Consultants present 5‑year economic development action plan; recommend BRE staff hire and certified site strategy

Rocky Lane and Liz Povar of Stafford House Economic Development Consulting presented a strategic economic development action plan to the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors, describing a five‑year framework with 38 recommendations and 75 action steps aimed at preparing the county for future business attraction and retention.

The consultants said Mecklenburg compares favorably with peer rural localities but should prioritize a modern business retention and expansion (BRE) program, including adding at least one full‑time staff member dedicated to BRE. Rocky Lane said today’s site selection market expects “qualified, certified” sites — not just raw acreage — and the county should develop a long‑term product strategy and consider models that allow municipal control of key tracts for future industrial use.

Liz Povar summarized findings from stakeholder engagement: interview and survey responses indicated broad support for balanced growth, concern about over‑reliance on data centers and a desire for better town–county coordination on development strategies. Consultants recommended continued participation in regional economic development organizations, citing the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) emphasis on site readiness and marketing dollars.

The Economic Development Committee’s minutes, offered to the full board, noted a separate committee vote to accept a bid for a 600,000‑gallon elevated water storage tank at the Bailey campus. The committee reported it unanimously recommended acceptance of a Caldwell Tanks bid in the amount of $3,534,000; a motion to accept that bid was made during the full meeting and carried.

The consultants proposed a host of action items including: develop certified sites and show builders; designate a staff lead for BRE; pursue targeted workforce training partnerships; and consider an equity‑participation model to secure large single‑owner tracts and fund infrastructure without purchasing land outright. Rocky Lane and Liz Povar offered to assist with facilitated planning and ongoing consultation during implementation.

Supervisors and staff asked about sequencing and budget implications. The consultants said many recommendations can be phased annually and offered to lead a facilitated meeting to prioritize items for the county’s annual work plan. Angie Kellett, the county’s economic development director (listed in the committee attendance), and Economic Development Committee Chair Tom Tanner were listed in the committee report and participated in the discussion.

No formal adoption of the plan was recorded at the meeting; the consultants’ report will serve as guidance for county staff and committees. The board and committee took several linked actions reported in the meeting packet that relate to capital projects and site work; see the separate “Votes at a glance” article for full roll‑call items and outcomes.