Rockbridge County reviews updated economic development plan, eyes housing and childcare projects

Miss Flint led a review of Rockbridge County's updated Strategic Economic Development Plan during a Board of Supervisors work session Monday, saying the county has completed 23 of the 28 action items from the initial 2023 plan and now proposes a two'year update running through 2028.

The presentation, given to members of the Board and the county's Economic Development Authority, framed the updated plan as a county roadmap to coordinate local partners including the Chamber and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, align with budget and capital improvement planning, and provide measurable performance metrics. "We completed 23 of the 28 action items," Miss Flint said, citing the implementation progress and the decision to revise priorities for the next period.

Why it matters: Board members and EDA representatives said housing and infrastructure constraints limit the county's ability to attract higher'paying jobs and new businesses. One board member urged the county to consider acquiring developable land, saying neighboring counties have county'owned, pad'ready properties that aid business recruitment. "Infrastructure is gonna be an important part to it," the same member said, pointing to water, sewer, broadband and transportation as prerequisites for growth.

Plan accomplishments and supports: The presenter highlighted completed items such as a childcare resource hub, an inventory of local childcare providers, a childcare survey, a housing study and county branding and communications work. The county also launched social media pages and hired an administrative staffer to support implementation; Miss Flint noted the new hire has helped expand outreach and communications.

Childcare and housing integration: Discussion centered on options to tie childcare into housing developments or reserve spaces for residents, a model the presenter said has been used elsewhere. Miss Flint described outreach to existing providers (including Yellow Brick Road) and efforts to connect employer partners and local providers to expand capacity. A Chamber-affiliated speaker recommended seeking pad'ready land that could integrate affordable housing, on'site childcare and potentially medical services in partnership with regional health systems.

Timeline and next steps: Miss Flint asked the Board to submit feedback on the draft; she set a deadline of Jan. 2 for comments to allow time for EDA packet preparation. She confirmed the EDA will consider final adoption on Jan. 20 at 8:30 a.m., with the Board's next opportunity for action scheduled for Jan. 26. "If there are no changes to the document, then what I would like to do is propose that for the EDA's January 20, 2026 ... we adopt the strategic plan," she said.

Funding note and opportunities: EDA and Board members discussed potential funding routes for integrated facilities, including federal programs; an EDA member referenced the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facilities program as an eligible financing source for multi'service projects.

What was decided: No formal policy changes were adopted at the work session. The EDA adjourned after the presentation and discussion, and the Board prepared to convene its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Board members directed staff to incorporate feedback and return a final draft for January consideration.

Next procedural step: The EDA is expected to vote on adoption at its Jan. 20 meeting; the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider adoption at its Jan. 26 meeting, pending any revisions received by the Jan. 2 comment deadline.