Regional stakeholders pitch 'Central Virginia Innovation Corridor' to retain talent and grow biotech and defense industries

At a meeting of the Albemarle County Economic Development Authority, a group of regional economic-development stakeholders presented a plan they are calling the Central Virginia Innovation Corridor and urged the authority to support a consultant-led roadmap to guide investment, workforce training and site development.

The presenters said the strategy aims to keep 25‑ to 54‑year‑old workers who frequently leave the area by creating more traded‑sector jobs in biotech, digital technology and national security and by coordinating assets across counties and the City of Charlottesville.

Emily (staff member), who introduced the panel to the EDA, said the group has been meeting for nearly two years to identify a unified regional message and action steps. She told the authority the goal is a focused, data‑driven roadmap that identifies the specific subsectors and sites where the region has competitive advantages.

Helen Cawthon, who represents the regional economic development partnership CVPED, said the effort is organized at a…