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Looking back
In November 2021, Gov. Ralph Northam sat down for an interview with Virginia Business, looking back at his eventful four-year term. This is a transcript of the full interview, part of which was used in the January 2022 cover story, “A dramatic shift.” The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Virginia Business: What […]
A dramatic shift
Four years ago, no one would have guessed Gov. Ralph Northam would lead the most progressive Virginia administration in modern memory. A native of Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, as well as a pediatric neurologist and Army veteran, Virginia’s 73rd governor was eyed by some Democrats with suspicion after acknowledging he’d voted twice for President […]
Your 2022 guide to Virginia politics
General Assembly preview: The great divide Will split legislature lead to gridlock or compromise? Interview: The outsider Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin talks 2022 priorities Politics: A dramatic shift Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam‘s tenure was progressive, eventful Interview: Looking Back Q&A with exiting Virginia Gov. Ralph Nort[...]
30 Va. projects awarded $24.5M in flood prep grants
The Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund has awarded $24.5 million in grants for 30 projects statewide, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday. “The Community Flood Preparedness Fund will provide an estimated $75 million a year to improve the resilience of our commonwealth, including targeted funding for Virginia’s most vulnerable and underserved communities,” Northam said in a [&he[...]
ODU earns R1 classification in national ranking
Old Dominion University has earned the highest research activity classification in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the university announced Tuesday. ODU is now one of 137 four-year research institutions with the Research 1 classification, which indicates “very high research activity.” To receive the R1 classification, doctoral universities must meet benchmarks [...]
Virginia named top business climate in U.S. by Business Facilities
Business Facilities magazine, a trade publication that focuses on corporate site selection and economic development, has named Virginia first in the nation for its overall business climate, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday. The state joins fellow honorees Tennessee (recognized for best dealmaking) and Massachusetts, recognized for its workforce and educational system in Business FacilitiesR[...]
Plastics manufacturer to produce 300 jobs in Chesterfield
Starplast USA, a subsidiary of Israel-based plastic manufacturer Starplast, plans to invest $17.7 million in a new facility in Chesterfield County, creating 300 jobs over the next five years, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday. “Starplast chose Chesterfield County for its new manufacturing operation because the geographic location is very attractive, especially given its proximity to […[...]
Va. unemployment rate dropped to 3.4% in November
In November, Virginia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4%, 0.2 points below October’s rate, marking 18 straight months of declines, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday. In November 2020, the jobless rate was 2.4 points higher than last month. The labor force increased by 2,706 to almost 4.26 million, and the number of unemployed residents decreased by 8,627 […]
Northam proposes $150M for site readiness
When Mazda Toyota was looking to build a plant that would have brought 4,000 jobs and 1.6 billion in investment, Virginia was ruled out. Why? Because Virginia didn’t have a competitive project-ready site available. Huntsville, Alabama, landed the deal instead. Since 2016, Virginia has lost out on 42,000 direct jobs and over $75 billion in capital […]
Va. invests $722M in broadband expansion
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam this week announced a state investment of $722 million in grants toward expanding high-speed internet service in 70 localities across the commonwealth. The governor says the funding will help Virginia achieve 90% of its universal broadband access goal by 2024. “Broadband access impacts every facet of our daily lives, from education […]
Northam proposes $2.1B in tax cuts for ‘working people’
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who leaves office next month, proposed four tax cuts Tuesday, including eliminating Virginia’s 1.5% sales tax on groceries and providing an income tax cut for low- and middle-income Virginians. He also proposed one-time tax rebates — $250 for individuals and $500 for married couples — and ending “accelerated sales tax” payments […]
Qualtrics expansion expected to bring 400 jobs to Fairfax
Qualtrics, a data analytics and experience management software company based in Seattle and Provo, Utah, is expanding its presence in Fairfax County and expects to create 400 jobs in a new location in Reston, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday. The company will move from its former office in Reston to an 85,000-square-foot space at 1906 […]
