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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 o[...]
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 e[...]
Coalfield Expressway could have $12.8B impact, study says
The cumulative economic impact of the Coalfields Expressway (CFX) during a 50-year span is estimated to be $12.8 billion in 2021 dollars, according to a study by Richmond-based Chmura Economics & Analytics presented Tuesday. The CFX is a proposed limited-access highway that would run through Southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia. It is designated as […]
What will Amazon HQ2 look like? Arlington planners weigh in.
Arlington County Planning Division’s Site Plan Review Committee will review the layout and architectural design for PenPlace, the proposed second phase of Amazon.com Inc.’s East Coast headquarters, as well as the proposed public space, in its Monday night meeting. Meeting documents show the proposed layout of the Pen[...]
Youngkin promises biz-friendly climate for Va.
Talent, taxes and regulations, broadband access and energy are the top concerns for Virginia businesses, according to survey results gathered for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Blueprint Virginia 2030, an action plan for strengthening Virginia’s economy. And those are also priorities for Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin[...]
New Va. unemployment claims fall by 50%
The state’s new unemployment claims for the filing week ending Nov. 27 fell by about 50% from the previous week, while continued claims rose by more than 7,000 filings. The Virginia Employment Commission installed a new unemployment insurance system in November, and it missed two weeks of reports during that period. Accord[...]
Virginians bet record $427M on sports in October
Virginians bet $427 million in October, a new monthly record, according to data released Wednesday by the Virginia Lottery. Virginia sports bettors won $397 million that month, the lottery announced. Virginia has recorded $2.4 billion in wagering since the state legalized sports betting in mid-January, as well as $206 million in[...]
Altria can’t sell IQOS device in U.S. after ITC ruling stands
Henrico County-based Altria Group Inc. and former subsidiary New York-based Philip Morris International Inc. can no longer sell the IQOS tobacco heating device in the U.S. after the Biden administration’s 60-day administrative review process concluded Monday. On Sept. 29, the U.S. International Trade Commission determine[...]
In memoriam: Va. Gov. Linwood Holton
The iconic fall 1970 photo of Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton escorting his daughter Tayloe to majority-Black John F. Kennedy High School is the enduring image of the Republican governor’s term. “He was fiercely independent,” says A.E. Dick Howard, the University of Virginia law professor who led the 1970 campaign to rati[...]
2021 Political Roundtable: Surfing Va.’s red wave
The day after Election Day, Virginia Business’ six Political Roundtable panelists hashed out what they think the next year will be like in a Richmond where Republicans are roaring back to power. Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin, a first-time political candidate and multimillionaire former private equity CEO, defeated former Gov. [...]
VEDP board taps interim president
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors’ executive committee voted unanimously on Nov. 17 to name Jason El Koubi interim president and CEO of the partnership, effective Jan. 1. VEDP’s executive vice president, El Koubi has been with the organization since July 2017. “We have succeeded b[...]
Stafford supervisor elected to head VACo
Stafford County Supervisor Meg Bohmke was elected the next president of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) at the group’s annual conference in Norfolk on Nov. 16. Bohmke succeeds Fairfax County Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and becomes the second president from Stafford to lead the association, following Ferris M. Bel[...]
