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March 2026

Virginia Community College System Chancellor David Doré says labs and other workforce training needs cost more than traditional classrooms. Photo courtesy Virginia Community College System
Mar 1, 2026

Virginia community colleges boost workforce development focus

Virginia plans increased investment in community colleges and workforce programs like FastForward to meet employer demand and improve student outcomes in 2024.

The University of Virginia in 2025 was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly failing to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Photo by Adobe Stock
Mar 1, 2026

Virginia universities faced federal probes over DEI in 2025

Virginia public universities, including UVA and George Mason, faced federal investigations in 2025 over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives amid political pressure.

Sherri and John Hill, of Elliot City, Maryland, documented their visit to the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s for its June 30, 2025, grand opening. Photo by Norm Shafer
Mar 1, 2026

Preparation pays off in Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley's economy grew in 2025 with a $3 billion Merck expansion, new food production facilities, and strong manufacturing investments.

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

Interest rates for 30-year mortgages fell in the second half of 2025, prompting more house sales in Virginia. Photo by Adobe Stock
Mar 1, 2026

Virginia housing market saw late 2025 recovery as rates eased

Virginia's housing market recovered late in 2025 with increased home sales and falling mortgage rates, while industrial growth continues in key regions.

Victor Hoskins. Photo courtesy Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.
Mar 1, 2026

Virginia 500 Spotlight: VICTOR HOSKINS

INTERESTING PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: I recently had personal travel to London and had the opportunity to explore the incredible museums such as the Royal Academy of the Arts and the recently expanded [National] Portrait Gallery. From the Thames to the theater district, it was a great experience. The food and fine dining in Lon[...]

Tunnel boring machine Mary pushed through the South Island headwall of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in September 2025.  Photo by Kaitlyn DeHarde, Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin
Mar 1, 2026

A sampling of Virginia’s major road projects in 2026

Virginia is advancing major road projects including the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion, I-64 widening, and Interstate 81 improvements with completion dates through 2035.

Southern Virginia’s ready to capitalize on manufacturing
Mar 1, 2026

Southern Virginia’s ready to capitalize on manufacturing

Southern Virginia is attracting major manufacturing investments in 2025, including expansions by Hitachi Energy and new facilities by WB Alloys and Nathan Trotter.

CEL Critical Power’s new facility, which opened in summer 2025, was part of a $5.225 million investment. Photo courtesy CEL Critical Power
Mar 1, 2026

Hampton Roads leverages regional economic assets

Hampton Roads drives growth with $1.5 billion in investments across defense, energy, aerospace, and logistics sectors in 2025, boosting jobs and infrastructure.

Elbit Systems of America plans to invest $30 million to expand its Roanoke County manufacturing facility. Photo courtesy Elbit Systems of America
Mar 1, 2026

Expansions grow Roanoke region’s economic landscape

Manufacturing expansions in the Roanoke region, Virginia, are creating hundreds of jobs and boosting the local economy in 2025, with key investments by Elbit Systems and Munters.

The Interim Gaming Hall opened in November 2025 and is the temporary precursor to the permanent $750 million Norfolk casino.
Mar 1, 2026

State tourism fortunes rose in 2025 from casinos

Virginia's tourism expanded rapidly in 2025 with new casino openings, entertainment venues, and major events boosting economic impact and visitor numbers.

L to R: Roanoke Regional Partnership head John Hull and Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe at the planned Google data center campus site Photo by Natalee Waters
Mar 1, 2026

Google data center campus spawns excitement, concern

Google will invest $3 billion to build a data center campus in Botetourt County, Virginia, creating 150 jobs and prompting water infrastructure studies.

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