to the EDA. EDA member Andrea Johnson added that the board can direct the EDA narrowly or broadly.
  • Supervisor Jim Andrews: Supported limited appropriated funds for small projects but wanted more clarity on later bullet points (e.g., public-private partnerships).
  • EDA chair Don Long: Suggested a term sheet (bullet points) as an interim step before drafting legal language, to allow both bodies to reach consensus. This was well received.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 24-349: Approved unanimously.
• Rivanna Futures: No formal action. Staff will continue work on site readiness, grant applications, and stakeholder engagement. A trip to St. Louis for the NGA West campus was scheduled for August 15.
• Economic Development Strategic Plan: Staff will use the discussion to inform the vendor selection and plan update. No formal vote.
• MOU Revision: The board and EDA agreed to proceed with developing a term sheet (led by staff and the county attorney) rather than a full draft initially. The term sheet will outline key terms and areas requiring further discussion. A revised MOU is expected to be adopted in the coming months.
• Next Meeting: The BOS will meet again on August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium.

Note: No public comments were received during this meeting, as it was a joint work session of the BOS and EDA.