Mark Newton, Author at Virginia Business

Richmond’s City Center redevelopment plans include demolition of the Coliseum. Photo by Matthew R.O. Brown

Regional Report June 1, 2026

Richmond advances plans for City Center redevelopment

Richmond moves forward with City Center Innovation District plans, including Coliseum demolition and a new GRTC transit hub to boost downtown activity.

A rendering shows an expanded security screening checkpoint in the Richmond airport. Rendering courtesy Gresham Smith/Richmond International Airport

Central Virginia April 29, 2026

Richmond airport prepares for expansion takeoff

Richmond International Airport plans a $253 million expansion including a consolidated security checkpoint to increase passenger capacity and economic impact.

In 2025, the Port of Virginia saw a decrease in cargo due to international tariffs. Photo courtesy Port of Virginia

Ports/Trade April 29, 2026

Trade tensions disrupt Virginia cargo flows

The Port of Virginia faces cargo declines amid tariffs and trade policy shifts, impacting logistics and regional economic development.

Eli Lilly announced its planned $5 billion Goochland County facility in September 2025. Official photo by Kaitlyn DeHarde, Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Central Virginia March 1, 2026

Eli Lilly’s Goochland $5B plant to benefit region and beyond

Eli Lilly is investing $5 billion in a Goochland pharmaceutical plant to create 650 jobs and produce advanced therapies, strengthening Virginia’s pharma sector.

L to R: Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas, ABB’s Franklin Sullivan and former Henrico EDA head Anthony Romanello celebrate ABB’s expansion. Official photo by Kaitlyn DeHarde, Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Economic Development March 1, 2026

Data centers, manufacturing drive growth in Central Virginia

Central Virginia's 2025 growth driven by major data center projects and manufacturing investments, including Google, AstraZeneca, and Eli Lilly expansions.

InternshipsVA could help the region retain talent, says EO’s Travis Staton. Photo by Earl Neikirk

Southwest Virginia February 1, 2026

EO to lead internship development program

A new statewide initiative is connecting Southwest Virginia businesses with emerging talent at the region’s colleges and universities. The project, InternshipsVA, is administered through the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program, also known as the Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership. Since June 2025, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership has handled the employer[...]